With the surrounding ocean, frozen for eight, sometimes nearly nine, months a year, sea kayaking in North Baffin is a wonderful window of opportunity. July is considered break up month, when the sea ice begins to disappear and open water makes a welcome return. Late July, August and early September are the times to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, deep fiords, deserted sandy beaches, hidden campsites and to encounter icebergs, whales and a great variety of birds. The modern touring sea kayak provides a marvellous and exciting way to explore and fully appreciate in detail, the land and all that exists there. The group will paddle Feathercraft K2 expedition double kayaks. We depart Pond Inlet by chartered motor boat and travel and spend the next 10 days enjoying and exploring and the fascinating landscape. During this arctic adventure, clients will have the chance to fish for Arctic Char (amazing when cooked for supper!) and have the opportunity for some hiking to further explore areas hidden from the shoreline. Kayaking will take place when conditions allow and most days clients paddle for about five or six hours. During the trip, time is always taken for photography and filming. An adventure in a magical place, a place like no other.

We will explore an area where that most unique of whales, the Narwhal, gather in large numbers. Koluktoo Bay is one of the few places where you can reliably see this elusive mammal. Clients will also have the opportunity to further explore the area on day hikes from camp. The extensive range of variables that may be encountered in Arctic travel requires that all participants come with a very relaxed and flexible attitude.

Trip itinerary:

Day 1: Morning flight from Ottawa to Pond Inlet, via Iqaluit. Greeted at the airport and transported to hotel for welcome supper. Group talk and gear check. Evening spent relaxing or exploring some of the community.

Day 2: Breakfast. Final gear check and lunchtime departure from Pond Inlet by chartered motor boat to starting point of trip. Assembly of kayaks and establishment of camp. Camping.

Day 3 - 11: Exploration of area by kayak. Opportunity for fishing, whale watching, hiking and photography.

Day 12: Scheduled pick up by chartered motor boat. Return trip to Pond Inlet. Supper and hotel accommodation.

Day 13: Town day. Opportunity to explore the community and visit library, interpretive centre, stores and local Inuit carvers/artists. Hotel accommodation.

Day 14: Departure from Pond Inlet to Iqaluit to Ottawa.

2010 Trip dates:
To be announced

2010 Trip prices:
To be announced

2010 Return airfare between Ottawa and Pond Inlet: To be confirmed.

This expedition is offered in conjunction with Pacific Rim Paddling Company. For booking and further information, please contact Pacific Rim Paddling (www.pacificrimpaddling.com)

Narwhal Expedition.
In addition to the above expedition, in 2009, Pacific Rim Paddling is offering a special trip in early August designed around the opportunity to view the mysterious tusked whale - the narwhal. For trip dates and price, please contact Pacific Rim Paddling.

All prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST (5%) Trip prices and dates are subject to change (possible airline re-scheduling)

Above: Beach camp - clients
enjoying a well earned rest

Top Left: Beach preparation
before expedition departure

Top Middle: Summer smiles

Top Right: Pointing towards an
Arctic adventure