Following in the footsteps of the British explorer, Martin Frobisher, who landed on Baffin Island over 400 years ago, we discover an ice-carved landscape and incredible abundance of wildlife that have changed little since those pioneering days. In the capable hands of Charles Frobisher, a descendant of Martin Frobisher, and our Inuit guides, we'll gain a real insight into life and survival in this harshest of environments.

Base Camp: Baffin Island
From Canada's graceful capital, Ottawa, we fly to the far northern climes of Pond Inlet. From here we head out with our Inuit guides on Komatik sleds pulled by snowmobiles to establish our base camp on floe-edge for the coming days. After settling into our new surroundings we make the most of the long daylight hours to look for animals.

Wildlife on Floe-edge
Floe-edge is the name given to the place where frozen ocean meets open ocean. Here, weathering and ice thaw combine to create one of the world's most spectacular landscapes and a rich feeding ground for animals. In the spring month of June, polar bears, caribou, arctic hares and foxes, seals, walrus, narwhals, beluga whales and countless species of birds gather on floe-edge, known locally as "the line of life".

Inuit Culture
An added dimension to this wildlife tour is the interaction we will enjoy with our Inuit hosts. It's incredible to think that Charles Frobisher's famous forefather probably knew the ancestors of the very Inuit people with whom Charles is friends today. With some time in this community at the end of our trip, we will leave with a deeper understanding of how man and animal interact and survive in this remarkable region.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Ottawa. 2 In Ottawa; trip briefing and equipment check. 3 Fly via Iqualuit to Pond Inlet (subject to weather conditions). 4 Komatik sled to floe-edge area and establish base camp. 5 to 8 On floe-edge area; wildlife spotting, exploratory walks and hunting trips. 9 Komatik sled to Pond Inlet. 10 Fly to Iqualuit (subject to weather conditions). 11 AM in Iqualuit, PM fly Ottawa (subject to weather conditions). 12 Free day in Ottawa. 13 Tour ends Ottawa.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel, 5nts camp; 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners included.
Transport: On Foot/Komatik sled/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: A superb wildlife tour guided by local Inuits who know the best places to spot fauna (although wildlife viewings can never be guaranteed). Travel this far north is unpredictable, so the final itinerary is left flexible to try and accommodate transport delays. Book early as the group size is limited.
Group: Approx. 8 to 10.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader (Charles Frobisher) plus Inuit guide(s) and driver(s).
Trip Reference: BCA