QUINTESSENTIALLY TRAVEL KINGS OF THE ARCTIC. A week of ice cool adventures DUBAI OFFICE SINGAPORE OFFICE

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1 KINGS OF THE ARCTIC A week of ice cool adventures LONDON OFFICE +44 (0) NEW YORK OFFICE +1 (212) HONG KONG OFFICE DUBAI OFFICE SINGAPORE OFFICE INDIA OFFICE LOS ANGELES OFFICE AUSTRALIA OFFICE +61 (0)

2 OVERVIEW Discover the majesty of Arctic animals and the beauty of polar landscapes while boating through Foxe Basin around the island of Igloolik. Spend days out on the Arctic Ocean, under the glow of a midnight sun, taking in the sights and sounds of this stunning region. As the ice begins to thaw during the summer months, Foxe Basin makes for a perfect home to some of the most impressive Arctic animals. Huge pods of walrus can be seen lounging on pancakes of ice, hunting for fish, or sinking gracefully in the waters to dig for clams, one of their favourite foods. Thousands of bowhead whales also gather in this area as they pause before migrating through Fury and Hecla Strait. Polar bears also frequent the area and can often be spotted on the ice pans while hunting for seals and walrus. Igloolik is home to the oldest and most traditional Inuit community in Nunavut making this region not only naturally captivating but historically significant as well. When not out on the boats observing the marine Arctic animals, you ll enjoy hikes around the island, admiring and learning about the local flora as well as the many bird species that visit the area. You may also enjoy excursions to ancient Dorset and Thule archaeological sites to discover the fascinating history and culture of the Inuit. DAY 1 Depart Ottawa for Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut and then connect with your flight to Igloolik, the oldest Inuit settlement in Canada. Upon arrival, meet with your Arctic Kingdom expedition leader and group members and transfer to camp. After a brief orientation talk and equipment check, you ll set off for a 30 minute to 1 hour trip to camp via snowmobiles and qamuitk, a traditional Inuit wooden sled. After unloading our equipment, you ll settle into the tents and meet for a hot meal followed by an itinerary briefing by your expedition leader. DAYS 2-6 The next few days will vary depending on weather, interests, and the movements of the Arctic animals you ve come to observe. Your first visit to the floe edge will allow you to familiarize ourselves with this fascinating environment. You ll enjoy daily boat rides out into the Arctic Ocean in search of bowhead whales and walrus that can be found in this area in countless numbers. You may see the enormous walrus huddled on ice or bowhead whales spyhopping as you cruise past. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the awe-inspiring sites or take advantage of excellent photographic opportunities. As you make your way further into the Foxe Basin through the tranquil waters, you ll come upon large floating islands of ice covered with walrus as well as harp, bearded and ring seals. Be on the lookout for polar bears swimming in the waters or hunting for seals or walrus. You may even

3 catch them lounging on the ice pans. The bright sun reflecting off the crystal-clear, flat waters is simply magical and makes for a perfect summer day in the Arctic enjoyed by all. You ll delight in picnics on the floating ice and excursions on the island to discover both ancient and modern-day Inuit settlements. You ll also have a chance to admire the vibrant Arctic wildflowers and the wide variety of birds that migrate to the islands during the summer months. DAY 7 Today, you make your way back to Igloolik to catch the afternoon flight for Iqaluit and on to Ottawa. Expect to arrive in Ottawa in the early evening. QT INSIDER Discover the majesty of Arctic animals and the beauty of polar landscapes while boating through Foxe Basin around the island of Igloolik. Spend days out on the Arctic Ocean, under the glow of a midnight sun, taking in the sights and sounds of this stunning region. As the ice begins to thaw during the summer months, Foxe Basin makes for a perfect home to some of the most impressive Arctic animals. Huge pods of walrus can be seen lounging on pancakes of ice, hunting for fish, or sinking gracefully in the waters to dig for clams, one of their favourite foods. Thousands of bowhead whales also gather in this area as they pause before migrating through Fury and Hecla Strait. Polar bears also frequent the area and can often be spotted on the ice pans while hunting for seals and walrus. Igloolik is home to the oldest and most traditional Inuit community in Nunavut making this region not only naturally captivating but historically significant as well. When not out on the boats observing the marine Arctic animals, you ll enjoy hikes around the island, admiring and learning about the local flora as well as the many bird species that visit the area. You may also enjoy excursions to ancient Dorset and Thule archaeological sites to discover the fascinating history and culture of the Inuit. 6 nights, 7 days from GBP 5,440 / per person BEST TIME TO TRAVEL January February March April May June July August September October November December

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