Wilderness and Wildlife

Located 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle is Somerset Island which is host to a family run wilderness lodge called Arctic Watch. The lodge has been welcoming travellers from across the globe since 2000 and is a 4 hour charter flight from the gateway city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Arctic Watch is most famous for its world class beluga whale observation. Each year 2,000 belugas congregate in Cunningham Inlet to enjoy the sunshine and clean water where they nurse their young and molt their skin.

The lodge is only open in the summer months with the beluga sightings happening in July through to the middle of August. Aside from witnessing the belugas there are opportunities to view other wildlife in their natural habitat such as musk oxen, polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares and birds. In addition to the wildlife viewing the lodge offers fully guided opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Arctic tundra in all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s). And in the midst of enjoying this Arctic Safari you will be experiencing the midnight sun!

Even though Arctic Watch is remote, with the closest town 50 miles away, it features comfortable accommodation and superb food. You get to experience the pristine wilderness with creature comforts of freshly baked muffins every morning! The lodge hosts a maximum of 26 guests with 13 staff, 4 of which are the owners of the lodge and their two sons.

 
Arctic Watch truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. For more information regarding availability and prices please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

*All photos courtesy of Nansen Weber*