The Experience

The polar bear is one of nature’s most ferocious stars see them for yourself in their native land. Travel to the Inuit town of Arviat in the middle of one of the planet’s most extreme environments and immerse yourself in Inuit culture. Inuit guides will lead you further off the grid to remote huts on the tundra where you’ll witness the annual polar bear migration and once-in-a-lifetime views. Along the way, you’ll visit local artists, try traditional teas and experience a way of life you will truly never forget.

What’s Included

Arrival and departure transfers. Orientation tour of Arviat town. 2 excursions with Inuit guides onto the Arctic tundra for polar bear and wildlife viewing. Visit a traditional Inuit camp and enjoy a cultural performance. Visit local artisan studios and centres for demonstrations. Enjoy stories, tea and bannock in a local artist’s home.
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners. (Allow CAD100-125 for meals not included.)
Comfort hotel (3 nts).
Van/truck, walking, ATV or snowmobile/sled (weather permitting).
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Small group experience; Max 8, Avg 6.

Day 1 Arviat (1D)
Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included. Short orientation tour of the town. Welcome meeting at the hotel with a cultural presentation by Arviat Qaggiqiit – youth and adults showcasing their skills in drum dancing, throat singing and other musical instruments and techniques. Enjoy a welcome dinner including traditional foods.

Day 2 Arviat (1B,1L,1D)
Embark on a polar bear viewing excursion with a local Inuit guide. Travel out onto the remote Arctic tundra to heated cabins/tents protected by a bear fence. From here, watch and learn about the plight of the bears, as well as the environment and natural history of the area. This afternoon, enjoy traditional tea and bannock at a local artist’s home, then stop at a local sewing centre for demonstrations and shopping.

Day 3 Arviat (1B,1L,1D)
Enjoy another morning of bear viewing before visiting a traditional Inuit caribou tupiq (tent) with elders in traditional caribou clothing who provide a presentation on the traditional ways, implements, games and tools of the Inuit. Option to go dog sledding (weather permitting). This evening, enjoy a selection of historic films.

Day 4 Arviat (1B)
Option for one more visit to the Kiluk arts and crafts shop before transferring to the airport.