High Arctic Canada Experience

Polar Bear Pass, Bathurst Island, May 2010

Enrolment form and further information

Aims

To experience Arctic wildlife, up-close and first-hand is thoroughly exciting and the only real way of doing this is to immerse yourself in their natural environment. We do just this, going way beyond the bounds of tourism.

Expectations

We will be venturing into extremely remote environments, where others simply don’t go. Travel in the Polar Regions is often very difficult and sometimes impossible. This means we may experience delays and alterations to our plans. One has to adopt a flexible approach and positive attitude and whilst it is great to plan things in advance and on a day-by-day basis it is rare, in Jim’s experience, that the plan is not changed. We as your guides will keep you fully informed of our options and advise the team as to the best course of action.

Travelling in such remote areas brings associated risks and these will be explained to you fully and a written risk assessment sent to you as part of your joining pack. Also in the pack will be a clothing and kit guide, some items of which are essential for safety sake. We are able to provide these items at greatly reduced prices, although you may of course source your own.

Our style of Guiding is consensual unless safety is at stake in which case our guides will take over and lead from the front.

Expedition: ICE WARRIOR ARCTIC CANADA EXPERIENCE – Bathurst Island, High Arctic Canada

Location: Base Camp - Resolute Bay. Advanced Camp – Polar Bear Pass, Bathurst Island

Purpose: To investigate and capture the essence of arctic wildlife. To count polar bears on behalf of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Description: We will fly to the Inuit community of Resolute Bay where will spend a day of kit check and final preparation. As soon as we are fully prepared and weather allows we will fly by our own chartered Twin Otter aircraft to the edge of Bathurst Island. Here we will establish our Advanced Camp and explore the entire area on foot.

Number of Participants: A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12.

Grade: Easy – no experience necessary

Dates: 8th May – 22nd May 2010

Duration: 14 days, Resolute to Resolute

Accommodation: South Camp Inn, Tented Camp

Mode of Transport: Air charter and/or snowmobile with kommatik (large trailer), foot.

Cost: £3995.00

Exclusions: Travel to and from Resolute Bay – typical cost from Ottawa is £1800 - insurance and personal clothing and other items.

Reference: IWAW14

Testimonials from our 2009 participants -

Overall Experience:  Life Changing – totally amazing – felt sorry to be back in ‘reality’!!!!!!!!  100% total satisfaction.

Leaders: Jim McNeill and Ian McCarthy were 100% professional at all necessary times and can honestly say that I felt 100% safe at ALL times.
I did not doubt the journey choices Jim made were absolutely correct at the chosen times.

Pauline S

Overall Experience:  Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I really enjoyed it!  I just want to go back!

Leaders: What shall I say?.. They were great!

Merel D

Overall Experience: This was a very positive experience. Each day brought a variety of experiences.

Leaders: Both leaders worked extremely hard to keep us safe. They were aware of all potential dangers and planned ahead accordingly. They worked well as a leadership team and contributed to the happy and positive atmosphere.

Cheryl E