Compare Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge – 10 Days by Quark Expeditions vs Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1:  Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Enjoy an included night in Yellowknife and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome expedition briefing, followed by boot and signature Quark Expeditions parka distribution.

Day 2:  Yellowknife and Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today, board our private chartered plane to fly the 1,000 miles (1,500 km) to the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. During the four-and-a-half-hour flight, you’ll pass over the tree line as you cross the Arctic Circle. Following a refueling stop in the community of Cambridge Bay, you’ll circle above Cunningham Inlet. Enjoy aerial views of the lodge below, before landing on the private airstrip on Somerset Island. A short walk across the tundra—and an even shorter raft ride across the Cunningham River—will bring you to the lodge. After a tour of the facilities, you’ll be escorted to your cabin. Upon settling in, meet your hosts for a safety briefing and overview of the exciting activities and options ahead.

Day 3: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, Somerset Island, Nunavut

After a hot breakfast, a typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to operate. Later, you may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to spot beluga whales frolicking in the shallow water only a few yards offshore. After lunch there may be an opportunity for a hike to Triple Waterfalls, a five-story torrent of free-falling water. There you can see nesting peregrine falcons and other birds such as loons, snow buntings, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks. Exploring this canyon introduces you to the delicate beauty of wild arctic flowers. Encounters with muskoxen are common.

During your gourmet dinner, pair your meal with a fine Canadian bottle of wine from the Northwest Passage Wine and Spirit List. After dinner, there’s free time to explore in and around the lodge. The library has a broad selection of arctic and polar titles. The interpretive center contains collections of local fossils, the skeletal remains of arctic fauna, and a collection of traditional Inuit clothing from Canada, Greenland and Siberia.

Day 4: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

After a full breakfast you’ll travel by ATV, crossing the Cunningham River delta and driving along the Muskox Ridge Trail, which provides a scenic overview of the entire area. It’s very likely that you’ll see muskoxen and pass by an impressive arctic fox den, where you may have the opportunity to watch fox cubs at play. Following an outdoor lunch at Inukshuk Lake we’ll supply gear for those who would like the opportunity to try catch-and-release fishing for arctic char. Returning on ATVs, the tour takes an alternate route via the River Trail, so you can view hoodoos (sculptured sand pillars) and local coal deposits. In the evening, after dinner, we’ll enjoy an informal lecture.

Day 5: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

One of today’s activities may be kayaking in Cunningham Inlet. Paddle among icebergs, looking out for beluga whales as well as ring and bearded seals. Sightings of seabirds, including arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. After a lunch served along the shoreline, you’ll take a short hike to explore a local canyon aptly named Kayak Falls. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Northwest Passage and the opportunity to see polar bears.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to the Cunningham River estuary, a beluga whale migration site. This site is unique the world over because of the density of the beluga population and its proximity to our lodge. You may even be able to see the whales while you stand on the river banks, and be close enough to hear their calls. Guides will use hydrophones so you can also hear the whales’ underwater song. In the evening, following a five-star dinner, you’ll hear a lecture on the beluga research being conducted in Cunningham Inlet.

Day 6: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Following breakfast, you’ll depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, crossing the Cunningham River delta. There, you’ll have the option of hiking or traveling by Mercedes Unimog (a multipurpose four-wheel-drive truck). You’ll visit the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines. Their steep walls vary from 200 to 1,000 feet (61 to 305 meters). Millions of fossils of prehistoric plants and animals are scattered around the ground. You may also have the opportunity to observe nesting sites of local birds, including terns, plovers and snow geese. An alfresco lunch is served directly on the flat rocks that surround this canyon.

After lunch, you’ll travel to Gull Canyon, where you can see the striking color contrasts between the barren canyon and a lush gull rookery. This spot was recently declared a unique ecosystem by the Canadian Wildlife Service due to the area’s gull rookery and the presence of peregrine falcons. In the evening, a Scientist in Residence will give an informal lecture.

Day 7: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today, you’ll set out on an ATV to Cape Anne, where you’ll visit some Thule sites along the coast and look for polar bears. The Thule people were bowhead whale hunters, ancestors of today’s modern Inuit. The ride showcases scenic vistas, icebergs, ancient Inuit campsites and giant prehistoric whale bones. The Cape Anne Thule site is the largest in the area and includes the remains of 15 stone and bone houses. Polar bears can often be seen on the shoreline as they wander the coast, waiting for the ice to return. The return overland trip via the Red Valley will give us incredible views of the place we’ve called home this week.

Day 8: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today’s full-day rafting adventure will begin after breakfast with a Mercedes Unimog truck ride to the Arctic Watch raft launch on the Cunningham River, 12.5 miles (20 km) from the lodge. Opt to hike the final four miles (6 km) through the Badlands, passing the skeletal remains of two bowhead whales that date back 8,000 years. On the way to the launch, you may encounter muskoxen, snow geese, jaegers, arctic fox, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks.

You’ll savor a picnic lunch on the beach, beside the river, as the staff and guides prepare the rafts. Return to the lodge by raft on the swift-flowing, crystal-clear water of the gentle rapids. The views are amazing and include steep canyon walls that at one point make a 180-degree turn.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy our farewell dinner and evening at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge.

Day 9: Depart Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today, you’ll bid a fond goodbye to the lodge team and the High Arctic. You may have time to take advantage of one last activity before you depart. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Yellowknife. Upon arrival in Yellowknife, you will be transferred to your included hotel.

Day 10: Depart Yellowknife

After breakfast and boot return you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in the Yellowknife area.

Day 1: Welcome to Halifax

Arrive in Halifax. A mix of sea breezes and cultural charms, you’ve arrived in your quintessential maritime destination. You’ll be picked up from Halifax International Airport and taken to your downtown hotel, where you can relax next to the waterfront before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00, for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.

Day 2: Sightseeing and Relaxation in Halifax Relaxed Start

Delve into Halifax's nautical history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where your Local Expert will engage you in stories of key historic events, including the Halifax Explosion and the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Join a Local Expert for an informative exploration of eclectic Halifax. This afternoon, enjoy an Insight Choice between a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the Maud Lewis Gallery, or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

Day 3: Historic Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove

Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. Experience one of the best surviving examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America, before meeting a Local Expert for a walking tour. Hear tales of the fishing industry's impact on the region before visiting scenic Peggy's Cove, a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay. You'll end the day by heading back to Halifax for the evening, followed by a Highlight Dinner with live music in the heart of the city.

Day 4: Cape Breton Island and Blooming Baddeck

Journey to Cape Breton Island. In Baddeck, embark on a picturesque boat cruise across Bras d'Or Lake with your fellow travellers (weather permitting). In the evening, experience warm hospitality and Cape Breton-style home cooking at your waterfront hotel, featuring tempting seafood favourites and hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy. Continue your night with traditional music and song at a Ceilidh, a Celtic Evening where you'll enjoy a night of Acadian hospitality and entertainment.

Day 5: The Natural Beauty of the Cabot Trail

Head back to school as you immerse yourself in a unique experience at The Gaelic College, devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic and Celtic cultures. Learn about the tradition of fabric milling and see a kilt-making demonstration in action. Enjoy a relaxing drive along the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic routes. Keep an eye out for bald eagles as you travel past Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Day 6: Baddeck and Charlottetown

In the morning, embark on an insightful visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Ferry across the Northumberland Strait to magical Prince Edward Island and quaint Charlottetown, where you'll spend the next three nights. This little city is a nautical dream, with its colourful fisherman’s cottages and picturesque harbour. The city is also known for hosting the famous Anne of Green Gables musical every year.

Day 7: Prince Edward Island Sightseeing

Discover picturesque Prince Edward Island with a Local Expert before heading on to Cavendish. Here you'll visit the Green Gables House, the fabled home that provided inspiration for L.M. Montgomery's children's classic, "Anne of Green Gables." Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Abegweit Mi’Kmaw Nation, an Indigenous community located east of the city.You’ll be met by your local Knowledge Keeper who will welcome you to the community, before introducing you to the Seven Sacred Teachings and how they guide the Miꞌkmaq people.

Day 8: Flavours of Charlottetown Relaxed Start

Head for the quaint seaside fishing village of Georgetown in eastern Prince Edward Island. Meet a local fisherman who will regale you with tales of life at sea and teach you all about the area's lobster and mussel industry. Enjoy a delicious Highlight Lunch at the Historic Georgetown Inn featuring delicious Island blue mussels and lunch made with local products. Head on a lighthouse tour and enjoy a wine tasting to end the day.

Day 9: The Tides of Hopewell Rocks

Journey to New Brunswick where you will cruise the waters of Shediac Bay onboard a lobster boat (weather permitting) and get a glimpse into the fascinating world of these sea creatures, as well as the lobster industry. You’ll also indulge in a delicious seafood Highlight Lunch with wine before traveling on to Hopewell Rocks on the shores of the bay, ultimately making your arrival in the fun hub city of Moncton.

Day 10: Lively Moncton to Digby

Travel along the Fundy Trail Parkway, which hugs the coast with stunning views in every direction. Board a ferry bound for Digby. Afterwards, head to the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, which overlooks the Bay of Fundy, known for its incredible tides.

Day 11: Delightful Digby and Annapolis Royal Relaxed Start

Begin your day by embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching cruise (weather permitting) on the Bay of Fundy. Move on to the historic town of Annapolis Royal where you'll take a stroll with a costumed interpreter and discover a cultural mosaic of history before returning to your spa resort in Digby. In the evening, meet a former scallop fisherman for a culinary demonstration and Celebration Dinner featuring the highly prized seafood.

Day 12: Farewell Halifax

It’s time to wave goodbye to Halifax and your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Stops will be made at Halifax International Airport and The Marriott Harbourfront Halifax for guests wishing to extend their stay. Airport arrival will be at 12:00.