Ellesmere Island, Canada

At the Top of the World: A Frontier of Ice and Wildlife

"A stunning close-up of a large white polar bear walking on a snow-covered rocky landscape with a calm blue ocean filled with ice in the background, on Ellesmere Island, Canada. "

Overview

Ellesmere Island, Canada Tours

Ellesmere Island, Canada's northernmost and third-largest island, is a destination for the true adventurer. Lying just a few hundred miles from the North Pole, it is a remote frontier of towering ice caps, jagged mountains, and deep fjords. This is not a conventional cruise stop; it's a stop on specialized expedition voyages that navigate the rugged, ice-choked waters of the High Arctic. Visitors to Ellesmere Island are among the lucky few to experience a landscape virtually untouched by human development.

The island's raw beauty is matched by its unique and resilient wildlife. It's a land where muskoxen roam the tundra, Arctic wolves and foxes prowl the ridgelines, and polar bears hunt along the sea ice. It is also home to Quttinirpaaq National Park, the second most northerly park on the world, and a place where a sense of awe and wonder is a constant companion. A visit to Ellesmere Island is a profound journey into one of the planet's last true wildernesses, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a pristine polar ecosystem.

Top Things to Do in Ellesmere Island, Canada

Zodiac Cruising and Shore Landings

The primary way to explore Ellesmere Island is through Zodiac cruising and shore landings. Your expedition team will navigate these small, inflatable boats along the coastlines and into fjords, allowing for up-close views of active glaciers, towering cliffs, and the chance to spot marine wildlife like seals and narwhals.

Tip: Listen carefully to your expedition guides' instructions, as safe and responsible navigation in this fragile environment is paramount.

Search for Unique Arctic Wildlife

Ellesmere Island is a sanctuary for Arctic wildlife. Be on the lookout for herds of muskoxen, the elusive Arctic wolf, Arctic foxes, and the polar bear. The waters are also home to marine mammals like narwhals, bowhead whales, and walruses.

Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens to get the best views of the wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.

Hike the Tundra Landscape

When conditions permit, guided hikes are an incredible way to experience the Arctic tundra. These hikes offer a chance to walk on ancient land, see delicate Arctic flora, and reach viewpoints with sweeping vistas of glaciers and mountains. The hikes range from easy strolls to more strenuous ascents.

Tip: Wear sturdy waterproof boots, as the ground can be uneven, rocky, and wet in many places.

Visit Inuit Cultural and Historic Sites

Some itineraries may offer the opportunity to visit a local Inuit community like Grise Fiord, the northernmost civilian community in North America. These stops provide a rare chance to learn about the Inuit culture, its history, and how the community thrives in this extreme environment.

Tip: When visiting a community, be respectful of local customs and traditions. You may have the chance to purchase local carvings or handicrafts directly from the artists.

Witness the Spectacular Glaciers and Ice

Ellesmere Island's landscape is defined by its massive ice sheets and glaciers. Your expedition cruise may sail through ice-choked fjords and channels, where you can witness the dramatic sight of glaciers calving into the sea, a thunderous event of immense power.

Tip: The deep silence of the Arctic is often broken by the crackling of ice. Take a moment to listen for the subtle sounds of the frozen world around you.

Experience Helicopter Flightseeing (on select ships)

Some specialized expedition vessels are equipped with onboard helicopters, offering a unique opportunity for flightseeing. This gives you an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the vast ice caps, jagged mountain ranges, and expansive fjords that are otherwise impossible to fully appreciate from sea level.

Tip: If this option is available on your vessel, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be prepared for a short, but unforgettable, flight.

Overview