Why Arctic Watch

Arctic Watch Lodge

Arctic Watch Wilderness LodgeExploring the Northwest PassageArctic Watch Wilderness LodgeThe Northwest Passage!Gull Canyon, Somerset IslandBeluga whale watchingThe Great Room inside Arctic WatchArriving at Arctic Watch aboard our private charterATVing the Northwest PassageThe Three Waterfalls
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The summer of 2011 marks the 12th season of Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge at Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island, Nunavut. Canada’s twelfth biggest island, Somerset Island has no permanent residents on its 24786 square kilometers (9570 miles sq).

A world class beluga whale observation site, Somerset Island is of particular interest to naturalists and photographers. As many as two thousand animals come to the inlet to nurse their young and molt their skin in the relatively warm water of the Cunningham River. While also home to many muskox and polar bears, the terrain offers easy passage to both hikers and sea kayakers.

Located 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 50 miles from the nearest town, Arctic Watch is a permanent wilderness resort that offers hotel-like accommodations in a remote Arctic setting. Our guests experience the beauty and wonder of this fabulous place, while enjoying the comforts of home and delicious meals.

Richard Weber and Josée Auclair have owned Arctic Watch since 2000. The pair have been trekking in the Arctic since 1985. Richard is the most travelled North Pole explorer on the planet.

Arctic Watch Lodge is accessed from Yellowknife by private charter aircraft and a 1,500 km (900 mile) flight. While the lodge is located just one kilometre from the beluga whales’ favourite summer hangout, a visit to Arctic Watch is much more than just about whales. It is an all-encompassing Arctic safari. Visitors see muskox, polar bears, arctic foxes, birds and archeological sites. They travel across land and water by foot, sea kayak, raft, mountain bike and ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Guests can climb mountains, fish lakes, and hike through canyons, across tundra and around waterfalls. The vistas are immense and, since the lodge only accepts guests in the summer, it’s daylight 24 hours a day. Learn more about Arctic Watch History.

The accommodations at Arctic Watch are the most comfortable remote facilities in the High Arctic with private cabins and even Internet communications. The staff are passionate, professional, expert and very caring. And the food is incredible, including local foods such as muskox and Arctic char. Every day starts with fresh hot muffins and ends with a hot shower and a glass of wine!

Visit our photo gallery to view images of the lodge, the surrounding area and the wildlife, or view these links.

Arctic Watch is about about the adventure and out team makes that possible. Meet some of the team that will be guiding your adventure.

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Featured Video

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Blog Posts

  • Arctic Fever

    “It is, I suppose, a sort of disease – an arctic fever – and yet no microscope can discover its virus and it remains completely unknown to the savants of science. The arctic fever has no effect on the body but. lives only in the mind, filling its victim with a consuming urge to wander again, and forever, through those  [...]

  • Only the best food is served at Arctic Watch.

    We have been travelling in the Arctic for more than 25 years. Food has always played a key element to the success in our adventures. We’ve always prided ourselves on offering the most amazing food in some of the most remote places. Someone well fed with amazing food is a happy guest. Preparing the food supply for the summer is  [...]

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Getting to Arctic Watch

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Exploration Week 2012
Start Date: June 29, 2012
End Date: July 06, 2012
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Discovery Program 1
Start Date: July 06, 2012
End Date: July 13, 2012
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Northwest Passage Marathon
Start Date: July 09, 2012
End Date: July 13, 2012
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Discovery Program 2
Start Date: July 13, 2012
End Date: July 20, 2012
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Discovery Program 3 “Mystic Week”
Start Date: July 20, 2012
End Date: July 27, 2012
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Discovery Program 4
Start Date: July 27, 2012
End Date: August 03, 2012
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Youth Leadership Program
Start Date: August 03, 2012
End Date: August 17, 2012
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Gallery

See out photography galleries for examples of photos that our guests have taken over the years.


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  • Josee with an African Penguin
  • Juno, Richard and Josee
  • Making Bread
  • Delivering food
  • Bread in the Kitchen
  • Hawk Chicks

Visit our Youtube channel to see and experience Arctic Watch through the eyes of a guest.


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The Arctic Watch JourneyClothing for Arctic WatchLife is Beautiful At Arctic Watch
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We are passionate about the polar regions of the world; the arctic, the North Pole and the South Pole. We plan unique treks to the Canadian High Arcticin places such as Ellesmere Island, Alex Heiberg Island and Baffin Island. We have trekked more often and more successfully to the North Pole than anyone in history. Find out more about at Weberarctic.

Expeditions

If you are planning an arctic trip, you should meet the WeberArctic team. They offer tips on polar travel philosophy, history and geography, climate implications for modern explorers, logistics and navigation, daily routines, travel techniques, clothing, equipment and more.

Gear

Developed and tested on hundreds of successful arctic expeditions, Richard Weber products have been developed for superior comfort and performance in extreme weather conditions.

Find out more about Weber Arctic gear.

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