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Elu Inlet Tours, Nunavut
Canada Arctic Escorted Nature Tours, Nunavut |
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About Elu Inlet Lodge
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 Experience for yourself the adventure and allure of the Canadian Arctic in an environment virtually unchanged over the millennia. Under the fabled midnight sun, see the summer profusion of wildflower blossoms which blanket the barren land tundra. Marvel at the spectacle of musk oxen reminiscent of prehistoric times, and the unbelievable abundance and diversity of bird life in this pristine northern wilderness.
Created by the curl of the Kent Peninsula on the Central Canadian Arctic coast, Elu Inlet is a unique region of the Arctic that has been used by the Inuit people since time immemorial. Compared to the Arctic Islands, this region is well sheltered with numerous bays, and it boasts relatively moderate seasons. This, combined with very rich wildlife resources (ranging from lakes and rivers teeming with fish to abundant caribou and musk oxen) made it a prime area for the Inuit subsistence lifestyle.
The lake systems on the narrow ithsmus joining the Kent Peninsula to the mainland also form a natural portage between Elu Inlet and Melville Sound to the west, and Queen Maud Gulf to the east. The attractiveness of the Elu Inlet area is evidenced by the numerous tent rings, fire pits, stone fox traps, kayak stands and other archaeological features left over centuries of use by the Inuit people.
Access to our remote lodge is via float plane from the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut Territory. Cambridge Bay is accessible by air from Edmonton and Yellowknife.
Accommodation
Elu Inlet Lodge is located on the picturesque shores of the Inlet, next to Mount Elu and the mouth of the Itibiak River. Comprised of three separate sleeping cabins and a main lodge, our facility accommodates twelve guests in clean, comfortable surroundings. Each sleeping cabin houses four guests in two separate double rooms. Each cabin also boasts its own bathroom, a common lounge area, thermostat controlled heat, and a screened porch.The common area leads to each bedroom, as well as to the washroom which has running cold water. Each cabin also has its own screen porch for sitting comfortably outside - also a perfect place to gear up each day.
The Main Lodge houses a large sitting lounge, a comfortable dining area and bar. It boasts a very large screened porch as well as an open veranda which wraps around the entire front and left side of the lodge. A large full kitchen, showers and full laundry facilities are also housed in the Main Lodge.
Activities
The natural splendor of the brief but intense Arctic summer surrounds the lodge, making it a naturalist's paradise. Bird watchers will be astonished and delighted by both the frequency and abundance of sightings of species that any birder would love to see even once. While we are located well above the tree-line, plant and wildflower fanciers will not be disappointed. The tundra around Elu Inlet is carpeted by blossoming wildflowers, dwarf willows, and lichens. Mammals, both large and small, are also abundant and are always exciting to encounter. Culturally, this region is rich in Inuit archaeological sites.
Itibiak Lake Trip: Hike/boat. Approx. 5 hrs.
Numerous archaeological sites are observed on the hike to Itibiak Lake, many of which appear to be old enough to be Thule sites. Once at the lake, we board boats and travel around the lake. Fishing for lake trout and arctic char can be sampled from many locations. We stop at Seashell Point for tea and snacks and continue on to explore the rest of the lake and its environs. This trip gives our guests a taste for the inland areas, and offers good opportunities to see larger mammals, such as caribou and musk ox.
Lodge Hike: Approx. 3 hrs.
Hiking north from the lodge, we climb a hill along a game trail that has been used by caribou and musk ox for centuries, on to the cliff above the lodge. The views of the surrounding country are spectacular and there are again many archaeological sites to be observed enroute. We then descend into a lush lowland full of sedges and arctic cotton. The abundance of wildflowers and plants makes this area prime caribou and musk ox habitat. Working our way south, to the Itibiak River, we will encounter the geological formation of tundra polygons created by the freezing and thawing of permafrost. This hike provides excellent opportunities to photograph wildflowers and plants as well as a chance to see musk ox or caribou.
Seashell Beach Boat Trip: Approx. 5 hrs.
This exploration by boat showcases the coastline of Elu Inlet as we travel slowly along the north, taking regular stops to observe the flotillas of sea ducks, including king and common eiders, and old squaw ducks. Herds of musk ox are often seen enroute as well as the occasional gyrfalcon. One of the highlights of this trip is the beautiful white sea shell beach, where the shells occur in depths of up to two metres. This phenomenon has occurred due to the effects of glaciation and isostatic rebound, and many times people have mistaken the white shells for snow. Many species of birds can be observed here, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and rough-legged hawks. On the return journey, we make a stop at Nauyak Rock, which supports a large nesting gull colony.
Itibiak Bay Hike: Approx. 4 hrs.
This hike takes guests north along the shores of Itibiak Bay, to observe the wildflowers, plants and archaeological sites. The changes in topography and rock formations on this route are of particular interest. The highlight of this trek is at the end, where there are spectacular views and one of the most interesting archaeological sites that we have found so far - a stone house. Numerous tent rings and food caches can also be found nearby. The cliffs above the stone house also feature a pair of peregrine falcons. Guests board boats for the return trip to the lodge.
Uvaayuuq Hill Boat Trip: Approx. 4 hrs.
According to Inuit legend, Uvaayuuq Hill was formed by a fallen giant (Inukpuk). This area is unique as it is characterized by sheer cliff faces and concentrations of raptors, including peregrine falcons, gyrfalcons and rough-legged hawks. The lake behind Uvaayuuq Hill is a short hike away and has spectacular fishing for large lake trout and arctic char. Here, we can also retrace part of Sir John Franklin's 1821 exploration from Hope's Bay to Warrender Bay. Along the way, we recount this historic journey with actual excerpts from Franklin's journals, which relate to these locations.
Mount Elu Hike/Boat trip: Approx. 4 hrs.
Guests have a choice of either hiking or boating to the base of Mt. Elu. From here, we take a leisurely hike up the west slope, pausing along the way to examine the variety of mosses and lichens which grow on the rocky outcrops. All along the way, the vistas just keep getting better, and from the summit our visitors get a true feeling for the vastness of the land stretching out in all directions. Peregrine falcons and golden eagles nest on the sheer sides of Mt. Elu and are often seen soaring overhead. We stop for tea and snacks at the summit before making an unhurried descent back to the lodge.
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RATES IN CAD$
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Adult
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3 Days
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$1,980.00
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5 Days
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$2,680.00
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7 Days
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$3,380.00
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TOUR DEPARTURES
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- Airfare from Cambridge Bay
- Accommodation
- All Meals
- Professional Guides
- Daily tours and programs
- Full use of lodge facilities
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