TRIP INFORMATION

The purpose of this high arctic tour was to explore the area around Alexandra Fiord on Ellesmere Island, mainly to observe glaciers, wildlife, flora and archeological remains from ancient Eskimo. Alexandra Fiord is slightly south of the 79th parallel, on the east side of Ellesmere island and on clear days, Greenland is faintly visible further to the east. There aren't nearby towns, but the expedition is operated in the middle of pure, incontaminated nature, hundreds of miles away from the civilization. It's so wonderful and special up here!

During the short arctic summer, approximately between late July and mid August, the kayak is probably one of the best way to explore the area, as it lets to cover dozens of miles, without the need to carry super-heavy backpacks for the entire trip, but just a small bag for half or full day hikes.

Normally, a new camp was built in a different place, every 1-2 days, depending on things to see and to do, interests of the group, weather, tide's schedule, etc. The noon's daylight at midnight was a remarkable feature of this trip, letting the group to further optimize the available time, without the need to eat or sleep using a rigid, fixed schedule (indeed, it may happen to move at night and to rest in daytime!).

The expeditions was organized by Whitney & Smith Legendary Expeditions (click here for their website). Normally, there aren't two identical trips, but each itinerary is different, depending on local conditions and things to see & to do. The group was formed by 8 participants, plus 2 professional guides.

As the logistic involved in this trip is quite impressive (there aren't scheduled flights to Alexandra Fiord, the expedition package includes a chartered Twin Otter from Resolute Bay, Nunavut), I've preferred to arrive in Canada a few days earlier and depart later, to ensure safe connections (I'm from Italy, a quite long trip, with several en-route stops), thence I've had sufficient time to visit Toronto, Edmonton and Yellowknife too.

The entire trip, including international flights ran from July 31st 2004 to August 23rd 2004, staying in the high arctic from August 5th to August 19th.

For the entire story and pictures (they are just slightly less than 500) please select the area of interest from the menu below.

Tour of Toronto, Ontario

Two days in Toronto, touring the city's museums and attractions, as the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands. GO.

Tour of Edmonton, Alberta

Two days in Edmonton, visiting the West Mall, the city, the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the Elk Island National Park. GO.

Fly to Ellesmere island, via Cambridge Bay and Resolute Bay

Is a long flight, with one stop in Yellowknife, one change in Ikaluktutiak (Cambridge Bay) and one night layover in Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), before the final leg to Alexandra Fiord / Kane Basin on Ellesmere Island by chartered Twin Otter. GO.

Ellesmere island - first camp on Skraeling island

First camp on Skrealing islands, after a short paddle from the airstrip. This island is very interesting for the many archeological remains left by ancient Eskimos. GO.

Ellesmere island - camp where Alexandra Fiord ends into Buchanan Bay

Back on Ellesmere to set up a new camp, approximately where Alexandra Fiord ends into Buchanan Bay. Time for long hikes and for further observation of archeological remains from the ancient Eskimo. GO.

Ellesmere island - long hike to inner glaciers

We move again, paddling to a bay about 4 hours away. The following day, a spectacular hike to a mountain glacier ending into a frozen lake, awaits us under a perfect blue and clear sky. GO.

Ellesmere island - second camp on Skraeling island

With about 7 hours of paddling, we go back to Skrealing islands, setting up the camp on a different spot. There are many birds and archeological remains here. GO.

Ellesmere island - camp on the opposite side of Alexandra Fiord

We continue to north, close to 79th parallel, on the opposite side of Alexandra Fiord, a nice spot for long hikes and paddles around the nearby islands. GO.

Ellesmere island - going back to the airstrip, camping halfway

The advanture is about to finish. It's now time to retrace our steps back to the airstrip, with one night stop halfway. GO.

Ellesmere island - camp at Alexandra Fiord near the airstrip

The last camp on Ellesmere island was located near the unprepared airstrip at Alexandra Fiord. From there, I've reached the beautiful Twin Glacier, by a short hike. GO.

Back to Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay)

The Twin Otter arrives on time and brings the group back to Qausuittuq, where is necessary to stay one night, before continuing south. A tour of the town is included in this section. GO.

Flying to Yellowknife and Yellowknife city tour

From Qausuittuq, I've flown to Yellowknife where I've spent two nights, before taking the connecting flights back to my country. GO.

Digital photo equipment used during the expedition

In a so adventurous trip, where no computer or recharging facility is available, is necessary to bring appropriate equipment and to protect it from water and mechanical shock. GO.