Arctic Wolf Photography

Arrive Yellowknife - Arctic Haven

Today your adventure in the Arctic truly begins! Depart Yellowknife at 14.00 on a private charter for the two-hour flight to Arctic Haven, which will serve as your home for the duration of your trip. Upon arrival, you will be met and given a short briefing on what you can expect during your stay at Arctic Haven. Following your briefing you will be given time to settle into your rooms before sitting down to a family-style dinner. The rest of the evening can be spent at your leisure; you could walk the tundra, relax in the wood fired sauna and if conditions permit, take in the stunning Aurora Borealis. Ensure that your photography gear is ready for the morning!

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (L, D)

Arctic Wolf Photography: Day Two

Breakfast will be served at 08.30 daily, preparing you for the day ahead. This morning you will have a water safety briefing prior to heading out on Ennadai Lake. Once on the lake, journey to the northern reaches where the islands are used by migratory wildlife – be sure to look out for the Qamanirjuaq caribou, wolves and wolverines.

Today’s goal is to reach a wolf den that lies roughly 5km from the shoreline. Before hiking across the tundra to the den, enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore of the Ennadai Lake. Traverse your way along the esker, a winding trail of sand formed by a glacial deposition, in search of the wolf den. Once you have located it with the help of your expert guide, you will have the opportunity to quietly observe these magnificent creatures. Throughout the autumn months of August and September the wolves of Ennadai Lake hunt the migrating caribou near the lodge in an attempt to nourish their pups and pack members ahead of the long winter.

After a full day on the tundra, a helicopter will pick you up before dinner. Enjoy the scenic flight over the open tundra and marvel in the stunning landscapes of gold, red and autumn greens. Once back at the lodge relax over a gourmet meal and receive an informal lecture by Richard Weber on his North Pole expeditions!

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (B, L, D)

Arctic Wolf Photography: Day Three

You will begin the day with a helicopter flight to Grayling Rapids, which acts as a natural corridor for migratory wildlife and hunting wolves. Hike the caribou trails in search of caribou and wolves before continuing your journey onto the local wolf den with the intention of patiently observing the wolf pack. In the autumn evenings, the pups tend to emerge from their dens as the adult wolves return from hunting with a fresh catch. This is the perfect opportunity to witness playful wolf cubs in their natural habitat. An evening flight back to the lodge is scheduled and highlights ‘Golden Hour’ – the perfect time to capture aerial photos of the impressive fall tundra.

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (B, L, D)

Arctic Wolf Photography: Day Four

This morning you will board one of the boats and journey to the North Arm to explore the far reaches of Ennadai Lake. Here you are likely to see herds of caribou on land and swimming between the islands. You will be able to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch on the stunning beaches of Paradise Island before embarking on a short hike up to Big Bear – the highest point on the lake! This area is frequented by grizzly bears on the hunt for caribou and offers a fantastic vista. Once back at the lodge, feast on another gourmet dinner and prepare for Nansen Weber to give an informal lecture on his experiences photographing the Barren Lands. The rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (B, L, D)

Arctic Wolf Photography: Day Five

Today will see you head out in the helicopter (weather permitting!) to the wolf den. Once there you will use pop-up blinds allowing you to spend time close to the den and observing the wolves – be sure you have your camera gear close to hand! After a day at the wolf den, the evening could be spent photographing the Aurora Borealis.

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (B, L, D)

Arctic Wolf Photography: Day Six

A short helicopter flight will take you back to the local wolf den today. Landing a safe distance will ensure that you are perfectly positioned to witness the packs movements without disturbing them. The duration of the day will be spent observing and tracking the pack as they go about their daily routine – hunting, socialising and sleeping! The return helicopter flight to Arctic Haven will have you back before dinner.

Overnight: Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge (B, L, D)

Arctic Haven - Depart Yellowknife

Today signals your final day of this Arctic adventure. Take a short boat ride up the Kazan River where the tundra turns to forest with birch, black spruce and tamarack trees dominating the landscape. Both moose and tundra swans have been spotted in this marshy forested area so be sure to keep an eye out and your cameras ready! For those who wish to stretch their legs before the afternoon flight home, there is the option to complete a hike or you can opt to take a peaceful stroll along the Kazan River and try your hand at fishing for grayling.

(B)