A while ago we wrote a post about getting to Iqaluit. It included the three ways to make your way to Nunavut – one of which was purely sarcastic. Well, it turns out there is a proper third option for southern folks who are north-bound: Arctic Kingdom’s Break the Ice Arctic Getaway.
We first heard about this offer while at the Toonik Tyme Giant Craft Sale. There is a certain someone in town who we refer to as "Our Biggest Fan." He introduced us to his adorable mother who was visiting him from back home. He proceeded to tell us how she had swindled a sweet deal to Iqaluit without a seat sale and during a notoriously impossible weekend to book Aeroplan. For under $1,500, she got airfare, accommodation, and a tour of the town. That's unheard of.
It sounded too good to be true. But it wasn't. Here are the [August 2015 update: the tour package is now Arctic Weekend Getaway] details:
Trip Length: 3 or 4 days
Departing From: Ottawa, Ontario
Arriving At: Iqaluit, Nunavut
3 Day/2 Night Cost: $1,470 all in [August 2015 update: $1,805 all in]
4 Day/3 Night Cost: $1,680 all in [August 2015 update: $2,165 all in]
What’s Included: Return flight from Ottawa with First Air (Retail Value: ~$2,000); Accommodation (Retail Value: ~$250 per night); Iqaluit City Tour (Retail Value: $50)
Not only will Arctic Kingdom get you to Iqaluit for a hell of a rate, the company will also show you a great time while you're here. Through its local outfitting company, Tour Iqaluit, Arctic Kingdom offers all sorts of northern activities, such as hiking through Sylvia Grinnell Park, kayaking at a polynya, or snowmobiling to the floe edge.
The latter is an Arctic must.
Last weekend, the two of us were lucky enough to join Tour Iqaluit and a group of friendly gentlemen on a trip to the floe edge, where the frozen ice meets the open ocean. We would love to tell you all about it, but we'll let Sara's photos do the talking.
Oh, and if you haven't yet watched our video "Floe Edge Minute" – do it!
Bonus! Check out our video from the day. Produced and filmed by Anubha.
What activities would you like to do in Nunavut? Let us know on Twitter or in the comment section below!