Walk the ancient exposed bedrock of Lady Franklin Island with a specialist geologist-naturalist guide, reading 1.8-billion-year-old Precambrian formations, glacial striations, and erratic boulders left by retreating Laurentide ice. A masterclass in deep time.
What to expect
After landing by Zodiac on a shingle beach, your guide orients the group to the island's geological timeline using hand specimens and a laminated stratigraphic map. You'll trace glacial polish on exposed rock faces, examine frost-shattered talus, and discuss how periglacial processes are accelerating in a warming Arctic. The terrain is rugged but manageable, and the profound silence — broken only by wind and distant seabirds — is itself part of the experience. The excursion closes with a reflection on what one billion years of history feels like underfoot.
Good to know
Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting waterproof boots — the terrain is uneven rock and shingle. Excursion duration is approximately 2.5–3 hours. Landing is contingent on sea and weather conditions. Pre-read Aurora's pre-departure geology briefing notes for maximum depth of experience.