Set out with an expert Arctic wildlife guide along Lady Franklin Island's boulder-strewn shoreline in search of the world's most iconic predator. Polar bears patrolling sea-ice edges make this one of the planet's great wildlife encounters.
What to expect
Your certified Arctic guide reads the landscape like a map, leading the group to elevated vantage points where polar bears are frequently spotted patrolling the shoreline or resting on ice floes just offshore. Arctic foxes, bearded seals, and the occasional narwhal in Cumberland Sound add depth to every hour. The pace is unhurried; if a bear appears, you stay until it disappears. Guides explain sea-ice dynamics, climate context, and Inuit traditions woven around these animals.
Good to know
Wear insulated, waterproof boots with ankle support — the tundra surface is uneven. Guides carry safety equipment in polar bear country. Best sightings tend to be early morning; confirm excursion timing with the expedition team. Binoculars are highly recommended; bring a telephoto lens if you have one.