On the narwhal trail with the pole's last hunters
n May, the sun never sets. The days lengthen, the light floods the landscape, and the first open-water leads form between the fast ice and the sea ice. It's the last breath of Arctic winter: soon, the ice will give way to the open ocean.
Greenlanders know this only too well. It's time to take to the ice floes one last time, by sledge or kayak, to pitch their tents on the edge of the ice, and to experience this transition to the full. Spring is coming, the
silence of winter cracks, birds sing again, and life begins anew.In these channels, narwhals begin their great northward migration. Camping near these open-water passages also means one might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these elusive Arctic giants, gliding silently between the ice.We'll join them to celebrate this renewal, in a nature that's still frozen, but already transforming.
A hymn to the passing of the seasons, between rediscovered light, emerging warmth and adventures on the ice that will soon be gone.
The sled, pulled by around 15 dogs, is the only means of locomotion authorized for travel in Melville Bay, and the kayak is the only way to approach the narwhals silently. From Kullorsuaq, it takes less than a day's sledging to reach the edge of the pack ice.
Depending on weather and ice conditions, we'll either sleep in tents or return to our house in Kullorsuaq.
During your stay, temperatures will fluctuate between -15° and -5°. At Upernavik, we'll provide you with the equipment you need for the coldest weather, for kayaking and for diving:
Guardians of an ancestral tradition, the people of Kullorsuaq spend most of their lives navigating the ice floes by sledge, and derive their livelihood from fishing and hunting, with immense respect for their nurturing environment.
They do us the honor of accepting us into their midst, allowing us to share some very special moments in their lives. They will set the pace for this unique mission and give us access to their world, their customs and their know-how.
To bring you this authentic experience, Nicolas Dubreuil will be your guide and interpreter, allowing you to communicate with them.
An expedition to Northern Greenland isa physical, moral and financial commitment. In these regions, there's no room for improvisation or approximation.Everyone's comfort and safety depend on the quality and level of organization.
This expedition can accommodate up to 6 travelers. You'll experience this traditional way of life at first hand.
We take care of :
As this is a real expedition and not a tourist trip, the extreme conditions, the state of the ice and the pack ice as well as the material and technical hazards may influence the course of the expedition. The program and activities may be modified and adapted according to all these.