Birding in the land of the midnight sun...
At this time of year in Cambridge Bay experiences 24 hours of daylight! These long days, give us the Arctic in its purest form. We will have the opportunity to see many seldom-seen and sought after species performing their aerial and vocal displays that are usually only seen on the breeding grounds. Species such as Red Phalarope, Yellow-billed Loon and King Eiders will sporting their attractive breeding plumages. In addition, this trip offers stunning photography opportunities.
Tour Information
Dates: June 30-July 6, 2025
The dates for this tour have been selected as they fall within the peak time for birding in Cambridge Bay as it aligns with heightened breeding activity in the arctic.
Leader: Gavin McKinnon
Cost: $6185 CAD | $4475 USD
The tour fee above its based on double occupancy and includes all ground transportation, accommodation, internal flights and professional guiding services. The price does not include meals, items of a personal nature and travel to and from Yellowknife (YZF). All prices are subject to 5% GST.
Deposit and Cancellation Information: $2400 CAD | $1800 USD
The deposit for this tour becomes non-refundable 150 days prior to the starting date of the tour. The remaining balance is due by February 15, 2025.
Group Size: 4-10 participants
This small group size and high guide to participant ratio ensures that everyone will have an enjoyable experience on this tour.
Itinerary
June 30: Arrive in Yellowknife
Today we will arrive in Yellowknife (YZF) where we will spend the first night of the tour. If time allows we will spend the afternoon birding along the shores of Great Slave Lake. In the evening we will gather as a group for dinner and we will discuss the upcoming days and get to know each other.
July 1-5: Birding Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq)
We will begin July 1st with a morning flight that will take 2 hours and approximately 820km north of Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay which will be our base for the next 5 nights. Once we are settled in to our accommodation, we will enjoy the common birds of the town which include Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings and Redpolls. We will soon venture outside of town which will give us our first sense of the arctic and will hopefully yield more common species such as Red-throated Loon, Iceland Gull (of both the kumleinei and thayeri subspecies), and both King and Common Eiders. We will make day trips out of Cambridge Bay for this tour and spend our days in the field, taking advantage of the long daylight hours.
July 6: Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) to Yellowknife
Today we will have a couple hours for early morning birding before we board our flight south to Yellowknife. The tour ends upon arrival in Yellowknife.
Today we will arrive in Yellowknife (YZF) where we will spend the first night of the tour. If time allows we will spend the afternoon birding along the shores of Great Slave Lake. In the evening we will gather as a group for dinner and we will discuss the upcoming days and get to know each other.
July 1-5: Birding Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq)
We will begin July 1st with a morning flight that will take 2 hours and approximately 820km north of Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay which will be our base for the next 5 nights. Once we are settled in to our accommodation, we will enjoy the common birds of the town which include Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings and Redpolls. We will soon venture outside of town which will give us our first sense of the arctic and will hopefully yield more common species such as Red-throated Loon, Iceland Gull (of both the kumleinei and thayeri subspecies), and both King and Common Eiders. We will make day trips out of Cambridge Bay for this tour and spend our days in the field, taking advantage of the long daylight hours.
July 6: Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) to Yellowknife
Today we will have a couple hours for early morning birding before we board our flight south to Yellowknife. The tour ends upon arrival in Yellowknife.