Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions

Some 500 miles above the Arctic Circle in the icy waters of the Northwest Passage is Somerset Island. Although this is Canada’s 12th largest island, with a landmass that is nearly five times the size of Prince Edward Island, no one lives here. No houses, no Starbucks, not even any roads can be found anywhere on the island.

For intrepid travellers, however, there is the chance to walk in the footsteps of such famed polar explorers as Roald Amundsen, Henry Larsen and Richard Weber. Weber, who was recently nominated to the “Order of Canada” by the Canadian Governor General "for his pioneering acts of polar exploration and for his efforts to increase awareness of environmental threats to the North," has made more successful treks to the North Pole than anyone in history. He is also a Guinness World Record holder, having set the world speed record to the South Pole in 2009 and the speed record to the North Pole in 2010.

In partnership with his wife and two sons, Weber also owns Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge on Somerset Island, a remote outpost and wish-list destination for naturalists and photographers, in particular because it is a world class beluga whale observation site.

But beluga whales are just one part of the story here. With 24 hours of sunshine, guests can hike along the tundra, the canyons and the waterfalls found on the island. Along the way, they’ll often see polar bears, muskox and artic foxes at play.

Richard and his wife, Josée Auclair as well as their sons, Tessum and Nansen return to Arctic Watch lodge every summer to share their passion for the region with guests.

When it comes to the proverbial “match made in heaven,” the Webers teamed up with noted polar adventure company Quark Expeditions in 2015. With its fleet of small expedition vessels, icebreakers, Quark Expeditions offers travelers access to some of the most remote places on earth. With the new partnership, Quark travellers can dig deeper with a land-based exploration of the Arctic.

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“[Arctic Watch] provides an opportunity to see the Arctic through the eyes of real explorers,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “The caliber of the leadership involved in this polar expedition is outstanding.”

This year, starting June 30, 2016, especially adventurous travellers can participate in Quark Expeditions’ and Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge’s Adventure Week program, which includes a series of specially designed adventure activities.

“There are so many ways to explore this magnificent region,” said Tessum Weber, co-owner at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. “We now have fat bikes – specialized mountain bikes – that provide fantastic agility on sea ice and tundra. Stand-up paddleboarding provides amazing perspectives for exploring canyons 154 metres deep and gliding past ice floes. Kayaks are ideal for paddling rivers and swift rapids. And now, you can enjoy this diversity of activities, in the Arctic."

“Each activity provides a novel, exciting new way to explore the North,” said Richard. “Guests will experience the true Arctic from an active and completely unique perspective.”

The eight-day Arctic Watch Wildnerness Lodge Adventure Week program starts from US$ 5,995 per person. For a limited time, Canadians can enjoy “at par” pricing. Contact your travel agent for booking information or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com for trip details.

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