High Arctic & Northwest Territories Reviews

4.9 Rating 29 Reviews

Jun 28 - Jul 8, 2026 | Our High Arctic & Northwest Territories birding tour will take you to the exquisite Arctic Tundra above the Arctic Circle, the forests and lakes around Yellowknife, and the aspen parkland of Central Alberta. Don’t miss the opportunity to spot King Eiders, Yellow-billed Loons, and Arctic Foxes!

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“This eagle-eye trip is the best birding trip I have ever been on. And, I don't say that casually, since I have been on over two dozen birding trips throughout North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.There are several features of the trip that in my mind make it exceptional. The fact that it includes 3 very distinct biomes - aspen-parkland-pothole, boreal forest and arctic tundra. Each biome offering not only distinctly different types of vegetation and topography but also a completely different array of bird species. As a result, it is easy to record over 150 species of birds. This in itself would qualify it as a successful birding trip, but what qualifies it in my mind as an exceptional birding trip is the quality of the bird sightings. On other birding trips I have taken I have never seen birds as well as I did on this trip. Posing in ways that show all of their important field markings and as a bonus in their spectacular alternate plumage! This is especially true in the high arctic where one can see from a mere few meters birds posing on rocks, sitting on nests, soaring over the tundra or swimming on lakes or small tundra ponds on the side of the road. All of this making for not only exciting bird watching, but also spectacular photography. For anyone like myself who has never been to the arctic tundra it is an exciting adventure. It offers an unbelievably beautiful landscape of endless gently rolling hills dotted with small lakes and ponds with a diverse fauna of breeding birds. I truly recommend this trip to anyone who appreciates beautiful landscapes, seeing a wide array of birds in breeding plumage and loves an adventure. It is a trip I will never forget!”

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Posted 4 years ago

“What a great trip! Our guides were fantastic and so knowledgeable. Unforgettable!”

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Posted 4 years ago

Jeff Blanchard

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“A wonderful tour to a very different and interesting landscape.”

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Posted 4 years ago

“An outstanding trip for Arctic birds and sights. Parkland, boreal forest, tundra, the Arctic Ocean and 24 hour sun! A Canadian bucket list tour!”

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Posted 4 years ago

Brenda Lorenz

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“An exciting trip exploring three different areas of northern Canada led by very knowledgeable guides. Oh, all the wonderful birds, mammals, butterflies and flowers we saw!!”

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Posted 4 years ago

Jo Ellen Ryan

Verified Reviewer

“Our leaders, Steve Ogle and Kyle Horner, introduced us to boreal forest and Arctic tundra birds and all kinds of natural history. We enjoyed seeing many, many bird species around Edmonton, Yellowknife, and Cambridge Bay, and learned much about their environment. We also gained insights into the high Arctic native communities, especially by seeing traditional games and festivities at Nunavut Day. This was a very rewarding adventure! Gene Trapp and Jo Ellen Ryan, Davis, CA.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Dee From Calgary, Alberta.

Verified Reviewer

“A wonderful trip, especially when we arrived in Cambridge Bay, NWT. We saw a huge variety of birds and also flowers + we experienced a little of the local culture. Our accommodation was very comfortable and food excellent. I would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who loves birds and is interested in the North.”

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Posted 6 years ago

“Hello, This trip was my first western Arctic experience. Yousif is a wonderful attentive guide and a great birder. The group was great fun and got along well. The Yellowknife portion of the trip with Carlos the guide on Great Slave Lake a real treat. He has been in Yellowknife for years and knows so many tales. Lots of young nestlings and Bald Eagle nests, Surf Scoters, Mew Gull chicks, a threatening dark sky, tea and cake on board! Wonderful! Bullock's Bistro dinner is not to be missed, authentic delicious northern fish for all plus lots of personality. The Cambridge Bay experience was so special, into the tundra no trees July 1st and 9 degrees plus all day and night light! The dump visit seemed a strange place to bird and was a bit surreal, seeing Sandhill Cranes jumping and playing with plastic bags and crosses of a cemetery in the background....eye opening. King Eiders and Parasitic Jaegers abound including nesting birds. Great views of both Yellow-billed and Pacific Loons. Trekking the tundra was so special and quiet! One does get a work out and Yellow-billed Loons calling. Not to be out done by the birds the spring wildflowers did not disappoint. Our major misses were the Muskoxen and Snowy Owls but the entire experience of the special northern silence, beautiful light, Mount Pelly and Eiders galore made this an amazing experience. Margaret Kelch”

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Posted 6 years ago