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September 16, 2024
Quark Expeditions is celebrating the success of helicopter flightseeing excursions over Axel Heiberg Island in the remote Canadian Arctic.
Offered during the line’s most recent “Canadian Remote Arctic” voyage aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine, the Quark Expeditions Helicopter flightseeing outings took place aboard the ship’s twin-engine H145 helicopters.
Travelers who joined the excursions got to see one of the most isolated islands on the planet from high above. Axel Heiberg Island, situated in Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, is virtually inaccessible, according to Quark Expeditions.
The team overseeing the journey included the Ultramarine’s captain Yuriy Oboychuck and expedition leader Colin Souness, as well as helicopter pilots Steve Fischer and Steve Martin. A seasoned group of veteran Arctic guides also made the outings possible.
“The challenges of getting there are immense—from unpredictable and often heavy seasonal pack ice to the harsh climate and weather, coupled with the sheer remoteness of the island,” says Souness. “Yet, it’s these obstacles and the difficulty of the task that fuel our passion for pushing the boundaries of polar exploration. Soaring above the unique and spectacular glaciers of Axel Heiberg, absorbing the vast and unspoiled beauty of the place whilst knowing you’re the only ones up there… that’s why we do what we do.”
Canadian High Arctic Highlights
Northwest Passage
Retrace the historic Franklin Expedition and uncover tales of exploration in the Canadian High Arctic. During the summer months (July to September) the Northwest Passage is a journey through time but also a voyage through some of the most pristine wilderness in the world.
Abundant Wildlife
Teeming with life, the Canadian Arctic is home to some of the most wonderous animals in the Arctic. Polar bears, arctic foxes, muskoxen, whales, seals and many species of migratory birds are just some of the species we often encounter on our expeditions.
Inuit Communities
Amidst breathtaking landscapes, vibrant indigenous communities dot the Canadian Arctic. Deeply rooted in the land, with rich histories, they welcome you into their communities to share their customs, cuisine and ways of life.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.