Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Wildlife viewing · Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Pond Inlet floe edge
The edge between sea ice and open water, reached on guided snowmobile and sled expeditions, where narwhals, whales, seals, polar bears, and birds gather in early summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Pond Inlet floe edge
In late spring, the sea around Pond Inlet is still frozen, but the ice ends at an edge where open water begins. That line, called the ice edge, concentrates life: light penetrating the water feeds algae and fish, which attract seals, whales, birds, and bears.
Between late May and June, narwhals, with the males' spiral tusks, appear in groups along the edge, together with Greenland whales, belugas, seals, polar bears, and large flocks of seabirds. It is one of the best-known places in the world to see narwhals.
Expeditions depart from Pond Inlet with Inuit guides, on snowmobiles that tow wooden sleds called qamutiks. Groups camp on the ice, with the sun above the horizon all day, and guides choose the position of the edge each day according to the ice.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to eight days, on a guided expedition.
Best time
Late May to the end of June, while the sea ice is stable.
How to get there
Only with guides, from Pond Inlet, by snowmobile and sled over the frozen sea.
Tip
Book the expedition months in advance and bring clothing for extreme cold: the wind over the ice is strong even in June.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pond Inlet floe edge
What is the ice edge?
The boundary between sea ice and open water, where marine life concentrates.
When can you see narwhals in Pond Inlet?
From late May to the end of June, at the ice edge.
How do you reach the ice edge?
With Inuit guides, by snowmobile and sled, departing from Pond Inlet.