Canadian Arctic Narwhal
Arctic & Subarctic
Mammals
Expert
Canada — Baffin Island
June to August
Overview
Spot the unicorn of the sea at the edge of the ice in Canada's high Arctic.
Equipment
- Extreme cold gear
- Spotting scope
- Satellite phone
- Camping equipment
Safety Notes
- Remote location — evacuation may take days
- Polar bear country — 24-hour bear watch required
Identification Tips
1
Narwhals surface in leads between ice floes
2
Tusks visible when males surface — watch for glint
3
Camp at ice edge for multi-day watch
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Narwhal | uncommon | Ice edge leads and open water |
| Beluga Whale | common | Shallow coastal waters |
| Polar Bear | uncommon | Ice edge, hunting seals |
| Arctic Hare | common | Tundra near camp |