Arctic Watch. Guide Book ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 1

Transcription

1 Arctic Watch Guide Book ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 1

2 Welcome! Quark Expeditions created this book to assist you in preparing for your stay at Arctic Watch Lodge. Ensuring you enjoy a safe, memorable adventure is our top priority. You can expect to meet a diverse group of independent travelers at the lodge. While Polar travel attracts people of different nationalities, one thing you re guaranteed to have in common with your fellow guests is a strong interest in exploring the most remote, intriguing regions of the world. You will find that most guests tend to be between the ages of 35 and 75; however we do welcome adventurers as young as 8 years of age if they are supervised by a parent or guardian. 2 QUARK Quark Expeditions EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 3

3 What to Expect on an Expedition Polar travel is more unpredictable than your common destination, so we encourage you to arrive at the lodge with a sense of adventure. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. Something new tends to happen every day, so while we cannot guarantee that you will experience everything in our suggested itineraries, nature will likely treat you to a number of special surprises, or perhaps even some expedition firsts. Flexibility is something that our Expedition Team, staff and passengers must all bring. Your Expedition Leader always has your safety as their highest priority and they will make adjustments to each day s itinerary in order to create the most rewarding experiences. Remember that your planned excursions are highly dependent on weather. We treat every day as a new opportunity for discovery and with many sites visits at our disposal, we re sure your Polar expedition will be unlike any travel experience you ve had before. Adventure Options You have a number of exciting adventure options to choose from during your stay at Arctic Watch. We try to ensure that all guests have an opportunity to take part in these activities. After the daily breakfast briefing, guests can sign up for one to three activities offered per day. These options are all weather-dependent. Please bring your signed waiver with you to Arctic Watch. HIKING Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief Arctic summer, with bursts of color from the shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You ll find each hike is different - exploring shorelines or landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion. RIVER RAFTING Typically lasting two to three hours, guests will travel by raft on a river excursion. The Cunningham River is swift-flowing, crystal-clear water with no difficult sections or rapids. Guests are given a hands-on introduction to rafting prior to departing, and no previous experience is required. ATV A great way to better explore the terrain of Somerset Island is by all-terrain vehicle. Guests receive a hands-on introduction to driving ATVs, which are easy and fun to operate. Helmets are provided. KAYAKING Led by experienced kayak guides, guests will paddle among icebergs, on the watch for ring and bearded seals and beluga whales. Sightings of sea birds, including Arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. All equipment and basic instructions are provided. FISHING Guests have the opportunity to try catch-and-release fishing for Arctic char at Innukshuk Lake. Fly fishing is also welcome and guests are free to bring their preferred gear. Fishing equipment and gear is supplied, and spinning equipment is also available. 4 QUARK Quark Expeditions EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 5

4 Travel Documents PASSPORT Please remember when traveling, that your passport must be valid for six (6) months beyond the return date of your expedition. Please be sure that you have sufficient pages available for entry and/or exit stamps. If you do not have a passport, please apply for it well in advance of your departure. Make a photocopy or scan of your passport information pages, including the page with your photograph. This photocopy or scan will facilitate replacement if your passport should be lost or stolen while traveling. VISAS Please consult your local embassy or consulate to determine if you need any visas to visit Canada. EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE Emergency evacuation insurance, to a maximum benefit per paying traveler of US$100,000, is included in the cost of your Quark Expeditions Arctic Watch expedition, provided by Travelex insurance company. Included coverage is applicable only to travel occurring between the first and last day of the trip purchased from Quark Expeditions. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition, 6 QUARK Quark Expeditions EXPEDITIONS Documents including pre- and post-packages/hotels/flights, purchased from Quark Expeditions or from suppliers other than Quark Expeditions are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. It is a condition of the booking that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in which we visit, travelers must have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage. Quark Expeditions requires proof of coverage prior to the expedition. The travel insurance policy should also cover trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation, as weather can delay flights. Quark Expeditions will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. Please book your travel insurance at com/travel-insurance or with your Polar Travel Adviser. Due to the remoteness of the places we visit, an adequate medical facility could be 72 hours away or more. Emergency evacuation and adequate medical treatment may be delayed or unavailable in certain areas. EXPEDITION DOCUMENTS ACTIVITIES FORM Once you arrive at Arctic Watch, you will be asked to complete and sign an activity form. A copy of this waiver will be provided to you in advance. Your Expedition Leader reserves the right to refuse participation in an activity if they have any safety or medical concerns at the time. EXPEDITION DOCUMENTS FINAL DOCUMENTS In addition to the preliminary documents mentioned above, you will receive your final documents via about four weeks prior to your scheduled departure. Final documents are sent once Quark Expeditions has received all of your required expedition forms and payments in full. EXPEDITION DOCUMENTS MANDATORY FORMS You are required to complete the following set of pre-expedition documents, which are available online. [1] Expedition Enrolment Form one per guest [2] Expedition Medical Information Form one per guest [3] Adventure Activity Waiver Form one per guest [4] Arrival/Departure Form one per guest [5] Parka and Boot Form one per guest Note that if you do not complete these forms you will not be able to CHANGES TO PROCEDURE Please note that changes in policy or procedures may occur between the time this booklet is published and when your voyage departs. Quark Expeditions appreciates your understanding in these matters and your awareness that we cannot accept responsibility for individual issues that may arise due to any changes. join your expedition. Medical information must be completed within 14 days of providing deposit payment on your voyage. Please advise Quark Expeditions of any changes to your medical information between the time you submit your form and your expedition departure date. Full instructions are provided on each form, but if you have any questions please contact us. ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 7

5 What to Pack Informality is a hallmark of our expeditions. We recommend you bring comfortable layers. Tight clothing is not recommended as it does not allow insulating air to be trapped. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like fleece, retain heat. We do not recommend clothing made of cotton. CONSIDER THE WEATHER You will be traveling to Arctic Watch during the summer, when conditions are mild, and changeable. Enjoyable sunny days can swiftly change to cold, windy storms with snow flurries. The average temperature is about 12C. Guests should be prepared for 0C to +20C PROVIDED GEAR THE QUARK EXPEDITIONS PARKA All our passengers will receive our signature yellow expedition parka on the first day of your trip. This 3-in-1 hooded, waterproof parka is specially designed for the Polar regions and is insulated with a detachable fleece jacket. It will serve you well during your time at Arctic Watch. BOOTS Quark Expeditions will loan you a free pair of Muck Boots to use for the duration of your time at Arctic Watch. These are a new option to the traditional rubber boot. They have neoprene uppers and a neoprene/ polyurethane foot and are comfortable for walking all day. OTHER GEAR RAIN PANTS A good waterproof (not water repellant) pant is your primary protection against the wind while riding on ATVs, etc.. 8 QUARK EXPEDITIONS HIKING/WALKING BOOTS A sturdy, full-leather waterproof or water-resistant pair of comfortable light weight boots is useful but can be replaced with good rubber boots. LODGE SHOES Some light shoes or sneakers for wearing around the lodge are useful. COMFORTABLE PANTS FOR HIKING A couple pairs of comfortable of pants are good to have on hand. We recommend quick dry fabrics made from tightly woven, wind resistant material. HAT A wool toque (cap) or fleece hat made of a material that dries easily is necessary. GLOVES Gloves or mittens with a wind resistant outer fabric are good for cold days or those ATV rides. BASE LAYERS Silk, wool or polypropylene underwear are all great as they are less bulky and will keep you nice and warm. Extra lightweight versions are available if you want to sacrifice a tiny bit of warmth for more packing space. SWIMSUIT An optional item, however if you want to participate in the exciting polar plunge, you will want to pack a swim suit. WARM SOCKS A few pairs of good wool or wool-synthetic blend socks are essential. Remember that socks are small to pack and are wonderful to wear! At Arctic Watch we also sell smart wool socks. PACKING CHECKLIST Use the convenient list below to ensure you have not missed any important items we have mentioned. Check off each item as you pack it into your luggage. LIST OF ESSENTIALS DAY PACK You need this to carry your extra things such as camera and clothing while on a day s outing, such as walking, rafting, sea kayaking (with waterproof storage compartments) or when riding the ATV. PERSONAL ITEMS Bring your toiletries, camera, sunglasses. Please note that hair dryers and curling irons, etc. cannot be used at the lodge. Soft drinks and beer are not available at Arctic Watch. You are more than welcome to bring your own, however please remember to consider your baggage weight restrictions and portability of liquids. FISHING GEAR Waterproof pants Gloves (2 pairs minimum) Hat that covers ears Scarf Sunglasses with UV protection Sunscreen Warm pants Silk or polypropylene underwear Four pairs of long wool or cotton socks Several pairs of silk or polypropylene socks Sweaters and fleece tops Cotton turtlenecks and t-shirts Your prescription medicines Gear is available, but if you like to fish you are welcome to bring your own gear. LIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS Waterproof, lightweight backpack or daypack Swimsuit Binoculars Camera with extra batteries Extra memory cards or film Extra pair of prescription glasses Plastic bags with zippers Ecologically friendly laundry soap Small medical kit Earplugs, in case of noisy cabin mates Small alarm clock or watch with an alarm Aspirin or other medicines GEAR FOR ARCTIC WATCH ACTIVITIES We have the following gear available to use for the appropriate activities: ATV helmets, fishing gear, paddling dry jackets and pants, life jackets (PDFs), and mountain bikes. PACKING CHECKLIST You can use the convenient list above to ensure you have not missed any important items we have mentioned. Check off each item as you pack it into your luggage. GEAR SHOP You can visit our Gear Shop at to purchase one of our essential gear packages. ARCTIC WATCH BOUTIQUE If you arrive at the lodge and realize you forgot to pack something, we have a small selection of high-quality gear featuring brands such as Arcteryx, as well as some Inuit art for purchase. ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 9

6 Money Matters Health & Medical CURRENCY GENERAL HEALTH The Canadian dollar is the standard currency at Arctic Watch. You can also use Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or American Express credit cards to pay your account. If you are taking any prescription medicines, we suggest that you carry an extra week s supply in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. As your health and safety are a priority for us, if you have particular health needs, please advise us upon your arrival. PAYMENT SYSTEM We accept credit and/or cash. Tax is 5% GST for Canadians and 2.5% for out-of-country guests. GRATUITIES, TAXES The price of your expedition includes all gratuities and taxes for included meals, baggage handling and drivers or guides. Your voyage price does not include the customary gratuity to the lodge s personnel, which is divided amongst the staff, Expedition Team and hospitality team. As a guideline, we suggest for your convenience the amount of US$13 to $15 per traveler per day. The amount you choose to give is at your discretion and can be added to your account. The best way to ensure we are aware of your pre-existing health conditions is to bring a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for your prescribed medication. You can provide this letter to our expedition team once at Arctic Watch. MOBILITY As your adventure will be operating in a remote part of the world, it is essential that you have a high level of mobility. INOCULATIONS You do not require any inoculations for the destinations we visit, however this is always subject change. Please confer with your physician to be sure that your routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria are up-to-date and ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A or B prior to traveling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventative measures against influenza and pneumonia. For the most accurate information about inoculation requirements, contact your physician or your local Public Health Service. FIRST AID Our staff are trained in wilderness first aid, and have experience dealing with Arctic injuries. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug. 10 QUARK EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 11

7 HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE LODGE INFORMATION Your room and facilities will be cleaned on a daily basis. As Arctic Watch operates in a very fragile environment, in accordance with Quark s sustainability practices, we change sheets once a week. ARCTIC WATCH LODGE COMMUNICATION Located 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 50 miles from the nearest town, Arctic Watch is a permanent wilderness resort that offers hotel-like accommodations in a remote Arctic setting. Our guests experience the beauty and wonder of this fabulous place, while enjoying the comforts of home and delicious meals. GUESTS STAFF BAR & WINE SERVICE Coffee, tea and juice are all complimentary (please note: no soft drinks are available). Wine and spirits are also available for purchase at the lodge. We incorporate some of Canada s finest wines into our menu, changing every year. We work with a sommelier out of the Okanagan Valley to pick wines annually. The Northwest Passage Wine & Spirit list is paired to the evening meals. Guests are allowed to bring their own wine or beverages, keeping in mind the baggage weight restrictions. Please note that it is Quark Expeditions policy to not serve alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 18 years. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the lodge. Cell phone service is not available at Arctic Watch, though guests are welcome to use Skype via Wi-Fi. There is a satellite phone for emergency communication. ELECTRIC CURRENT The electrical supply at Arctic Watch is 120v/60Hz, same as most North American plugs. EMERGENCIES In case of emergency, please alert a staff member immediately. If there is a medical emergency at Arctic Watch, that person(s) will be evacuated to Resolute, which has a nursing station. If the situation requires the patient would then be medi-vaced to Iqaluit or possibly Ottawa. A medi-vac is considered a form of ambulance, and non-nunavut residents pay for the service. A travel insurance that includes medical coverage is advised. LIBRARY You will find a small library of polar books, reference materials and general reading material in the Great Hall. Board games and playing cards are also available. SMOKING Smoking is permitted. WATER The water is very clean on Somerset Island, and all running water is safe to drink. 12 QUARK EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 13

8 Air & Land Arrangements AIR PRE AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS Air transportation to and from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, is not included in the cost of your expedition or transfer package. Quark Expeditions can assist you with booking air arrangements on an individual basis or feel free to contact your favorite travel agent or airline. You are required to book the mandatory transfer package for the starting and ending points of your expedition. This package includes: pre- and post-expedition hotel nights in Yellowknife (with breakfast); group transfer to and from the charter airport; and the return charter flight from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch lodge. Transfers from the Yellowknife airport to the hotel and back are not included. Many travelers desire to spend extra time in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton or Yellowknife. Ask your Polar Travel Adviser about available options. AIRPORT TAXES ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Please note that airport taxes are not included in the cost of your expedition and are seldom included in the cost of your airfare. You are responsible for paying the airport taxes. Since tax amounts are subject to change, please carry sufficient cash to pay your airport taxes, as not all taxes can be paid by credit card. Sturdy, soft-sided luggage is recommended over hard-sided luggage, as it will be easier to stow in your room. If you are traveling via the United States we advise that you do not lock your luggage, or use a Travel Security Administration (TSA) approved security device. AIRLINE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Please note that the baggage restrictions for the charter flight from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch lodge are 42lbs/20kg (including carry-on) per passenger, and are strictly enforced. SOLO TRAVELERS If you book your expedition on a single occupancy basis, you will also be in a single room during your hotel stay. If you have opted to participate in the Request-Share program, you will share your hotel room. If you prefer to be in a single room for the hotel night, it can be arranged upon payment of a supplement. When you check-in, verify that the ticket agent has properly tagged your baggage for the correct destination. Always carry basic necessities and your important documents, including passport, airline tickets and prescribed medication in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Airlines often enforce baggage restrictions on international flights. We recommend that you check with your airlines ahead of time to determine what your carry-on and checked bag allowance is, to avoid possible check-in issues or costly excess baggage fees. The allowances vary greatly between airlines, so we advise that you check the restrictions for each of your flights. Other domestic flights may often have stricter baggage restrictions than international flights, so pay extra attention to the restrictions on your domestic flights and pack according to those restrictions. 14 QUARK EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 15

9 Traveling to Arctic Watch Please be aware that Arctic Watch is a remote location, about 3,400 km (2100 miles) north of Ottawa, 1,500 km (1,200 miles) north of Iqaluit and 1,500 km (1,200 miles) north east of Yellowknife, NWT. FIRST LEG The first leg of your journey is from your home to Yellowknife, NWT, via Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta. Three air carriers offer service between Edmonton and Yellowknife: Air Canada, First Air and Canadian North. We recommend you arrive before 7pm on day 1 of your itinerary. We will have a pre-departure meeting at the hotel with information about your charter flight, and you ll have a chance to meet your fellow guests and collect your parka. SECOND LEG The second leg of your journey is via Summit Air from Yellowknife to Somerset Island. You will travel in either a 38 passenger De Havilland Dash-8 or a 19 passenger Dornier. The aircraft will leave Yellowknife at approximately 09:00 and arrive at Arctic Watch in mid-afternoon. The aircraft will stop for fuel in the community of Cambridge Bay. Total flying time is about four to five hours. Reminder: the baggage allowance for the charter flight from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch is 42 lbs (20 kg) which includes one carry-on per person. RETURNING HOME The plane arrives during the afternoon of your last day at Arctic Watch lodge. Upon landing back in Yellowknife, you will be transferred from the charter airport to the hotel. You can schedule a flight anytime the next day to leave Yellowknife. Daily Life at Arctic Watch AIR Air transportation to and from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, is not included in the cost of your expedition or transfer package. Quark Expeditions can assist you with booking air arrangements on an individual basis or DAILY PROGRAM There are daily briefings each day following breakfast where the day s agenda will be presented. Every day, regardless of weather conditions we will still do most adventure activities. The range of activities is broad enough to encompass most weather situations. PRESENTATIONS Your Expedition Team is carefully chosen for their combined experience, knowledge and passion for the all things Polar. Throughout your week, there will be daily presentations, as well as informal briefings, on a range of topics including ornithology, marine biology, glaciology, geography, geology, history and the environment. Biographies of your Expedition Team members will be provided to you when you receive your final documents before your expedition. DAILY BRIEFINGS AND RECAPS You will have regular briefings throughout the week. These briefings allow your Expedition team to provide you with information about upcoming activities. During your recap sessions you are encouraged to share your experience and wildlife sightings or ask questions about the places you have just visited. LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE Please ensure that your impact on the environment is negligible while viewing wildlife during your expedition. You must always follow our basic principle: do not disturb wildlife, historical remains or the landscape. 16 QUARK EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 17

10 Taking Photographs You will find that photography in the Polar Regions presents some unique challenges, ranging from the natural tough lighting conditions and cold weather, to the logistical how to pack properly for an expedition taking place in such a remote part of the world. PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL ON DVD If you are not an avid photographer, not to worry, we have you covered. As a memento of your journey, Quark Expeditions will create a photographic journal, which all passengers are able to take home with them, free of charge. GEAR AND EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES If you are an avid photographer who carries tripods, external hard drives, laptops and a number of lenses please remember the baggage limit on the charter flight as excess baggage isn t available. THE GOLDEN RULE OF POLAR PHOTOGRAPHY Bring a camera. Even if you never take pictures, much of what you will see and experience in the Polar Regions defies description and begs to be photographed. HOW MUCH MEMORY IS TOO MUCH? You will take more pictures than you have ever taken before. The shooting ratio ranges from 3:1 to 5:1. Double the amount of memory cards that you normally bring when you travel. 18 QUARK EXPEDITIONS TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Bring your laptop and a large thumb drive for sharing files and for backing up your memory cards. Bring camera cleaning gear. Cold temperatures quickly eat up battery power. Carry batteries close to your body to keep them warm and bring plenty of spares. Protect your photographic gear from the elements risk of rain, snow and sea water splash means a waterproof bag is essential. Bring your flash Arctic light can be harsh depending on the time of year. Remember you ll be wearing a parka, so leave your photo vest behind, unless you have an oversized one. Backpacks to carry your equipment are more convenient than side bags when getting in and out of rafts. Replacement gear is not available A polarizing filter can be useful in the Polar Regions, but is not essential. Special bird shots may require a fast long lens. ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 19

11 Frequently Asked Questions DO I HAVE TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH? Yes, you must be in good general health. Our medical information form will assist you in determining your suitability. DO I HAVE TO GET SPECIAL VACCINATIONS? No special vaccinations are required. WHERE CAN I GET A MAP? A topographical map of Cunningham Inlet is part of the Resolute Bay map, scale of 1:250,000, number 58F. Maps are available at or similar companies. WHAT KIND OF PLANE WILL I FLY ON? The charter plane from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch is either a Dash-8, a 38 passenger turbo-prop aircraft or a Dornier 228, a 19 passenger turbo-prop aircraft. IS THERE HEAT IN THE CABIN? The cabins are not heated, however a warm comforter is included each cabin. ARE SINGLE CABINS AVAILABLE? We can accommodate those traveling solo who wish to pay a single supplement or are willing to share with a same-sex guest (subject to availability). Please speak to one of our Polar Travel Advisers. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT? The average daytime temperature is +10C to +12C. At night, the sun is still up, but it is lower on the horizon and the temperature is about 5 degrees colder. ARE THERE MOSQUITOES OR OTHER BUGS? There are no biting insects at Arctic Watch. DO I NEED TO BRING GEAR FOR SEA KAYAKING? We will supply all the gear you will need to go sea kayaking, including dry suits, paddles and PFDs. Contact Information Our Polar Travel Advisers are always available to assist you before, during or after your expedition travels. CONTACT US BY PHONE Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tel TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS: North America (Toll Free) U.K. Tel U.K. (Toll Free) Australia Tel Australia (Toll Free) CONTACT US BY 24 HOURS A DAY / 7 DAYS A WEEK: enquiry@quarkexpeditions.com or contact your personal Polar Travel Adviser. DO I NEED LONG UNDERWEAR? The temperature can vary from a high of +20C (70F) to freezing. Normal temperatures are +8C to +12C. This is cool and a layer of synthetic (no cotton please) underwear is the best first layer next to your skin. DOES IT SNOW DURING THE SUMMER? In the High Arctic, it can snow at any time of the year. If it does snow in the summer, it usually melts within a day. IS THERE RUNNING WATER/ELECTRICITY IN MY CABIN? Each cabin has 120-volt electricity, cold running water and a marine toilet. (No hairdryers or heated hair appliances please) DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO SEA KAYAK? Most of the kayaks are for two people (doubles). If you have no experience, we will put you with a guide or someone with experience. The boats are extremely stable. If conditions are windy or unsettled, we will not go out. We do advise that some experience is recommended. IS THERE ALCOHOL AT ARCTIC WATCH? We do have wine and some spirits available for purchase. If you wish to bring any alcoholic drinks of your own, please do so. We do ask that you respect the other guests. Please note that soft drinks are not available. AM I LIKELY TO SEE A POLAR BEAR? Visit our website for Live Chat assistance or more information on any of our expeditions: All photos are current as of publication date and are subject to change. ARE BEDDING AND TOWELS PROVIDED IN MY CABIN? Bedding and towels are provided by Arctic Watch. Polar bears are very unpredictable animals. In the early years, we didn t see many polar bears. However, during the last few years, we are seeing polar bears regularly, especially once the ice has melted. Recently, the Inuit from Resolute reported seeing many bears with three cubs. If you would like to see a polar bear, please let us know, as there are areas we can go where the chances of seeing a bear are greater. 20 QUARK EXPEDITIONS ARCTIC WATCH GUIDE BOOK 21