Arctic Wild: Trip Itineraries
Polar Bears of Barter Island Trip
Download a copy of the Polar Bears of Barter Island Itinerary (PDF, 92 KB)
• Dates: September 1st through 4th.
• Region: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic Coast.
• Cost: $2300 per person from Fairbanks. Affordable rental camping gear available.
Sketch of the trip…
Each fall polar bears from the Beaufort Sea travel to Barter Island, sometimes in great numbers. They travel off of the pack ice to shore seeking their annual food bonanza. Barter Island is home to some 400 Inupiat Eskimos who each fall continue the tradition of hunting for whales. When all of the parts of the whale fit for human consumption have been harvested, the carcass is given to the waiting bears. This situation provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to safely observe bears feeding and interacting at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Twenty to thirty bears are regularly on the island at this time of year. We will fly to the village of Kaktovik on Barter Island and stay at the one-of-a-kind “Waldo Arms Hotel”, Kaktovik’s finest eatery and hotel. Walt and Merlyn who own the “Arms” will show us our rooms, orient us to Kaktovik and hand us the keys to a van which we will use to get to and observe the bears. The vehicle allows us to be close enough to the bears for excellent photography and observation without disturbing them or endangering ourselves. While observing bears you will be accompanied by a guide at all times, who can educate you about behavior, physiology and ecology. The guide is also on hand to ensure your safety and the safety of the bears. In addition to watching polar bears and enjoying the hospitality at the “Arms”, Barter Island has hiking, birdwatching (particularly for waterfowl), and there is no lack of interesting people living in the village or traveling through the “Arms” to entertain. As if this were not enough to satisfy the adventurous traveler, September is also a wonderful time to observe the Aurora. This promises to be a unique and exciting vacation.
What follows is a forecast of the trip, a general idea of the flow of events.
As a forecast, it may be amended to meet conditions and opportunities in the field.
Day 1: Fly from Fairbanks, over the mighty Yukon River, across the Arctic Circle, over the Brooks Range, and to the Eskimo village of Kaktovik population 400. After an orientation and moving into our rooms, we will head to the beach to see the bears.
Days 2-3: We will divide our time between watching and photographing bears, enjoying hearty meals at the hotel and walking around the village. Evenings can be spent watching the aurora, watching bears again, or visiting with fellow travelers.
Day 4: We will have the bulk of the day to watch loons, eiders, or polar bears, or do whatever suits your fancy. Weather permitting we will fly back to Fairbanks for a late dinner.
Included in the price of the trip:
Transportation beyond Fairbanks.
Outstanding guide service.
Wholesome, delicious food while on the trip.
4 days food and lodging at Waldo Arms Hotel
Transportation in Kaktovik
Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry)
Not included in the price of the trip:
Lodging beyond the duration of the trip
Food beyond the duration of the trip.
Waterproof camera case.
Fishing gear and fishing license.
Warm clothingGratuity for guide(s)
Weather & Bugs: A variety of weather should be expected including foggy periods and bright sunny conditions. Temperatures will be cold (20 to 50). Snow is likely. Bring a good parka, hat, and gloves. The up-side is that mosquitos will be nowhere in sight.
Suggested Reading:; Arctic Dreams, Barry Lopez; Caribou & the Barren-Lands, George Calef;; National Geographic, Dec. 79; Audubon, May 88, July 76; Vanishing Arctic, T. H. Watkins. North Alaska Chronicle, John Martin Campbell; My Life with the Eskimo, Vilhjalmur Stefansson; 40 Years Below Zero, Brower