Book your tickets to Iqaluit, the capital city of the Nunavut Territory via Ottawa or Winnipeg. These gateway cities have direct flights to Iqaluit. If flying to the connecting cities of Ottawa or Winnipeg from the United States, be sure to have a valid and current US passport.
Arrange for air charter services out of Iqaluit to Resolute, the gateway city in Nunavut frequently used to stage expeditions to Ellesmere Island or Baffin Island. Air Nunavut offers flights to Resolute from Iqaluit.
Hire a boat charter or bush flight to Ellesmere Island from Resolute. Unless you are experienced with arctic travel and backcountry technique, do not attempt a trip on your own. Arrange for a guided trip, which frequently includes air or boat travel to Ellesmere Island. Polar bears, inclement weather and a lack of medical services make Ellesmere a deadly place for the inexperienced -- hire a guide service for safety's sake. The Great Canadian Adventure Company offers a variety of Ellesmere Island adventures, including sea kayaking, glacier travel and wildlife photo safaris.
Pack for arctic weather, even during the summer months. Weather is unpredictable and changes on a dime. Average daytime temperature on Ellesmere Island during July, the peak summer month, is 37.9 °F. Prepare for cold and inclement weather. Pack camera gear in shockproof boxes, as the air and boat trips are jarring affairs.
