POLAR BEARS AND GLACIERS OF BAFFIN ISLAND

It is important to remember that we are visitors in this region and must be respectful of the people, environment and cultures. Be aware that indigenous people have the right to and do continue traditional hunting practices, and we ask that you adhere to our relationship of mutual trust and respect for their
traditional way of life. Please no photos of these activities as it may misconstrue or improperly portray their customs.

 

We ask that you always ask permission before taking photos of people. When visiting communities, please ask permission before taking photos of local people and especially ask parents permission before photos of any children.

Following the Wildlife Policy of Nunavut, and for the safety of our guests and wildlife, we ensure all participants remain at a minimum distance of 100 meters (approx. 300 feet from wildlife in the wild. Arctic Kingdom Expeditions Leaders and Inuit guides are trained, and experience in polar bear safety and de-escalation.

Groups will not approach animals beyond the minimum distance, but wildlife may approach participants under safe conditions and monitored circumstances.

For more information on the Wildlife Policy of the Territory of Nunavut please visit:
https://www.canlii.org/en/nu/laws/stat/snu-2003-c-26/latest/snu-2003-c-26.html

WILDLIFE CODE OF ETHICS

 

As wildlife viewers, our goal is to watch animals behaving in natural ways in their natural habitats. We respect the needs of wild animals for space, natural vegetation, and ecological community.We recognize our responsibility to know the consequences of wildlife viewing.

 

As guiding principles, we agree:

• -- To view or photograph from a distance that respects the needs of wildlife, using proper equipment such as binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lenses.
• -- Before approaching wildlife, we will first learn the spatial needs of each species and to recognize their alarm signals and behaviours.
• -- To avoid noises or actions that might stress wildlife or cause animals to waste energy in unnecessary flight.

VIEWING WILDLIFE SAFELY

 

• -- Wildlife watchersshould always be concerned about their own safety as well as that of the wildlife.
• -- Animals are unpredictable. Do not approach wildlife, large or small. View from a safe distance.
• -- Feeding wildlife is illegal and is a safety hazard to both people and wildlife.
• -- Bears are always unpredictable and dangerous.
• -- In marine habitats, be aware of many safety issues. Waves, tides, and tidal rips are hazards.
• -- DO NOT disturb, move, feed or touch any wildlife.
• -- ALWAYS FOLLOW the instructions of your guide and trip leaders. They are the most knowledgeable in animal behaviour and are there to keep you safe and ensure we have as little impact as possible.

 

Thank you for helping us conduct respectful, environmentally friendly and safe tourism!

Arctic Kingdom seeks to ensure that all of our trips contribute to the economy of the region. Tourism and film production can be a real boon to northern communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges, and bring focus to the natural environment.

 

We have a ‘total approach’ to responsible tourism. Everything, from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Arctic Kingdom as a company, is geared toward making a positive impact on the regions we visit. Arctic Kingdom trips are designed to allow a high degree of economic benefit to the communities;
we hire local guides and local drivers, buy local produce (whenever possible), eat local food, and use local services, thus ensuring that as much money as possible is retained within the local economy and the host communities. We are continually reassessing our trips, trying at all times to ensure that they are socially, economically, and environmentally sound.