Tour operator takes clients up, up and away
IAN STALKER
Arctic Kingdom can offer those who venture North an Arctic tern’s-eye-view of Baffin Island expanses.
The Iqaluit-based company is inviting Nunavut-bound vacationers to consider getting a view of Northern landscapes from above, thanks to its hot-air balloon rides, with April to early June seen as the time to engage in the lofty activity.
“For over a decade now, hot-air ballooning has been a jewel in our crown, offering a breathtaking and intricate adventure that leaves guests spellbound by the Arctic’s icy embrace,” says Arctic Kingdom’s David Lambert. “This rare and exclusive experience, available to only a discerning few, can create memories that last a lifetime in less than an hour’s flight.
“Indeed, those who glimpse our balloon photographs often can’t resist the urge to inquire about undertaking such a voyage themselves.”
Arctic Kingdom has a host of adventurous options for clients, including climbing icebergs and scuba diving in Arctic waters.
Lambert reports that the balloons can easily fly between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and cover 20 to 30 kilometres in an hour, depending on the amount of fuel they carry and wind conditions.
Gentle winds are welcome at ground level to provide a soft landing, while brisk winds are desirable at higher altitudes to enable the balloonists to cover more terrain.
Ballooning has become popular in much of the world but is a rarity in the Far North, with Lambert conceding that the region does provide its own challenges when it comes to that form of transportation.
“The Arctic’s capricious weather and challenging landing terrains present impressive obstacles,” he says. “Optimal wind conditions are crucial, as the balloon must avoid drifting to the open ocean and landing sites must be accessible by ground, unless a helicopter is at our disposal to assist with retrieval. While tethered flights are a viable option, ascending and descending in the same place, the true magic lies in the journey itself.
“Orchestrating such an extraordinary venture requires a dedicated crew. Beyond the skilled balloon pilot a certified balloon engineer must inspect and approve the balloon annually for commercial use as mandated by Transport Canada. Additionally, the ground crew, comprising of local guides and experts from across the country, and sometimes internationally, is indispensable in managing and supporting fuel logistics and balloon transport too.”
Meanwhile, Lambert says Arctic Kingdom clients who go the up, up, and away route with the tour operator will certainly find it memorable.
“The Arctic is a land of mystique and transformation, where everything is constantly evolving under the shifting snow and ice,” he says. “Each flight offers a new perspective, perhaps revealing wildlife below, or captivating vistas where the ocean meets the sky, framed by clouds and the ethereal glow of the Arctic sun. To go on this adventure, one must embrace the Arctic’s unpredictability. The elements dictate our schedule, and while we strive to take flight as soon as possible, patience and adaptability are essential. Whether soaring above the pristine wilderness or awaiting the perfect conditions on the ground, the Arctic’s beauty and serenity promise a profound and unforgettable experience.”
More information is available at arctickingdom.com.
