Nature Observation - Baby Harp Seal Watch
Itinerary
Day 1: Quebec City,
Canada
Arrive in Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River, the
second-oldest European settlement in Canada, established by Samuel
de Champlain in the 17th century. A distinctly French atmosphere
permeates the city still today, especially within the historic
quarter, with its narrow lanes and stone walls. Meet the
Expedition Leader at a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2: Quebec City / Magdalen Islands
Fly this morning to the Magdalen Islands. As we leave the
mainland, we gaze down on a sub-arctic landscape that resembles a
frozen jigsaw puzzle, as ice chokes the open water of the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, forming jagged floes that float atop the sea. Amidst
the ice we can make out the fishhook-shaped archipelago, “Les Isles
de la Madeleine,” or the “Maggies,” in less-French colloquial
use.
On arrival we are oriented with a tour of these remote islands,
exploring their maritime topography. Pushed up from the ocean floor
and sculpted by waves, winds and currents in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, the islands are in a constant state of change. Salt
marshes, sand dunes and sandstone cliffs are among their main
habitats. The Gulf waters sustain a vital fishing culture, and we
may see lobster pots and fishing nets awaiting the spring thaw.
Though often hidden from view, the islands are home to many
wintering birds that find the landscape reminiscent of their summer
homes farther north. In a presentation this evening, we learn about
the remarkable life cycle of the harp seal.
Days 3 - 6: Magdalen Islands, Seal Excursions &
Northern Adventure
While in the islands, we can visit the seal herds every day that
the weather allows. After a brief safety presentation, our guides
issue expedition suits and prepare us for one of the world’s most
unique wildlife encounters. The journey to the seals can take
between five minutes and one hour, depending on their location.
After our helicopter pilot chooses a suitable ice pan, we set down
for our up-close experience with the herd.
On the ice pans there may be hundreds of lolling, lumbering,
barking harp seals, with fluffy white-coated babies by their sides.
We spread out among the seals, giving each traveler ample
opportunity for personal time with these captivating animals. We
normally have only eight people on the ice at a time (and no more
than 16 total in our group), giving us a chance to enjoy a very
private experience. When we approach the seals, they have different
reactions: some bark at us like puppy dogs, others scurry away, and
still others roll on their backs, almost encouraging us to scratch
their bellies.
The Expedition Leaders are highly knowledgeable in seal
biology and behavior, which enhances our experience significantly.
When we are not visiting the seals, travelers can participate in
outdoor activities (weather permitting) such as snowshoeing, dog
sledding and hiking, as well as indoor pursuits such as slide shows
and lectures on wildlife and photography. There’s also an
opportunity for island tours, including visits to the many
traditional crafts shops featuring the distinctive work of local
Acadian artisans. (All of these activities are optional but are
included in your fee.)
Day 7: Magdalen Islands / Quebec City
After a final opportunity for activities today, we fly back to
Quebec City. Depending on schedules, enjoy either a farewell lunch
on the Maggies or a farewell dinner in Quebec City with your
Expedition Leader(s) this evening, with a last chance to share
stories of a most amazing week.
Day 8: Quebec City / Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight
home.
Please note: On our 7-day expedition we travel back to Quebec City
on Day 6. Note on ice conditions: Our encounters with the seals are
largely dependent on ice conditions and weather. When the ice is
thick we can often walk among hundreds of seals. When the ice is
sparse and free floating we may only find individual animals. We
ask that our guests recognize that this is a true nature expedition
where we cannot predict the exact conditions.
Depending on the location of the seals just prior to the season,
there is a remote chance that we will move our operation to Prince
Edward Island. Once we are stationed, we will remain in one
location for the duration of the season.
Your Journey To The Ice Floes & Our Commitment to Traveler
Safety:
Of course, all schedules depend on weather and equipment conditions
as well as our travelers' abilities and desires. Our journey to the
seal herds may take anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour, providing
wonderful views of the frozen Gulf of St. Lawrence from the
air.
Safety for our travelers, and for the seals, is our main
concern. To this end, we provide an extensive safety presentation
and our pilots, guides and helicopters will remain with you during
your entire stay on the ice. Each and every traveler on the ice
floes (generally about 8 travelers at a time), will have a
helicopter seat of their own. To us, this is absolutely essential.
In the unlikely event that ice conditions change rapidly we can
lift each traveler off the ice within just minutes. While this
scenario is rare, our many years of running seal watching trips and
flying helicopters in the northern environs (we've been working on
Seal Watch since 1987 and some of our pilots have worked with
environmental organizations on the ice floes even before that) has
shown us that it does happen. We simply will not compromise
safety!
Quick Links:
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- introduction
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- factfile
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- map
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- dates & prices
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- booking enquiry
nature observation, baby harp seal watch
- before you go
Ref: Harp Seal watch - NH0006
