Table Of Contents
During the summer, the Northwest Passage awakens as a haven for some of the most diverse animal species in the Arctic. Wildlife frequently seen in the Northwest Passage includes polar bears that use the passage for hunting, bowhead whales, musk ox, belugas, narwhals, caribou, and a wealth of birdlife that migrates during the summer months.
In this guide to Northwest Passage wildlife, I share our first-hand travel experiences and knowledge of the animals in the Northwest Passage region, the key species you may see on a Northwest Passage Cruise, and the best places to see wildlife.
At Polar Escapes, we are experts in exploring the Northwest Passage. If you are planning a trip, why not check out our largest selection of Northwest Passage cruises and tours to encounter the beautiful scenery and captivating wildlife for yourself?
Animals In the Northwest Passage
Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Northwest Passage is one of the last great wildernesses on Earth and a sanctuary for wildlife.
Every Northwest Passage cruise has different wildlife sightings, and as with any expedition, nothing is ever guaranteed. To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a list of animals that we have regularly sighted:
1. Polar Bears
Polar bears are endemic to the Arctic and North Pole region and are natural predators of ringed and bearded seals. They are classified as marine mammals and spend most of their lives hunting on sea ice.
The Canadian Arctic has the largest population of polar bears, thought to be 16,000 individuals, around two-thirds of the world’s population. During the summer, they roam into the Northwest Passage, following seals and narwhals as they migrate through the narrow waterways.
At the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, Lancaster Sound is a polar bear hotspot with one of the highest concentrations of bears in the Arctic. Polar bears congregate in Lancaster Sound as the sea ice melts, attracted by migrating beluga whales and narwhals.
Top Tip: We highly recommend a cruise on a small ship that visits key polar bear areas such as Lancaster Sound to see polar bears.
2. Walruses
Atlantic walruses are native to Arctic Canada and can be seen throughout the Northwest Passage. Distinguished by their long tusks used for self-defence and mobility on the ice, walruses are often seen resting on ice floes in small groups. Male walruses weigh up to 2 tonnes and are the largest pinnipeds.
The largest herd of walruses in Arctic Canada is at Foxe Basin off the west coast of Baffin Island. This is also a great place to spot polar bears and seals.
3. Caribou
Caribou migrate north during the summer months into the Canadian High Arctic. Unlike other reindeer, both males and females caribou grow antlers that regenerate each year. They are covered in velvet during their early development and later shed. Often, caribou can be seen grazing in large herds on the tundra in the Northwest Passage.
4. Beluga Whales
Known as the white whale, belugas are social creatures that hunt and migrate in pods of a few to over 100 individuals. During the summer, two-thirds of the world’s beluga whale populations, estimated to be around 180,000 individuals, migrate to the Canadian Arctic.
Often, beluga are seen in pods swimming close to glaciers and shallow bays throughout the Northwest Passage. Somerset Island is a known hotspot for beluga whale sightings.
In my experience, seeing beluga whales up close takes some patience and some luck. On one occasion, we switched off the engines and waited over an hour for a pod of Beluga whales to swim close to the ship—a worthwhile wait.
5. Seals
The Arctic has six seal species: harp, hooded, ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon.
An estimated 2 million ringed seals live in the Northwest Passage and are vital to the ecosystem. They are also the primary food source for polar bears, making them an essential part of the Arctic food web. For centuries, the Inuit have hunted ringed seals for their skins, which are used to make clothes and footwear.
Ringed seals are often seen resting on ice floes. They are commonly seen on Zodiac cruises close to glaciers and on the last remaining sea ice.
6. Musk Oxen
Musk oxen get their name from the musky odour they produce during the mating season to attract partners. With thick, shaggy fur coats, these tough creatures are built for frigid winters. Canada has an estimated 85,000 musk oxen, which are mainly found on Banks and Victoria Island, grazing on the tundra.
7. Bowhead Whales
Bowhead whales are among the few Arctic species remaining in Northwest Passage waters year-round. They have a lifespan of 150 – 200 years, making them one of the longest-living sea creatures on Earth. These mighty whales are only second in size to the Blue Whale.
I have been fortunate to see Bowhead whales in the wild several times. They float with the backs of their heads above the water and can often initially be hard to see amongst the sea ice. Sightings in the Northwest Passage and Baffin Bay are pretty rare as they are a shy species, but it remains one of the best places in the Arctic to see them, and if you get lucky, it is an impressive site.
8. Narwhals
Narwhals, known as ‘sea unicorns’ with long spiral tusks, migrate into the Northwest Passage, looking for summer feeding areas as the ice thaws. Their migration patterns are closely linked to the shifting sea ice in the Arctic.
Known as an elusive animal, you must be fortunate to spot a narwhal. They are a timid species and sensitive to their environment. When seen, they typically swim in pods close to the edge of the sea ice.
9. Arctic Hare
Arctic hares are a year-round resident of the Northwest Passage. They are speedy runners and can reach speeds of up to 60 kph when avoiding capture by prey. During the winter, they have a thick white coat of fur that protects them against the harsh polar climate. During the summer, their fur changes colour to blend with the rocky tundra. A keen eye and a good pair of binoculars are essential for spotting Arctic hares.
10. Arctic Fox
Like the Arctic hare, the fox also changes its fur colour to maintain camouflage throughout the year. White in the winter, Arctic foxes are brown during the summer when you will most likely visit the Northwest Passage.
Often, Arctic foxes can be seen scavenging on polar bear kills or at the bottom of bird cliffs looking for fallen chicks and eggs. They are exceptionally adapted animals that can survive all year round in the harshest climates.
11. Birds Of The Northwest Passage
Over 300 bird species migrate to the Canadian Arctic each summer, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Key species regularly sighted on Northwest Passage cruises include rock ptarmigans, guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes, and auks.
Over 400,000 birds descend to the jagged limestone cliffs of Prince Leopold Island alone, making it one of the most impressive sights for birdwatchers. Bylot Island, situated northeast of Baffin Island, is a bird sanctuary with 35 breeding species and six permanent residents.
On your Northwest Passage cruise, you will have highly trained guides who spend a great deal of time on deck looking out for wildlife. They have excellent local knowledge and know the best wildlife hotspots. As with any expedition, wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip.
To learn more about all the species in the Arctic, please see our Guide To Arctic Wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing Tips From Polar Escapes
- Understand that the Northwest Passage comprises a massive expanse of the Canadian Arctic. Due to the vast area, wildlife sightings are less frequent than in Svalbard.
- Join an expedition cruise focussed on wildlife viewing. At Polar Escapes, we know the best wildlife trips in the Northwest Passage and can help you find the best expedition for your interests.
- Choose a small ship to maximise your time off-ship exploring.
- Spend time out on deck watching for wildlife.
- Bring a good pair of binoculars. Wildlife sightings often occur at a distance, particularly when on the ship.
- Get to know the guides and attend onboard lectures to learn more about the wildlife of the Northwest Passage.
Northwest Passage Wildlife FAQs
Will I definitely see polar bears?
Polar bear sightings can never be guaranteed. If you want to see polar bears, we highly recommend a longer trip to explore a large section of the Passage to maximise your time watching wildlife.
What is the best time of year to see wildlife?
The best time of year to see wildlife is late July and August when the first expedition cruises take place. If you are a keen birdwatcher, we highly recommend a trip earlier in the season, as by September, the birdlife has started to migrate south for the winter.
What is the best way to see wildlife?
The best way to visit the Northwest Passage and see wildlife is on one of our expedition cruises, exploring areas like Lancaster Sound and Bylot Island.
Northwest Passage Cruises have highly experienced guides and naturalists who seek to maximise wildlife encounters. The ships are equipped with Zodiac inflatable boats, which are the perfect way to get up close to wildlife with minimal disturbance.
To learn more about the best time to visit and how to get there, please see our guide, How to Visit the Northwest Passage.
Wildlife In The Northwest Passage Summary
- The Northwest Passage is home to the ‘Artic Big 5,’ including polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals, beluga whales, and walruses, as well as many other species.
- Due to the vast area, wildlife sightings are less frequent in the Northwest Passage than in Svalbard, although it is still an excellent Arctic destination for animal viewing.
- Expedition cruises are an excellent way to see wildlife in the Northwest Passage.
As a next step, why not contact our team, who have first-hand experience and knowledge of the best trips to see wildlife in the Canadian Arctic? Our advice is free of charge, and we always help you secure the best price for your expedition.
You can search all our Northwest Passage cruises here.
Thanks for reading and happy exploring.
to the coolest places on earth.
Most emails are boring.
Ours are cool.
Share
