Kekerten Island Day Trips: Top 5 Tours & Excursions

Kekerten Island, now that’s a name that perhaps doesn’t just exactly roll off the tongue right away, huh? Still, don’t let the somewhat unusual name put you off. This place is seriously something else! Located off the coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada, Kekerten is almost like a window into the past, mixed with a real raw and untamed Arctic feel. What makes it quite cool are things such as its old whaling station ruins – a truly historical spot – and, well, the spectacular scenery all around. Getting to Kekerten typically means hooking up with a local operator that’s running tours out of places such as Qikiqtarjuaq (that’s an even bigger mouthful, right?). Once you arrive, be prepped to get, you know, totally blown away by wildlife. There are these bowhead whales, seals kind of chilling on the ice floes, plus seabirds soaring overhead. I’d say, if you like both adventure and seeing some serious history up close, then Kekerten Island probably should be bumping up your must-visit destinations right now.

1. Kekerten Island Historical Whaling Station Tour

Want to feel what it’s like stepping back in time? Then look no further. Almost everybody who visits Kekerten heads here straightaway. It is like, absolutely the top reason most people check out Kekerten at all! So, it used to be a real hot spot back in the 19th century when whaling was basically, you know, a massive deal. Today, you can get to traipse right through the remains of the old station and picture what things might’ve looked like way back then. The local guides very much have some awesome tales to share, offering a great peek into both the hard lives of the whalers and, really, what the island means to Inuit culture now. Pretty neat, right? Read our full review: Kekerten Island Historical Whaling Station Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kekerten Island Historical Whaling Station Tour)

2. Arctic Wildlife Photography Expedition

Got a fancy camera that’s almost never used? Dust it off for this kind of adventure! Kekerten is truly brimming with stuff that photographers are going to appreciate, such as scenes of wildlife and stunning landscape views everywhere you gaze. Honestly, seals chilling out right on the ice floes almost beg to be captured on camera, and those towering icebergs seemingly drift along rather dramatically in the background. Basically, even if perhaps you’re a beginner when it comes to all things photography related, the guides will surely give pointers showing exactly how to take snapshots worthy enough to put in a frame once you’re back home. That’s the aim anyway, isn’t it? So, anyway be prepped for what could be quite long days out in some pretty challenging weather, but as long as you dress in the right attire it really should be absolutely worth it. Read our full review: Arctic Wildlife Photography Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Arctic Wildlife Photography Expedition)

3. Inuit Cultural Immersion Day Trip

More so than just landscapes and cool looking animals, the Inuit people offer such a rich and deep perspective regarding living so close alongside what nature provides in such harsh conditions. On this outing, it can often be quite a privilege indeed getting a chance to chat with some local Inuit guides, to have them telling stories and describing the various traditions that have very much gotten passed down the generations. You may find out a little bit, maybe about how they go about surviving out on the land, or about whatever their artwork signifies, so too there may just be the possibility of learning some vital survival skills to boot. A visit such as this honestly offers a really intimate peep at a unique means of experiencing this awesome part of our world, and it, perhaps unsurprisingly, helps visitors gain that much more appreciation when viewing everything else Kekerten provides during their stay. Read our full review: Inuit Cultural Immersion Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Inuit Cultural Immersion Day Trip)

4. Sea Kayaking Adventure around Kekerten Island

Feel daring? So, ditch the tour boat and, instead, get as close to the icy waters that are right around Kekerten by taking to the ocean in what is basically a tiny kayak! Numerous operators have trips available for those hoping to navigate close right up against bits of coastline, squeeze past icebergs – while safely keeping your distance, I imagine! – plus basically check out places where all that wildlife hangs out, often while paddling close to shores and remote, little inlets that not everyone often bothers exploring. I mean, really, it doesn’t quite get as up close and super-personal with the environment of Kekerten than this particular option, if one were thinking about an alternate kind of experience than say simply taking snaps from, you know, behind a tour bus window. Be prepared though, and wrap up well if you’re going, as that water might just feel a bit bracing should you accidentally take a little dip into it! Read our full review: Sea Kayaking Adventure Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sea Kayaking Adventure)

5. Bowhead Whale Watching Tour

Alright so, did you know that Bowhead whales have been hanging out in those Arctic waters for thousands and thousands of years now? And Kekerten Island’s quite ideally located as one top location for trying to spot them during, in most cases, summer months when the sea ice begins to melt. All you gotta do is grab tickets for what is often a specially purposed boat tour with local pros, and they will know all the sweet locations to catch the biggest of these gentle beasts gliding across the water in this area. They can even be kind enough to let slip plenty of information and cool details when it comes to, say, Bowhead behavior plus also regarding what kinds of measures are getting brought in right now for keeping their kind preserved as the climate around there continues to change. Fingers crossed there’ll be loads on display! Read our full review: Bowhead Whale Watching Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bowhead Whale Watching Tour)