Barrenland Naturalist Tour
2026 Dates: Aug 18 – 24 – One Date Only! Limited Autumn Spots Available
This tour focuses on everything barrenlands – the arctic and taiga ecology, natural history and wildlife.
Venture out each day on hikes and boat trips to explore the very northern edge of the treeline at Point Lake, where the taiga gives way to the tundra and arctic and subarctic plants and animals mix. You’ll identify plants, learn about the factors that influence plants in this extreme environment, sample berries and edible plants, and enjoy the fall colours on the eskers, tundra slopes and small groves of spruce. And you’ll learn about the wildlife of the area, from dancing sandhill cranes and soaring raptors to small tundra birds; from wandering barrenground caribou to arctic hares, foxes, minute aquatic invertebrates, and whatever wildlife offers itself.
In addition, we’ll explore the geology of the area, from bedrock outcrops to landscapes carved by the great Laurentide ice sheet, as well as the human history of the area, from the early Indigenous groups to explorers like Samuel Hearne, Sir John Franklin (his first expedition, 1819-1822), and others, including the great diamond rush of the 1990’s.
Weather permitting, we will be out most of the day each day, boating, hiking or a combination of each, visiting places like Caribou Bay, Big Island, Esker Bay, including, hopefully, a visit to a rare phenomenon, an area of aufeis or overflow ice that often persists most of the summer.
| 2026 Dates | 2027 Dates |
| August 18 – 24 Only | August 18 – 24 Only |
| 2026 Price | 2027 Price |
| Book now and lock in 2025 price $7,495.00 for 2026 Season! |
| Minimum Number of Guests: 4 | Maximum Number of Guests: 12 |
All rates are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Single guests can sign up to share a room with another person of the same gender at the regular rate. If a single guest prefers to have a private room, this option is available pending lodge capacity and space. Alternate option is to book a single private room. Canadian Resident? Contact us for our special Canadian rate
What’s Included
▪ Scenic return charter float plane flight from Yellowknife to Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge.
▪ Five nights accommodation at Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge
▪ Three delicious meals per day (including packed, picnic or shore lunch option).
▪ Professional Naturalist program leader
▪ Guided Daily Excursions (including world-class trophy lake trout fishing option)
▪ Boats, equipped with dual motors, fuel, cushioned swivel seats for guided boating excursions.
The Extras & Lodge Gear
▪ Celebratory breakfast (Aug 19) enjoy a light continental picnic breakfast with bannock, homemade preserves, cheese, fruit and orange juice to kick off your trip. Served at the float base on the shore of Great Slave Lake.
▪ Lodge Gear including: rubber boots and life jackets
▪ Fishing Equipment: We have lodge fishing rods and reels are available
▪ Personalized shuttle to and from the Yellowknife airport, hotel and float base
What’s Not Included
▪ Yellowknife Expenses: Meals in Yellowknife and any hotel stays beyond the included first night.
▪ Insurance & Safety: Travel/Cancellation insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage (highly recommended).
▪ Beverages & Gratuities: Specialty beverages and staff gratuities.
▪ Contingencies: Any expenses incurred due to delays caused by inclement weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons beyond our control.
▪ Fishing Licenses: Licenses can be purchased [online here] or at our lodge tackle and gift shop. If you choose to purchase yours online in advance, please let us know!
Download a copy of our 2026 Barrenland Naturalist Tour flyer here.
Meet your Naturalist Leader, Guide Team and Lodge Staff
Meet the experts behind your journey. Our naturalist tour is led by Stephanie Yuill, an accomplished environmental educator with extensive experience across the NWT and Western Arctic.
We are also honoured that Page Burt, author of Barrenland Beauties, a guide to arctic wildflowers, and cornerstone of our program, continues to provide her invaluable expertise in program development and advisory support. This package is supported by our lodge guide team and staff our our About Us and Our Team Page.
If you’re interested in this trip you might also be interested in our Arctic Photography Workshop
Trip planning
Yellowknife Accommodations: While your first night is included in the we are happy to arrange additional hotel room nights for an before or after your lodge stay. Benefit from our preferred partner rates at the Chateau Nova. We’ll handle the booking and plan to meet you at the airport on your arrival so you don’t need to worry about how to get from the airport to the hotel. If you’re looking for a more “Old Town” vibe for your additional nights, we can arrange a stay in these fully outfitted quaint cabins, closer to the Great Slave Lake.
Yellowknife Tours: If you choose to arrive early, or stay after the your aurora experience at Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge, we are pleased to assist in arrange local tours with our most trusted local partners. Tours options include: Yellowknife City Tours; Northern Lights Viewing; Nature/hiking Tours and Fishing on Great Slave Lake with shore lunch option.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your interests and preferences. For your convenience, any additional nights or tours we book on your behalf can be added directly to your lodge booking. One point of contact, one invoice, and a totally seamless Arctic experience.
Please check with our office for trip package availability prior to booking your flight to Yellowknife.additional information
DEPOSITS/TERMS/CANCELLATION POLICY
Please see our Terms and Conditions Page for more information.