The region around the Lodge is a pristine, unexplored wilderness. So, while we do offer several pre-planned hikes and excursions, there are true discoveries to be made and adventure in every direction.

The natural splendor of the brief but intense Arctic summer surrounds the lodge, making it a naturalist's paradise. Bird watchers will be astonished and delighted by both the frequency and abundance of sightings of species that any birder would love to see even once, including: king and common eider ducks, swans, snow geese, loons (3 species), sandhill cranes, gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, rough-legged hawks and several species of gulls to name a few.

While we are located well above the tree-line, plant and wildflower fanciers will not be disappointed. The tundra around Elu Inlet is carpeted by blossoming wildflowers, dwarf willows, and lichens. Mountain avens, arctic poppy, fireweed, purple saxifrage, yellow cinquefoil and arctic cotton are among the most conspicuous, but there are some 200 species of flowering plants above the treeline, and countless varieties of mosses and lichens. True to their home in a land of stark contrasts, even the tiny willows which creep along the ground can be hundreds of years old!

Mammals, both large and small, are also abundant and are always exciting to encounter. From the delightful antics of the ever-present ground squirrels or hik-hik, to the majestic caribou, to the daunting presence of the prehistoric-looking musk ox, you never know what will be seen over the next rise - or right at the lodge for that matter. The large and elusive predators of the region, such as wolves, wolverines, and barren ground grizzly bears may also be encountered at any time, and are always a highlight of any outing.

Culturally, this region is rich in Inuit archaeological sites, giving visitors a chance to stand at stone fox traps or fire rings and look out over the same vistas that Inuit hunters and their families looked over hundreds or even thousands of years ago.