Cruise port Pim Island (Baffin Island)
Live-Info for port Pim Island (Baffin Island)
Port information & tips for Pim Island (Baffin Island)
Pim Island is a fascinating destination in the Canadian High Arctic and is one of the untouched treasures of the Nunavut Territory. The wild beauty off the coast of Ellesmere Island impresses with monumental icebergs and a dramatic polar landscape that conveys an atmosphere of absolute silence and a spirit of adventure. Significant highlights include the historic Cape Sabine with the remains of the legendary Greely Expedition, as well as the impressive memorial plaques amidst the rugged tundra. As the island does not have a traditional port, travelers use the Zodiac landing site directly at Cape Sabine, which is quickly reached thanks to the ship's anchor position in the bay and provides immediate access to the Arctic wilderness.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Pim Island, a remote expedition destination in the Canadian Arctic territory of Nunavut, is primarily accessible via expedition ships, which often operate as part of cruises to Baffin Island. There are no traditional port facilities or direct road or rail connections to this historic island.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to one of the major Canadian hubs such as Ottawa or Montreal. From there, a connecting flight takes you to Iqaluit Airport (YFB), the main airport of Nunavut and the central gateway for travel to the Canadian Arctic. Airlines such as Canadian North offer direct daily connections from Ottawa to Iqaluit. Due to the long flight duration and the remote location, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before the planned embarkation.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Iqaluit Airport (YFB), you can easily reach your accommodation or the meeting point for your expedition by taxi. Taxis are available directly in front of the terminal and provide a quick connection to the city center, with trips typically costing around 9.50 CAD per passenger and often operating as shared taxis. Many hotels in Iqaluit also provide their own shuttle services, which should be booked in advance. Most Arctic journeys in Nunavut begin at Iqaluit Airport, and cruise lines generally organize further charter flights or ship transfers from here to the remote embarkation points.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your Arctic adventure, an overnight stay in a hotel in Iqaluit or a Canadian gateway airport is highly recommended. This allows for stress-free acclimatization and ensures punctual connections to the often weather-dependent expedition departures. In Iqaluit, hotels such as the Aqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre, The Discovery Inn, or The Frobisher Inn are available, many of which offer a shuttle service to and from the airport.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival at the remote Pim Island takes place as part of expedition cruises directly in the pristine Arctic. Thanks to the ships' specialized equipment, you can safely reach the shore and explore the historical surroundings of this fascinating region.
Zodiac Inflatables
Landing on the rocky coast of Pim Island is conveniently carried out using agile Zodiacs. These robust expedition boats take you from the ship directly to the beach and provide access to this remote wilderness port.
On Foot
The exploration of the island takes place exclusively on foot and leads you through the impressive tundra landscape to the historical remains of earlier Arctic expeditions. The hikes offer a direct proximity to nature and allow for a slow discovery of the polar silence.
Expedition Team
The trained expedition team acts as your most important companion and ensures safe movement in the pathless terrain. The experts lead the shore excursions while simultaneously conveying valuable knowledge about the dramatic history and the sensitive flora and fauna of the island.
To make the most of your stay on remote Pim Island, we recommend focusing on exploring the historic expedition sites as well as the spectacular Arctic natural landscape directly at the landing site.
Cape Sabine
This historically significant location marks the former base camp of the Greely Expedition and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the dramatic era of polar exploration, thanks to the visible stone ruins of Camp Clay and erected memorial plaques.
The Coastline at Smith Sound
The rocky shore zone impresses with its monumental natural formations and, thanks to the clear visibility, is an ideal place for observing walruses and passing icebergs in the deep blue Arctic waters.
The Vast Tundra Landscape
The island's barren hinterland invites guided hikes and, thanks to the specialized flora and the chance of rare encounters with musk oxen, enables an authentic natural experience in absolute silence.
Cape Sabine
Historic Cape Sabine on Pim Island is easily accessible via Zodiac landing and offers cruise guests a fascinating insight into the heroic era of polar exploration, as well as the remains of the famous Greely Expedition. The untouched, vast Arctic landscape and the historical significance of this location create an impressive atmosphere, perfectly suited for nature photography and experiencing pure wilderness. Thanks to the expert guidance of the expedition team, the relics of the past can be ideally explored, while you also have the chance to observe rare wildlife in their natural environment. It is best to plan your shore excursion for the first Zodiac wave in the morning to fully enjoy the island's clear light and complete tranquility, returning relaxed to the ship after this unique adventure.
The return journey from the historic sites of this uninhabited Arctic island to the landing site is fully coordinated and safely managed by the expedition team.
Zodiac Shuttle
The return journey to the ship is conveniently made with the ship's own Zodiac inflatable boats, which wait for you directly at the marked landing site on the shore. Thanks to regular trips between land and ship, you can return on board flexibly and without long waiting times.
Guided Hiking Trails
Since the island is an uninhabited nature reserve, you will walk back to the beach on paths agreed upon with the expedition team. Experienced guides accompany the way and ensure safe orientation as well as protection in the Arctic environment.
Meeting Point on the Shore
The central meeting point for the return journey is the same stretch of beach where your exploration began. The team on site coordinates boarding the boats and ensures that all guests are back on board punctually before the scheduled departure.
