Arctic Trails
A hundred years ago, an Icelandic anthropologist and explorer, Vilhjalmur Stefansson went for expeditions to the northern territories in Canada. A brand new expedition with modern equipment is organized to commemorate these journeys and also to show how to travel in the harsh climate of the north the Icelandic way.
"I first read about Vilhjalmur Stefansson in his autobiography that was in my home when I was a child" says Omar Fridthjofsson leader of the expedition. "I have since then wanted to explore the area myself and also show others."
Preparing for the journey has been a huge task. Planning started in 2003 and involved obtaining information about the territory and deciding the best route. Of course they also had to prepare vehicles that could be used in this long journey.
Starting out at Yellowknife, and then north to Wrigley. Driving on the frozen Mackenzie River to Inuvik in the Mackenzie Delta. Along the coast east to Kugluktuk (Coppermine). Cross the frozen Dolphin and Union Strait over to Victoria Island and then to Cambridge Bay. Heading for King William Island and Gjoa Haven and then south to Baker Lake and Arviat by Hudson Bay. Going next through Polar Bear country to Churchill and finally ending the journey at Gimli.
Gimli is the place where Icelanders settled in Canada over a century ago.
Three brand new full size F-350 are chosen for the trip. List of modifications is impressive. Major alterations include four link suspension with air bags in the rear. Air lockers and 1:5.13 gear ratios. Total lift of about 6 inches (14 cm).
Sleeping quarters for two persons are in the rear where beds are made to fit over the storage space.
Tires are 46x19.5 inch Mickey Thompson on specially built rims with beadlocks.
Fully modified and in a test tour on an Icelandic ice-cap.
Three trucks are made and ready for shipping to Shelbourne in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The team with the vehicles on Canadian soil.
On the route from Norman Wells to Fort Good Hope. Weather is mostly stable with clear skies and heavy frost at down to -40°C. Much colder than ever in Iceland.
Traveling in this area on trucks has never been done before. Lots of people said that this is impossible. "You'll never make it, there is no road there and you will either drop down through the ice into the river or be stuck in the snow!”
Mackenzie River on a frosty day. In many ways conditions are similar to Iceland in the winter snow.
A documentary film is being shot by a team member and will be used to tell the whole story. I will be looking forward to see the result!
Photos are shot by Arctic Trails. Read more about the trip and see more pictures on the expedition site ArcticTrails.is
Text by Thrandur Arnthorsson
