Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Smoking Hills, Cape Bathurst, Northwest Territories, Canada

What Makes Smoking Hills Unique

You’ll find a unique scientific site here that mirrors conditions on Mars.

Scientists use these hills as a natural laboratory because they share features with the Martian landscape. The hills sit in a remote spot that you can only reach by boat or helicopter, which has kept their geological processes intact.

This remarkable site ranks as one of the Northwest Territories’ seven natural wonders, and you can see why when you visit.

Best Time To Visit

Best Time to Visit the Smoking Hills

You’ll find June to September offers the most favourable conditions for your visit. The Arctic summer gives you 24-hour daylight and milder temperatures, making your exploration safer and more comfortable.

You need to:

• Book your cruise or helicopter tour months ahead
• Choose a licensed Northwest Territories tour operator
• Wear protective gear for the toxic environment
• Stay flexible with your plans due to weather changes

Your tour options include:

• Guided Arctic expeditions
• Cultural visits to Paulatuk
• Helicopter sightseeing
• Cruise ship stops

You should avoid winter visits completely. The extreme cold and dark conditions make the area too dangerous for tourism.

Remember: The Smoking Hills’ remote location means all visits require careful planning and proper safety measures.

Getting There By Ship

Cruise ships take you to the Smoking Hills along the Northwest Passage‘s northern route.

You pass through Prince Regent Inlet before reaching the Beaufort Sea. Your ship will stop offshore at Cape Bathurst, as this remote area has no ports.

You can reach the cliffs in two ways:

• Take tender boats when weather permits
• Join helicopter tours for the best viewing experience

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Northwest Passage Sailing Routes

The Northwest Passage offers five main routes through Canada’s Arctic waters. Each route gives you different options for navigating these northern seas.

Route 3 serves as the most popular path, taking you through:

• Lancaster Sound
• Barrow Strait
• Victoria Strait
• Beaufort Sea

You can safely navigate Route 3 if your vessel has a draft under 14 metres.

The main routes offer distinct advantages:

• Route 1 gives you the shortest path but faces heavy ice in McClure Strait
• Route 2 lets you navigate with deeper-draft vessels
• Route 3 suits most commercial and passenger ships
• Route 4 provides you an alternative through Simpson Strait

You’ll need to watch for:

• Multi-year ice forming blockages
• Strong currents in Bellot Strait
• Challenging waters in Simpson Strait

Ice conditions affect your journey throughout the year, determining which routes you can safely use.

Ship Anchoring Locations

Safe Anchoring at the Smoking Hills

You need to plan carefully when sailing to the Smoking Hills, as this Northwest Territories location has no official ports. Contact Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) first to arrange cost-recovery and get your Foreign Vessel Port of Entry Arrival (FPOA) clearance.

Your anchoring spot will be in Franklin Bay where the Horton River meets the sea. The site is only reachable by boat or helicopter.

Watch out for the coastline’s natural sulfur dioxide emissions, which create toxic conditions and limit your access to the shore.

Your key tasks before arrival:

• Submit your passenger list to CBSA
• Send your pre-arrival notice
• File your clearance request by 1 April
• Send all documents to your nearest CBSA office

Remember these safety points:

• The smoking cliffs release harmful gases
• Local waters contain natural pollutants
• Air quality varies near the shore
• Shore access is restricted in many areas

Tender Boat Operations

Getting to the Smoking Hills by Tender Boat

You’ll travel from your cruise ship to the shore using tender boats that carry 200 passengers per trip. Your journey depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Before your tender boat trip:

• Add extra time to your schedule for transfers
• Wear flat, grippy shoes
• Bring a hat and sunscreen
• Take sea sickness tablets if needed – they work for 4 in 10 passengers

During your journey:

• Watch for crew signals
• Follow boarding instructions
• Hold handrails when moving
• Stay seated until told otherwise

The boats use stabilisers that reduce wave movement by 90%, making your ride smoother. These specially designed vessels help you reach the geological sites safely and comfortably.

Remember: Sea conditions can change your schedule, so stay flexible with your shore exploration plans.

Viewing Points And Photo Opportunities

The Smoking Hills offer amazing photo spots, but you’ll need to book a boat or helicopter to reach them. The main attraction is the naturally burning cliffs, where smoking sulfur deposits create a stunning backdrop against the Arctic coastline.

The best photos come from either seaside angles or safe land positions. You can capture the striking red-orange cliffs, colourful mineral pools and unique coastal formations. Watch for the fascinating moment when underground shales meet air and burst into smoke.

Your best shots will include the dramatic smoke plumes rising against the cliffs and the vibrant colours where minerals have transformed the rocks.

Tips for your visit:

• Choose sea viewpoints for wide-angle shots
• Stay at safe distances on land for detail photos
• Time your shots to catch morning or evening light
• Look for contrasts between smoke and cliff colours
• Focus on the bright mineral pools for unique compositions
• Keep your camera ready for sudden smoke formations

Safety And Environmental Precautions

Wear a gas mask that fits you properly and has the right filters for sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide at the Smoking Hills.

Stay at each site for no longer than 15 minutes. Keep at least 50 metres away from any active vents.

You must also wear protective clothing that resists acid, boots that block chemicals, and goggles that seal tightly around your eyes.

Breathing Protection Guidelines

Essential Breathing Protection for Smoking Hills Visits

You must protect your lungs when visiting the Smoking Hills. The air contains dangerous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide levels. You need a full-face respirator or gas mask with proper cartridges that meet UK safety standards.

Before you visit:

• Learn how to use and maintain your breathing equipment
• Get your respirator checked by a professional
• Pack spare cartridges
• Bring protective clothing
• Know how to evacuate quickly

Watch for warning signs:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulties

You should leave straight away if you notice these symptoms and get medical help.

Stay safe:

• Never visit without proper breathing gear
• Choose equipment that fits you properly
• Check all seals before entering the area
• Keep your protective gear on at all times

Who shouldn’t visit:

• People with breathing problems
• Older visitors
• Young children

Your safety depends on following these guidelines carefully. The gases can harm you quickly, so take these precautions seriously.

Proximity And Exposure Limits

Keep your distance at the Smoking Hills – these unique formations have serious safety risks. You must stay on your cruise ship or join an approved helicopter tour, as the area is too dangerous for walking visits.

The hills release toxic sulfuric acid gases and hydrogen sulfide that can harm your breathing. Their acidic ponds are extremely dangerous, with pH levels reaching -1.44, which can cause severe chemical burns.

Your safety depends on following all crew instructions about distance limits. The natural pollution from the site creates acid rain and releases metals that affect the local tundra and sea life.

You’ll get the best views from your ship’s deck or during an organised aerial tour, both keeping you at safe distances from the hazards.

Remember:

• Stay on your vessel or helicopter
• Follow crew instructions
• Don’t attempt ground visits
• Watch for weather changes that might affect viewing conditions

These measures protect you from the site’s fascinating but hazardous natural features whilst still letting you experience this remarkable location.

Personal Protective Equipment

Protect yourself at the Smoking Hills with the right safety gear. You need proper equipment because natural coal fires release dangerous gases and fumes in the area.

Your essential protective gear:

• Eye protection: Use safety goggles to shield your eyes from smoke
• Breathing protection: Wear an approved gas mask to filter harmful fumes
• Hand protection: Use heat-resistant gloves when handling equipment
• Foot protection: Wear sturdy boots with good grip for the terrain

The ship’s safety team will check your gear before you go ashore. You must:

• Stay away from smoking vents
• Follow your guide’s safety instructions
• Keep your protective gear on at all times
• Check your equipment fits properly

Remember: Your safety depends on wearing the right protective equipment and using it correctly throughout your visit.

Local Wildlife And Nature

The Smoking Hills’ Arctic ecosystem stands out due to its underground fires and sulfur dioxide releases.

You can find unique acidic ponds here with special wildlife rarely seen in other Arctic areas. The region combines tundra, pingos and coastal landscapes.

You can watch endangered barren-ground caribou from three main herds: Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-East and Bluenose-West.

These herds gather at the Cape Bathurst Peninsula during calving time. The peninsula’s Critical Wildlife Area status helps protect these animals.

You might spot grizzly or polar bears in the area – both species need special protection.

Look for the Hairy Braya plant too – it’s a rare species that only grows on the Cape Bathurst Peninsula and nowhere else on Earth.

Cultural And Historical Significance

The Smoking Hills have a rich cultural story you might find fascinating. British explorer John Franklin named them in 1826, though the local Paulatuk people knew them long before as “the place of soot” or “the place of coal”.

You can trace several key moments in the hills’ documented history:

• The smoke once fooled explorer Robert McClure in 1850, who thought they were rescue signals.
• Scientist John Richardson discovered the smoke comes from burning sulphur-rich shale.
• The hills have burned non-stop for hundreds of years.
• Scientists now use the site to study possible life on Mars.

You can only reach this natural wonder by boat or helicopter. The toxic conditions mean few people visit, but its status as one of the Northwest Territories’ seven natural wonders remains secure.

The Paulatuk people continue to include these hills in their cultural stories and traditions, keeping their historical connection alive.

Cruise Ship Tours Available

You can book exclusive Smoking Hills cruises through operators like Cleancruising and Swoop Arctic. The daily rates start from £1,400, covering Northwest Passage tours that feature this remarkable site.

Your cruise experience includes several ways to explore the Smoking Hills:

• Helicopter flights give you aerial views of natural fires and smoke plumes
• Zodiac boats take you along the coastline
• Wildlife watching spots Bowhead and Grey whales
• Expert guides deliver talks about the region’s unique features

The ships used are ice-strengthened vessels that safely navigate Arctic waters.

Your tour package typically includes:

• Flexible sailing schedules that adapt to weather conditions
• Hotel stays in Vancouver before the voyage
• Travel connections to Nome

The entire experience lets you witness one of Earth’s most unusual geological sites whilst staying comfortable and safe throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During Shore Excursions?

Restroom facilities vary during shore excursions to Smoking Hills. Your tour operator will explain available bathroom options before departure. Pack toilet paper and hand sanitiser for your comfort, as this remote location lacks standard facilities. You’ll need to use natural surroundings or basic portable facilities during your visit. Remember to follow your guide’s instructions about designated rest stops during the excursion.

What Type of Clothing and Footwear Is Recommended for Visiting?

Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you can layer. Choose sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers for cool weather. Your footwear should be well-worn and comfortable for walking on uneven ground. Add a sun hat and sunglasses in summer, or a warm hat and gloves in winter.

Can Drones Be Used to Photograph the Smoking Hills?

Operating drones at the Smoking Hills poses several challenges for you. The site’s hazardous conditions and sulphur emissions can damage your drone’s equipment. You need special permits from local authorities before flying any drone in this area. The risks include poor visibility from smoke and potential chemical exposure to your equipment. Environmental protection rules also limit drone usage to protect the unique geological site. You should consider alternative methods to photograph the Smoking Hills, such as ground-based photography from safe viewing points.

Are There Any Souvenir Shops or Visitor Centers Nearby?

You won’t find souvenir shops or visitor centres at Smoking Hills. The closest town, Paulatuk, sits 105 kilometres away and offers minimal shopping options. Consider packing all your essentials before visiting this remote Arctic location.

What Communication Services or Internet Connectivity Is Available in the Area?

Internet connectivity in this area offers you two main options:

1. Northwestel provides:
   • 15 Mbps download speed
   • 200 GB monthly data allowance
2. OneWeb satellite service:
   • Low Earth orbit technology
   • Works best in open areas
   • Coverage strength varies in remote locations

You can expect reliable internet for basic browsing, email and light streaming, but speeds may fluctuate depending on your exact location.