New tour turns the lens on life in the Arctic

Gondwana Ecotours is now taking reservations for a seven-day polar bear photography excursion that takes guests to America's northernmost town from September 21 to 27.

The new tour begins and ends in Fairbanks, with stops in Kaktovik, Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) and remote stretches of Arctic Alaska. Guests will take part in a photography workshop with wildlife photographer Frank Stelges, learning tips and techniques for capturing quality images as they view polar bears, Arctic foxes, snowy owls and other wildlife.

The outing also connects travelers with Arctic residents and tribal elders, introduces equipment used in traditional whaling expeditions, and engages participants in discussions of climate change and sea ice recession with an Arctic environmentalist and author.

The tour is capped at 12 guests. Prices start at $8,770 per person, double occupancy, and all-inclusive rates cover accommodations, meals, local guides, ground transportation and flights within Alaska.