META INCOGNITA A Waterfall Tour of the Meta Incognita Peninsula

What do you do when your next expedition is canceled and plans B and C are suddenly off-limits? Turn to Google Earth to figure out where the next best thing you can reach is, of course. For Erik Boomer and Sarah McNair-Landry, this meant undertaking a casual tour of Nunavut’s near-uninhabited Meta Incognita Peninsula for the possibility of paddling over 30 waterfalls and rapids. The catch? Getting the goods required hiking nearly 60 kilometers in, up, and in and up, with boats, gear, 20 days of food, camping equipment, and your every day Arctic essentials.

Words & Photography: Erik Boomer and Sarah McNair-Landry

Steve, at the wheel of his 25-foot aluminum hunting boat, bobs his head to reggae music as he navigates the strong tidal currents. The morning mist slowly disperses, and we see land ahead. The Meta Incognita Peninsula, named by early European explorers, is Latin for the “dreaded unknown.” For the Inuit, who have lived in these regions for centuries, it is simply home. “Last call, do we bring the bear fence or not?” Boomer asks. “It’s so heavy, and we will need the solar panel and battery as well,” I deliberate. Steve looks at both of us and adds, “We saw four bears in the next bay over just last week.” “Okay, the bear fence comes.” Steve turns his boat right into Hidden Bay, slowing as we approach the shore.…

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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Spring 2021

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