Explorers celebrate Diamond Jubilee on remote Canadian island

It’s the kind of exclusive party has just eight guests, is situated at the top of a mountain, involves tea and scones, and is all in aid of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It could only be the Arctic Jubilee Expedition party, of course.

The Arctic Jubilee Expedition, which departed earlier this month, is making its way to the top of the 21,616 metre mountain on Ellesmere Island, just north of Canada. Hitting the Arctic Circle to celebrate the Queen is a far cry from the hundreds of traditional street parties, which are being held up and down the country.

The expedition, led by Antony Jinman, includes six Britons, some of which are students from Plymouth. Inuit Johnny Issaluk, from Nunvat, will also be joining the gang. If all goes to plan, the troupe will celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the mountain’s peak.

Oli Milroy, a participant on the expedition told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: “It's going to be a traditional English tea party. We're having tea, eating cakes, we've even brought scones along and we're going to have a toast to the Queen as well.”

The Queen herself is expected to give a reply to the group who requested an official ‘Royal Greeting’ once they reach the mountaintop. The British adventure tour operator, Explore, which aims to raise awareness of the wildlife, Inuit culture and Arctic environment of the region, sponsors the expedition.

Barbeau Peak is the highest point of the mountain, and the highest mountain in Nunvat. It is also the highest mountain within the British Empire Range, as well as the Arctic Cordillera. Whilst many don’t have the funds (or cakes with an arctic shelf life) to enjoy such jubilations, there are a number of other fun winter sports activities to undertake in 2012. It would be advisable to consider taking out winter sports insurance to make sure you are covered for your activities.

Date Created: 12/06/2012