Some friends of mine here in Minneapolis are planning to take an Elderhostel course in Nunavut starting June 17.

In searching for airfare, they have found nothing cheaper than $1900 each, although their initial inquiries yielded prices of $3200.

Is it really that expensive to fly to the Arctic? Is the high price because they're going in Midnight Sun season? Is it because they're looking 6 months ahead? Are any routings any cheaper than any other?

Thanks in advance. Any advice would be appreciated, because my friends have been to Churchill on a bear-watching expedition and are eager to go even farther north.