Board the Akademik Ioffe for a 12-day exploration of Baffin Island, one of Canada's jewels, a land of deep fjords, soaring mountains and immense glacial systems. As you cruise among the fjords and glaciers watch for bird and marine wildlife, visit Inuit villages, and glimpse the culture and heritage of their people. Learn about the history of early Arctic exploration as you visit former Hudson's Bay Company locations and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outposts. At the conclusion of the trip, fly from Resolute to Edmonton (Alberta) via special charter flight.
Highlights
Explore by zodiac along the shoreline of Monumental Island looking for walrus
Visit the village of Pangniqtuuq, a well-known center for traditional crafts
Cruise across the Arctic Circle on the ship, by zodiac boats or on foot
Visit Qikiqtarjuaq, a small settlement home to several Inuit families
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart Ottawa on your scheduled flight to Iqaluit, Baffin Island. Upon arrival into Iqaluit enjoy a walking tour of the town and board your expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe in the afternoon. After settling into your cabin and explore the ship, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off to explore one of the most remote places on earth – Baffin Island.
Situated in the Davis Strait, Monumental Island is a well-known location for walrus. Explore by zodiac along the shoreline looking for these fascinating creatures. You may sometimes encounter polar bears around here as well – they have been known to chase walrus off their haul into the water. In good weather a complete circumnavigation of the island is possible. You should see your first large icebergs drifting southward towards Labrador and Newfoundland on the currents of the Davis Strait. Throughout the coming days and rest of the voyage, onboard experts educate you with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history of Baffin Island and the Canadian Arctic and the locations to visit.
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the western gateway to Auyuittuq National Park, the village of Pangniqtuuq (Pangnirtung) is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. This remote community is a well-known center for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts – including carvings, prints and textiles. The Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a wonderful interpretive display sharing the lifestyle and history of the Thule and the modern Inuit.
Sunshine Fjord straddles the Arctic Circle at 66⁰ degrees, 33 minutes north of latitude. Depending on the weather, cruise across the Circle on the ship, cross it in the zodiac boats, or the more active option may be to cross the circle on foot. Whichever way, it’s a thrill to be above the Arctic Circle at last! Sunshine Fjord offers terrific hiking opportunities. Perhaps opt for the extended hike, gaining elevation and wonderful views of the surroundings. Or choose to take the less strenuous option along the shoreline. For the sea kayakers, the sheltered waters of the fjord provide great conditions for paddling.
On the eastern coast of Baffin Island lies one of Canada’s most spectacular National Parks – Auyittuq. The landscape is dominated by steep and rugged mountain scenery, extensive glacial systems, and powerful rivers. In partnership with Parks Canada, venture into the park with skilled local guides who are able to interpret the flora, fauna, geological, and glacial systems that can be found here. It’s a fascinating place experienced by only a few fortunate visitors every season. Plan on hiking on shore and cruising the rocky shorelines looking for wildlife. Also plan to visit Qikiqtarjuaq, a small settlement which is home to several Inuit families. After an inspiring day of exploration continue north along the coastline of Baffin Island, venturing deeper into the Arctic wilderness.
Isabella Bay (Niginaniq) is an important summer habitat and feeding area for endangered bowhead whales. These remarkable marine mammals are able to break sea ice with the crown of their head. Polar bears, ringed seals, Canada geese, snow geese, and narwhal are also commonly sighted in this vicinity.
This morning enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all around. The expedition ship seems dwarfed by the giant peaks and snowy glaciers as you cruise slowly along the dark waters.
Nearing the far north of Baffin Island, enter a broad channel which is home to the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). A highlight is a visit to the Natinnak Centre, where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases the daily life, culture, and history of the people of the North. Inuit carvings, jewelery and other traditional craft are on display. Mittimatalik is also the main access point to the pristine wilderness of Sirmilik National Park. This jewel in the crown of Canada's Arctic Park system features the most spectacular scenery, with rugged mountains, ice fields, glaciers, coastal lowlands, and large seabird colonies.
Leaving the wild landscapes of Baffin Island, cross Lancaster Sound to Devon Island. Lancaster Sound, which separates Devon and Baffin Island, has been named the wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. Waters from the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the northern archipelago of islands meet here, combining to create a rich source of nutrients and food for an abundance of Arctic wildlife. Plan on visiting the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour. In the afternoon the ship repositions into Crocker Bay, home to a substantial glacial system.
Prince Leopold Island is an important migratory bird sanctuary, home to thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. A population of several hundred thousand birds makes this one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the entire Arctic ecosystem. Given the abundance of food found in the nutrient-rich waters here, you can sight beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales, several species of seal, as well as polar bear.
Your final shore landing - Beechey Island, is a place of great historic significance and a suitable finale to your voyage. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that last almost three decades. The mystery of what happened to Franklin was partially solved in September 2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition found the HMS Erebus in the Victoria Strait. One Ocean Expeditions played a vital role in the discovery by carrying underwater search equipment on its ship as well as scientists, historians, researchers, dignitaries, and sponsors. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a remote windswept beach is a thrilling experience for history buffs. This evening enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain. It’s a great time to reflect on the wildlife, history and dramatic scenery of the High Arctic.
Day 12: Resolute, Nunavut | Disembark | Fly to Edmonton, Alberta
1 Breakfast
Your expedition comes to an end as you arrive into Resolute. The town is named after the British ship HMS Resolute which became trapped in ice and abandoned here in 1850 while searching for the lost Franklin expedition. A weather station and airstrip made Resolute a strategic outpost during the time of the Cold War. After arriving in Resolute disembark the ship and bid farewell to your crew and fellow passengers. Transfer to the airport for your flight south, to Edmonton. A transfer is also provided from the airport into a central downtown location.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,195
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Main Deck Triple
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
* This voyage operates domestically within Canada and is subject to a compulsory 5% goods and services tax (GST).
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
