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A musk ox and her calf relax on the arctic plains.

Arctic Safari 2017

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Begin your 12-day Arctic expedition in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland where you board the Ocean Endeavour. The great icefjord at Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and source of the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic, is one of many highlights. The Canadian Arctic experience begins in Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island). As you head north, opportunities for polar bear, whales, and musk ox abound on Devon Island, while Prince Leopold Island is one of Canada’s best birding areas. Abandoned RCMP and HBC posts offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history; at Beechey Island, pay your respects at the graves of three of Sir John Franklin’s men. Resolute Bay memorializes the courage of the Inuit of Canada’s Arctic. Live and breathe the natural history of some of the planet’s most striking cultures and geographies.
Polar bears climb up a rocky slope.Image of an inuksuk built by the people of the North American arctic.Local biking with his dogs at his side.Colorful houses of local Canadian villages.A musk ox and her calf relax on the arctic plains.
Highlights
  • Search for bears, whales, and walrus in their Arctic feeding grounds
  • Voyage along the magnificent fjords of Greenland’s coast
  • Cruise the seabird colony at Prince Leopold Island via Zodiac
  • Cross the Arctic Circle by sea and marvel at the Arctic in summer bloom
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Start your Arctic adventure exploring Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world! Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern mouth, means 'the big fjord.' Although the fjord crosses the Arctic Circle, like the oceans here, it does not freeze. Locals can thank ocean currents for this, making this part of Greenland a center for whaling and fishing all year.

The area is distinguished by rich biodiversity and magnificent scenery. There is nowhere else in Greenland where it is so easy to go so far into the interior and the world’s largest ice cap can be reached in less than an hour. The landscape features enormous glacier formations, which have ploughed deep into the dramatic tundra. On the plain between the fjord and the inland ice you may find Greenland's biggest herds of reindeer, musk ox, and arctic foxes as well as the highest concentration of peregrine falcons in Greenland and more than 250 species of plants.

Day 2: Sisimiut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
People have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. The first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. Approx. 2,500 years ago, new people brought the Dorset culture to the Sisimiut area. They lived here for 1,500 years and were followed by the people of the Thule culture—the ancestors of the current population. All these cultures came from Canada. The people primarily lived on fish, birds, and mammals such as whales and seals. These ice-free conditions in the sea around Sisimiut, including some of Greenland’s deepest fjords, allow you to sail in waters that are home to many whales and seals. 

Day 3: Ilulissat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Venturing 156 miles north of the Arctic Circle, find the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat. Ilulissat translates into "iceberg", and there couldn't be a more fitting name. Take time to walk around the colorful town and hike out to an elevated viewpoint where you can observe the great fields of ice. Then hop in a Zodiac to navigate the Ilulissat Ice fjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and because of its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change, and related geomorphic processes.

Day 4: Uummannaq Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Uummannaq Fjord in northwest Greenland is the country’s second-largest system of fjords. It empties into Baffin Bay and is characterized by its developed coastline and various bays, islands, and peninsulas. It is considered to be the sunniest spot in Greenland, and favorable weather—coupled with proximity to coastal travel routes—has made the fjord system a popular destination for Greenlandic Inuit. It has been settled and re-settled continually for the last 4,500 years.

Your time in Uummannaq is spent cruising and exploring; expert resource staff are on deck to help spot wildlife and contextualize the dramatic scenery surrounding the Ocean Endeavour.

Day 5: Karrat Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today navigate around one of Greenland's most spectacular fjords, known for plentiful marine life and awe-inspiring landscapes. Seals use the long leads created by high winds in this region to hunt the rich waters of the fjord. The cliffs and talus slopes within the fjord should allow good opportunities to see colonies of dovekies. Time spent on deck today should result in some good wildlife sightings, not to mention unbeatable photographic opportunities of icebergs against the majestic rock faces.

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The presentation series continues as you steam across the Davis Strait towards Canada. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales amid potential pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark your passage.

Day 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mittimatalik is a bustling Arctic community surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern Arctic. Have a chance to explore the town, including its excellent library and other facilities, and meet many local citizens who gladly share their culture. Be treated to a cultural presentation at the Community Hall—arts and crafts may be available here. Mittimatalik is a famously excellent region for viewing marine mammals, including the elusive narwhal.

Day 8: North Baffin

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today is an expedition day in the truest sense as you navigate the fjords of northeast Baffin Island. Baffin’s fjords are striking, affording stunning perspectives on geological processes. The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for exploring these hidden treasures of the north, as her maneuverability and shallow draft allow her to access regions that would be impassable to larger vessels. The crew is on alert for changing weather and ice conditions and uses its judgment as to which route along the coast would be the most spectacular. As ever, the team is on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which you travel.

Day 9: Devon Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on earth and comprises over fifty thousand square kilometers. It was first sighted by Europeans in 1616, though it was not inhabited for another three hundred years with the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The island's geology consists of reddish Precambrian gneiss and Paeleozoic siltstones and shales; these, combined with its harsh climate, have drawn comparisons with the planet Mars.

Day 10: Lancaster Sound

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend two days exploring Lancaster Sound, which is a proposed Marine Protected Area due to the large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales. There is a great selection of landing sites available. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions influence the landing choices today.

Day 11: Prince Leopold | Beechey Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The tall cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are one of the top bird sites in the high Arctic both during the breeding and summering seasons. It is a breeding site for thick-billed murre, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, glaucous gull, and black guillemot.

In 1845 Sir John Franklin took his expedition of 129 men and two ships into the Wellington Channel. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition, and it was two years before search parties were launched. Aside from the bodies of the three souls buried here, only relics were found as clues to the disappearance. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party—until recently. In the autumn of 2014, Canadian archaeologists discovered remnants of the HMS Erebus in the frozen waters of the Northwest Passage, a discovery that has re-galvanized interest in the fabled region. 

Day 12: Disembark in Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU

  • 1 Breakfast
Qausuittuq, or "place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun—daylight persists constantly from about April 29 to August 13 each year. Located on the south coast of Cornwallis Island, Resolute Bay is the "jumping off place" for expeditions to the North Pole. From archaeological excavations, it has been concluded that there have been at least three stages of occupation at Resolute Bay. The Dorset culture was the first, followed by an early phase of the Thule culture, in which the artifacts found show strong Alaskan affinities. These were probably both short periods of occupation, possibly by only a few families. A late or developed phase of the Thule culture was of longer duration, with a considerably larger population. Resolute Bay was named after HMS Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. An airfield was established at Resolute Bay in 1947 during construction of a joint US-Canadian weather station. In 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec, and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) were relocated to Resolute by the Canadian government.

After today's adventure, disembark and transfer to the airport to take an early evening flight from Resolute, NU to Ottawa, ON and continue your journey home or to your next adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,995
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 1 Quad
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 2 Triple
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Comfort Twin cabin on board Ocean Endeavour
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Comfort Twin - Category 6
Deck four: Two portholes windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths - 175 sq.ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial view, two lower berths- 135 sq.ft. Deck eight: Picture windows, obstructed view, matrimonial bed, pvt. bath, fridge - 160 sq.ft.
Top Deck Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Select Twin - Category 7
Deck five. Picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft. Deck eight: oversize windows, partially obstruction view, matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 145 sq. ft.
Superior Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Superior Twin - Category 8
Deck five. Two picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, sitting area- 210 sq.ft. Deck seven: forward-facing windows with unobstructed view, matrimonial, private bath w/full tub- 180 sq.ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partially obstructed view, matrimonial, private bath, fridge - 190 sq.ft
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 9
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Junior Suite - Category 9
Deck five: Picture windows, unobstructed views, matrimonial bed, sitting area- approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven: forward-facing picture windows, views, matrimonial bed, private bath w/full tub, sitting area, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 290 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 10
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Suite - Category 10
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.

- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
Excluded
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights
  • Discovery Fee

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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