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Walrus and her pup

Arctic Quest: Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Join this 13-day voyage to venture deep into the far reaches of the Arctic, a land where polar bears roam and hardy Inuit communities maintain their traditional way of life. National Geographic Explorer traces Greenland’s rugged fjords and navigates the entrance to Canada’s legendary Northwest Passage. Spot polar bears on the pack ice, a wide variety of whales - from bowhead and beluga whales to the rare narwhal - all the while surrounded by massive glaciers.
Taking a zodiac tour to see icebergs in the arctic.Fishing village in the arcticArctic BirdsHiking through the Antarctic landscape.Walrus and her pup
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: Arrive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive in Ottawa and check into the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Embark Ship

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fly by chartered aircraft to Greenland. Embark National Geographic Explorer at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a picturesque waterway that stretches 100 miles.

Day 3: Greenland’s West Coast & Sisimiut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers 80% of the country. Trace this ragged coastline, and search for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings.

Day 4: Disko Bay & Ilulissat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore the Ilulissat Glacier, a tongue of the Greenland ice cap. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs. Explore the historic Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut, and view the Ilulissat Icefjord and its immense, calving glacier.

Day 5: At Sea in Baffin Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A relaxing day at sea allows for time to hear talks from our staff about the fascinating history of polar exploration. Go up to the bridge to watch for whales. Head up to the library. Enjoy the sauna or have a rigorous workout in the fitness center, with its “million dollar views.” Or simply relax in the Observation Lounge.

Day 6-8: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago. European explorers like William Baffin first ventured here in the 15th century to search for the Northwest Passage. The sound has been a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Your days here are spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. You may even see the elusive narwhal, an arctic whale known for the long, spiraling tooth that projects up to ten feet from its upper jaw.

Day 9-11: Eastern Baffin Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend a few more days in true expedition style, exploring eastern Baffin Island shores. Hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic foxes, or follow the ship's botanist to learn more about the hardy arctic plants. Cruise the coastline in search of walrus and other icons of the Canadian North.

Day 12: Disembark in Iqaluit, Nunavut / Fly to Ottawa, Canada

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark in Iqaluit and fly to Ottawa, Canada by chartered aircraft. Overnight in Ottawa at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar.

Day 13: Ottawa, Canada / Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Today proceed to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$12,990
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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