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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guests returning back to the ship National Geographic Explorer by zodiac, Spitsbergen, Arctic Ocean
Navigation technology on the bridge of the ship National Geographic Explorer

Dates & Prices

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Category 1
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
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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.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
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Cat 6
Upper Deck Suite 213 has a balcony, 290 sq ft. Veranda Deck Suites 101 and 102 are 355 sq ft without balcony
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230
Category A Solo
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window
Category B Solo
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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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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

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