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Qeqertarsuaq

Baffin Island and Greenland Explorer

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard RCGS Resolute
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Commence our expedition in Iqaluit and explore the south east corner of the Baffin island's Monumental Island and the small hamlet of Pangnirtung. Throughout your journey you are constantly on the lookout for wildlife - including a variety of bird and marine life and of course, the icon of the North - the elusive polar bear who roams the ice floe edge. The Inuit communities of both Canada and Greenland are home to rich and unique cultures that have survived in this harsh landscape for centuries. Visits to these small towns and villages are a highlight for many and provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the people who call this remote wilderness their home.
Snowball flight QeqertarsuaqIlulissat icebergSisimiutFishing village outside SisimiutQeqertarsuaq
Highlights
  • Enjoy spectacular glacial landscapes and colourful Greenlandic villages
  • Marvel at Ilulissat icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Wildlife observation on shore, on zodiac cruises and from the ship
  • Experience cultural interaction through visits to remote Inuit communities
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: Ottawa | Fly to Iqaluit | Embark

Depart Ottawa this morning on your scheduled flight to Iqaluit, the provincial capital of Nunavut, situated on the south-eastern coast of Baffin Island. Upon arrival enjoy a walking tour of this historic settlement before boarding your expedition ship, RCGS Resolute, in the afternoon. After settling into your cabins and exploring 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 regions on Earth.

Day 2: Monumental Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located in the Davis Strait, the rocky dome of Monumental Island can be clearly seen as you approach. Travel by zodiac to explore the rocky shoreline and hope to encounter polar bears in this vicinity. In good weather a complete circumnavigation of the island is possible, and see your first large icebergs as they drift south towards Labrador and Newfoundland on the currents of the Davis Strait. Walruses have also been encountered in this area, so you can keep a close look out on the shoreline for this iconic species. Over the next few days, and throughout the voyage, your onboard experts educate and entertain you with a series of presentations about Inuit culture and traditions, as well as the environment, wildlife and history of Baffin Island.

Day 3: Pangnirtung

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the western gateway to Auyuittuq National Park, the village of Pangnirtung is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. This remote community is a well-known centre for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts – including carvings, prints and colourful textiles. In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle and history of the Thule and of the modern Inuit.

Day 4: Cape Mercy

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Marking the northern headland of Cumberland Sound are the dramatic cliffs of Cape Mercy. As the Baffin Bay middle ice recedes throughout the summer, the stretch of Baffin coast from Cape Mercy to Cape Dyer is a great place to find polar bears coming ashore. Explore this region planning to hike the shoreline ridges, paddling the bays and zodiac cruising through the ice on the lookout for Arctic wildlife.

Day 5: Sunshine Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sunshine Fjord straddles the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, 33 minutes north of latitude. Depending on the weather, you might cruise across the Circle on the ship, cross it in the zodiac boats or the more active option maybe 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 and you have a few great routes in mind. You may wish to take the extended hike, gaining elevation and offering wonderful views of our 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.

Day 6: David Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ice conditions along the Baffin coastline dictates your navigation today. This is a fascinating transition zone to explore due to the rich and varied wildlife species we expect to encounter along the edges of the ice. Keep your eyes peeled for bearded, hooded and ringed seals and walruses. Not surprisingly, polar bears are often found in this vicinity, with such a rich abundance of food sources in close proximity, these are rich hunting grounds. It’s also not uncommon to see bowhead whales cruising along the edges of the ice. If conditions allow, launch the zodiacs and explore through the ice floes hoping to view the wildlife. Eventually push out into the broad expanse of the Davis Strait making our way towards Greenland. From this point onwards, huge icebergs can be present, making for incredible photographic subjects in the soft Arctic twilight.

Day 7: Qeqertarsuaq

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Qeqertarsuaq is situated at the head of Disko Bay. The Inuit name for this location translates literally, as ‘large island’. After the main landmass of Greenland, this is the territory’s second largest island – and one of the 10 largest islands on Earth. This is a place of great historic and geological interest. Eric the Red, the 9th century Norse Viking, is believed to have visited here using the location as a base for hunting, fishing and exploration. Mineral deposits containing native iron and hot springs are another feature of the area. Explore the southern coast and visit the island’s principal settlement of Qeqertarsuaq. Home to a small, hardy community. There is time to wander the town, stopping to chat to the locals and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 8: Ilulissat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If one word could sum up today’s experience it would be 'ice'. Even our expedition team members, with years spent exploring both the Arctic and Antarctica, will take a moment to reflect on the awesome ice formations found here. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site - projects gigantic icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 metres per day, creating an estimated 50 cubic kilometres of ice annually! Our approach to Ilulissat is always dependent on the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the fjord. A cruise by zodiac along the face of the massed icebergs is a memorable experience which for many, can be a highlight of the trip. There's also a great hike through the town to a viewpoint, high above the ice field. This place takes your breathe away.

Day 9: Sisimiut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore for further exploration. Characterised by colourful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as a backdrop. Meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration of ‘kayak rolling’ by one of the former Greenland kayak champions. The town's church and a small museum are other points of interest. The restored historic houses and old Greenlandic fishing boats make for great photographic subjects.

Day 10: Kangerlussuaq

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we sail into one of the longest fjords on the planet. Overlooking the fjord sits the town of Kangerlussuaq – a key outpost on the west coast of Greenland. The waters change colur the further we venture into the fjord, from deep blue, to grey and eventually silt-laden waters surround the ship. This water flows straight off the huge Greenand ice cap, into rivers and eventually the fjord. Depending on our arrival time, visit the small town or check out the surrounding tundra, looking for muskox and birds of prey. Tonight your chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s awonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a remarkable journey through the heart of the Arctic.

Day 11: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark | Fly to Ottawa

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning we find ourselves anchored off Iqaluit. Say goodbye to our crew, make our way ashore in zodiacs and are then transferred to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ottawa. On arrival in Ottawa our journey comes to an end. A transfer is provided to a downtown location.

Ship/Hotel

RCGS Resolute

RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Pool

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$12,795
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Main Deck Triple
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.  
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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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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