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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$12,795
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Main Deck Triple
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 135 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 135 reviews on
8 hours ago
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
1 day ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
2 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
2 days ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
3 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.