Baffin Island is one of the last great wilderness regions on the planet. From Iqaluit, on Frobisher Bay, explore the wild east coast of Baffin Island, discovering the deep fjords, soaring mountains, and immense glacial systems. Be on the lookout for a variety of birdlife and marine wildlife, including polar bear, the icon of the north. Visit remote Inuit villages and catch a glimpse of the daily life of the people who call this remote wilderness their home. Historical visits include former Hudson's Bay Company locations, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outposts, and Beechey Island, the final resting place for some of the men of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition in 1845-46.
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 on a scheduled flight to Iqaluit, situated on Baffin Island. Upon arrival into Iqaluit enjoy a walking tour of the town and board the expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe, in the afternoon. After settling in to your cabin and exploring the ship, meet the 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 places on earth – Baffin Island.
At the mouth of Frobisher Bay on the southeast tip of Baffin Island, the Lower Savage Islands are a geological wonder. A maze of channels criss-cross the islands, providing superb zodiac cruising opportunities. The islands are ideally situated between the dynamic flow of the Hudson Strait, and this mixing of nutrient-rich waters makes for a diversity of marine life, including polar bear.
Situated in the Davis Strait, Monumental Island is a well-known location for walrus. Explore by zodiac along the shoreline looking for these fascinating creatures. Watchful eyes may locate smaller pups within the masses. Sometimes polar bears are encountered in this vicinity and during their hunting forays, they have been known to chase walrus off their haul out and into the water. Throughout the coming days and rest of the voyage, onboard experts provide a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife, and history of Baffin Island and the Canadian Arctic.
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 center for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts – including carvings, prints and textiles. In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Center has a wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle and history of the Thule and of the modern Inuit.
Sunshine Fjord straddles the Arctic Circle at 66⁰ degrees, 33 minutes north of latitude. Depending on the weather, cruise across the Circle on the ship, cross it in the zodiac boats, or the more active option may be 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. Perhaps opt for the extended hike, gaining elevation and wonderful views of the 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.
On the eastern coast of Baffin Island lies one of Canada’s most spectacular National Parks – Auyittuq. The landscape is dominated by steep and rugged mountain scenery, extensive glacial systems, and powerful rivers. In partnership with Parks Canada, venture into the park with skilled local guides who are able to interpret the flora, fauna, geological, and glacial systems which can be found here. It’s a fascinating place experienced by only a few fortunate visitors every season. Plan on hiking on shore and cruising the rocky shorelines looking for wildlife. Also plan to visit Qikiqtarjuaq, a small settlement which is home to several Inuit families. After an inspiring day of exploration continue north along the coastline of Baffin Island, venturing deeper into the Arctic wilderness.
Isabella Bay (Niginaniq) is an important summer habitat and feeding area for endangered bowhead whales. These remarkable marine mammals are able to break sea ice with the crown of their head. Polar bears, ringed seals, Canada geese, snow geese, and narwhal are also commonly sighted in this vicinity.
This morning enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all around. The expedition ship will seem dwarfed by the giant peaks and snowy glaciers as you cruise slowly along the dark waters.
Nearing the far north of Baffin Island, enter a broad channel which is home to the remote Inuit community of Pond Inlet. A highlight is a visit to the Natinnak Center, where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases aspects of daily life, culture, and history of the people of the north. Inuit carvings, jewelry, and other traditional craft is on display and purchasing such items from the local artisans is a great way to support the community. Pond Inlet is also the main access point to the pristine wilderness of Sirmilik National Park. This jewel in the crown of Canada's Arctic Park system features spectacular scenery consisting of rugged mountains, ice fields and glaciers, coastal lowlands, and sizable seabird colonies.
Day 10: Navy Board Inlet and Sirmilik National Park
Venture north into Navy Board Inlet, separating Bylot Island from the northern extremes of Baffin Island, where you are completely surrounded now by the National Park. Spotting scopes and binoculars are used to search for polar bear, birds and other wildlife. In the icy waters keep a look out for harp seals, walrus, narwhal, and the white beluga whale. Excellent photographic opportunities are all around and the onboard professional photographer assists with image composition and provides other tips and advice.
Leaving the wild landscapes of Baffin Island, cross Lancaster Sound to Devon Island. This broad channel of water has been likened to the wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. Massive volumes of water from the Atlantic to the east and Pacific to the west, and from the archipelago of islands to the north all mix here, combining to make a rich source of nutrients and food for an abundance of Arctic wildlife. Plan on visiting the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbor. In the afternoon re-position the ship into Crocker Bay, home to a substantial glacial system.
Prince Leopold Island is an important migratory bird sanctuary, home to thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. A population of several hundred thousand birds makes this one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the entire Arctic ecosystem. Given the abundance of food in this vicinity, perhaps sight beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales here, several species of seal, or polar bear. The final shore landing, Beechey Island, is a place of great historic significance and suitable finale to the expedition. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that lasted almost three decades.
The mystery of what happened to Franklin was partially solved in September 2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition found the long-lost Franklin shipwreck, HMS Erebus, in the Victoria Strait. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a remote windswept beach is a thrilling experience for history buffs and for many today will be a highlight of the expedition. Return to the ship and this evening enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain. It’s a great time to reflect on the wildlife, history and dramatic scenery of the High Arctic.
Day 13: Resolute, Nunavut to Edmonton, Alberta
1 Breakfast
The expedition comes to an end in Resolute, named after the British ship HMS Resolute which became trapped in ice and abandoned here in 1850 while searching for the lost Franklin. A weather station and airstrip made Resolute a strategic outpost during the time of the Cold War. Disembark and bid farewell to the crew and fellow passengers. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Edmonton, in ‘southern’ Canada.
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Main Deck Triple
Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.
- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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