This outstanding voyage explores the icy landscapes and colorful fishing villages of western Greenland before crossing the Davis Strait to witness the stunning fjords and soaring peaks of Baffin Island. Throughout your journey be 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. Every day venture off the ship to explore in zodiac boats, enjoy guided hikes to places of outstanding natural beauty, and observe and photograph the wildlife, landscape, and the delicate Arctic flora. In Greenland, the highlights include cruising Sondre Stromfjord, one of the world’s longest fjords, and experiencing the ice-choked Jacobshavn Iceford at Illulisat – a natural wonder of the Arctic. Visit small towns and villages of Inuit communities that have survived in this harsh landscape for centuries.
Highlights
Admire spectacular glacial landscapes and colorful Greenlandic villages
Marvel at Ilulissat icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enjoy incredible wildlife observation on shore and from the ship
Gain cultural understanding 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 charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon arrival into Kangerlussuaq, enjoy a short tour before boarding your ship in the afternoon. After settling in to your cabins and exploring the vessel, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you cast off and enjoy a welcome cocktail while cruising along Sondre Stromfjord in the soft Arctic twilight.
Explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore for further exploration. Characterized by colorful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as a backdrop. You may meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and 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 photography.
If one word could sum up today’s experience it would be 'ice'. Even your expedition team members, with years spent exploring both the Arctic and Antarctica, 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 meters per day, creating an estimated 50 cubic kilometers of ice annually! Your 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. There's also a great hike through the town to a viewpoint, high above the ice field. This place takes your breath away.
Cruise across the bay overnight, approaching the small town of Qeqertarsuaq, situated at the head of Disko Bay. Keep a look out for humpback or fin whales which are often encountered here. A small harbor filled with local fishing boats greets you as you head ashore. The landing site is right next to the old Customs building - now a small museum. Qeqertarsuaq is a very historic location where Eric the Red, the 9th-century Norse Viking, is believed to have visited and used the location as a base for hunting, fishing, and exploration. The town is easily explored on foot and a hike up to a high point provides great views of the town, the harbor, and offshore where large icebergs drift by. Be sure to stop and chat with the locals. Return to the ship and weigh anchor - heading west for Baffin Island and Canada.
Wake this morning to find yourselves in the Davis Strait - a broad expanse of open water that separates Greenland from Canada. Whale sightings are possible and sometimes you can encounter fin, sperm, sei, and humpback whales, plus seals and seabirds. The onboard experts deliver fascinating presentations that focus on wildlife, history, geology and the culture of the Arctic as you navigate closer towards the coast of Baffin Island. At this time of the season and with the right atmospheric conditions, hope to catch a glimpse of the dancing lights in the night sky - the mystical Aurora Borealis.
The first landfall on Baffin Island is at Sunshine Fjord where you have the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle however you wish – on foot, in a zodiac, or on board ship. This location offers terrific hiking opportunities and there are a number of great routes in mind. You may wish to take the extended hike, gaining some real elevation and offering wonderful views of thesurroundings. Or choose to take the less strenuous option along the shoreline. The sheltered waters of the fjord provide the kayakers with great conditions for paddling.
Protecting the northern entrance to Cumberland Sound, Cape Mercy is an exposed headland jutting out into the Davis Strait. As the Baffin middle ice recedes throughout the summer, this stretch of coastline is a great place to look for polar bears. All eyes are off the ship looking for these majestic animals in their natural environment.
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park, Pangnirtung is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. This remote town is known for its arts and crafts and a visit to the local art gallery is a highlight. In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle of the Thule and of the modern Inuit.
Situated in the Davis Strait, the rocky dome of Monumental Island can be seen from a distance. Explore by zodiac along the rocky shoreline and hope to encounter polar bears in this vicinity. Walrus are also known to haul out along the shore here. In good weather a complete circumnavigation of the island in the zodiacs is possible.
At the mouth of Frobisher Bay on the southeastern tip of Baffin Island, the Lower Savage Islands are a geological wonder. A maze of channels crisscross the island and provide great zodiac cruising opportunities. It's possible to navigate from one side of the island to the other where the ship collects you. 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. Tonight, near the end of your journey, enjoy an entertaining voyage recap from the Expedition Leader. Celebrate with a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on your journey through the landscapes of the Arctic.
Day 11: Iqaluit | Disembark | Return Flight To Ottawa
1 Breakfast
By morning you are anchored off the beach from Iqaluit – the largest community on Baffin Island. Say goodbye to your crew and make your way ashore on your final zodiac ride. Be transferred to the airport and board a scheduled flight to Ottawa. On arrival in Ottawa your journey comes to an end. A transfer is provided to a downtown location.
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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.
Triple Share
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 3, 4 and 5. 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 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
- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.
- 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
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!
