Product Description
Highlights
Embark on an immersive land, sea and air adventure with a range of Zodiac cruises, shore excursions and helicopter expeditions, taking you to places once out of reach.. Encounter the Arctic’s rare and unique wildlife on multiple sightseeing opportunities, in search of musk oxen, walruses, caribou and narwhal whales.. Have the opportunity to meet with local Inuit communities as you travel through parts of the Northwest Passage and the waters of western Greenland, learning of their traditional culture and hunting and fishing ways.. Discover the best of the Canadian High Arctic islands and Greenland, journeying past remote village outposts and archaeological sites, and cruising the fjords to hear the deafening crash of shards falling from icebergs.
Overview
Take flight from Toronto and journey to the High Arctic in 17 days. Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked, taking in incredible untouched scenery, searching for wildlife, and passing by fjords, glaciers and icebergs. Follow the coastline past rugged islands to see the graves of lost explorers, polar bear research stations, traditional Inuit communities and archaeological ruins. Cross Baffin Bay to west Greenland – a region ruled by ice – and see mountains towering over colourful settlements, soaring glaciers, and huge ice shards becoming icebergs. On board a comfortable expedition vessel with a team of expert leaders, head into the world’s icy wilderness.
Breakfast Included: Lunches Included: Dinner Included:
Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, Canada. You are free to arrive at any time today and make your way to the pre-expedition accommodation. There, you will receive a welcome letter outlining times and further details about your charter flight to the High Arctic tomorrow morning. Tonight, you may like to meet with an expedition representative in the hotel lobby, who can answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Until then, enjoy the sights of Toronto or simply relax in your accommodation.
Resolute – Embarkation Day
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you may have the chance to walk around this small arctic hamlet before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your expedition vessel. Meet your crew and settle into your cabin.
Canadian High Arctic
Begin your polar voyage in the Northwest Passage as you pass by the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago and has been home to Inuit communities for even longer. Although no strict itinerary is set, your expedition could include cruising to Beechey Island – the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition, learning the local way of life in Arctic Bay, setting foot on Devon Island for a number of hiking opportunities, cruising along the face of an active glacier in Croker Bay spotting walruses in the waters, searching for musk oxen in Dundas Harbour and learning of hunting and fishing traditions in Grise Fjord. As you travel through sections of the Passage, let your expert polar crew take you on unforgettable Zodiac and helicopter sightseeing and landing trips to visit areas that otherwise may not be accessible. In between shore visits, scenic cruising and optional adventure activities, appreciate the onboard amenities of your polar vessel and enjoy a series of lectures presented by Arctic experts.
Smith Sound
Before saying goodbye to Canada, you will cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of the spectacular Smith Sound – the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Qaanaaq
Today, stop in Qaanaaq, Greenland. Formerly known as Thule – in ancient philosophy, it was Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’ – this is the main town in north-western Greenland. On shore, you will spend time learning about local Inuit culture and traditions, perhaps visiting the town’s museum.
At Sea
Back on board, journey south along the coast of Greenland with time spent at sea. During the day, there will be a number of presentations and lectures from your onboard experts to explain some of the incredible geography, wildlife and histories you have experienced, plus prepare you for the adventures and locations that lie ahead. In your leisure time, perhaps get to know your fellow voyagers over a drink in the onboard lounge, or make use of the spa and wellness facilities.
West Greenland
Over the next four days, continue to explore Greenland’s west, with a flexible itinerary to account for the varying weather and ice conditions. You may have the chance to admire the twin peaks of the mountain that towers over Uummannaq, visit the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, and cruise towards the impressive blue-hued Eqip Sermia glacier. Take a Zodiac past icebergs such as Sermeq Kujalleq, listening out for breaking ice crashing into the waters below. Air, land and sea excursions are all a possibility here, and your expert team will be monitoring the conditions to ensure wildlife and sightseeing opportunities are maximised.
Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation Day – Toronto
This morning, journey towards Kangerlussuaq and farewell your expedition crew as you take a Zodiac ride to shore. Here, you will board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, transfer as a group to your post-expedition accommodation. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity to visit Toronto at your leisure this evening.
Toronto
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at anytime as your tour comes to an end.
