Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your
own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.

In the morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private
charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small town at the eastern head of Sondre
Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world. After embarking the ship
in the afternoon, enjoy time out on deck, taking in your new surroundings as
you set sail on your Arctic expedition.

As we cruise across the Davis Strait, the Expedition Team will prepare you
for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics
of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and
the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep a lookout
for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that frequent the
waters here.

Baffin Island is the fifth-largest island in the world, it was named for
English navigator William Baffin, who ventured to the area in the early 17th
century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Our days sailing along the
island’s eastern coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with
each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favourite
destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq, Isabella Bay and Sam Ford Fjord. Towering
mountains, deep fjords, colourful tundra, and Inuit settlements await!The
Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in
Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island.
Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage
point of the Davis Strait.  You’ll also have a chance to support local
Inuit artisans here by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewellery.The
rarely explored Sam Ford Fjord is one of the most isolated places on the
planet. It is a spectacular big-wall playground, attracting adventurous
climbers eager to scale the dozens of towering vertical granite cliffs that
erupt from the sea. Have your camera handy as you cruise along this
impressive coastline carved by ancient glaciers—the towering formations,
stacked side by side, are simply majestic.

As our ship sails farther north, take in a presentation by our on-board
experts, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, watch a movie or join the Expedition
Team on the bridge as they scan for wildlife—there is no shortage of
activities while at sea.

The gateway to the Northwest Passage, Lancaster Sound is one of the richest
marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas staying ice-free all
year, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine
wildlife. Our days here will be spent exploring several of the sound’s
beautiful bays and inlets, discovering historical sites, enjoying Zodiac
cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walrus, seals and, of
course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too, as Lancaster Sound is
known for polar bear sightings. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the
elusive Narwhal.There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay,
the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic.
Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including
the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an
understanding of how these pre-Inuit people thrived in the Far North.We will
attempt to land at Beechey Island, a Canadian National Historic Site. Named
after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting
place of members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845–46 expedition to find the
Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky beach, were discovered in
1850 by a team searching for signs of the ill-fated expedition.Predominantly
covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters
comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep
coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting
seabirds like Brünnich’s guillemots (Thick-billed murres), Black-legged
kittiwakes, Northern fulmars and Black guillemots.

Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll push as far north as possible,
exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between
Ellesmere Island and Greenland. Experience a true expedition as weather and
ice determine how far north we explore.

Return to Greenland and sail along the remote northwest coast, a land of
impressive icebergs and massive glaciers. Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule,
is one of the northernmost towns in the world. Here, local Inuit share their
culture and traditions, while the museum sheds more light on life near the
top of the worldWe hope to explore Melville Bay, a significant whaling site
until the early 1900s. Opening up to Baffin Bay, the area is a major egress
for the Greenland ice cap and is home to spectacular icebergs in all shapes
and sizes, making it an ideal spot for Zodiac cruising. 

As we continue sailing south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations
by our on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, dramatic fjords and
vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless.
Some areas we hope to explore here are Uummannaq, Itilleq and the impressive
Ilulissat Icefjord.Quite possibly the most picturesque place in Greenland,
the traditional Inuit town of Uummannaq (which means “heart-like”) takes
its name from the red heart-shaped mountain that rises up a staggering 3,840
feet (1,170 metres) behind it. You’ll want to be positioned on deck as your
ship approaches the shore, with your camera ready to capture the inspiring
vistas of the twin peaks soaring high above the colorful houses dotting the
rugged coastline.Another beautiful locale is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Home to Jakobshavn, one of the most active glaciers in
the world, this is a great spot to enjoy a Zodiac excursion past towering
icebergs. Venturing ashore in the town of Ilulissat (which means
“iceberg”) will allow you to visit the icefjord on foot and gaze at this
unforgettable river of ice from the rocky shore.Surrounded by sea and
mountains, Itilleq (meaning “crossing place”) is situated about a mile (2
km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a small island. It is the
southern limit of the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, the dogs
are not permitted south of this community and all other dog breeds are
prohibited this far north. Explore the town’s traditional wooden houses
painted in a rainbow of colours, chat with the locals, whose main trade is
fishing, and maybe challenge them to a game of football (soccer) — it
won’t be long before you’re experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly
vibe.

Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight
back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival in Toronto, we will transfer you to
your included hotel.

Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend time exploring
this fascinating city.