High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean Endeavour)
High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean Endeavour)
High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean Endeavour)
13 Days Starting in Ottawa and ending in Toronto
Visiting: Ottawa to Qausuittuq (Resolute), Canada, Beechey Island, Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island, Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), At Sea, Davis Strait, Western Greenland, Ilulissat, Sisimiut Coast, Kangerlussuaq Greenland to Toronto Canada
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBKH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 198
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
2-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$13640 (USD)Tour Overview
Discover a land so untamed, so remote and so beautiful that most can only dream of it. Venture into the Arctic Circle and traverse the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on a 13-day expedition. On board the Ocean Endeavour, a team of experts will help you dive deeper into the intriguing geography, history and culture of the region, while expedition landings allow you to experience it firsthand. Visit tiny villages set against colossal backdrops of icebergs and mountains, and admire the Arctic’s diverse wildlife from ship and shore.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ottawa To Qausuittuq (Resolute), Canada
Location: Ottawa to Qausuittuq (Resolute), Canada
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Your Arctic adventure begins in Ottawa, Canada, from where you’ll hop aboard an included early morning charter flight to Qausuittuq (Resolute), in Canada’s Nunavut region. Here you’ll find the Ocean Endeavour ship, your home for the next 13 days. Board a Zodiac boat which will take you to the Ocean Endeavour – these sturdy inflatable vessels will get you on and off the ship throughout your journey. With a name meaning ‘place with no dawn’, Qausuittuq experiences long, dark winters, but your visit in the peak of summer means day-round sunlight. The unique topography of the landscape is characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine. First established in 1953, the community began under false pretenses, as the Canadian government relocated Inuit families from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik, in an attempt to assert Canadian sovereignty. Learn about this dark chapter in Canadian history and how the community lives on today. Qausuittuq now serves as an important staging post for High Arctic research, tourism and military activities.
Day 2: Beechey Island
Location: Beechey Island
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Make a sobering visit to the Franklin Expedition historic site on Beechey Island, a memorial to the failed expedition of British explorer Sir John Franklin in 1845. Attempting to cross the Northwest Passage, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror vanished – searches for the wrecks were unsuccessful for 170 years, only to be both be discovered in 2014 and 2016. Pay your respects while learning the stories of the men who are buried here as you visit their graves and the nearby ruins of Northumberland House.
Day 3-7: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) And Devon Island
Location: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
The next four days will be spent exploring the rugged landscapes of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound). The area is home to narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales who feed in this area – set out in search of them by ship and Zodiac. Stop by Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island. The vast, barren landscape is dotted with glacial valleys, flat-topped mountains and ice caps, and while it may not be a place you’d want to live, it’s certainly a joy to explore. Hike over tundra, cruise a glacier face and keep a lookout for polar bears and other wildlife from ship and shore. Let expert guides show you ancient archaeological sites that unearth the history of the Inuit people and their ancestors who once laid roots on this now abandoned island. Visit the eerie remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
Day 8: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
Location: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
A world away from Ottawa where your adventure began, see a different side of Canada in the beautiful Arctic community of Mittimatalik. With a population of just 1600, this place may be small, but there’s so much Inuit culture and history to uncover here. Dive straight in with a performance by the Tununiq Arsarniit Theatre Group, where they will take you on a journey with their drum dancing, throat singing and storytelling. After the performance, enjoy some time to explore the town and soak in the spectacular views of nearby Bylot Island. There are often gorgeous handcrafted goods for sale if you want to pick up a keepsake to remember your time in this unique corner of the world.
Day 9: At Sea, Davis Strait
Location: At Sea, Davis Strait
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Cross the Davis Straight today on your way towards Greenland. This day at sea is the perfect opportunity to add a deeper layer to your discoveries of the Arctic. Enriching workshops and presentations delivered by experts on board the Ocean Endeavour paint an in-depth picture of the region’s fascinating history, geology, wildlife and cultural heritage. There’s even a workshop on how to best use your binoculars, so put your new skills into practice and get out on deck in search of whales, seabirds and other marine life.
Day 10: Western Greenland
Location: Western Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
An expedition landing on Greenland’s wild and wonderful west coast means the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may like to get active with a rewarding hike, or stretch your legs with a more easygoing stroll through the everchanging landscapes. There’s plenty of unbelievable photography opportunities here, or you may prefer just to sit back and take it all in. However you choose to spend the day, the sights of soaring mountains and vibrant tundra flowers are sure to stick with you long after your adventure is over.
Day 11: Ilulissat
Location: Ilulissat
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After travelling south overnight, disembark the ship and head out to explore the town of Ilulissat and its surrounds – the name Ilulissat directly translates to ‘icebergs’ in Kalaallisut, Greenland’s official language, and you’ll soon find out why! Neatly organised colourful houses make the town postcard-pretty, but it’s the nearby icefjord that really puts this place on the map. A walk along a boardwalk will lead you to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering white ice formations dwarf the buildings of the nearby town. Spend some time soaking up this memorable sight, and perhaps have a wander around Ilulissat’s charming shops and museums, then set out on a Zodiac cruise to admire the icefjord from a different perspective. Weave and bob your way around impressive icebergs – this really has to be experienced to be believed!
Day 12: Sisimiut Coast
Location: Sisimiut Coast
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today will be spent exploring western Greenland along the Sisimiut Coast. You’re going to want to have your camera ready for this journey – prepare to pass by glaciers, fjords and islands against a staggering backdrop of mountains. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get off the ship and hike through the inspiring landscape, or set off on a Zodiac cruise for a closer look at these natural wonders. As you traverse the complex waterways, learn the stories of the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit people who have called the Sisimiut region home for 4500 years.
Day 13: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland To Toronto, Canada
Location: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, Canada
Meals Included: breaksfast
It’s time to say goodbye to the Arctic after a day cruising down the Kangerlussuaq Fjord for your final dose of epic scenery, crossing the Arctic Circle one last time. The 190-kilometre-long fjord is flanked by snow-dusted mountains and dramatic glaciers, ensuring your last day in the Arctic will be one to remember. Bid farewell to the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark and take a Zodiac transfer for your included charter flight to Toronto, Ontario. Your Arctic adventure comes to an end upon your arrival at Toronto airport – prepare to leave with memories to last a lifetime.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (11 nights)
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Transport
Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
- Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
Important Information
- In 2024 this trip will be one day longer - trip duration is 13 days
- This trip includes an early morning charter flight from Ottawa, Canada to Resolute, NU, Canada on day one of the trip. We recommend you book one additional night’s accommodation in Ottawa prior to starting the trip.
- This trip also includes a charter flight from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada on the last day of the trip. We recommend you book one additional night’s accommodation in Toronto on the last day of the trip as the charter flight usually arrives into Toronto in the early evening.
- SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
- This trip is operated by our partner Adventure Canada on board the Ocean Endeavour ship.
- You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD3000, USD2000, EUR1800, NZD3200, GBP1700, CAD2800, CHF2000 or ZAR34,900 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed.
- Final payment is due 120 days before your trip departure date.
- If a booking is cancelled up to 120 days before departure, 50% of the non refundable deposit per person per cruise will be held as a future Travel credit.
- If a booking is cancelled from 91 days to 120 days before departure, a 65% cancellation fee will apply.
- If a booking is cancelled at 90 days or less before departure, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
- Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Adventure Canada terms and conditions.
- COVID 19 VACCINATION
- All customers must be fully vaccinated against covid19 to join this trip. Adventure Canada also strongly recommends all customers to keep up to date with their booster shots to maximise your own personal safety.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
Believe it or not, temperatures in the Arctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy, warm and highly fashionable (in the arctic, at least). Please see the trip notes for information about what to bring.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you. We may need to adjust our plans to visit alternate arctic landing sites.
Weather and sea ice play a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions