High Arctic Explorer: Kangerlussuaq to Resolute Bay

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Kangerlussuaq is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will be transferred by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour.

With 168 kilometres of superb scenery, Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle, southbound as we go.

Day 2: Sisimiut Coast

West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location.

People have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. For the first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. 2,500 years ago, new people brought the Dorset culture to the Sisimiut area. They lived here for 1,500 years and were followed by the people of the Thule culture—the ancestors of the current population. All these cultures came from Canada. The people primarily lived on fish, birds and mammals such as whales and seals.

Day 3: Ilulissat

Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord—a unesco World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. We will also visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.

Day 4: Western Greenland

Greenland’s west coast is simply stunning. From mighty mountains to the tiniest tundra flowers, our stop in this area will offer many outstanding features of interest. Hikers, walkers, photographers, and contemplators will all be equally delighted.

Day 5: At Sea—Davis Strait

Our onboard presentation series will continue as we steam across Davis Strait towards Canada. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, and get out on deck looking for whales, seabirds and marine wildlife.

Day 6: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, Canada

Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting. The views of nearby Bylot Island are stunning. We will have a chance to explore the town. The cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—arts and crafts may be available here, too.

Day 7-11: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island

Spend five fun-filled days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas.

Cruise by ship and by Zodiac in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales that transit and feed in this area. Admire Devon Island’s unique geological character, with its flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and substantial ice cap. At the northern edge of Tallurutiup Imanga, it’s the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and keep your eyes peeled for polar bears and other wildlife from ship and from shore. Visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of Inuit and their ancestors who once lived on this now-abandoned island. Then catch a glimpse of more recent history when you visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

Day 12: Beechey Island

Pay your respects at this haunting memorial to Sir John Franklin’s failed expedition.

Learn the compelling history of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror’s attempts to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died, and numerous search parties later used the spot as a depot and rendezvous. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. Visit their graves and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House while contemplating the poignant history.

Day 13: Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU, Canada

Say your goodbyes to the Arctic in Qausuittuq (Resolute). The community’s name, meaning “place with no dawn,” comes from its dark winters, but during your visit at the height of summer, you’ll experience the midnight sun—a time of no darkness.

Take in the unique geography and geology here, characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine.

Learn about the significance of the origin of the hamlet; in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik were relocated under false pretences by the Canadian government with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty.

Today the community is home to just under 250 people and is an important staging point for High Arctic research, tourism, and military activities.

Disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer by Zodiac to shore for your charter flight to Ottawa, ON.

• Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
• Applicable taxes and credit card fees
• Complimentary expedition jacket
• Contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund
• Special access permits, entry, and park fees
• Expert expedition team
• Guided activities
• Sightseeing and community visits
• All Zodiac excursions
• Port fees
• Pre-departure materials
• Educational program
• Nikon Camera Trial Program
• Interactive workshops
• Evening entertainment
• All shipboard meals

• Commercial and charter flights
• Program enhancements/optional excursions
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
• Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation