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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

SPECIAL OFFER

13 Days$9970USD

Activities
  • 12 nights expedition cruising
Accommodation
  • 12 nights aboard Ocean Endeavour
Meals
  • 12 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 12 Breakfasts
1
Discovery and Cruising
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Cruise the Northwest Passage
  • Visit the historic graves of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition
  • Seek belugas and narwhals in Lancaster Sound, a proposed National Marine Conservation Area
  • Photograph exquisite Arctic flowers at the height of summer bloo
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord
  • Sail along the dramatically beautiful west Greenland coastline

Delve deep into the far north to discover its many hidden treasures including landscapes, people and wildlife, on this high Arctic adventure. We undertake exploration of Beechey & Devon Island, before visiting the Inuit community at Mittimatalik. Continuing further north we explore the coastline of Baffin Island. Crossing the Davis Strait we arrive in Greenland, an island of rare beauty covering nearly 3.5 million square kilometres. More than 80 percent of the island is covered by the ice cap or small glaciers, and the west coast provides a landscape of dramatic peaks and enormous fjords. Throughout the voyage, we enjoy ample opportunities to view and photograph the unique wildlife of the region which include Narwhal, Beluga whales, polar bears and the rare white Ivory Gull. Nesting colonies on Coburg and Prince Leopold Islands host tens of thousands of Thick-billed Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes. We are also likely to encounter shorebirds, Dovekie, Northern Fulmar and, with luck, Gyrfalcon. At each stop, we board zodiacs to go ashore, or position ourselves for the best views to take photographs of the wildlife, flowers, icebergs and landscapes.

Trip Code: CHC

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Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord.’ We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord as the sun sets before us. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Toronto (Ontario) in the early morning so we suggest you book one night pre-trip accommodation to ensure you do not miss the flight.

Meals:  D

People have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. The first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. Approx. 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. These ice-free conditions in the sea around Sisimiut, including some of Greenland’s deepest fjords, allow us to sail in waters that are home to many whales and seals.

Meals:  B,L,D

Sailing 250km north of the Arctic Circle we find the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat. Translating literally into 'iceberg, Ilulissat could not be more appropriately named. We will include time in the colourful town and a have an opportunity to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where we can observe the great fields of ice. We will also cruise in our fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where we find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19m per day and calving more than 35 square kilometers of ice annually. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and, because of its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Canada. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales amid potential pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will spend four days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over fifty thousand square kilometres. The island’s geology is stunning. Flat topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We’ll visit a number of the bays – hiking the tundra, discovering the botany, cruising a glacier face, and wildlife spotting from ship and from shore. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

Meals:  B,L,D

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen all visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves, and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House, are a haunting memorial.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in Resolute Bay today and embark the Ocean Endeavour in the early afternoon Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun—daylight persists constantly from about April 29 to August 13 each year. Located on the south coast of Cornwallis Island, Resolute Bay is the "jumping off place" for expeditions to the North Pole. From archaeological excavations, it has been concluded that there have been at least three stages of occupation at Resolute Bay. The Dorset culture was the first, followed by an early phase of the Thule culture, in which the artefacts found show strong Alaskan affinities. These were probably both short periods of occupation, possibly by only a few families. A late or developed phase of the Thule culture was of longer duration, with a considerably larger population. Resolute Bay was named after HMS Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. An airfield was established at Resolute Bay in 1947 during construction of a joint US-Canadian weather station. In 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Que´bec, and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) were relocated to Qausuittuq (Resolute) by the Canadian government. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Resolute bound for Ottawa (Ontario) a few hours after disembarking the ship. Overnight accommodation in Ottawa is recommended.

Meals:  B

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Arrive in Resolute Bay today and embark the Ocean Endeavour in the early afternoon before setting sail. Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn”, is named for its dark winters. During our time in the summer months we will experience the midnight sun, a time of no darkness. The beginning of our journey is characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine. More significant is the origin of the hamlet. In 1953, Inuit from from Inukjuak, Québec, and Mittimatalik were relocated, under false pretenses, 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. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Ottawa (Ontario) in the early morning so we suggest you book one night pre-trip accommodation to ensure you do not miss the flight.

Meals:  D

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen all visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves, and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House, are a haunting memorial.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will spend four days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. The island’s geology is stunning. Flat topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We’ll visit a number of the bays—hiking the tundra, discovering the botany, cruising a glacier face, and wildlife-spotting from ship and from shore. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

Meals:  B,L,D

Mittimatalik or Pond Inlet is a bustling Arctic community surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Eastern Arctic. We will have a chance to explore the town, as well as take in a cultural presentation at the Nattinnak Centre. The waters of Mittimatalik are renowned for wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of the elusive narwhal.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our presentation series will continue as we steam across Davis Strait towards Greenland. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales amid potential pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B,L,D

Translating literally into “iceberg”, Ilulissat is 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, a 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Warmed by the West Greenland current, the waters around Sisimiut are free of sea ice, making the area an important fishing and shipping centre as well as a habitat for marine mammals. The fish market and folk museum in Sisimuit offer an opportunity to experience modern, and historic Greenland side by side.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trip concludes today in Kangerlussuaq. Meaning 'The Big Fjord' in Greenlandic, the town is appropriately named, with the fjord covering 168km in length. It lies at the head of the longest fjord in western Greenland, and has one of the most stable climates in the region though temperatures can range from -50C in the winter to as high as 28C in summer. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Kangerlussuaq bound for Toronto (Ontario) in the early evening.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Services of expedition leaders
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Service charges and port fees
  • Pre-departure information

  • Optional charter flights necessary to get to/from start and end point
  • Travel to and from start /end point of trip
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges, and airport departure taxes
  • Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Customary end of voyage tips for ship's crew (approximately US$10 - 15 per passenger per day)

Cabins


Departure dates


Notes

K
Kayak
1
Trip operates in reverse direction from Resolute to Kangerlussuaq
2
Optional charter flight costs include flight Toronto to Kangerlussuaq and Resolute to Ottawa or vice versa and are in addition to the cabin costs
3
Photography program is available free of charge on this voyage

Priceper person from

$9970USD

Options & Supplements*
  • TripleUSD$10995
  • Interior TwinUSD$12295
  • Exterior TwinUSD$13595
  • Main TwinUSD$14295
  • Comfort TwinUSD$14995
  • Select TwinUSD$15795
  • Superior TwinUSD$16295
  • Junior SuiteUSD$17295
  • SuiteUSD$18295
  • Kayaking OptionUSD$800
  • Optional Charter FlightsUSD$2645
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed High Arctic Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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