High Arctic Explorer

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 up this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle, northbound 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. The people primarily lived on fish, birds, 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, 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. 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.
DAY 4: West Greenland Coast
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)
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—handcrafted goods may be available here, too.
DAY 7–10: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
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.
DAY 11: Beechey Island
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 the HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves, and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House, are a haunting memorial.
DAY 12: Qausuittuq (Resolute), Nunavut
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 ending 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 HighArctic research, tourism, and military activities. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour, and take the charter flight to Ottawa, ON.

Day 1: Today our early morning charter flight from Ottawa will bring us to Qausuittuq, where we will board the Ocean Endeavour and begin our expedition. See Westbound itinerary above for a synopsis of destinations and daily activities if not described here.
Day 2: Beechey Island
Day 3: Devon Island
Day 4: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Day 5: North Baffin Island
Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the waterways surrounding Northern Baffin Island. Wildlife will be on our minds—the region is habitat for Thick-billed Murres and Kittiwakes, among other seabirds. Baffin’s mountains are striking, affording stunning perspectives on geological processes. Weather, ice, and opportunity will determine our route, and our team will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.
Day 6: Mittimatalkik (Pond Inlet)
Day 7: At sea – Davis Strait
Day 8: Western Greenland
Day 9: Uummannaq Fjord
Uummannaq Fjord in northwest Greenland is the country’s second-largest system of fjords, characterized by its developed coastline and various bays, islands, and peninsulas. It is considered to be the sunniest spot in Greenland, and favourable weather—coupled with proximity to coastal travel routes—has made the fjord system a popular destination for Greenlandic Inuit. It has been settled and re-settled continually for the last 4,500 years. Expect another day of extraordinary photographic opportunities!
Day 10: Ilulissat
Day 11: Sisimiut Coast
Day 12: Kangerlussuaq
Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight to Toronto.

This is our proposed itinerary. It is highly probable that weather, sea, and ice conditions will not allow us to travel this exact route. Our Expedition Leader and the Ocean Endeavour‘s captain will determine our exact route day by day.

Itinerary details are subject to change based on weather conditions and visits to particular communities cannot be guaranteed.