Baffin Island and Greenland

Voyage Overview

Experience two fascinating Arctic regions on this two week voyage.

Join a small ship expedition to the southern coast of Baffin Island and Greenland. Explore the rugged and wildlife rich islands along Baffin Island. Visit Pangnirtung, a remote Inuit community famous for its beautiful art. Search for wildlife while hiking the tundra or zodiac cruising along the shoreline. Stand in awe while walking alongside massive icebergs in Ilulissat. 

Trip Details

Duration: 14 Days

Ship: Ocean Nova , Expedition Ship, 75 Guests

Start: Ottawa, ON, Canada

End: Toronto, ON, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1: Charter Flight from Ottawa, Ontario to Iqaluit, Nunavut & Embarkation
Begin your journey by transferring to the ship via Zodiac through Iqaluit harbour. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital. A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more.

Day 2: Frobisher Bay
Witness Wildlife, Geology and Ice. Sail through this beautiful bay named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendour.

Day 3: Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
Journey to Lady Franklin Island, one of the many rugged and wildlife-rich islands dotting the south Baffin Island coast. Explore the coastline by Zodiac keeping watch for seabirds, polar bears, and marine life. A wonderful introduction to the geology of Nunavut, examine the rock formations from the sea. With Inuit expedition team members by your side, you’ll gain an intimate perspective on the captivating wildlife and geological wonders that cross your path.

Day 4: Southeast Baffin Island
Spend time on the nuna—the Inuktitut name for land. Take a hike that best suits your interest accompanied by our expert expedition team who offer insightful interpretations of the surroundings.
Soak in the full seasonal blooms at the height of Arctic summer as you explore the rolling tundra. A stop here will give you a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level.

Day 5: Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
Discover Spectacular Arctic Scenery. Experience Panniqtuuq, nestled on a coastal plain amidst stunning mountains and a winding river valley. Meaning “the place of the bull caribou” in Inuktitut, this charming community is embraced by snow-capped peaks and the ocean. Soak in the area’s striking beauty on a community tour, with the opportunity to visit the Angmarlik Visitor Centre. Explore exhibits showcasing both Thule and modern Inuit life, as well as information about the community’s available activities.

Day 6-7: Cumberland Peninsula
Spend two days exploring the Cumberland Peninsula, a stunning Arctic region steeped in cultural heritage. Jutting from the southeastern coast of Baffin Island, this peninsula encompasses Cumberland Sound, whose wildlife sustained Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years. We hope to experience the same natural wonders as we sail through the marine-rich waterway.
It was even considered a potential missing link in the early search for the Northwest Passage. While exploring, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the captivating maritime history of the region, gaining a deeper understanding of its past and present significance. We’ll make the most of every opportunity to hike the vast tundra and Zodiac in the ice-strewn waters. Make sure to keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales.

Day 8: At Sea — Davis Strait
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland. Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Try your hand at athletic feats during an interactive cultural performance of Inuit games. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.
Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Day 9-10: Western Greenland
Hike the Tundra. Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat, or Greenland! Choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing on Greenland’s spectacular west coast.
Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you’ll be delighted! Alongside our team of knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists, and geologists, embrace every opportunity to learn and deepen your connection to the landscapes we explore. Admire the mighty mountains and the tiniest tundra flowers—a stop in this area will offer many outstanding features to pique your interest.

Day 11: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs. Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold! Visit the town, with its museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Day 12-13: Sisimiut Coast
Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords. Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.
The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Day 14: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Fly to Toronto
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord.
Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former U.S. Air Force base. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Published itineraries are examples only, weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned schedules. These sometimes necessary adjustments present exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.