Baffin Island and Greenland

Day 1: Charter flight from Ottawa, ON, Canada to Iqaluit, NU, Canada & Embarkation 
Early this morning, take a charter flight from Ottawa to Iqaluit. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the ship by Zodiac. 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. *Note all guests should arrive into Ottawa at least one day prior to Day 1 (hotel nights not included in voyage cost). 

Day 2:Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
Marvel at Incredible Geology. 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 3: Southeast Baffin Island
Explore 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 4: Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
Immerse yourself in Inuit art. Experience Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung), 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. Immerse yourself in renowned Inuit art at the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre. Step inside the print and weave shop, where talented Inuit artists create beautifully woven tapestries and prints. Get the opportunity to purchase the acclaimed “Pang” hats—colourfully patterned crocheted toques—at the centre’s gift shop.

Day 5-6: Cumberland Peninsula
Experience the Rugged Beauty of the 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 profuse 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 7: At Sea across the Davis Strait 
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 profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse. Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Day 8-9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Disembarkation at Kangerlussuaq & charter flight to Toronto
End your journey by sailing up Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic Circle on your way. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base. We will disembark in the morning and transfer by Zodiac for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.