Baffin Island: Exploring Canada’s Wild Arctic Frontier

Description

Sail across the Davis Strait into the remote reaches of Canada’s High Arctic, where sheer cliffs rise from the sea, ancient ice floes drift past the bow and charismatic wildlife thrives in one of the most untouched ecosystems on the planet. Baffin Island, with its vast, roadless landscape, is the centerpiece of this extraordinary voyage and you’ll venture deep into its seemingly inaccessible network of icy bays, inlets and fjords aboard the purpose-built National Geographic Resolution. This is true expedition travel, and your days will be guided by the ice, weather and wildlife as your naturalists, historians and photographers deepen your understanding of the land and daily life in the Arctic.

Trip Name

Baffin Island: Exploring Canada’s Wild Arctic Frontier

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 One of two next-generation ships purpose-built for polar exploration, National Geographic Resolution is named in tribute to Captain James Cook’s legendary second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. With a Polar Code Category A ice-class hull and a pioneering X-Bow® design, she offers unmatched comfort, stability, and quiet passage through even the most challenging polar waters—opening access to remote corners of the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond. Designed for immersive exploration, the ship’s interior is warm, modern, and elegantly Scandinavian, with expansive windows throughout that keep the wild, ice-bound world always within view. Her six decks house 76 spacious cabins, inviting public spaces, and a full complement of expedition tools. Guests can relax in the observation lounge, library, or spa; enjoy flexible dining across three venues; or gear up in the Expedition Base before heading out in Zodiacs or kayaks. From polar bear sightings in Svalbard to navigating ice-choked channels in the Southern Ocean, Resolution is a state-of-the-art platform for discovering the planet’s most astonishing frontiers.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital. Transfer from the airport and spend the day exploring the city at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk at your hotel this afternoon to make final arrangements before your charter flight the following day.

Day 2 - Day 2 Reykjavík / Nuuk, Greenland / Embark Ship

Fly from Reykjavík on the recommended flight to Nuuk, Greenland's thriving capital city, where you’ll embark the National Geographic Resolution. Settle into your cabin and then be on deck to enjoy a scenic sailing out of Nuuk fjord as the ship navigates north along the coastline and into open waters. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Day 3 Crossing the Davis Strait

Spend the day at sea crossing the Davis Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Listen to expert talks from your expedition team, relax with a book in the lounge or hang out on the Bridge or the observation deck, keeping an eye out for whales as the ship travels across the continental shelf. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Days 4-10 Exploring Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Over the next six days, explore the natural wonders of Baffin Island, Canada's largest island and the fifth largest in the world. Known as Qikiqtaaluk by Inuit and inhabited for over four thousand years, the shores of this majestic island are rife with opportunities to step back in time and discover one of the most remote areas of the planet like the earliest explorers who came before. With no set itinerary, your veteran captain and expedition leader will decide on routes and activities in real time as they respond to the day’s elements and wildlife sightings, navigating the state-of-the-art polar ship further into the ice to uncharted fjords or returning to favorite landing sites.As you head south, you’ll experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes, defined by glaciers, waterfalls and towering peaks, and watch for the wildlife that inhabits these waterways and rugged isles such as polar bears, seals, whales and, with luck, maybe even the elusive narwhal. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Day 11 Crossing the Davis Strait

Sail across the Davis Strait once more as you reflect on your experience in the far reaches of the globe, exchanging stories with your fellow travelers or editing photos with the help of your certified photography instructor. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities one last time with a relaxing spa treatment from your wellness specialist, a dip in the infinity-style hot tub or a session in the sauna as you take in the ocean views. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Day 12 Nuuk / Disembark Ship / Reykjavík, Iceland

Disembark in Nuuk and join the recommended group flight to Reykjavík. Transfer to the nearby hotel for an included overnight stay. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Day 13 Reykjavík

Transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore the glacier-carved fjords, coastal cliffs and remote headlands of Baffin Island—home to dramatic scenery, lively seabird colonies and ancient cultural sites
Search for the region’s iconic wildlife, from polar bears and whales to walruses and possibly narwhals, with the help of your naturalists
Venture into the wilds of the high Arctic with a flexible itinerary designed to maximize opportunities for wildlife viewing, Zodiac landings, kayaking excursions and unexpected discoveries
While crossing to and from Greenland and Canada, enjoy immersive talks and storytelling that illuminate the science, history and culture of these two dynamic Arctic icons