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Heart of the Arctic (Ocean Endeavour)

Heart of the Arctic (Ocean Endeavour)

From USD $4,995

Description

South Greenland’s stunning coast. The communities of south Baffin. The islands of Ungava Bay. People, wildlife and landscape are the true Heart of the Arctic!

Visit three distinct Arctic regions on this voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Explore the deep fjords and vibrant communities of Greenland, including the world’s smallest capital, Nuuk. Cross the Davis Strait in the wake of the explorers, searching for marine life and seabirds.

South Baffin Island’s Inuit art-making communities are famous throughout the world. Meet the artists. Pick up a carving, a print, or a tapestry. Nunavik, the Arctic coast of Quebec, offers outstanding archeology and wildlife.

Plentiful sea ice means great opportunities for wildlife viewing from the ship or board a Zodiac—or board a Zodiac to seek whales, bears, and caribou. Keep your binoculars ready for thick-billed murres, guillemots, dovekies, and more.

Journey with scientists, historians, Inuit artists, and culturalists to the heart of the Arctic!

Trip Name
Heart of the Arctic (Ocean Endeavour)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 137m
Passenger Capacity: 199
Built: 1982 - refurbished 2010, 2014 & 2017
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout.
Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.
Features of the Ocean Endeavour  
VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool
Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking.
Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica





Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Iqaluit
Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s bustling capital. A population of nearly 8,000 (and growing) call Iqaluit home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more. We will transfer by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour through busy Iqaluit harbour. Take a moment to notice the amazing tide! Once all are aboard, we’ll begin our journey down Frobisher Bay.
Day 2 - Day 2 Frobisher Bay
We’ll be on the lookout for wildlife, of course. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks, and the tundra plants beneath your feet are worth a closer look. Expect compelling scenery, and soak up the Arctic splendor as we go!
Day 3 - Day 3 Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
Kimmirut means “the heel” in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay from the community. Kimmirut is considered one of the most charming communities on the South Baffin coast. Art aficionados may know the hamlet as Lake Harbour, once the home of a Hudson Bay company post. Art has played a major role in putting Kimmirut on the map. The Dewey Soper Building houses a gallery of outstanding works of art.
Day 4 - Day 4 Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Kinngait was ground zero for the Inuit art market. In 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established: it remains the oldest arts organization in the Canadian Arctic and the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada. Old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for Inuit art. We’ll visit studios and meet the artists here—an opportunity to purchase outstanding works straight from the source.
Day 5 - Day 5 Hudson Strait
On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. We can expect to navigate the icy waters of Hudson Strait. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.
Day 6 - Day 6 Ivujivik
We call in at Nunavik’s northernmost community, Ivujivik. With a population of just under five hundred, the dramatic setting sits at the confluence of Hudson Strait and Hudsons Bay, the high tidal environment provides for rich wildlife. Nunavik is the Inuit homeland in Quebec and comprises the northern third of the province.
Day 7 - Day 7 Ungava Peninsula
Heading northwest along the Ungava Peninsula, we’re exploring an area of treeless tundra rich in geology and flora. We’ll enjoy hiking and a Zodiac cruise.
Day 8 - Day 8 Akpatok Island
Uninhabited Akpatok Island is the biggest island in Ungava Bay, at over nine hundred square kilometres. It’s named for the akpat—the thick-billed murres—that nest on ledges of Aktpatok’s lofty cliffs. These penguin-like birds are truly a delight to watch: tremendous swimmers, but comical flyers. Here we’ll use our Zodiacs to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice with hopes of seeing polar bears, walrus, and other marine life.
Day 9 - Day 9 Ungava Bay
Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the east coast of Ungava Bay. We’ll search for Polar bears as we call in at an abandoned fishing community. As always expedition staff will be watching for birds, marine mammals, and wildlife on the land. Keep your binoculars and expedition gear at the ready!
Day 10 - Day 10 At Sea — Davis Strait
Our presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Our resource staff will deepen your understanding of the Arctic as we go. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops and group learning, watch a documentary or dive into our library.While out on deck, keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales amid pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.
Day 11 - Day 11 Nuuk
Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland that bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. The modern downtown core includes shopping, cafes and restaurants, and public institutions with a European flair.The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the world-famous Greenland mummies are housed here. The museum’s exhibits also offer in-depth information about colonial, Norse, and Inuit presence in Greenland—a must-see.
Day 12 - Day 12 Quqqata Kommunia
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, many islands and complex coastal waterways. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location. This makes for lusher vegetation. This is a day in the spirit of expedition travel and we will avail ourselves of the opportunities that present themselves.
Day 13 - Day 13 Kangerlussuaq
Early this morning we’ll complete our overnight journey up Sondre Stromfjord—a 168-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord’.Kangerlussuaq is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. We’ll transfer to shore by Zodiac and be bused along Greenland’s longest road—less than twenty kilometres—to the airport, where our charter flight will take us to Toronto.
Day 14 - Please Note:
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $4,995Category 1 - Quad
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $5,995Category 2 - Triple
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $7,395Category 3 - Interior Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $8,695Category 4 - Exterior Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $9,995Category 5 - Main Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $11,295Category 6 - Comfort Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $12,595Category 7 - Select Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $13,895Category 8 - Superior Twin
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $15,195Category 9 - Junior Suite
19-07-202031-07-2020USD $16,495Category 10 - Suite

Inclusions

    • View the spectacular Arctic coastal regions by Zodiac
    • Immerse yourself in the creative tradition, science, and culture of the Arctic
    • Appreciate Inuit life in Greenland, Nunavut, and Nunavik
    • Seek polar bears, marine mammals, and seabirds in the rich waters of Hudson Strait
    • Learn about Inuit art and culture from artists and expertsVisit some of Nunavut’s greatest carvers in their workshops
    • Cross the Arctic Circle by ship while enjoying glorious Sondre Stromfjord

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