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Peregrine Travel Centre

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

From $ 25,200 AUD

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Description

Take flight from Toronto and journey to the High Arctic in 17 days. Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked, taking in incredible untouched scenery, searching for wildlife, and passing by fjords, glaciers and icebergs. Follow the coastline past rugged islands to see the graves of lost explorers, polar bear research stations, traditional Inuit communities and archaeological ruins. Cross Baffin Bay to west Greenland – a region ruled by ice – and see mountains towering over colourful settlements, soaring glaciers, and huge ice shards becoming icebergs. On board a comfortable expedition vessel with a team of expert leaders, head into the world’s icy wilderness.

Trip Name
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
Last Updated
2020-08-03
Days
17
Capacity
200
Highlights
  • Embark on an immersive land, sea and air adventure with a range of Zodiac cruises, shore excursions and helicopter expeditions, taking you to places once out of reach.
  • Encounter the Arctic’s rare and unique wildlife on multiple sightseeing opportunities, in search of musk oxen, walruses, caribou and narwhal whales.
  • Have the opportunity to meet with local Inuit communities as you travel through parts of the Northwest Passage and the waters of western Greenland, learning of their traditional culture and hunting and fishing ways.
  • Discover the best of the Canadian High Arctic islands and Greenland, journeying past remote village outposts and archaeological sites, and cruising the fjords to hear the deafening crash of shards falling from icebergs.
  • Enjoy a well-equipped vessel with modern staterooms, a number of bar and lounge areas and health and wellness facilities. And on your sailing days, join experts for an onboard lecture program.

Itinerary

Polar travel requires an amount of flexibility as weather, ice conditions and wildlife can all affect where your ship is able to access, and where your Expedition Team think you will get the best experience possible from your trip. On board, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries are subject to change when local conditions dictate. Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2 of the itinerary, after breakfast. Although the scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. You should be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on our group transfer at any time. In the extremely unlikely event that the plane is unable to depart on the planned date of the charter flight, you will be provided a full day of activities in Ottawa, meals included. If the weather is not suitable on Day 3, you will enjoy an additional day of activities and meals in Ottawa. On Day 4 should the charter flight not be able to take off by 14:00, Quark Expeditions will officially cancel the voyage and provide letters for all clients to submit to their travel insurance providers under the trip delay/interruption and cancellation clause. Quark Expeditions will make every effort to ensure your programme takes place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond our control. Quark Expeditions and Peregrine Adventures will not offer passengers a refund in the event of a trip delay or cancellation due to the charter flight being unable to depart as planned. We strongly recommend that all clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance, in addition to the required medical coverage. Please note that international airfare may not be covered by insurance in the event of a cancellation. The return flight from Resolute to Ottawa is due to take place after breakfast on Day 16. We suggest you have flexible onward travel arrangements in case of any extended flight delays due to bad weather.

Day 1 - Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, Canada. You are free to arrive at any time today and make your way to the pre-expedition accommodation. There, you will receive a welcome letter outlining times and further details about your charter flight to the High Arctic tomorrow morning. Tonight, you may like to meet with an expedition representative in the hotel lobby, who can answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Until then, enjoy the sights of Toronto or simply relax in your accommodation.
Day 2 - Resolute – Embarkation Day
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you may have the chance to walk around this small arctic hamlet before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your expedition vessel. Meet your crew and settle into your cabin.
Day 3-6 - Canadian High Arctic
Begin your polar voyage in the Northwest Passage as you pass by the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago and has been home to Inuit communities for even longer. Although no strict itinerary is set, your expedition could include cruising to Beechey Island – the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition, learning the local way of life in Arctic Bay, setting foot on Devon Island for a number of hiking opportunities, cruising along the face of an active glacier in Croker Bay spotting walruses in the waters, searching for musk oxen in Dundas Harbour and learning of hunting and fishing traditions in Grise Fjord. As you travel through sections of the Passage, let your expert polar crew take you on unforgettable Zodiac and helicopter sightseeing and landing trips to visit areas that otherwise may not be accessible. In between shore visits, scenic cruising and optional adventure activities, appreciate the onboard amenities of your polar vessel and enjoy a series of lectures presented by Arctic experts.
Day 7-8 - Smith Sound
Before saying goodbye to Canada, you will cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of the spectacular Smith Sound – the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Day 9 - Qaanaaq
Today, stop in Qaanaaq, Greenland. Formerly known as Thule – in ancient philosophy, it was Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’ – this is the main town in north-western Greenland. On shore, you will spend time learning about local Inuit culture and traditions, perhaps visiting the town’s museum.
Day 10 - At Sea
Back on board, journey south along the coast of Greenland with time spent at sea. During the day, there will be a number of presentations and lectures from your onboard experts to explain some of the incredible geography, wildlife and histories you have experienced, plus prepare you for the adventures and locations that lie ahead. In your leisure time, perhaps get to know your fellow voyagers over a drink in the onboard lounge, or make use of the spa and wellness facilities.
Day 11-15 - West Greenland
Over the next four days, continue to explore Greenland’s west, with a flexible itinerary to account for the varying weather and ice conditions. You may have the chance to admire the twin peaks of the mountain that towers over Uummannaq, visit the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, and cruise towards the impressive blue-hued Eqip Sermia glacier. Take a Zodiac past icebergs such as Sermeq Kujalleq, listening out for breaking ice crashing into the waters below. Air, land and sea excursions are all a possibility here, and your expert team will be monitoring the conditions to ensure wildlife and sightseeing opportunities are maximised.
Day 16 - Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation Day – Toronto
This morning, journey towards Kangerlussuaq and farewell your expedition crew as you take a Zodiac ride to shore. Here, you will board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, transfer as a group to your post-expedition accommodation. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity to visit Toronto at your leisure this evening.
Day 17 - Toronto
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at anytime as your tour comes to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 25,200-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 34,600-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 40,300-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 31,700-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 54,000-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 44,700-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 33,900-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 41,800-
31-08-202116-09-2021AUD $ 59,100-

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship 14 nights,hotel 2 nights

Transport

Ship,Zodiac,Plane

Map

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