Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Description

Heed the call of the wild, like legendary adventurers before you, and set sail on the waters of the Canadian High Arctic, encountering Inuit history and culture, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer as you spend 17 days experiencing the best of the Arctic, with an expert expedition crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable journey.

Trip Name

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Last Updated

2021-08-25

Days

Capacity

200

Highlights

Discover highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic on a polar expedition that focuses on remote natural landscapes, ancient Inuit cultures and unique wildlife sightings.
See the colourful villages of Greenland’s western shores, framed by natural canals and jagged peaks, stopping in to learn about Inuit and Thule histories and shop for traditional crafts.
Take to the water – and the skies – on a series of included Zodiac cruises and helicopter experiences, taking you to places otherwise inaccessible to large cruising ships.
After full days of exploring the Arctic wilderness, retire to your ultra-modern vessel, with comfortable staterooms, multiple dining, bar and lounge areas, and health and wellness facilities.
Enjoy encounters with the Arctic’s impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and musk oxen, and appreciate the sweeping vistas of colourful tundra, striking fjords and calving glaciers.

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 – the gateway to your Arctic expedition. You are free to arrive at any time today and independently transfer to your included pre-trip accommodation. On arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s charter flight to Greenland. An expedition representative will be available in the lobby this evening to answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 - Kangerlussuaq – Embarkation Day

After breakfast, transfer to Toronto Airport and board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small seaside community on Greenland’s west coast. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you transfer from shore to ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and take in your new surroundings.

Day 3-4 - West Greenland

For the next couple of days, your vessel will hug the coastline and you will begin exploring. Cruise around remote settlements of Greenland including Maniitsoq – an archipelago broken by natural canals, and Nuuk – the Greenlandic capital. Here, explore the Hans Egede church and statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. You may also enjoy visits to the Greenland National Museum, Nuuk Art Museum or Katuaq Cultural Centre. Marvel in your picturesque surroundings as you explore one of the world’s most remote capital cities.

Day 5 - At Sea

Cruise away from Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait in pursuit of the Canadian Arctic. During this time, consider attending a series of onboard lectures and programs presented by your expert crew, preparing you for the Arctic adventures that lie ahead. You may also like to take advantage of the ship’s fully equipped fitness centre and spa facilities.

Day 6-15 - Canadian High Arctic

Today, commence almost ten days of exploration in Canada’s High Arctic, following in the footsteps of explorers past. Your expedition crew will have a tentative itinerary set; however, they will take into account weather, sea and ice conditions to maximise the voyage’s shore landings and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Your course is set for the picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nestled beneath the peaks of Mt Duval. Here, you can learn about traditional lithographs and tapestries from local craftspeople. Your vessel will traverse the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay north along the east coast of Baffin Island, making use of the ship’s Zodiac and helicopter fleet for cruising, sightseeing and shore visits. Continue onwards to the Northwest Passage, stopping via Inuit communities, ancient Thule remains, reminders of past voyages, and a dazzling array of natural wonders. Expect to cruise pass pods of bowhead and narwhal whales and the soaring mountains of the region’s fjords, as well as glaciers, icebergs, and majestic mountain sites. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird and polar bear sightings. Your journey will be enhanced with hiking and kayaking opportunities, plus time to simply relax on deck and soak in the purity of the landscape.

Day 16 - Resolute – Disembarkation Day – Toronto

This morning, your ship will cruise towards Resolute, where you will disembark. On land, transfer to the airport and take your included charter flight back to Toronto, then take a group transfer to your accommodation for the evening.

Day 17 - Toronto

Your Greenland and Canadian High Arctic adventure comes to an end this morning, with no other activities planned. You are free to make your way to Toronto Airport for onward connections or continue to explore Toronto independently.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship 14 nights,hotel 2 nights

Transport

Ship,Zodiac,Plane