HIGHLIGHTS
- View
and experience the rich artistic output of Canada's indigenous Inuit
artists
- Explore
spectacular fjords and fissures of southern Baffin Island and Hudson
Strait
- Enjoy
close-up encounters with sea mammals and many bird species
- Travel
in comfort aboard the outstanding expedition ship - RCGS Resolute
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ottawa to Iqaluit
We
depart Ottawa this morning on our scheduled flight to Iqaluit, capital
of Nunavut, situated on the south-eastern coast of Baffin Island. Upon
arrival we enjoy a walking tour of this historic settlement before
boarding our expedition ship, RCGS Resolute, in the afternoon. After
settling into our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition
team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a
welcome cocktail and cast off to explore one of the most remote regions
on Earth.
Day
2: Monumental Island, Frobisher Bay
Located
in the Davis Strait, the rocky dome of Monumental Island can be clearly
seen as we approach. We travel by zodiac to explore the rocky shoreline
and hope to encounter polar bears in this vicinity. In good weather a
complete circumnavigation of the island is possible, and we should see
our first large icebergs as they drift south towards Labrador and
Newfoundland on the currents of the Davis Strait. Walruses have also
been encountered in this area, so we keep a close look out on the
shoreline for this iconic species. Over the next few days, and
throughout the voyage, our onboard experts educate and entertain us
with a series of presentations about Inuit culture and traditions, as
well as the environment, wildlife and history of Baffin Island.
Day
3: Kimmirut
The
tiny community of Kimmirt is home to just 400 people and was once a
Hudson’s Bay Company Trading post. A particular focus of our
visit is the local art scene and after cruising into a narrow channel
we travel ashore by zodiac, where we enjoy a warm welcome from the
locals. This community is well-known for its arts and crafts including
stone carvings, sealskin clothing, jewelry and fine bead work among
other items. Many of Kimmirut's residents are renowned carvers whose
art is collected worldwide. The small Soper Gallery is housed in an old
wooden cottage and run by the Quliruakut Arts and Crafts Society. But
it’s not all art: among the animals native to the area are
caribou, Arctic wolves, walruses, seals, Arctic hare, and whales, as
well as numerous bird species including peregrine falcons, ptarmigan,
snow bunting and snowy owls. There are some great sea kayaking
opportunities in this area and our guides will be keen to head out for
a paddle.
Days
4 and 5: Cape Dorset
Cape
Dorset offers so much for visitors, no matter what their interest, and
two-days allows time for a thorough exploration of the hamlet and
surrounding areas. The community is home to more than 1,300 residents
and is Baffin Island’s best-known art center, referred to as
the ‘Capital of Inuit Art’, with almost a quarter
of the hamlet's residents actively engaged in the visual arts. Much of
their artwork reflects the wilderness and environment of Baffin Island,
with objects such as whales, narwhals, seals, walruses, bears, wolves,
foxes and more providing a focus for artistic expression. These
artworks reflect the deep connection the Inuit people have to one
another, past generations, the land and nature, as well as a spiritual
connection to the Earth. The celebrated Art Co-operative is the best
place to view these striking works and observe the artists at work.
Cape Dorset is also blessed with superb Arctic landscapes, home to
migratory caribou, seabirds, whales, seals and walruses which can be
found in the vicinity. There are some excellent hiking opportunities
through rolling hills to secluded waterfalls and lakes, providing great
views and chances to observe the local wildlife or watch ice floes
drift slowly by.
Day
6: Walrus Island and Coral Harbor
During
the night we sail into the western reaches of Hudson Strait and today
promises some exciting excursions. A zodiac cruise at the small outcrop
of Walrus Island allows a close encounter with these fascinating
animals. Returning to the ship we make our way north to the small
hamlet of Coral Harbor, situated on Southampton Island. This area has a
fascinating history. In more recent times, early whalers plied the
nearby waters hunting for bowhead whales and in the 1920s, the Hudson's
Bay Company established an outpost here. Today the island is an
important migratory bird flyway, visited by species including the
common eider and Lesser Snow Goose. Ptarmigans, snowy owls, peregrine
falcons and gyrfalcons are also spotted in this vicinity. On land,
caribou are abundant and both the red fox and Arctic fox are sometimes
spotted. The hamlet is also known for the production of intricate wall
hangings, each telling a unique visual story.
Day
7: Digges Islands, Cape Wolstenholme and Erik Cove
Located
at the north-western tip of the Ungava Peninsula, the Digges Islands
mark the juncture of the Hudson Strait and north-eastern Hudson Bay,
and their rocky cliffs are ideal for seabirds. Just to the east is the
headland at Cape Wolstenholme, located at the most northerly point of
the Province of Quebec. Here the cliffs soar to some 300 meters and are
home to one of the largest colonies of thick-billed murres on Earth.
There are also a number of walrus colonies in the area. Polar bears can
be found throughout this region and we will hope to encounter them from
a safe distance while cruising in the zodiacs. We continue sailing
east, around the northern tip of Quebec, and enter the very remote Erik
Cove for an afternoon excursion. The remnants of a Hudson's Bay Company
store lie on the southern shore and we enjoy a walk with our guides
along the waterfront, soaking up the beautiful scenery and learning
something of the area’s early history.
Day
8: Shaftsbury Inlet
During
the night we sail north-east across the Hudson Strait and this morning
we find ourselves once again on the southern shores of Baffin Island.
Shaftesbury Inlet is a narrow and strikingly beautiful fjord and
we’ll likely be on deck as the Captain navigates our ship
into this narrow channel. This inlet is characterized by steep
shorelines and high tides, with tide height changing as much as 10 - 12
metres daily. We will plan to visit ashore at the mouth of a small
river and hike up the river valley, eventually reaching a lake. This is
a wonderful place to get out and stretch our legs as our naturalists
and guides share their love of the Arctic with you.
Day
9: Akpatok Island and Lower Savage Islands
Akpatok
Island is a large uninhabited island situated in Ungava Bay, off
Quebec's northern coastline. Ringed by steep cliffs, it is home to a
staggering abundance of birdlife. Thick-billed murre, black guillemot,
glaucous gulls and peregrine falcon all nest here. It's also a
well-known location for walruses and polar bears, the latter often
observed climbing the steep cliffs. Ice floes often surround parts of
the island, and these attract both seal and walruses, making this a
popular hunting ground for polar bears. In the late summer the bears
retreat to the land, scavenging whatever protein source they can find,
until the ice re-forms, and the more abundant food sources return. The
island has historically been a traditional hunting ground for Inuit
people, also attracted by walruses, polar bears and whales. We plan to
cruise along the shore line in zodiacs, allowing close-up views of the
huge numbers of birds nesting on the cliffs, and we’ll
hopefully spot some polar bears scouting the landscape.
Day
10: Lower Savage Islands
To
the north of Aktapatok, the extraordinary Lower Savage Islands are
bisected by narrow channels that provide spectacular zodiac cruising
opportunities. The islands are ideally situated between the dynamic
flow of the Hudson Strait, and this mixing of nutrient rich waters
makes for a diversity of marine life. We rejoin our ship on the other
side of the island group and tonight, as we near the end of our
journey, we enjoy an entertaining voyage recap from the Expedition
Leader. We celebrate with a special dinner attended by the Captain of
the ship and reflect on the culture, art and landscapes of this
inimitable region.
Day
11: Iqaluit Disembarkation – Return Flight to Ottawa
This
morning we find ourselves anchored off Iqaluit. We say goodbye to our
crew, make our way ashore in zodiacs and are then transferred to the
airport for our scheduled flight to Ottawa. On arrival in Ottawa our
journey comes to an end. A transfer is provided to a downtown location.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your voyage
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport or
local hotel on disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes that open on
each deck
- High
quality, eco-friendly, Canadian made natural amenities in every cabin
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar lounge plus in-cabin tea, coffee, hot
chocolate replenished daily
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and community visits
- Educational
presentations and talks by experts in their field (ie. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians etc). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests
- Access
to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up
and management
- An
emergency trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure
- Concierge
staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, jacuzzi and fitness center including personal
trainer and massage options (charge applies for massage and spa
treatments)
- Access
to well-stocked library full of reference books
- End
of voyage video, photos and take home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
