High Arctic Expedition Cruise
12 nights
The magic and mystery of the far north cannot be escaped when you combine its landscapes, people and wildlife into our favorite high Arctic adventure.
We challenge other tours to compete with this spectacular journey filled with the exciting sights, sounds and tastes of the Canadian Arctic.
We challenge other tours to compete with this spectacular journey filled with the exciting sights, sounds and tastes of the Canadian Arctic.
Outline
12 Days aboard the Akademik Ioffe exploring the high arctic
12 Days aboard the Akademik Ioffe exploring the high arctic
ITINERARY
High Arctic Canada vacation begins - Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord)
Your Canada vacation begins in Ottawa where you board a flight to Greenland. Once there, board the Clipper Adventurer via Zodiac and prepare to head out of one of the longest fjords in the world with 168km of stunning scenery.
Sisimuit Coast
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, myriad islands and complex coastal waterways.
Ilulissat
Ilulissat translates into “iceberg”, and there could not be a more fitting name; your visit will include time in town and a chance to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where you can observe the great fields of ice.
Cruise in your fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where you find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19 meters per day and calving (breaking off) more than 35km3 of ice annually.
Continue to Qimusseriarsuaq (Melville Bay)
In Qimusseriarsuaq the Greenland Ice Cap reaches for the sea. Large icebergs, broken from Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, are carried north by the West Greenland Current before heading west to Baffin Bay. Today Qimusseriarsuaq is still strewn with icebergs, but global warming is taking its toll. The Greenlandic government has created a shoreline reserve to protect summer beluga and narwhal populations as well as breeding polar bears.
Kap York
This district boasts the largest seabird population in northwest Greenland. The cliffs and skylines are often dotted with thousands of birds making this region a bird lovers paradise.
Journey to Qaanaaq
Qaanaaq brings closer than anywhere else to the original Greenlandic hunting culture. Archaeological evidence suggests that this region has been inhabited for over the past 4,000 years. It was from Qaanaaq that seven of Knud Rasmussen’s expeditions set out, and it was also from here that the American explorer Robert Peary embarked on his journey to reach the North Pole in 1909.
The Inughuit are fine artisans creating beautiful small carvings and jewelry which can be purchased during your visit.
Karey Islands
The beautiful Karey Islands straddle the border between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. Dovekie, small black birds with a vibrant white breast, breed in this area lending to some amazing photo opportunities.
Cruise to Smith Sound (3 days)
This fabled body of water served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. The Sound was named by William Baffin after Sir Thomas Smythe, promoter of voyages to find a Northwest Passage. Only 48-72km wide and 88km long, it is often packed with ice and provides favorable conditions for wildlife viewing.
Cape Norton, Ellesmere & Philpots, Devon Island
Visit one of few known breeding sites of the elusive Ivory Gull. They inhabit the rock outcrops here. You will be on the lookout for these beautiful gulls as you pick your way through the ice into Jones Sound.
High Arctic & Canada vacation continues to Cobourg Island
Cobourg Island is a haven for wildlife. Cliff ledges are filled to capacity with Black-Legged Kittiwakes and Thick-Billed Murres among other seafaring birds. As you tour the area, keep your eyes peeled for the rare Ivory Gull and Northern Fulmars also known to breed in the area; today you will see more birds than you ever imagined. Have your camera ready to capture that perfect photo.
Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)
Aujuittuq translates as “place that never thaws,” and at 1150 km above the Arctic Circle, it is the northernmost community in Canada. The small population of 165 warmly welcomes you today. Unique to Arctic vacation packages, your activities center around the community school where you meet the locals and learn about their culture and customs.
Devon Island
Can you consider an island that supports significant concentrations of wildlife, including 26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals, the largest uninhabited island in the world? At nearby Croker Bay, you have a chance to cruise through this scenic bay and marvel at icebergs, freshly calved from the glacier at the head of the bay.
High Arctic vacation continues to Prince Leopold, Somerset Island
This Canada vacation is all about the birds! The dramatic 244m limestone and sandstone cliffs of Prince Leopold is home to nearly 375,000 migratory birds and is included in the 311km2 Prince Leopold Bird Sanctuary.
Species found here include: Thick-billed Murre, Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Black Guillemots, Atlantic Brant, Parasitic Jaegers, Common Eider, Common Raven, Glacous Gull and Snow Bunting.
Beechey Island
Beechey Island is a site of great historical significance in Arctic Exploration. It was the protection offered by the harbor that prompted Sir John Franklin to take refuge during the winter months as he waited to start his search for the Northwest Passage. Today three headstones and cairns are found, dedicated to northern explorers.
High Arctic & Canada vacation comes to an end - Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay)
Arriving in Resolute in early morning, you disembark the Clipper Adventurer today. Say your goodbyes to the captain and crew before boarding your charter flight south to Ottawa.
Much too soon you leave the birds, icebergs and views of the Arctic behind as your Canada vacation comes to an end.
High Arctic Canada vacation begins - Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord)
Your Canada vacation begins in Ottawa where you board a flight to Greenland. Once there, board the Clipper Adventurer via Zodiac and prepare to head out of one of the longest fjords in the world with 168km of stunning scenery.
Sisimuit Coast
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, myriad islands and complex coastal waterways.
Ilulissat
Ilulissat translates into “iceberg”, and there could not be a more fitting name; your visit will include time in town and a chance to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where you can observe the great fields of ice.
Cruise in your fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where you find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19 meters per day and calving (breaking off) more than 35km3 of ice annually.
Continue to Qimusseriarsuaq (Melville Bay)
In Qimusseriarsuaq the Greenland Ice Cap reaches for the sea. Large icebergs, broken from Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, are carried north by the West Greenland Current before heading west to Baffin Bay. Today Qimusseriarsuaq is still strewn with icebergs, but global warming is taking its toll. The Greenlandic government has created a shoreline reserve to protect summer beluga and narwhal populations as well as breeding polar bears.
Kap York
This district boasts the largest seabird population in northwest Greenland. The cliffs and skylines are often dotted with thousands of birds making this region a bird lovers paradise.
Journey to Qaanaaq
Qaanaaq brings closer than anywhere else to the original Greenlandic hunting culture. Archaeological evidence suggests that this region has been inhabited for over the past 4,000 years. It was from Qaanaaq that seven of Knud Rasmussen’s expeditions set out, and it was also from here that the American explorer Robert Peary embarked on his journey to reach the North Pole in 1909.
The Inughuit are fine artisans creating beautiful small carvings and jewelry which can be purchased during your visit.
Karey Islands
The beautiful Karey Islands straddle the border between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. Dovekie, small black birds with a vibrant white breast, breed in this area lending to some amazing photo opportunities.
Cruise to Smith Sound (3 days)
This fabled body of water served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. The Sound was named by William Baffin after Sir Thomas Smythe, promoter of voyages to find a Northwest Passage. Only 48-72km wide and 88km long, it is often packed with ice and provides favorable conditions for wildlife viewing.
Cape Norton, Ellesmere & Philpots, Devon Island
Visit one of few known breeding sites of the elusive Ivory Gull. They inhabit the rock outcrops here. You will be on the lookout for these beautiful gulls as you pick your way through the ice into Jones Sound.
High Arctic & Canada vacation continues to Cobourg Island
Cobourg Island is a haven for wildlife. Cliff ledges are filled to capacity with Black-Legged Kittiwakes and Thick-Billed Murres among other seafaring birds. As you tour the area, keep your eyes peeled for the rare Ivory Gull and Northern Fulmars also known to breed in the area; today you will see more birds than you ever imagined. Have your camera ready to capture that perfect photo.
Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)
Aujuittuq translates as “place that never thaws,” and at 1150 km above the Arctic Circle, it is the northernmost community in Canada. The small population of 165 warmly welcomes you today. Unique to Arctic vacation packages, your activities center around the community school where you meet the locals and learn about their culture and customs.
Devon Island
Can you consider an island that supports significant concentrations of wildlife, including 26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals, the largest uninhabited island in the world? At nearby Croker Bay, you have a chance to cruise through this scenic bay and marvel at icebergs, freshly calved from the glacier at the head of the bay.
High Arctic vacation continues to Prince Leopold, Somerset Island
This Canada vacation is all about the birds! The dramatic 244m limestone and sandstone cliffs of Prince Leopold is home to nearly 375,000 migratory birds and is included in the 311km2 Prince Leopold Bird Sanctuary.
Species found here include: Thick-billed Murre, Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Black Guillemots, Atlantic Brant, Parasitic Jaegers, Common Eider, Common Raven, Glacous Gull and Snow Bunting.
Beechey Island
Beechey Island is a site of great historical significance in Arctic Exploration. It was the protection offered by the harbor that prompted Sir John Franklin to take refuge during the winter months as he waited to start his search for the Northwest Passage. Today three headstones and cairns are found, dedicated to northern explorers.
High Arctic & Canada vacation comes to an end - Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay)
Arriving in Resolute in early morning, you disembark the Clipper Adventurer today. Say your goodbyes to the captain and crew before boarding your charter flight south to Ottawa.
Much too soon you leave the birds, icebergs and views of the Arctic behind as your Canada vacation comes to an end.
Options & Upgrades
- Add extra nights is Resolute Bay to experience life in Canada’s second northernmost settlement.
Accommodation
Various cabin types
Various cabin types
Trip Highlights
- Landscapes, people and communities of the Arctic
- The ice-filled Kane Basin in Smith Sound
- Cobourg Island
- Greenland’s scenic west coast
- Bird-sightings
- Onboard naturalists and Inuit guides
- Excursions on shore and aboard Zodiacs
Testimonials
Thank you and your team so much for all your help in planning the trip. We have met other people who have also booked through you and were very happy.
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
2009 Package Start Dates
August 9 - 21
Price Notes
• Prices are per person sharing a cabin, please contact us for single occupancy rates
• There are 8 categories of cabin
• Category 1 Quad Lower Forward, 2 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window.
• Category 2 Triple Lower Deck, 1 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window.
• Category 3 Junior Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window
• Category 4 Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window.
• Category 5 Main Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window.
• Category 6 Deluxe Double, shower, midship, two lower berths, porthole window.
• Category 7 Superior Double, two lower berths, shower, picture window.
• Category 8 Junior Suite, two lower berths, bath or shower, sitting area.
Includes
• Your complete itinerary
• Team of resource specialists- crew, naturalists, musician and Inuit ambassadors
• Welcome reception aboard ship
• Educational program and pre-departure materials
• All meals, except occasional optional meal ashore
• Zodiac excursions
• Service charges and port fees
Not Included
• Flights
• Your $250 conservation/cultural fund fee and GST
• Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, alcoholic beverages, phone calls, onboard medical fees)
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Optional Hotel Nights before or after your included itinerary
• Discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew (approximately $12 per passenger per day)
August 9 - 21
| Price Per Person | ||
| Aug 9 2009 | USD $ | CAD $ |
| Category 1 | 3,704 | 4,186 |
| Category 2 | 4,463 | 5,043 |
| Category 3 | 5,474 | 6,186 |
| Category 4 | 6,317 | 7,138 |
| Category 5 | 7,328 | 8,281 |
| Category 6 | 8,171 | 9,233 |
| Category 7 | 8,424 | 9,519 |
| Category 8 | 8,761 | 9,900 |
• Prices are per person sharing a cabin, please contact us for single occupancy rates
• There are 8 categories of cabin
• Category 1 Quad Lower Forward, 2 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window.
• Category 2 Triple Lower Deck, 1 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window.
• Category 3 Junior Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window
• Category 4 Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window.
• Category 5 Main Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window.
• Category 6 Deluxe Double, shower, midship, two lower berths, porthole window.
• Category 7 Superior Double, two lower berths, shower, picture window.
• Category 8 Junior Suite, two lower berths, bath or shower, sitting area.
Includes
• Your complete itinerary
• Team of resource specialists- crew, naturalists, musician and Inuit ambassadors
• Welcome reception aboard ship
• Educational program and pre-departure materials
• All meals, except occasional optional meal ashore
• Zodiac excursions
• Service charges and port fees
Not Included
• Flights
• Your $250 conservation/cultural fund fee and GST
• Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, alcoholic beverages, phone calls, onboard medical fees)
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Optional Hotel Nights before or after your included itinerary
• Discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew (approximately $12 per passenger per day)
