STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACACHA
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Toronto, Canada
Finish: Ottawa, Canada
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Greenland and Canada
25/07/2023
Cabin on board ship
Jump aboard the Ocean Endeavour for 11 days and cruise in comfort from Kangerlussuaq to Qaqsuittuq (resolute Bay, Nunavut). This is the high Arctic at the height of summer and you will be rewarded with the history, culture, marine life and glittering scenery of this region. Highlights include a visit to Beechey Island National Historic Site; Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Protected Area; an Inuit cultural welcome at Mittimatilik; cruise amid icebergs at Jakobshavn Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and explore Greenland’s beautiful west coast. This journey starts in Toronto with a charter flight Northbound and ends with a charter flight southbound to Ottawa. There is the opportunity to do it in reverse from Ottawa to Toronto on certain dates.
Mandatory charter flight information and cost. 2023 DEPARTURE:
-Northbound Charter Flight: Toronto, ON to Kangerlussuaq, GL. Early-morning departure. Price: $1,375 USD
-Southbound Charter Flight: Resolute, NU to Ottawa, ON. Evening arrival. Price: $1,270 USD
**Please note that due to the recent increase in global fuel prices, a fuel surcharge has been applied to all voyages across the Arctic 23 season. This has already been applied to the price**
Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will be transferred by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour.
With 190 kilometres of superb scenery, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Sondre Stromfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle as we go.
West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop that we'll explore by ship and by Zodiac. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.
People have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. For the first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. 2,500 years ago, new people brought the Dorset culture to the Sisimiut area. They lived here for 1,500 years and were followed by the people of the Thule culture—the ancestors of the modern-day Inuit population.
Ilulissat translates literally to “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. We will also visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.
Greenland’s west coast is simply stunning. From mighty mountains to the tiniest tundra flowers, our stop in this area will offer many outstanding features of interest. Hikers, walkers, photographers, and contemplators will all be equally delighted.
Our onboard presentation series will continue as we steam across Davis Strait towards Canada. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, and get out on deck with your binoculars to look for whales, seabirds, and marine wildlife.
Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting. The views of nearby Bylot Island are stunning. We will have a chance to explore the town. The cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—handcrafted goods may be available here, too.
We will spend four days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife.
On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. The island’s geology is stunning. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character.
We’ll visit a number of the bays—hiking the tundra, discovering the botany, cruising a glacier face, and wildlife-spotting from ship and from shore. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died.
Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen all visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.
Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn,” is named for its dark winters. During our time in the summer months we will experience the midnight sun, a time of no darkness.
The ending of our journey is characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine. More significant is the origin of the hamlet. In 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik were relocated under false pretences by the Canadian government with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty.
Today the community is home to just under 250 people and is an important staging point for High Arctic research, tourism, and military activities. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and take the charter flight to Ottawa, ON.
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! The ship carries forward-facing zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel. There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a heated saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness. Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age. SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: In such unprecedented times, we now more than ever understand your want to travel safely and with the support needed to fully enjoy your expedition to the Antarctic in the most responsible and healthy manner possible. For more please see our Sailing With Confidence - Covid-19 Response * PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM * ICE CAMPING * SEA KAYAKING * SNOWSHOEING * DAY PADDLE SHIP LAYOUT
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP
We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
With a large fleet of 22 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
Yoga, hiking, kayaking, zodiac expeditions, our exclusive photography program, showshoeing and camping. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. Learn More >
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group. Learn More >
Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! Learn More >
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery. Learn More >
Ice Class:
Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:200
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Departing | Ending | Duration | From Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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25 Jul 2023 | 05 Aug 2023 | 12 | AUD 13,095 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
Complimentary expedition jacket
All park permits and access fees
All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
Educational program and Nikon Camera Trial Program
EXCLUSIONS
Mandatory Charter flights
International flights
Travel and medical insurance
Pre or post travel arrangements and hotel accommodation
Visa or reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Customary gratuity for staff and crew
Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Possible fuel surcharges and administration fees
For those who prefer not to share, we have a limited quantity of cabins in category 3 through to category 7 with no single supplement. Subject to availability and change at the time of booking.
Please note this itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather, ice and sea conditions.
Mandatory charter flights payable:
Departure date, seasonality and availability.