Heart of the Arctic

Day 01

Iqaluit, NU

Located at the end of historic Frobisher Bay and sitting amid gentle rolling hills is the transportation hub of the Arctic, Iqaluit. A major transfer point between flights to other northern communities, Iqaluit is also the smallest capital city in Canada with a population of just over 7,000! At one time dotted with Inuit huts, the beaches are now adorned with modern houses, shops, and public buildings reflecting Iqaluit’s importance as a government town. We will have time to tour the town before embarking the Ocean Endeavour.

Day 02

Akpatok Island

The uninhabited Akpatok Island features soaring bird cliffs and small rocky beaches. Indeed, the island is named for the akpat—the thick billed murres—that live on the ledges of the limestone cliffs that surround it. Here we’ll use our Zodiacs to scout the beaches in search of walrus and polar bears.

Photo: ©Augie Globalog

Day 03

Ungava Peninsula

Today we continue our exploration of Nunavik, heading northwest along the Ungava Peninsula. This section of treeless tundra is rich in geology and tundra flora, and has a number of small communities along its shores. Depending on the weather and wildlife, we will be making a stop along this dramatic coast.

Photo: ©Lee Naraway

Day 04

Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

Along the northwest shore of Dorset Island, surrounded on one side by rocky hills and on the other, by Hudson Strait, lies “the community that art built”. Between 1950 and 1962, Kinngait hosted a historic collaboration between James and Alma Houston and local Inuit—the collaboration that launched Inuit art onto the world stage. In 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established: it remains the oldest arts organization in the Canadian Arctic and the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada. 

Old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers have made Kinngait the Inuit art capital of the world.

Photo: ©Grant Stove

Day 05

South Baffin Island

We will spend two days exploring the southern coast of Baffin Island, the fifth largest island in the world. Our objective is to spend half the time out on the land—hiking, exploring, and taking in the sights—and the remainder cruising the shoreline in our fleet of Zodiacs. We will be adaptable to weather and ice conditions, and be open to the possibility of wildlife sightings, as our expeditions to Baffin have proven unpredictable in both respects.

The island is home to a wide variety of life, including a notable bear population, and we will be on alert for these kings of the north. Our days at Baffin will be exploratory in every sense, and we look forward to seeing what the island has to offer us.

Photo: ©Andrew Stewart

Day 06

Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)

Located on the southern portion of Baffin Island, the scenic oceanside hamlet of Kimmirut is considered one of the most charming communities in the region.

Kimmirut means “the heel” in Inuktitut, and refers to an outcrop of marble across the bay from the community that holds a striking resemblance to a human heel.

Art has played a major role here and the newly renovated Dewey Soper Building is home to a gallery of outstanding works of art.

Day 07

South Baffin

We will spend two days exploring the southern coast of Baffin Island, the fifth largest island in the world. Our objective is to spend half the time out on the land—hiking, exploring, and taking in the sights—and the remainder cruising the shoreline in our fleet of Zodiacs. 

Photo: ©Jonathan Huyer

Day 08

Pangnirtung

Pangnirtung—"the place of the bull caribou" in Inuktitut—is located on a narrow coastal plain against a spectacular backdrop of high mountains and a winding river valley. Legend says a hunter named Atagooyuk gave the place its name well over one hundred years ago when caribou had not yet changed their patterns as a result of the incursions of man. Pangnirtung, or ‘Pang’ as locals call it, is a small community bordered by snow-capped mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.

Pangnirtung has a long history of whaling in Cumberland Sound, where commercial whaling originated in 1820. In 1838 a Scottish whaler named William Penny, along with an Inuk travelling guide, rediscovered Cumberland Sound, which was rich in Bowhead whales. By the late 1850's, many Inuit left their camps to work at the whaling stations in Nuvuyen (located on the southern coast) and to Kekerten Island (located on the northern coast).  In the mid 1860's, Cumberland Sound was showing sign's of being "fished out". By 1870 Nuvuyen was in ruins, hardly any more ships came to hunt whales and the Inuit returned to life in camps scattered throughout the sound. On April 1, 1973, Pangnirtung was incorporated as a hamlet.

Pangnirtung is famed for its art and one of the great attractions is the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre. The Artist Association of the Centre welcomes visitors to see to the print and weave shops, where local artists create beautifully woven tapestries and prints. Artists from Pangnirtung are known around the world and are exhibited widely across Canada and beyond. The acclaimed “Pang” hats, colourfully patterned crocheted toques, can also be purchased at the centre’s gift shop.

Photo: ©Michelle Valberg 

Day 09

East Baffin Island

Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the east coast of Baffin Island.  The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for exploring these hidden treasures of the north, as her manoeuvrability allows her to access regions that would be impassable to larger vessels. We will be on alert for changing weather and ice conditions and use our judgement as to which route along the coast will be the most spectacular. As ever, our elite team will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.

Photo: ©Robert Poulton

Day 10

At Sea — Davis Strait

Our presentation series will kick into full swing as we steam across the Davis Strait towards landfall in Canada. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales and other marine mammals, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Photo: ©Michelle Valberg

Day 11

Nuuk

Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland! Nuuk means 'the headland' and is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system. Established as the very first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling centre of the country today. We have the chance to spot Humpback whales in the fjord, reindeer roaming the land, and birds soaring in the sky. The town itself is home to Greenland's University, a cathedral dating back to 1849 and Greenland's National Museum. We will visit some of the city's most important sites, before free time to explore on your own.

Photo: ©John Sylvester

Day 12

Qeqqata Kommunia

There are a number of charming fishing villages along the west coast of Greenland. Depending on timing and sea conditions, we may call in at one of these communities to experience small town Greenlandic life, or we may navigate into the stunning fjords that line the coast. This is a day in the true spirit of expedition travel and we will avail ourselves of the opportunities that present themselves.

Photo: ©Martin Lipman

Day 13

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland