Greenland to Canada (Sea Adventurer)

Day 1 Ottawa, Canada

Your arctic adventure begins a little further south, with an overnight stay in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city.

Day 2 Embarkation Day in Kangerlussuaq

After a morning charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, you’ll be transferred to the ship by Zodiac. Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. military base and serves as the international gateway for the majority of travel to and from Greenland. Enjoy some time out on deck taking in your new surroundings before you set sail on your arctic expedition.

Day 3 Itilleq and Sisimiut

Today the ship will reach the village of Itilleq, a typical Greenlandic community. It is delightfully situated in a hollow (which is the meaning of “Itilleq” in Greenlandic) on an island without any fresh water. The village has approximately 130 inhabitants. Continuing northward, we’ll explore the 18th-century colonial buildings still standing in Sisimiut. Watch a traditional kayaking demonstration in this northernmost year-round ice-free port in western Greenland. The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited. KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions. INCLUDED OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES offered on some or all departures of this itinerary HIKING - Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief arctic summer, with bursts of color from shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You’ll find each hike is different - exploring communities, shorelines or glaciated landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can expect prior to each excursion.

Day 4 Ilulissat

Meaning “iceberg” in Greenlandic, Ilulissat is home to the fastest-moving glacier outside of Antarctica, Sermeq Kujalleq. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located north of the Arctic Circle, and moves at an average of 62.3 feet (19m) per day. Cruise at a safe distance by Zodiac, and if you’re lucky, witness the spectacle of calving ice.

Day 5 At Sea

As we leave Greenland we’ll be sailing over the West Greenland Shelf, an incredibly rich marine ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and seabirds as we make our way across the Davis Strait to Canada.

Day 6 Qikiqtarjuak (Broughton Island)

Qikiqtarjuak is known as the iceberg capital of the world, naturally trapping many icebergs as they travel down the Davis Strait. An abundance of marine wildlife can be seen here as beluga and right whales, narwhals and ring and harp seals pass by. Trek up one of the many walking trails to join the inukshuk and share its view overlooking the island and the community.

Day 7 Expedition Stop

We’ll let the weather be our guide as we explore the region’s most interesting scenery, landmarks and wildlife areas. Much of the coast of Baffin Island is relatively unexplored, so in true expedition form we will aim to go ashore and explore. We may not know what we’ll find, but at the very least we may step foot where no one has before.

Day 8 Pangnirtung and Kekerten Island

Pangnirtung is located at the mouth of Pangnirtung Fjord, which merges with Cumberland Sound. It’s a stronghold of the Inuit community, and an ideal area to admire Inuit culture and their high-quality traditional art, especially textiles. While there, pick up a famous Pang touque, a must-have knit cap for anyone visiting the community. The island is also well-known for its abundant vibrant wildflowers, which include arctic daisies, yellow arctic poppies, purple saxifrage, and even fluffy arctic cotton. We’ll later visit Kekerten, a small island of great historic significance from the whaling days.

Day 9 Monumental Island

You can expect more wildlife encounters at Monumental Island, well-known for potential close sightings of some of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures. You’ll enjoy a Zodiac ride along the shores in search of hauled-out walrus and prowling polar bears.

Day 10 Akpatok Island

The largest island in Ungava Bay, Akpatok is an important sanctuary for cliff-nesting seabirds, and is aptly named for the thick-billed murres (akpats) which nest here. This has long been a traditional hunting ground for the Inuit, as the many ice floes around the island attract walrus, whales and polar bears.

Day 11 Frobisher Bay

Located at the southeastern end of Baffin Island, you’ll spend your last full day exploring the cliffs, narrow inlets and streams of Frobisher Bay. This body of water is a great place to explore by Zodiac and take a refreshing hike along its shores.

Day 12 Disembark in Iqaluit

Your final Zodiac ride will take you from the ship to shore. The tides here are some of the largest in the world, and make it quite interesting for your Zodiac drivers. Your time here will be brief, as your flight to Ottawa awaits, signalling an end to your time in the Arctic. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we will transfer you to your included, well-appointed hotel.

Day 13 Depart Ottawa

Today you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in Ottawa. This fascinating capital city is home to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.