Greenland to Canada: Inuit, Icebergs, and Wildlife

Quark Expeditions
4.0 . Great
74%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays. Luxury (5*)
13 days
From: $ 6,495 $ 500 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Arctic wildlife – polar bears, whales and walrus
  • Traditional Inuit Communities
  • Remote National Historic Sites of Canada
  • Tundra hiking for all fitness levels
  • Zodiac cruising
  • Optional kayak adventure opportunities
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenland

Short Description

An exploration of historic Canadian and Greenlandic sites in the Arctic, combined with abundant wildlife and Inuit culture equals one amazing Arctic expedition. This in-depth adventure provides fantastic opportunities for seeing all of the Arctic’s iconic creatures, including polar bears.

Style Small ship cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Lodging Level Luxury (5*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Ottawa
End City Ottawa

Itinerary

Day 1: Ottawa

Your arctic adventure begins a little further south, with an overnight stay in Ottawa.

Day 2: Embarkation Day in Kangerlussuaq

After a morning charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, you’ll have a chance to walk around this small arctic town before being transferred to the ship by Zodiac. 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, 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.

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 19 meters per day. Cruise at a safe distance by Zodiac, and if you’re lucky, witness the spectacle of calving ice.

Day 5: At Sea

Traverse the Davis Strait as you leave behind Greenlandic shores in pursuit of 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 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 Kerketon 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.

Day 9: Monumental Island

You can expect more wildlife encounters over at Monumental Island, which is a well-known island for potential close sightings of some of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures – walrus and polar bears. 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 the local name for thick-billed murres, which nest here. This is also a favourite spot to watch for 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. It’s a great place to explore by zodiac and take a refreshing hike ashore.

Day 12: Disembark in Iqaluit

Your final Zodiac ride will take you from the ship to shore. Your time here will be brief, as your flight to Ottawa awaits, signaling an end to your time in the Arctic. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we will transfer you to your included hotel.

Day 13: Depart Ottawa, Canada

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.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 6,495
Price Per Day: $ 500 per day
  • Deposit Price: $ 1,000

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Quark Expeditions.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

78 Quark Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings

74%
4.0 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 56
Great 2
Average 0
Disappointing 1
Terrible 19
Value
4.0
Guide
4.0
Activities
4.0
Lodging
4.0
Transportation
4.0
Meals
4.0

Greenland to Canada: Inuit, Icebergs, and Wildlife

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Company Reviews

Run! Scam! Worst cruise company ever!

1.0
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I had the unfortunate experience of booking a cruise with Quark Expeditions, and I must say it was one of the most disappointing and frustrating experiences I've ever had. The entire process from start to finish left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Firstly, Quark Expeditions cancelled our cruise without any prior warning or communication. I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but the complete lack of transparency and consideration for their customers was unacceptable. We had already made travel arrangements, taken time off work, and were eagerly looking forward to our trip, only to have it snatched away without any explanation.

To make matters even worse, the communication from Quark Expeditions during this ordeal was abysmal. There was no attempt made to keep us informed of the cancellation, and we were left scrambling to find out what had happened ourselves. It was an infuriating and anxiety-inducing experience, as we were left in the dark with no information about alternative options or compensation.

To add insult to injury, Quark Expeditions then decided to hold us captive in an airport hotel for three days, with no clear reasoning or explanation. We were effectively trapped, unable to leave the hotel or explore the area while we waited for further instruction. This was not only a waste of our time and money, but it also left us feeling like prisoners in a foreign country.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of this entire situation is the fact that Quark Expeditions informed us that it would take a whopping 60 days to process our refund. Sixty days! This long wait is completely unreasonable and demonstrates a complete disregard for their customers' financial well-being. It's as if they have no understanding or respect for the fact that people have budgets, bills to pay, and other responsibilities to fulfill.

Overall, my experience with Quark Expeditions was truly disappointing. The cancelled cruise, lack of communication, being held captive in an airport hotel, and the exorbitant wait time for a refund have left me with a sour impression of this company. I would strongly advise others to think twice before booking a trip with Quark Expeditions, as their lack of professionalism and customer care is completely unacceptable.
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Company is a scam

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This company cancelled our trip 3 times due to COVID. The most recent cancellation was less than 10 days notice. When we tried to re-book this time for a later date (our fourth reservation with them), they charged us over $10,000 more for the EXACT same itinerary even after their 100% guarantee says they have a voyage-for-voyage exchange on cancelled trips and we would be able to exchange the trip for the same itinerary. Now they've changed their rules to say they only have 1 date available that's approved for "exchanges." So our original booking, which was the week of Christmas, now has to be some random week when conditions are not as good and we won't even see Antarctica in the season we wanted. For the EXACT same itinerary as we already booked and paid for (and they kept the money for over 2 years for, while continuing to cancel our trips) they want 10k+ more to book. This is a scam and these people have kept our money for going on 3 years now with absolutely no intent to honor their "guarantee." This company has been a nightmare from the beginning and I highly recommend you book with someone else.
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Terrible company.

1.0
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Terrible company. It has taken me 10 months to finally get the refund from the trip me and my wife had booked (Aberdeen to svalbard). Quark refused to refund for the first 7 months saying they didn't cancel the trip (even though it didn’t run and the boat was at anchor in a different country) i was told that the trip has been re scheduled and not cancelled so legally they do not have to refund me. I hope Andrew white the ceo is proud of his decision to steal hard earned money from customers and make them fight for months to get back what is rightfully there's. After 7 months of me constantly badgering the travel agent i booked through and quark directly they agreed to refund my money but it will take them 90 days to process this refund. Its amazing quark can accept payments automatically but needs 90 days to return payments. If you are booking with quark now on there new refund terms be careful of the wording. It says IF THEY CANCEL THE TRIP which quark will not do, they will re schedule it for another date 12 months or more away, ie next years trip which you will then have to pay the price increases to them as well. Avoid at all costs.
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So much excitement yet letdown after letdown

2.0
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Value2.0
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My wife and I recently planned and booked a trip to Antarctica with Quark. We were thrilled about the opportunity and had done the research to ensure we could make it happen. We chose Quark because of there great marketing and reviews and leadership with the expeditions in the area.

Everything was great until we actually went to go book. It started off by experiencing an abnormal 3 week delay in response to our request to book a tour. Then once we did and responded with specifics about what to book and where to send the deposit, another long delay. Eventually Quark made the decision to cancel all of its upcoming trips until March 2021. They presented options on how to reconcile any prepayments. We responded with how we would like to move forward. THREE MONTHS LATER, we get a response that they had a technical error preventing them from being able to provide refunds without having to send over specific bank details. Poor customer service in general. Maybe we will have forgotten by the time we go to book this again in the future, but other travelers should know.

TLDR: Great marketing, terrible service.
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Warning

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Warning
I booked a trip to the Arctic Circle 2021 on 08/28 and paid a deposit.
On 09/10 Quark canceled the trip and informed me today that the repayment will take up to 90 days due to the high workload!
I assume that Quark knew about the cancellation at the End of August and managed to collect my money in 2 days despite the workload.
I would like the money back that fast!
With the cancellation, Quark made a promise that it would be very easy to rebook in 2022, fo the same voyage, the same ship and the same price (or two options for money back).
Well, nothing was easy, because the promise could not be kept, since 2 trips in 2021 will only become one trip in 2022.
First they had a single cabin for me, then suddenly they didn't.
Instead of offering me another shared cabin at the price of the booking period - there was an early bird discount - they offered a single cabin for 34,000.00 and told me that the prices in 2022 were now higher.
Where was the promise?
And now they keep my money up to 90 days. This is really bad style Quark Expeditions!
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Do NOT book with Quark

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Do NOT book with Quark. Please please please take your hard earned money elsewhere. Due to Covid, our voyage was cancelled for January 2021 which is totally acceptable. Times are tough and businesses need to make the right decisions for their employees, their investors and their future. However, by not taking care of customers, they have failed miserably. Quark wanted to book us on a future voyage instead (great!) but then proceeds to tell us that all of the options that we have paid for are not available - so a lesser product. Additionally, before the voyage was cancelled, we had friends that we travel with frequently shop for the same trip. The price was lower each time (again, typical business practice and understood by me as someone that works in both marketing and in the travel space), but the issue is that Quark refuses to do a price adjustment (we have screenshots sent from friends of what that price was). Noted here, per Quark's cancellation policy, we could have cancelled and rebooked on that same trip at the lower rate ($3k per person lower rate). However, when we contacted Quark at that time, we received no response as they were clearly deciding how to solve the challenge they created by having a cancellation policy that was in conflict with their pricing strategy. So instead of just making it right for the customer, Quark has lost a customer. Simple price adjustment, date change to the same excursion we booked and decent customer service would have built some loyal customers that can easily influence others to give their product a try. Quark has failed us, do not let them fail you. There are plenty of other options available.
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Details

Ship Name

Sea Adventurer

Ship Stats

Staff and Crew: 83

Guests: 117

Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed

Length: 101.1 meters

Breadth: 16.2 meters

Draft: 4.5 meters

Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,200 horsepower.

Ice Class: 1A

Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water

Registration: Bahamas

Ship Description

Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.

The nimble, ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Take a look at what to expect for 2017:

A new look and feel throughout

Renovations to the interior of the ship including outside cabins with ensuites, spacious forward lounge and bar, and other amenities

The addition of new passenger cabins

New bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Main Lounge and Main Dining Room, gym, and select suites

Significant technical enhancements – including two new engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers

Increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint. 

Deck & Cabin Plans

All Deck & Cabin Plans (affiliate link) Trip Photos (affiliate link)

Optional Activities

Add an Extra Rush of Adrenaline to Your Expedition

Every Quark voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, and hiking. Contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser to learn more about adventure options, including physical requirements.

$595 per person

Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit.

Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Local Flights

There is an additional cost of $1,950 required for charter flights and in the custom options.

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Cancellation policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Cancellations cannot be made online.

Additional Information

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Trip ID#:

GreCanQua

What's excluded

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising
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