East to the Arctic

St.John's, Newfoundland to Iqaluit, Nunavut

12 NIGHTS/13 DAYS (KAYAKING)

JUL 11 TO JUL 23, 2012

Immersing yourself in a coastal culture is a treasure to behold.  Small outport communities along the coast of Newfoundland, remote northern towns amidst the Arctic.  Imagine the colour, and feel the history of these unique and culturally enriched areas.

Overview

Embark on a journey of contrasts, from Newfoundland with its rich history of Viking settlements, generations of fishermen that have ventured to sea to fish for cod and aviation history (the province hosted 40 pioneering trans-Atlantic flights between 1919 and 1937) that have shaped the local culture and way of life, through Labrador discovering isolated fishing villages (called Outports) and finally reaching Baffin Island  where the Inuit are still linked to the land in a way that very few cultures can claim.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Embark and Departure from St. John’s, NL

In the afternoon we will board our vessel, the R/V Akademik Ioffe and set sail north along the coastline. As we sail out of St. John’s Harbour, we will have Signal Hill on our port side, where Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission in 1901. On our starboard side, we will see Fort Amherst, built by the British to protect the entrance to the Narrows. As we clear the harbour, we can look to the southeast and see the lighthouse at Cape Spear that marks the easternmost point of the continent of North America. We will leave this behind as we sail northwest around the Avalon Peninsula and on to the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland.

Day 2 – L’Anse aux Meadows

We will arrive at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and go ashore in our sturdy Zodiacs, landing on the beach, reminiscent of the ancient Norsemen. This will be our first of many experiences with our Zodiacs, a very safe and versatile craft invented by the famous Jacques Cousteau. L’Anse aux Meadows is a corruption of the original French L’Anse au Meduse meaning Jellyfish Creek. This is where Norseman, Leif Erikson, is thought to have founded “Vinland” in 1000 AD.  As we explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins with the site’s archaeologist, we will see evidence that the Vikings discovered North America five hundred years before Columbus arrived.

Day 3– Battle Harbour

We will set sail for the coast of Labrador and cross the Strait of Belle Isle to arrive at Battle Harbour, one of the first British-based settlements in the east and home to the Church of St. James the Apostle, built in 1852.  We will explore the restored fishing, whaling, commercial and religious buildings of this remote community, amid the backdrop of breathtaking coastal views.  On the way across the Strait we will be on the lookout for Humpback and Minke whales, along with seals and many species of pelagic birds. Dr. Wilfred Grenfell built one of the first hospitals in Labrador in Battle Harbour in 1893, with one doctor and one nurse on staff. Further along the coast we will arrive at Hawkes Harbour in the late afternoon for a visit to an abandoned whaling station built in 1933 and operated by the Newfoundland Whaling Co. Ltd.

Day 4– Labrador Coast and Mealy Mountains National Park

Today we will make our way along the wild and ruggedly beautiful coast of Labrador with some cliffs rising as sheer rock walls over 1500 metres. As we sail we will be sea watching from the bridge and upper decks of the Akademik Ioffe looking for Humpback, Minke whales, White-beaked Dolphins and perhaps Orcas. We will pass the site of the proposed new Mealy Mountains National Park. The Park represents 39 distinct Canadian ecosystems and has been home to Labrador Innu, Inuit, Métis, descendents of European settlers and Quebec Innu. We plan to explore the Wonderstrands, a spectacular length of beach on the Atlantic Coast. This long line of sand glints in the sunshine, sweeping in a graceful arc for over 40 kilometres. Signs of human habitation have been found here dating back some 7,000 years. This is also one of the best places in the entire national park system to spot wild timber wolves.

Day 5 – Hopedale

The ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield cradling the hamlet of Hopedale, population approximately 620, will greet us as we rise this morning. After breakfast, we will go ashore by Zodiac visit the Hopedale Moravian Mission – built in 1782 and said to be the oldest building east of Quebec. Here we will learn about the influence of the Moravian missionaries on the Inuit people of Northern Labrador. We hope to visit the local museum and perhaps buy a carving or two from the local Inuit as we explore the town.

Day 6 – Okak/Cape Mygford

We will sail north to Okak Bay, and land at Okak, an abandoned community, former Moravian Mission and subsequent Hudson’s Bay Company trading post until 1956 when the Canadian government relocated the inhabitants to other communities in Labrador. This site offers lush sub-Arctic tundra walking on the open-rock barren lands of coastal Labrador. We will explore this area and others farther north for the ancient camps of the early pre-Dorset people who occupied this barren landscape.Our next stop will be Cape Mugford, one of the two sources along the coast of Labrador, of the stone, Ramah Chert – used for over 7000 years by the Paleo-Eskimo peoples and the Maritime Archaic Indians. It was preferred by many flint knappers (or stone workers) because the pattern with which the chert fractured was predictable, producing a better formed tool. There are only two known sources of high quality, flakeable chert along the entire Labrador coast. One is in the Cape Mugford region; the other is farther north in the area of Ramah Bay. This second source is found in an extremely limited area, as part of a sedimentary formation that runs from Saglek Bay north through Ramah Bay, ending at Nachvak Fiord. We hope to go ashore here to view this interesting rock formation and for further tundra exploration.

Day 7– Hebron/Torngat Mountains National Park

The Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve covers 9,600 square kilometres in Northern Labrador, bordering Quebec on one side and the Labrador coast on the other. It is home to Canada’s highest mountains east of the Rockies, breathtaking fjords and stunning barren land viewscapes The Inuktitut word Torngait, means “place of spirits” and the Torngat Mountains have been home to Inuit and their predecessors for over 7500 years. The mountain peaks along the border with Quebec are the highest in mainland Canada east of the Rockies, and are dotted with remnant glaciers. Polar bears hunt seals along the coast, and both the Torngat Mountains and George River caribou herds cross paths as they migrate to and from their calving grounds. Today, Inuit continue to use this area for hunting, fishing, and travelling throughout the year. We will go ashore and explore the area. Wildflowers are spectacular when in bloom and bears feast on the aptly named Bearberry and Crowberries, among the sedges and grasses, on the raised beaches along the shores of the fiords.

Day 8 – Nachvak Fjord

Near Natchvak, the Torngats are a particularly beautiful range. It means “the place where the spirits live” and surely no one will disturb them in this eerie place. According to Inuit legend the area was once home to a form of giant Brown Bear that was even bigger than a Polar Bear and would attack humans on sight.

Nachvak Fjord is exceptionally beautiful. This deep and narrow Fjord is 22 kilometres long and all sorts of animals congregate in the fjord including whales, seals, Walrus, Arctic Fox and Polar bear. There are also great concentrations of sea birds including puffins and murres. We will enjoy this abundance of wildlife and striking scenery by ship and Zodiac. Photographic and drawing opportunities abound!

Day 9 – Button Islands

As we sail up the final stretch of coastal Labrador, we will attempt a visit to Martin Bay to view the site of the German automated weather station established in secrecy in October 1943 by a German U-Boat. This station remained undiscovered until the late 1970’s when a German historian came across a reference to it in the German naval archives. The equipment was collected by the Canadian Coast Guard in the early 1980’s and is on permanent display in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

Later in the day, we will visit the Button Islands before sailing into Ungava Bay. Named after Thomas Button who explored the area in 1612, the islands are in the middle of the upwelling of nutrients of the edge of the continental shelf. These nutrients attract thousands of seabirds and other marine mammals.

Day 10 - Akpatok Island

We will start our day with a short walk up a narrow river valley to view archaeological sites on the eastern shore of Akpatok Island. During yet another of our excellent lunches, the ship will sail around to the bird cliffs on the northern shore of the island where we will plan to launch the Zodiacs and cruise among this wildlife extravaganza. Named after the Akpat, the Inuktitut name for Thick-billed Murre, this limestone island is home to over 500,000 breeding pairs. The clamour of chicks demanding a feed, the arguing of parents over ledge space and the squawking of gulls on the hunt for an abandoned chick will provide a noisy background to the warm aroma of a seafood-based diet.

Day 11 - Hudson Strait/Lower Savage Islands

Today we will sail across the Hudson Strait to the Lower Savage Islands. This strait is rich in sea life, providing the food for the large seabird colonies that line its shore. We will cruise in our Zodiacs among the maze of channels that comprise the Lower Savage Islands, looking for Polar Bears and, where no bears are found, a place to go ashore. These rarely visited islands will be our first landfall on Baffin Island. We will stroll among the wildflowers and dwarf birches and Arctic Willows that abound in this wild place and with our resource educator archaeologist, we will look for evidence of the early Paleo- Eskimos who may have called the islands home.

Day 12 - Monumental Island

Today we will sail across the mouth of Frobisher Bay to visit Monumental Island, a small, steep-sided island off the Southeast coast of Baffin Island. Here we will be looking for the Polar bears and walrus that live around this island in an uneasy truce. While Polar bears have been known to attack and kill young Walrus, they are no match for a fully grown male walrus, especially in the water. This will be our last Zodiac cruise and tonight, on board the ship, we will enjoy the sumptuous fare at the captain’s dinner. During the night the ship will negotiate the narrow channels of Frobisher Bay on the way to our disembarkation point, Iqualuit, the capital city of Nunavut.

Day 13 - Iqaluit

We will disembark by Zodiac and, after a short tour of Iqualuit (if time and tides permit), we will transfer to the airport in time for the flight home.

Please note

Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions experienced and the itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Proof of our Polar Commitment

When travelling with One Ocean Expeditions, you will discover how much we care about the places and people we visit. We demonstrate this by finding ways to give back as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, please review our document entitled, “Our Environmental Commitment”.

Before you Book – Important Voyage Details

Itinerary Changes – We put safety first and that means weather, ice, wildlife, political or other conditions may require us to modify the itinerary as we go. We consider this half the intrigue of Polar exploring. In every expedition, our undertake is a little different. It may mean we have to cancel certain shore excursions if conditions are not suitable but we always find other fun things to do. Polar exploring is not predictable which is one of the many reasons we think it is so special.

Medical Documentation - Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar Regions, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to One Ocean Expeditions no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Passport - Well before travelling, please ensure you have a current passport with an accurate photo, valid for at least six months after your scheduled return flight home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require you to have a return air ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. 

Budgeting – It is a good idea to bring along some $US cash. There are some onboard expenses such as those incurred at the bar, in our gift shop, and for satellite communication, as well as several souvenir shopping opportunities throughout the voyage.

Clothes – We do not need to tell you it is cold in the Arctic. So make sure you come prepared with clothes that will adequately protect you from the weather and wet conditions (sea spray is common onboard Zodiacs). Expensive specialty gear is not required, but you should be dressed in warm, waterproof clothing available upon your arrival. Please read the One Ocean Expeditions Pre-departure Information for more details about what to bring on the journey. We also have foul weather gear available on board of the ship. You should prearrange the rental of this gear should you require it.

Onboard – Like the weather, sea conditions can also be unpredictable. You will be safe and comfortable aboard with your experienced crew in control of our ship, but you may suffer the effects of motion sickness, unless you have taken precautions. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to departure for medication that can help you avoid this easily treated condition.

Gratuities - We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. 

Sea Kayaking – If you have some experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure from home. We cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand.

Embarkation Protocol - Guests arrive with the rest of the group accompanied by the One Ocean Expeditions’ Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Once onboard, you will be participating in an obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Insurance - On all One Ocean Expeditions’ voyages, you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health care plans will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your travel agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. Your policy must provide coverage for your medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. We require that you obtain adequate insurance before joining the voyage.  Cancellation insurance is also recommended.

Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (i.e. replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).  Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions in our terms and conditions). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation. 

 Visas - Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing and vary for different nationalities. You should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travelling.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind and check with us if you want to be sure about anything. The document was correct at time of printing but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff. We are here to help you!

Baffin Adventure

Iqaluit, Nunavut to Iqaluit, Nunavut

10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS (KAYAKING)

JUL 23 TO AUG 02, 2012

Overview

Following our charter flight we begin our adventurous foray into northern climes through Nunavut's capital city gateway, Iqaluit. As the largest city in Nunavut, Iqaluit provides an easy entry from our busy urban lives into the relaxed and simplified approach of the north.  Exploring some of Canada’s most remote regions along the coast of Baffin Island, and into Baffin Bay we have the opportunity to search for Polar Bear, Beluga and revel in the art and culture of the Inuit.   An expedition sure to enthrall, educate and inspire cultural, wildlife and art enthusiasts.

For a detailed itinerary please contact One Ocean Expeditions, or your booking agent.

Thank you!

Baffin Bay Experience

Iqaluit, Nunavut to Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord, West Greenland

10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS (KAYAKING)

AUG 02 TO AUG 12, 2012

Overview

An exploration of the wildlife and culture of the Canadian Arctic coupled with the glaciers and icebergs of Greenland. 

Day 1 - Iqaluit

Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is located at the head of Frobisher Bay, on Baffin Island.  The adventure starts when we board our expedition vessel by zodiac.  

Day 2 - Monumental Island

Sailing out of Frobisher Bay, we turn north and sail along the coast of Baffin Island.  Monumental Island is part of a small group of islands south of the Lady Franklin Group.  A great place to find wildlife, we will look up for gyrfalcon and peregrine falcon, scan the shoreline for polar bear and the water for walrus.

Day 3 - Pangnirtung

Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park, Pangnirtung is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea.  This town is known for its arts and crafts and a visit to the art gallery is a must.  In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle of the Thule and of the modern Inuit.

Day 4 - Cape Mercy

Protecting the northern entrance to Cumberland Sound, Cape Mercy is an exposed headland jutting out into Davis Strait.  As the Baffin Bay middle ice recedes throughout the summer, the stretch of Baffin coast from Cape Mercy to Cape Dyer is a great place to find polar bears coming ashore.  We will have all eyes searching as we sail this region.

Day 5/6 - Baffin Bay

Our crossing of Baffin Bay will depend on the extent of the so-called ‘middle ice’.  Our goal will be to find the edge of this and then follow it as we cross Baffin Bay.  Our time at sea will be determined by the extent of the ice and amount of wildlife.  Pilot whales, as well as numerous species of Arctic seal and seabirds abound in Baffin Bay.  As we approach the Greenland coast, we will start to see icebergs calved from the mighty glaciers of Greenland.

Day 7 - Uummannaq Fjord, Greenland

We will visit the town of Uummannaq after sailing into spectacular Uummannaq Fjord. Sculpted, castellated icebergs will accompany us as we cruise into the fjord. Keep an eye open for whale blows as we sail these waters. The town of Uummannaq is set at the base of a dramatic cliff and on a small island often surrounded by large icebergs.  Enjoy a walk around the town, drop into the supermarket or sit on the patio at the Hotel Uummannaq and enjoy a coffee as your eyes feast on the view.

Day 8 - Ilulissat and Jacobshavn Icefjord

One of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord spews massive tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. Our approach to Ilulissat will depend on the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the icefjord. Ilulissat was the hometown of Knud Rasmussen, one of Greenland’s most famous explorers and anthropologists, born here in 1879.

Day 9 - Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

A very large island in the mouth of Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq is a site of both geologic and historic interest.  A possible summer fishing camp for the Viking colonists in Greenland, mineral deposits containing native iron and hot springs are all part of the allure of this island.  We will visit the southern coast, cruising the spectacular rock arches before visiting the town of Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 10 - Sisimiut

We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before visiting the town in the afternoon. We will hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and perhaps see a demonstration of “Eskimo Rolling” by one of the former champions of the Greenland Kayaking Championships. 

Day 11 - Kangerlussuawq (Sondre Stromfjord)

One of the world’s longest fjords, Sondre Stromfjord cuts into the interior of Greenland. We will disembark here and take a transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Please note

Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions experienced and the itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Proof of our Polar Commitment

When travelling with One Ocean Expeditions, you will discover how much we care about the places and people we visit. We demonstrate this by finding ways to give back as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, please review our document entitled, “Our Environmental Commitment”. 

Before you Book – Important Voyage Details

Itinerary Changes – We put safety first and that means weather, ice, wildlife, political or other conditions may require us to modify the itinerary as we go. We consider this half the intrigue of Polar exploring. In every expedition, our undertake is a little different. It may mean we have to cancel certain shore excursions if conditions are not suitable but we always find other fun things to do. Polar exploring is not predictable which is one of the many reasons we think it is so special.

Medical Documentation - Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar Regions, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to One Ocean Expeditions no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Passport - Well before travelling, please ensure you have a current passport with an accurate photo, valid for at least six months after your scheduled return flight home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require you to have a return air ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. 

Budgeting – It is a good idea to bring along some $US cash. There are some onboard expenses such as those incurred at the bar, in our gift shop, and for satellite communication, as well as several souvenir shopping opportunities throughout the voyage.

Clothes – We do not need to tell you it is cold in the Arctic. So make sure you come prepared with clothes that will adequately protect you from the weather and wet conditions (sea spray is common onboard Zodiacs). Expensive specialty gear is not required, but you should be dressed in warm, waterproof clothing available upon your arrival in Iqaluit. Please read the One Ocean Expeditions Pre-departure Information for more details about what to bring on the journey. We also have foul weather gear available on board of the ship. You should prearrange the rental of this gear should you require it.

Onboard – Like the weather, sea conditions can also be unpredictable. You will be safe and comfortable aboard with your experienced crew in control of our ship, but you may suffer the effects of motion sickness, unless you have taken precautions. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to departure for medication that can help you avoid this easily treated condition.

Gratuities - We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. 

Sea Kayaking – If you have some experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure from home. We cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand.

Embarkation Protocol - Guests arrive with the rest of the group accompanied by the One Ocean Expeditions’ Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Once onboard, you will be participating in an obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Insurance - On all One Ocean Expeditions’ voyages, you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health care plans will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your travel agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. Your policy must provide coverage for your medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. We require that you obtain adequate insurance before joining the voyage.  Cancellation insurance is also recommended.

Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (i.e. replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).  Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions in our terms and conditions). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation. 

 Visas - Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing and vary for different nationalities. You should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travelling.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind and check with us if you want to be sure about anything. The document was correct at time of printing but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff. We are here to help you!

Northwest Passage East to West

Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord, West Greenland to Kugluktuk, Nunavut

14 NIGHTS/15 DAYS (KAYAKING)

AUG 12 TO AUG 26, 2012

Overview

Join us on a voyage through Canada's most historical waterway known for adventure, exploration and navigational skill, the Northwest Passage.

Day 1 - Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord

Sondre Stromfjord is one of the world’s longest fjords and cuts into the interior of Greenland. Our flight into Greenland will see us land at a former American Airbase (Bluie West Eight and Camp Lloyd), located just miles north of the Arctic Circle.  We will board our expedition vessel by zodiac and weigh anchor.  Throughout the evening and through the night we will sail down this incredible fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle again, before reaching the ocean and Davis Strait.  We turn north out of the mouth of Sondre Stromfjord and cross the Arctic Circle yet again, remaining north of this point for the rest of the voyage.  

Day 2 - Sisiumiut

We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before visiting the town in the afternoon. We will hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and perhaps see a demonstration of “Eskimo Rolling” by one of the former champions of the Greenland Kayaking Championships. 

Day 3 - Ilulissat and Jacobshavn Icefjord

One of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord spews massive tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. Our approach to Ilulissat will be dependent upon the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the icefjord. Ilulissat was the hometown of Knud Rasmussen, one of Greenland’s most famous explorers and anthropologists, born here in 1879.

Day 4/5 - Baffin Bay

Our crossing of Baffin Bay will be dependon the extent of the so-called ‘middle ice’.  Our goal will be to find the edge of this and then follow it around and to the coast of Baffin Island.  Our time at sea will be determined by the extent of the ice and amount of wildlife.  Pilot whales, numerous species of Arctic seal and seabirds abound in Baffin Bay, as do icebergs, especially close to the coast. 

Day 6 - Fjords of Northeast Baffin Island

Rising straight out of the water and almost blotting out the sky, the cliffs of these fjords are incredible. We will sail along a few looking for a place to get out and stretch our legs (somewhere that does not require a rope and harness). The mouths of these fjord complexes are often rich in wildlife due to the confluence of fresher glacial melt water from the fjords mixing with the seawater of Baffin Bay. 

Day 7 - Pond Inlet

We will visit the town of Pond Inlet and make our base at the Natinnak Centre, where a spectacular cultural exhibit will be the background of a display put on for us by the Elders and youth of Pond Inlet. Inuit carvings, jewellery and other local craft will be available to purchase from the local artisans.  We will take time to meet the children of Pond Inlet and marvel at their athletic abilities as they demonstrate the challenges of the Inuit Games.

Day 8 - Lancaster Sound and Devon Island

Lancaster Sound is in many ways the wildlife ‘super-highway’ of the Arctic.  A massive outlet for water from the high Arctic archipelago, there is a mixing of water here that is rich in nutrients.  Coupled with areas of open water for much of the year, Lancaster Sound is home to a diversity and concentration of wildlife that can be staggering, especially given the sparseness of the region.  Our stops along the shore of Lancaster Sound will depend very much on ice conditions and weather.  

Day 9 - Beechey Island and Prince Leopold Island

Beechey Island holds great importance in our quest to complete the Northwest Passage. It is here that Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that finished the charting of Canada’s northern archipelago. Almost sixty years later, Roald Amundsen stopped at Beechey Island during the first successful complete transit of the Northwest Passage.

Following our visit to Beechey Island, we sail south toward Prince Regent Inlet, stopping for a view of the bird cliffs at Prince Leopold Island. A migratory bird sanctuary, Prince Leopold Island is home to thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. Totalling several hundred thousand birds, Prince Leopold Island is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Canadian Arctic.

Day 10 - Fort Ross and Bellot Strait

If ice conditions permit, we will sail south through Prince Regent Inlet and approach the eastern end of the Bellot Strait. Fort Ross, located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost. Ancient archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors. Upon leaving Fort Ross, we will attempt the passage of the Bellot Strait, entering at slack water if possible, in order to avoid a current that can be more than seven knots during the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this strait provides ample food source for marine mammals and we will keep our eyes peeled for harp seals, bearded seals and even polar bears. Upon exiting Bellot Strait we will turn south in Victoria Strait, taking a bearing for King William Island.

Day 11 - Pasely Bay

Located on the western coast of the Boothia Peninsula, Pasely Bay was the wintering position of the RCMP Vessel St. Roch during the winter of 1941 – 1942.  Locked in the ice in early September, the St. Roch was confined within the bay until August 1942. During this time, the crew members undertook extensive sled patrols, some lasting two months at a time. During our visit to Pasely Bay, we hope to enjoy some hiking in the hills overlooking Larson Sound (named after Henry Larson, Captain of the St. Roch).  

Day 12 - Victory Point, King William Island

Little is known of how the remainders of the Franklin Expedition spent its last months in the frozen Arctic. The vessels, abandoned in the ice of Victoria Strait have left no trace. A lifeboat left abandoned, bits and pieces of copper and iron, cutlery and buttons and a skeleton here and there all tell a story of a desperate race south in search of rescue that never occurred. We will visit Victory Point and continue to reflect on the quest for exploration that opened up the Arctic, while sacrificing some of its bravest explorers.  

Day 13 - Cambridge Bay

We hope to visit the community of Cambridge Bay, on the southern shores of Victoria Island.  Cambridge Bay, also known as Ikaluktutiak or “good fishing place”, is a centre for hunting, trapping, and fishing. Local Inuit have had summer camps in the locality for hundreds of years. Today ships visit the region annually bringing supplies. Amundsen spent two winters in this area, learning how to master dogsledding from the locals.  Prior to this, McClintock found solid evidence of the Franklin Expedition here in 1859, including naval artifacts, sledges, graves and letters. 

Day 14 - Johanssen Bay, Coronation Gulf

An anvil-shaped bay on the south coast of Victoria Island, Johanssen Bay is a wonderful place for a variety of hiking and water-based activities.  Kayak up a small river at the east end of the bay, hike onto the ridge on the north shore or zodiac cruise along the shore. Our fast paced hike will head for an abandoned DEW line site  (Distance Early Warning Radar base) and learn a little about the Cold War exploration of the Arctic. Johanssen Bay is also a great place to spot musk ox and we will spend some time looking for them before continuing west.  

Day 15 - Kugluktuk (formerly known as Coppermine)

We drop anchor off the beach in Kugluktuk and make our way ashore by zodiac. Our charter flight to Edmonton will await us here and we will board the flight for the short flight back to ‘southern’ Canada. 

Please note

Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions experienced and the itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Proof of our Polar Commitment

When travelling with One Ocean Expeditions, you will discover how much we care about the places and people we visit. We demonstrate this by finding ways to give back as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, please review our document entitled, “Our Environmental Commitment”. 

Before you Book – Important Voyage Details

Itinerary Changes – We put safety first and that means weather, ice, wildlife, political or other conditions may require us to modify the itinerary as we go. We consider this half the intrigue of Polar exploring. In every expedition, our undertake is a little different. It may mean we have to cancel certain shore excursions if conditions are not suitable but we always find other fun things to do. Polar exploring is not predictable which is one of the many reasons we think it is so special.

Medical Documentation - Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar Regions, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to One Ocean Expeditions no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Passport - Well before travelling, please ensure you have a current passport with an accurate photo, valid for at least six months after your scheduled return flight home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require you to have a return air ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.

Budgeting – It is a good idea to bring along some $US cash. There are some onboard expenses such as those incurred at the bar, in our gift shop, and for satellite communication, as well as several souvenir shopping opportunities throughout the voyage.

Clothes – We do not need to tell you it is cold in the Arctic. So make sure you come prepared with clothes that will adequately protect you from the weather and wet conditions (sea spray is common onboard Zodiacs). Expensive specialty gear is not required, but you should be dressed in warm, waterproof clothing available upon your arrival in Iqaluit. Please read the One Ocean Expeditions Pre-departure Information for more details about what to bring on the journey. We also have foul weather gear available on board of the ship. You should prearrange the rental of this gear should you require it.

Onboard – Like the weather, sea conditions can also be unpredictable. You will be safe and comfortable aboard with your experienced crew in control of our ship, but you may suffer the effects of motion sickness, unless you have taken precautions. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to departure for medication that can help you avoid this easily treated condition.

Gratuities - We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. 

Sea Kayaking – If you have some experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure from home. We cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand.

Embarkation Protocol - Guests arrive with the rest of the group accompanied by the One Ocean Expeditions’ Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Once onboard, you will be participating in an obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Insurance - On all One Ocean Expeditions’ voyages, you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health care plans will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your travel agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. Your policy must provide coverage for your medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. We require that you obtain adequate insurance before joining the voyage.  Cancellation insurance is also recommended.

Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (i.e. replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).  Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions in our terms and conditions). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation. 

 Visas - Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing and vary for different nationalities. You should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travelling.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind and check with us if you want to be sure about anything. The document was correct at time of printing but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff. We are here to help you!

Northwest Passage West to East

Kugluktuk, Nunavut to Sondre Stromfjord, West Greenland

 14 NIGHTS/15 DAYS (KAYAKING)

AUG 26 TO SEP 09, 2012

Day 1 - Kugluktuk, Nunavut (formerly known as Coppermine)

Our journey of discovery begins in Edmonton with our charter flight to Kugluktuk Bay and the Arctic. We will board our flight at 54°34’N and disembark north of the Arctic Circle. From the airport in Kugluktuk, we will transfer to the beach and prepare to embark our zodiac inflatable boats for the shuttle out to the ship.

Day 2 - Johanssen Bay, Coronation Gulf

An anvil-shaped bay on the south coast of Victoria Island, Johanssen Bay is a wonderful place for a variety of hiking and water-based activities.  Kayak up a small river at the east end of the bay, hike onto the ridge on the north shore or follow the shore on a zodiac cruise. Our fast paced hike will head for an abandoned DEW line site  (Distance Early Warning Radar base) and learn a little about the Cold War exploration of the Arctic. Johanssen Bay is also a great place to spot musk ox and we will spend some time looking for them before continuing west.  

Day 3 - Cambridge Bay

We hope to visit the community of Cambridge Bay, on the southern shores of Victoria Island.  Cambridge Bay, also known as Ikaluktutiak or “good fishing place” is a centre for hunting, trapping and fishing. Local Inuit have had summer camps in the locality for hundreds of years. Today ships visit the region annually bringing supplies. Amundsen spent two winters in this area, learning how to master dogsledding from the locals.  Previous to this, McClintock found solid evidence of the Franklin Expedition here in 1859, including naval artifacts, sledges, graves and letters. 

Day 4 - Victory Point, King William Island

Little is known of how the remainders of the Franklin Expedition spent its last months in the frozen Arctic. The vessels, abandoned in the ice of Victoria Strait, have left no trace. A lifeboat left abandoned, bits and pieces of copper and iron, cutlery and buttons and a skeleton here and there all tell a story of a desperate race south in search of a rescue that never occurred. We will visit Victory Point and continue to reflect on the quest for exploration that opened up the Arctic, whilst sacrificing some of its bravest explorers.  

Day 5 - Pasely Bay

Located on the western coast of the Boothia Peninsula, Pasely Bay was the wintering position of the RCMP vessel St. Roch during the winter of 1941 – 1942.  Locked in the ice in early September, the St. Roch was confined within the bay until August 1942. During this time, the crew members undertook extensive sled patrols, some lasting two months at a time. During our visit to Pasely Bay, we hope to enjoy some hiking in the hills overlooking Larson Sound (named after Henry Larson, Captain of the St. Roch).  

Day 6 - Fort Ross and Bellot Strait

If ice conditions permit, we will sail eastward through Bellot Strait.  A very narrow waterway separating Boothia Peninsula from Somerset Island, we will pass the northernmost extent of the North American Continental mainland. We will attempt the passage at slack tide, in order to avoid tides of more than seven knots as we cruise this narrow waterway. The mixing of waters in this strait provides an ample food source for marine mammals and we will keep our eyes peeled for harp seals, bearded seals and even polar bears.

At the eastern end of Bellot Strait, we will hope to visit Fort Ross, a former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost. Ancient archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors. 

Day 7 - Prince Leopold Island and Beechey Island

As we sail north out of Prince Regent Inlet, we will stop at Prince Leopold Island, a Canadian Migratory Bird Sanctuary and home to hundreds of thousands of thick-billed murres, black guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and northern fulmars.  We will zodiac cruise along the base of the cliffs hoping to catch sight of the later breeders as we come to the tail end of the breeding season.

Following our visit to Prince Leopold Island, we sail north across the Barrow Strait / Lancaster Sound to Beechey Island. Beechey Island holds great importance in our quest to complete the Northwest Passage. It is here that Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that finished the charting of Canada’s northern archipelago. Almost sixty years later, Roald Amundsen stopped at Beechey Island during the first successful complete transit of the Northwest Passage. 

Day 8 - Lancaster Sound and Devon Island

Lancaster Sound is in many ways the wildlife ‘super-highway’ of the Arctic.  A massive outlet for water from the high Arctic archipelago, there is a mixing of water here that is very rich in nutrients.  Coupled with areas of open water for much of the year, Lancaster Sound is home to a diversity and concentration of wildlife that can be staggering, given the sparseness of the region.  Our stops along the shore of Lancaster Sound will depend very much on ice conditions and weather.  

Day 9 - Pond Inlet

We will visit the town of Pond Inlet and make our base at the Natinnak Centre, where a spectacular cultural exhibit will be the background of a display put on for us by the Elders and youth of Pond Inlet. Inuit carvings, jewellery and other local craft will be available to purchase from the local artisans. We will take time to meet the children of Pond Inlet and marvel at their athletic abilities as they demonstrate the challenges of the Inuit Games.

Day 10 - Fjords of Northeast Baffin Island

Rising straight out of the water and almost blotting out the sky, the cliffs of these fjords are incredible. We will sail along a few of these fjords looking for a place to get out and stretch our legs (somewhere that does not require a rope and harness). The mouths of these fjord complexes are often rich in wildlife due to the confluence of fresher glacial melt water from the fjords mixing with the seawater of Baffin Bay. 

Day 11/12 - Baffin Bay

Our crossing of Baffin Bay this late in the season will be easy compared to that of many of the explorers.  We will marvel at open ocean views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, icebergs silhouetted against the horizon and the marine life. We will encourage as many eyes as possible to be out searching for wildlife, looking for the tell-tale spout of a pilot whale, the ripple of a seal dropping below the surface, the soaring of fulmar or the fin of an orca. As we approach the coast of Greenland, we should start to see the larger ba­leen whales such as humpback and fin, as well as the castellated icebergs for which Greenland is famous. 

Day 13 - Illulissat and Jacoshaven Icefjord

One of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord spews massive tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. Our approach to Ilulissat will be dependent upon the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the icefjord. Ilulissat was the hometown of Knud Rasmussen, one of Greenland’s most famous explorers and anthropologists, born here in 1879.

Day 14 - Sisimiut

We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before visiting the town in the afternoon. We will hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and perhaps see a demonstration of “Eskimo Rolling” by one of the former champions of the Greenland Kayaking Championships. 

Day 15 - Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord

Sondre Stromfjord is one of the world’s longest fjords and cuts into the interior of Greenland. We will disembark here and take the transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Please note

Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions experienced and the itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Proof of our Polar Commitment

When travelling with One Ocean Expeditions, you will discover how much we care about the places and people we visit. We demonstrate this by finding ways to give back as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, please review our document entitled, “Our Environmental Commitment”.

Before you Book – Important Voyage Details

Itinerary Changes – We put safety first and that means weather, ice, wildlife, political or other conditions may require us to modify the itinerary as we go. We consider this half the intrigue of Polar exploring. In every expedition, our undertake is a little different. It may mean we have to cancel certain shore excursions if conditions are not suitable but we always find other fun things to do. Polar exploring is not predictable which is one of the many reasons we think it is so special.

Medical Documentation - Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar Regions, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to One Ocean Expeditions no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Passport - Well before travelling, please ensure you have a current passport with an accurate photo, valid for at least six months after your scheduled return flight home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require you to have a return air ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. 

Budgeting – It is a good idea to bring along some $US cash. There are some onboard expenses such as those incurred at the bar, in our gift shop, and for satellite communication, as well as several souvenir shopping opportunities throughout the voyage.

Clothes – We do not need to tell you it is cold in the Arctic. So make sure you come prepared with clothes that will adequately protect you from the weather and wet conditions (sea spray is common onboard Zodiacs). Expensive specialty gear is not required, but you should be dressed in warm, waterproof clothing available upon your arrival in Iqaluit. Please read the One Ocean Expeditions Pre-departure Information for more details about what to bring on the journey. We also have foul weather gear available on board of the ship. You should prearrange the rental of this gear should you require it.

Onboard – Like the weather, sea conditions can also be unpredictable. You will be safe and comfortable aboard with your experienced crew in control of our ship, but you may suffer the effects of motion sickness, unless you have taken precautions. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to departure for medication that can help you avoid this easily treated condition.

Gratuities - We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. 

Sea Kayaking – If you have some experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure from home. We cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand.

Embarkation Protocol - Guests arrive with the rest of the group accompanied by the One Ocean Expeditions’ Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Once onboard, you will be participating in an obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Insurance - On all One Ocean Expeditions’ voyages, you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health care plans will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your travel agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. Your policy must provide coverage for your medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. We require that you obtain adequate insurance before joining the voyage.  Cancellation insurance is also recommended.

Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (i.e. replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).  Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions in our terms and conditions). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation. 

Visas - Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing and vary for different nationalities. You should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travelling.

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind and check with us if you want to be sure about anything. The document was correct at time of printing but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff. We are here to help you!