Maritime Wildlife Adventure

Halifax, Nova Scotia to St.Pierre, France

9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS (KAYAKING)

JUL 15 TO JUL 24, 2013

Overview

An expedition cruise in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada visiting Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland finishing with a jaunt across to France in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. Starting in the seaside community of Sydney, Cape Breton, we take every opportunity to discover the Maritimes and the potential for amazing experiences both on and off the ship.  Embracing historical culture, musical talent, a plethora of marine mammals and hundreds of thousands of seabirds, this voyage is truly a wildlife adventure.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Embark and Departure from Halifax, Nova Scotia

The adventure begins in the seaside community of Halifax, Nova Scotia where we board our expedition vessel, the Akademik Ioffe.

Day 2 – Sable Island

Located on the edge of the Grand Banks hundreds of kilometres from the coast, Sable Island has a storied history as a graveyard of ships.  Sporadically inhabited by sealers, shipwreck survivors and salvagers, the island is now home to fewer than six year-round inhabitants and a herd of Sable Island ponies. Transitioning to National Park status, Sable Island’s future plans are currently uncertain.

A sandbar some 40 kilometres long and a little over a kilometer wide, Sable Island fills a unique bio-geoclimatic role. It can be one of the foggiest, windiest and loneliest places in Canada but also one of the warmest and most temperate. Whether we are able to land at Sable Island or explore its coast by zodiac and ship, we join a limited number of people able to experience this island.

Day 3– Bird Island, Cape Breton

Sculpted out of sandstone, these islands jut out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and are home to a unique fishing culture. With beautifully maintained waterfront houses and boats, flowing grassy plains and sculpted sandstone shorelines, these islands are a delight to visit. In addition to the fishing and sealing culture, we will experience a wide diversity of bird life as we travel the shore. Beaches and lagoons provide ample viewing opportunities for numerous shorebirds.

Cape Breton has a wonderful Celtic music culture and we will take time to learn about this culture as we explore the coast.

Day 4– Les Iles de la Madeleines, Quebec

Sculpted out of sandstone, these islands jut out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and are home to a unique fishing culture. With beautifully maintained waterfront houses and boats, flowing grassy plains and sculpted sandstone shorelines, these islands are a delight to visit. In addition to the fishing and sealing culture, we will experience a wide diversity of bird life as we travel the shore. Beaches and lagoons provide ample viewing opportunities for numerous shorebirds.

Day 5 – Ile Bonaventure (Bonaventure Island), Gaspe Peninsula

We will drop the anchor between the town of Perce and the island and visit the island by zodiac.  One of the largest northern gannet colonies in North America, Ile Bonaventure is protected under provincial park status in Quebec. We will visit the colony reveling in the close up views of these majestic seabirds.

Day 6 & 7 – Anticosti Island

We will take two days to visit Anticosti Island, spending as much time exploring the coastal waters as we will onshore. Positioned at the mouth of the St Lawrence River where the river water mixes with Arctic waters from the Strait of Belle Isle and the more temperate Atlantic waters, this is a region rich in marine wildlife.

Baleen whales such as the humpback, Minke and blue whale as well as grey seals and harp seals abound. In addition we will look for eagles along the beach and gannets fishing the waters. This is an area rich in wildlife and our onboard naturalists will be spotting and identifying the various creatures around us.

Day 8– Gros Morne National Park and Woody Point

We sail into majestic Bonne Bay, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park.  The cliffs soar up out of the bay on our starboard side covered in a green velvet of tuckamore – windswept spruce sculpted by the ocean breeze.

Our destination will be the town of Woody Point where we will be welcomed ashore by a delegation from the community.  With a few shops and pubs along the shore road, Woody Point is also our jumping off point for a hike up to the Discovery Centre – Gros Morne National Park interpretation centre.  From there various guided hikes will take us into the Tablelands (UNESCO World Heritage geologic feature) and to the look out for a view over much of the park.  Keep your eyes peeled for moose as we hike in the park and take time to look down for some of the orchids in the boreal bog and the pitcher plant.

Day 9 – Francois on the South Shore

A small out port community perched on the shores of a beautiful fjord on the south coast of Newfoundland, Francois (pronounced Frans-way) is a community steeped in the traditions of the sea.   With no road access, the town can become very isolated during the winter and storm season. 

We will be welcomed ashore by members of the community and perhaps, if we hit it off, we will be welcomed to a dance at the community hall.

Day 10 – Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Our voyage ends in this French enclave within North America.  Walking down the streets of Saint-Pierre is just like taking a jaunt into Europe.  We have just enough time to visit the town before leaving for our homeward journeys.

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!

East to the Arctic

St.Pierre, France to Iqaluit, Nunavut

11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS (KAYAKING)

JUL 24 TO AUG 04, 2013

Overview

Embark on a journey of contrasts, from Saint-Pierre, France to Newfoundland and on to Baffin Island.  The perfect blend of seabird colonies, wildlife exploration and the quest for sea ice inspires this voyage to transit from the Maritimes to the Canadian Arctic.  Beginning the voyage in the unique French enclave of Saint-Pierre and transiting up the coast to Torngat National Park sets the scene for your voyage of discovery.  As we follow our quest to the northwest we expect to see myriad populations of puffins and murres, pods of whales and, of course, the majestic polar bear and black bear.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Embark and Departure from Saint-Pierre, France

In the afternoon we will board our vessel, the Akademik Ioffe and set sail from Saint-Pierre along the coastline of Newfoundland.

Saint-Pierre and its accompanying island of Miquelon are the last bastions of the former French empire, called New France that covered large parts of eastern North America. They have served France well as an access point to the Grand Banks fishery and also as a hub for rum runners during the prohibition era in the United States.

Day 2 – The French Shore of Newfoundland

We will sail along the French shore of western Newfoundland, stopping at the Port Au Port Peninsula to explore the French history of fishing on this coast.  With over 500 years of history on the coast of Newfoundland, French fishermen have played a large role in the development of this part of Newfoundland. We may visit the small town of Port Au Port or continue our exploration of the coast and stop at another scenic spot.

Day 3 – Gros Morne National Park and Woody Point

We sail into majestic Bonne Bay, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park.  The cliffs soar up out of the bay on our starboard side covered in a green velvet of tuckamore – windswept spruce sculpted by the ocean breeze.

Day 4 – L'Anse aux Meadows and Battle Harbour

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. 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.

During the afternoon, 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 5 – Labrador Coast and Porcupine Strand

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 Porcupine Strand, 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.

Day 6 – 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 to 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 7 - Hebron

Today we hope to visit Hebron, once the northernmost settlement in Labrador. The Moravian missionaries established Hebron in 1831. The Mission was closed and the Inuit families relocated in 1959 but the buildings still stand today. 

Designated as a National Historic Site in 1976, the buildings stand as a testament to the influence of Moravian missionaries in the very remote stretches of the coast of Labrador. Buddy and Jenny are the Nunatsiavut Government ambassadors who will welcome us to this site and share the history of the site with us.

Day 8 - Torngat Mountains National Park

We will sail into Saglek Fjord, the southern gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve, established in 2005.

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. 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 9 - Nachvak Fjord

Nachvak Fjord is exceptionally beautiful. Deep and narrow this 22 kilometre long fjord is a place where whales, seals, walrus, Arctic fox and polar bear all congregate. There is also a great concentration 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 10 - Button Islands

As we sail up the final stretch of coastal Labrador, we will make note of Martin Bay, 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 southern Davis Strait. Named after Thomas Button who explored the area in 1612, the islands are in the middle of the upwelling of nutrients on the edge of the continental shelf. These nutrients attract thousands of seabirds and other marine mammals.

Day 11 - 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, Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut.

Day 12 - Iqaluit

We will disembark by Zodiac and, after a short tour of Iqaluit (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 Island and Greenland Explorer

Iqaluit, Nunavut to Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord, West Greenland

10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS (KAYAKING)

AUG 04 TO AUG 14, 2013

Overview

An exploration of the wildlife, culture and spectacular scenery of Arctic Canada and Greenland. From Iqaluit on the east coast of Baffin Island to the west coast of Greenland this 11-day adventure sails through a spectacular wilderness of glaciers, mountains, fjords and breathtaking icebergs.  Along the way, the Inuit settlements of both Canada and Greenland will open eyes to the rich and unique cultures that have survived in this harsh landscape for many hundreds of years.

Day 1 - Iqaluit

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

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 bears and the icy waters 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. Inuit art is coveted by art collectors worldwide. 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 - Kangerlussuaq (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 charter 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!

Northwest Passage East to West

Kangerlussuaq Sondre Stromfjord, West Greenland to Crambridge Bay, Nunavut

11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS (KAYAKING)

AUG 14 TO AUG 25, 2013

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

Our journey of discovery begins in Ottawa with our charter flight to Sondre Stromfjord and the Arctic.

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 depend on 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.  As we cross Baffin Bay we will keep a look out for fin, sperm, sei and humpback whales as well as the numerous species of Arctic seals and seabirds that abound in the Bay.

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 diverse 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.

Encounters with polar bear, beluga, narwhal and the occasional bowhead whale have also been known in the summering grounds around Prince Leopold Island and Prince Regent Inlet.

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 - 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 12 - 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.

We drop anchor in the harbour of Cambridge Bay 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!