Antarctica
Travel to see icebergs, penguins and whales
One Ocean Expeditions
Canadian Arctic and Greenland Journey Across the Arctic 23 nights
Join the most complete High Arctic expedition we have ever offered, combining 'Classic Northwest Passage - Eastbound' & 'Viking Explorer - Greenland & Eastern Canada'.
This unique expedition combines incredible scenery, rich history, abundant wildlife and diverse culture. Over three weeks, we journey through the maze of waterways that make up the region, learning about the quest to unlock the Arctic by early explorers. Expect to be overwhelmed on an almost daily basis by spectacular scenery on this voyage. Untouched landscapes dominate from one horizon to the other, while icebergs of all shapes and sizes provide an almost surreal element to our journey.
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Journey Across the Arctic
Starting Rate: N/A
Number of Nights: 23
Departs from: CAMBRIDGE BAY
Returns to: SYDNEY NOVA SCOTIA
From Edmonton, we fly to Cambridge Bay in Nunavut via a special charter flight.
Experiences:
Available Dates:
Day by Day: What you can experience: Journey Across the Arctic
Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details.
We commence in Cambridge Bay at the western end of Canada's fabled Northwest Passage. Over three weeks, we visit many historic locations connected to the age of discovery and the centuries prior. Wildlife can be found all over the Arctic and we visit a number of well-known (and secret) locations we have discovered over the years. Visits to Inuit communities provide a rich insight into the life of those that call the Arctic their home. In Greenland, we notice the influence of Denmark, through the architecture, language, economy and social structures. To cap it all off, we are welcomed back into Canadian waters when we arrive in Newfoundland, greeted by friendly locals, wonderful scenery, the traditional music and celebrated cuisine for which the Maritimes are famous the world over.
Day 1
Edmonton
This morning we depart Edmonton flying north to Cambridge Bay, situated above the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival, we enjoy a walking tour before ship ...
This morning we depart Edmonton flying north to Cambridge Bay, situated above the Arctic Circle. Upon arrival, we enjoy a walking tour before ship embarkation.
Day 2
Victory Point
As we chart a course into the Northwest Passage, our onboard presentation series begins and we delve into the tale of the Franklin expedition. The ...
As we chart a course into the Northwest Passage, our onboard presentation series begins and we delve into the tale of the Franklin expedition. The mystery of what happened was partially solved in September 2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition found the HMS Erebus in the Victoria Strait. One Ocean Expeditions played a pivotal role in the search by carrying underwater search equipment on our ship as well as scientists, historians, researchers, dignitaries and sponsors. We aim to visit Victory Point, travelling very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the Arctic. To end this remarkable find, the sister ship - HMS Terror was discovered nearby in the Summer of 2016.
Day 3
Coningham Bay
This morning we arrive at Coningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales Island. This is one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the Arctic. A ...
This morning we arrive at Coningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales Island. This is one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the Arctic. A hotspot for polar bears who come here to feast on Beluga whales, it is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons and very healthy looking polar bears!
Day 4
Bellot Strait and Fort Ross
We enjoy an exciting day of navigation as we transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait – a channel separating northerly Somerset Island from cont...
We enjoy an exciting day of navigation as we transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait – a channel separating northerly Somerset Island from continental North America. The historic site of Fort Ross, located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost.
Day 5
Beechey Island and Port Leopold
Beechey Island is of great historic importance. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 184...
Beechey Island is of great historic importance. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a remote windswept beach gives one pause to wonder on the bravery (or foolhardiness) of these pioneering explorers, as they sought a way through the barren, frozen landscape.
Day 6
Lancaster Sound and Dundas Harbour
We are now at almost 75° degrees north of latitude. Cruising the coastline of Devon Island, we are in the waters of Lancaster Sound – a rich, bio-d...
We are now at almost 75° degrees north of latitude. Cruising the coastline of Devon Island, we are in the waters of Lancaster Sound – a rich, bio-diverse region often referred to as the wildlife ‘superhighway’ of the Arctic. These massive volumes of water from Baffin Bay to the east, Beaufort Sea to the west, and from the archipelago of islands to the north, combine to make a rich cocktail of nutrients supporting an abundance of Arctic wildlife.
Day 7
Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
We sight the wild north coast of Baffin Island and navigate through Navy Board Inlet. The vast landscapes of Sirmilik National Park surround us as ...
We sight the wild north coast of Baffin Island and navigate through Navy Board Inlet. The vast landscapes of Sirmilik National Park surround us as we approach the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). A highlight will be a visit to the Natinnak Centre, where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases daily life, culture and history of the people of the north. We also enjoy meeting the local children of Mittimatalik and marvelling at their athletic abilities as they demonstrate traditional Inuit games.
Day 8
Gibbs Fjord
This morning we enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all around us. Our expedition ship will seem dwarfed by the giant peaks and ...
This morning we enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all around us. Our expedition ship will seem dwarfed by the giant peaks and snowy glaciers as we cruise slowly along the dark waters.
Day 9
Isabella Bay
Isabella Bay (Niginaniq) is an important summer habitat and feeding area for endangered bowhead whales. These remarkable marine mammals are able to...
Isabella Bay (Niginaniq) is an important summer habitat and feeding area for endangered bowhead whales. These remarkable marine mammals are able to break sea ice with the crown of their head.
Day 10
Baffin Bay - Towards Greenland
Leaving the rugged coastline of Baffin Island, our crossing to Greenland allows us time to slow down and reflect on the beauty and experiences we h...
Leaving the rugged coastline of Baffin Island, our crossing to Greenland allows us time to slow down and reflect on the beauty and experiences we have shared.
Day 11
Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
For many, today is a highlight of the voyage. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Ice fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site - spew...
For many, today is a highlight of the voyage. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Ice fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site - spews gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay.
Day 12
Sisimiut
We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore to explore this beautiful location. Characterized by colourful local hous...
We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore to explore this beautiful location. Characterized by colourful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as a backdrop. We hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration of ‘Eskimo rolling’ by one of the former Greenland kayak champions.
Day 13
Kangerlussuaq
This morning we find ourselves anchored just offshore from the small community of Kangerlussuaq. You will say farewell to many of your fellow passe...
This morning we find ourselves anchored just offshore from the small community of Kangerlussuaq. You will say farewell to many of your fellow passengers as they disembark at the completion of their journey, returning via charter flight to Ottawa (Canada). There will be an opportunity to go ashore and explore the small community.
Day 14
Nuuk
Overnight we have navigated down the coast of western Greenland to arrive in Nuuk, the small capital city. The small city is a fascinating blend of...
Overnight we have navigated down the coast of western Greenland to arrive in Nuuk, the small capital city. The small city is a fascinating blend of both the historic and contemporary.
Day 15
Paamiut
The small town of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century. A circle of five old structures make up the town museum and local artisans offer ...
The small town of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century. A circle of five old structures make up the town museum and local artisans offer textiles and other traditional crafts for sale.
Day 16
Bredefjord & Narsaq
Today provides another opportunity to observe glaciers at close quarters as we navigate the ship along Bredefjord. At the end of a remote arm of th...
Today provides another opportunity to observe glaciers at close quarters as we navigate the ship along Bredefjord. At the end of a remote arm of the fjord are two giant glaciers, known locally as ‘the twins’. We navigate in the Zodiacs to get a better view of the glacial face. This afternoon we visit the small community of Narsaq.
Day 17
Narsarsuaq
Navigating further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Vikings were just as impressed and Narsarsuaq and s...
Navigating further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Vikings were just as impressed and Narsarsuaq and surrounds are among the most historically significant locations in the country. Today, local farmers cultivate the very same land that 'Eric the Red' chose for his settlement more than 1,000 years ago.
Day 18
Tasermiut Fjord & Nanortalik
Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towering rock formations that surround the narrow waters. At...
Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towering rock formations that surround the narrow waters. At almost 70km long, the place to be is on the outer decks of the ship with your camera.
Day 19
At Sea - Davis Strait - Towards Canada
We awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a ...
We awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of entertaining presentations.
Day 20
L'anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland
Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise ...
Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise to the rocky shoreline. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is where Norseman, Leif Erikson, (son of Eric the Red) - is thought to have founded “Vinland” around 1000 AD.
Day 21
Red Bay, Labrador
Almost 500 years after the Vikings were known to have established their North America presence, it was visitors from southern Europe who were to pu...
Almost 500 years after the Vikings were known to have established their North America presence, it was visitors from southern Europe who were to put Red Bay on the map. Today it is considered an important underwater archaeological site and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. There is an excellent interpretive centre to learn about the early whaling era and on nearby Saddle Island, relics remain from the period.
Day 22
Woody Point - Gros Morne National Park
This morning we are anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point. This is a Registered Historic District w...
This morning we are anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point. This is a Registered Historic District with several significant structures along the waterfront. Gros Morne is best known for the World Heritage-listed Tablelands and is celebrated for its unique geology and exceptional scenery. We make a visit to the excellent Discovery Centre before continuing through the park. We meet the ship at Trout River reboarding in the afternoon.
Day 23
Ramea
Today we explore the historic town of Ramea providing a quintessential Newfoundland experience. The small town is best explored on foot and there a...
Today we explore the historic town of Ramea providing a quintessential Newfoundland experience. The small town is best explored on foot and there are some great hikes in the vicinity. The protected waters are best explored by Zodiac and this is a great location to explore by sea kayak. This is an important migratory bird flyway and is home to a variety of resident seabird species including two known puffin colonies. Tonight, our chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey as we sail south towards Cape Breton and our final port of Sydney.
Day 24
Sydney, Nova Scotia
This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect...
This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect on the truly memorable journey.
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Dates and Rates
The following departures are available for this voyage
All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
Sea Kayaking in the Arctic: USD695
*From Edmonton, we fly to Cambridge Bay in
Nunavut via a special charter flight.
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