There’s a familiar saying on expedition cruises: expect the unexpected and embrace the unknown. Nowhere does this ring truer than in the breathtaking and ever-changing waters of the High Arctic.
This past summer, in August 2026, I had the privilege of hosting an incredible group of Wild Women on our Baffin Island and Greenland Expedition aboard the Ocean Nova. But this journey held an especially meaningful place in my heart for another reason. Alongside me in the Zodiacs, across the tundra, and throughout every unforgettable experience was my mom, joining me on her very first expedition cruise and Wild Women Expeditions adventure.
Before setting out to explore the sweeping expanse of Jackman Sound, my mom and I shared a special moment together on deck. We brought out my grandfather’s old binoculars and I showed her a few tricks for scanning the distant horizons. It was a beautiful, emotional moment for both of us, knowing how proud and happy he would have been to see us out here together, carrying a little piece of his memory into our own grand adventure.
What Wildlife Can You See on Baffin Island?
Our exploration of Nunavut began among rugged, magnificent landscapes, where Mother Nature welcomed us with a thick blanket of atmospheric fog rolling around Monumental Island and Lady Franklin Island. While the mist kept us guessing, it also created an almost otherworldly backdrop for our Zodiac safaris. We were rewarded with incredible wildlife encounters, including polar bears, whales, walruses, and seals. Each sighting brought its own excitement and plenty of reasons to reach for our cameras!
One of the most memorable moments came during our landing at Cape Dyer. As we stepped off the beach and made our way into the towering fjord mountain landscape, the sheer scale of the Arctic really began to sink in. Our entire group was buzzing with excitement. It was also here that we experienced our first real lesson in Arctic expedition travel: flexibility is everything.
An Inuit Welcome in Nunavut
Thick sea ice blocked the entrance to our intended destination of Pangnirtung, so we adjusted our plans and set course for Qikiqtaaluk instead. Rather than seeing the change as a disappointment, our group embraced the unexpected and welcomed a new opportunity to explore.
In Qikiqtaaluk, we wandered through the vibrant community, surrounded by sweeping mountain views, and were welcomed into a beautiful cultural celebration. Local residents shared music, storytelling, and the traditional lighting of the qulliq, an Inuit seal-oil lamp. It was a powerful reminder that the magic of travel isn’t found only in the spectacular landscapes we visit. It’s also in the people we meet, the stories they share, and the living cultures that make each destination so meaningful.
Leaving Canada behind, we crossed the Davis Strait and arrived along the dramatic, rocky shores of Greenland.
Sailing Among the Icebergs of Ilulissat, Greenland
Our first taste of this wild coastline was Sisimiut, where brightly painted red, blue, and yellow houses spill across the hillsides beneath a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. Continuing north to the iconic fishing town of Ilulissat, we sampled local flavours (including a surprisingly delicious musk ox burger!) before setting out toward the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre. A breathtaking hike along this UNESCO World Heritage Site offered sweeping views of the immense ice fjord and the incredible landscapes shaped by centuries of moving ice.
But the real magic of Ilulissat happened when we took to the water for a small-boat excursion among the fjord’s enormous icebergs. Floating alongside towering walls of ancient blue ice was an experience that left us all speechless, at least for a moment! The boat was soon filled with laughter, excitement, and more than a few enthusiastic “WOW!” moments.
One of the sweetest parts of the entire adventure was watching my mom experience it all. Seeing her so happy and excited, learning, exploring, trying new things, and even striking her very own Titanic pose at the bow of the boat was an absolute gift. Those are the moments I’ll treasure long after the icebergs have faded from view.
Our final days aboard the Ocean Nova
Our final days aboard the Ocean Nova brought brilliant Arctic sunshine and an even stronger sense of community among our group. We enjoyed one last spectacular hike through the sweeping landscapes of Nordre Strømfjord, where we spotted caribou moving across the tundra, before making our final landfall in Isortoq.
A highlight of our time onboard was the charity auction, which raised important funds for Meeqqat Toqqissillutik Ornittagaat (MTO), a local children’s organization. Our group came together to win a private Zodiac cruise accompanied by our onboard musician, Tom Kovacs. Drifting along the shoreline in the sunshine while listening to live music was one of those wonderfully unexpected experiences that made the journey so special.
Before saying goodbye to the ship, our group gathered with Sheila, our Inuit cultural educator, for a meaningful closing circle. We shared stories, reflected on what we had witnessed, and had a chance to process the many experiences we’d shared together.
What Is a Women-Only Arctic Expedition Like for a First-Timer?
Looking back on everything we experienced, my mom perfectly captured the spirit of our small-ship Arctic expedition:
“The Wild Women’s expedition to Baffin Island and Greenland was a trip of a lifetime and surpassed all my expectations. I loved the experience of travelling with a group of women who shared my awe and wonder of the natural beauty around us and Inuit culture. Every day was filled with adventure and the joy of learning about the environment and people of the Arctic. This was my first trip with WWE and hopefully will not be my last. I will always treasure my memories of this trip and the thrill of sharing the experience with my daughter.”
The Arctic has a way of changing you. The sheer scale of the ice, the quiet stillness of the tundra, and the resilience of the communities who call this remarkable region home leave a lasting impression.
But when I think back on this expedition, it’s not just the incredible landscapes or wildlife encounters that stand out. It’s the sound of women laughing until their cheeks hurt, the friendships formed through shared adventure, and the feeling of becoming a close-knit community in one of the most remote corners of the world.
And, of course, it’s the unforgettable joy of looking over and seeing my mom experiencing it all.
Is Women’s Adventure Travel Right for You?
I can’t encourage women enough to take that leap of faith and travel somewhere they may never have imagined themselves going. Stepping into the unknown can feel daunting, but doing it alongside a supportive group of Wild Women makes all the difference.
If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time, or for the nerves to settle before booking that bucket-list adventure, let my mom be your inspiration. She stepped outside her comfort zone, embraced the unpredictability of an expedition cruise, and discovered just how much joy there is in trying something new.
You don’t have to be a seasoned adventurer or experienced explorer to discover the wonders of the Arctic. Sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity, an open mind, and the courage to say yes.
When you’re ready to write your own unforgettable story alongside a community of adventurous, supportive, and like-minded women, we’d love to welcome you.
Until the next expedition… stay wild!
Ready to see the Arctic for yourself?
Bring your mom, your sister or just your curiosity.
We’ll save you a spot in the Zodiac.
