DAY 1: IQALUIT, NUNAVUT

We will kick-off our journey by boarding a northbound charter flight from Ottawa, Ontario to Nunavut’s capital, Iqaluit.

Iqaluit (Inuktitut for “place of many fish”) has a population of 8,000–humans, not fish! Situated at the chilly head of Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit offers an instant bite of distinct and deep Inuit culture–it’s visible on menus offering muskox burgers and pan-seared Arctic char.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre are magnetic attractions in addition to the territorial Legislature, the igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral (referred to as the “Igloo Cathedral”) and a myriad of shops and galleries displaying Inuit carvings.

We will transfer by Zodiac to our ship through the Iqaluit harbour. Is your heart-pounding with anticipation yet?

DAY 2: KITIGTUNG (LADY FRANKLIN ISLAND)

Kitigtung is one of several rugged rocky islands that speckle the dramatic Baffin Island coast along the Davis Strait. “Lady Franklin Island” was named by Arctic explorer Charles Francis Hall as a tribute to British Royal Navy explorer Sir John Franklin’s wife.

We’ll explore the coastline by Zodiac–be on high alert for lanky polar bears, cruising seabirds overhead and marine life emerging from the dark depths below. Atlantic puffins and the rare Sabine’s gull sometimes delight birders.

In the company of expert Inuit expedition team members, we’ll learn about the sea, time and weather-worn rock formations of this uninhabited isle. The geology of Nunavut is just as surprising as the wildlife found here.

DAY 3: SOUTHEAST BAFFIN ISLAND

Today we’ll stop to smell the flowers—the seasonal and fleeting tundra blooms will be at their peak as this is the height of Arctic summer. Spending time on the nuna (Inuktitut for “land”).

Take an interpretive hike that best suits your interests accompanied by members of our expert expedition team who are eager to share insightful stories, history and species identification for burgeoning botanists, birders and geologists. 

This is a treasured opportunity to connect with the wilds of Canada’s largest island at a relaxed pace that permits a full sensory experience.

DAY 4: PANNIQTUUQ (Pangnirtung)

“The place of the bull caribou” (Panniqtuuq) is a coastal plain backdropped by snow-laden mountain peaks and a valley split by a winding river. According to local legend, a man named Attagoyuk gave the community its name and the local high school is named in his honour.

This Inuit hamlet of just 1,325 residents is a dry community and has been self-governed since 1973. Sitting at just north of 66° latitude, Panniqtuuq is one of  three Nunavut communities with a fish processing plant and successful Arctic Char and Greenlandic Turbot fishery.

Panniqtuuq is world-renowned for its carvings, tapestries and prints. We’ll visit the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre’s print and weave shop where talented Inuit artists create intricate tapestries and prints that reflect the intimate stories of their Arctic life.

There will be an opportunity to purchase the ultimate take-home gift–a “Pang” hat. These colourfully patterned crocheted toques (wool caps) with ear flaps and tassels are available at the centre’s gift shop.

DAY 5-6: CUMBERLAND PENINSULA

We’ll spend two indulgent days exploring the Cumberland Peninsula, a stunning Arctic region that juts out from the southeastern coast of Baffin Island. This peninsula encompasses Cumberland Sound and the waterway and wildlife found in the mountainous terrain here has enabled Inuit to survive for thousands of years.

The Cumberland Peninsula is considered part of the Arctic Tundra biome—the world’s coldest and driest biome (as is the rest of Baffin Island). It was also considered a potential missing link in the early search for the mighty Northwest Passage.

We’ll deep dive into the extreme maritime history of this region to develop an even greater understanding of its past and present significance. As weather and sea conditions permit, we’ll take advantage of every opportunity to walk in the vast tundra and explore the silent, ice-strewn region by Zodiac.

Keep watch for polar bears, Arctic foxes and one of the smallest species of whale, the beluga. They are known as the “canaries of the sea” as their song includes chirp, click, squeal and whistle.  

Fun fact: The beluga’s notable forehead is called a “melon” and it’s capable of changing shape which allows them to make different facial expressions.

DAY 7: AT SEA–DAVIS STRAIT

Our day at sea is totally free range—as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Greenland, sit in on an engaging workshop, presentation or documentary screening. Learn more about Inuit culture, the environment, geology and explorer history in the Arctic. 

There will also be an interactive demonstration of Inuit games–join in, try your skill! 

You can also find a quiet spot to reflect on the deck and scan for whales and seabirds who follow in our frothy wake.

DAY 8-9: WESTERN GREENLAND

We can choose our own adventure today as we make landfall on the west coast of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)! Several activities will be offered during this expedition landing: hiking, walking (for those who’d like to take in the scenery at a slower pace), photography-centric sessions–or you can simply enjoy some solitude with another cup of coffee.

The ship’s team of enthused naturalists, marine biologists and geologists are ready to share their knowledge and experience–this opportunity to learn from seasoned Arctic experts will deepen your affection for this landscape. From the surprising mountain backdrop to the tiniest, resilient tundra flowers, today’s landing will offer everything you didn’t know you needed!

Greenland’s west coast is designed for hikers, birders, poets, photographers, daydreamers and self-proclaimed philosophers—all will fall under the coastal spell.

DAY 10: ILULISSAT

Ilulissat literally translates to “iceberg” and it’s a no-brainer to see why. Located at the open mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site), this waterway is the main artery of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. Much like a giant Matryoshka doll (Russian nesting doll), it’s the source of countless icebergs in the mighty North Atlantic. Atlas Obscura suggests that if all the icebergs in Ilulissat were melted on a really big stovetop, they would provide enough drinking water for everyone in the United States for an entire year. 

The 55 km-long (34 miles) floating natural sculpture park is jammed with surreal icebergs. We will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs and learn about growlers, bergy bits and calving (of icebergs, not cows!). 

We’ll take a walk along the boardwalk of Iluslissat’s buzzy fishing harbour and view the icebergs from shore. In town, we can choose your own adventure. Try wolffish at a local resto–it’s also known as seawolf, Atlantic catfish, the devil fish, wolf eel, woof and sea cat!

Expect a howling soundtrack from the local motley crew of Greenland sled dogs. Museum nuts will want to check out the namesake Ilulissat Museum and its tribute to Danish explorer and hometown hero, Knud Rasmussen. There are several cafes and shops too. At the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, it’s all about ice, ice baby!

DAY 11: SISIMIUT COAST 

Sisimiut means “the people living in a place where there are fox dens.” How magical is that? For the first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area until the Dorset culture was introduced 2,500 years ago. Dorset culture pulsed strong for 1,500 years and was followed by the people of the Thule culture—the ancestors of Canada’s modern-day Inuit population. 

Sisimiut is the second largest city in Greenland (population: 5,600) and has been dubbed as the adventure hub. The 160km (99 mile) Arctic Circle Trail begins here and snakes from the coast to the fabled Ice Cap on routes followed by locals for millennia. This cool and contemporary Arctic Circle community has a city bus and skate park where lanky teens might be showing off their best ollies and BMX wheelies.

We’ll explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways dotted with sculpture-like glaciers, islands and fjords with a towering mountain backdrop for good measure. The waters are relatively warm here due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location just 40km (25 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. We’ll cruise by Zodiac and have the opportunity to hike today as well.

DAY 12: KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND

With 190km (118 miles) of endless panoramic scenery to stare at, we will travel down the longest fjord in the world, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) and cross the invisible lines of the remarkable Arctic Circle on our way to Kangerlussuaq.

Kangerlussuaq, the town pocketed at the eastern head of Greenland, is a former U.S. Air Force base and the island’s primary flight hub. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, Ontario.Greenland’s primary flight hub. 

We’ll say “Baaj” (goodbye in Greenlandic language) to the transformative Arctic landscape and the wonders held tightly within the Inuit culture, landscape and wildlife. Give your fellow Wild Women crew a big polar bear hug and start plotting your next life-changing adventure together!

OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

The Ocean Endeavour is an opulent 137-metre (450-feet), 198-passenger ice-strengthened vessel with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic and medical clinic offer complete peace of mind. The ship has several lounge areas, a library (Compass Room) and multiple viewing decks to totally chill out by yourself or with your newfound crew!

*Adventure Canada itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice, and sea conditions.