Arctic Holidays

Arctic Quest traces the history of the northern peoples across 4,000 years, from the arrival of the first inhabitants to the present day. Step back in time and learn how the different cultures fished and hunted, sang and danced, and admire their beautifully sculpted crafts. Many traditions are proudly upheld today, kept alive in small hamlets and villages that dot the coastlines of Baffin Island and west Greenland.

JOURNEY OBJECTIVES

The adventure begins in Canada’s lovely capital city of Ottawa, full of national museums and galleries. Take the charter flight north above the Arctic Circle to the tiny community of Resolute on Cornwallis Island, and step aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov. Sailing past Devon Island keep an eye out for beluga and bowhead whales and have your binoculars at the ready as polar bears and narwhal can also be spotted here, while at Dundas Harbour visit the remains of early Thule settlements. Gigantic blue-white icebergs drift past as the icebreaker navigates the western coast of Greenland to the world’s northernmost municipality of Qaanaaq. The captain’s sights are set on the Lincoln Sea, at the very north of Greenland, where pack ice often renders passage impossible. Ellesmere Island lies just 25 km across from Greenland’s shores, at the northern tip of Canada. Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery, deeply incised fiords, and the twin glaciers of Buchanan Bay. Coburg and Bylot Islands offer excellent bird watching opportunities, including greater snow geese, snowy owls and Peregrine falcons. Continue through into the nutrientrich waters off Baffin Island where narwhals and beluga whales feed and caribou roam the tundra. Finally, the icebreaker turns south, crossing the Arctic Circle before reaching Iqaluit. Fly south to Ottawa for an overnight stay before the journey home.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Day 1 arrive Ottawa, Canada
Day 2 fly to Resolute for embarkation
Days 3-4 Lancaster Sound
Days 5-6 Qaanaaq
Days 7-9 Eastern Ellesmere Island
Days 10-11 Coburg Island
Days 12-16 Baffin Island
Days 17-18 Iqaluit to Ottawa

Further Information

Please select links from the left-hand panel for further information about the tour itinerary, prices and departure dates. Alternatively please contact our expert team who will be delighted to hear from you.

Phone: 01737 218800
Email: arctic@discovertheworld.co.uk

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