Arctic Holidays

The Canadian Arctic has it all; native culture, majestic icebergs, pristine wilderness, the legendary midnight sun and polar bears in the wild. This voyage offers an opportunity to get closer to the Inuit culture of North America; interacting with local community guides and an onboard team many of whom are themselves Inuit.

AT A GLANCE

11 Days • Jul-Aug • Kuujjuaq to Churchill • Passengers 122
Under the glow of the midnight sun experience Inuit culture, spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters with polar bear, walrus and seals. The highlight of this itinerary is the chance to get up close and personal to the distinctive white beluga whales in the waters off Churchill.

JOURNEY OBJECTIVES

Fly via Montreal to Kuujjuaq, a name that means ‘Great River’ in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit. Board the ship and set sail to explore the land and seascape of Canada’s Arctic region. Among the places that may be visited is Akpatok Island an uninhabited island of soaring bird cliffs and small rocky beaches. Board the zodiacs to scout the beaches in search of walrus and polar bears.

Steep rocky walls line the Kangiqsujuaq fjord that leads through to Wakeham Bay where an Inuit community host a feast of locally harvested foods and perform traditional Inuit throat singing and drum dancing. At Digges Island visit the spot where Henry Hudson first encountered native Inuit before cruising along the cliff face toward neighbouring Mansel Island, a favourite haunt for walrus and polar bear. Appropriately named Walrus Island is a small, rocky outcrop in the northern reaches of Hudson Bay and is a favourite haul-out for hundreds of walrus. Trace the shoreline by Zodiac marvelling at the size and number of these massive creatures with their gleaming ivory tusks.

Cape Dorset has a reputation as the Inuit art capital of the world and is the perfect place to take time to enjoy an elaborate range of artistic creations. At nearby Mallikjuaq Island explore archaeological sites dating back a mindboggling three millennia.

Spend time ashore in Katannilik Territorial Park, exploring picturesque Soper Lake and enjoy a picnic beside the emerald-green waters of the river of the same name. Spend time with the community of Kimmirut who are proud to demonstrate soapstone carving and stencil print making. The residents of Inukjuaq host a fascinating Inuit cultural artifact museum, set against expansive plateaus with breathtaking views over lakes and rivers. Hike across the tundra, keeping watch for wildlife. Nearing the end of the voyage, the relatively warm waters of the Churchill River are a favourite summering ground for droves of glistening white beluga whales. Amongst the most distinctive whale species, keep watch as the ship sails up river towards port.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Day 1 arrive Montreal
Day 2 Set sail from Kuujjuaq
Day 3 Akpatok Island
Days 4 Kangiqsujuaq
Day 5 Digges Island
Day 6 Walrus Island
Day 7 Cape Dorset
Day 8 Kimmirut
Day 9 Inukjuaq
Day 10 Churchill
Day 11 depart Montreal

NOTES The voyage route and daily itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions therefore flexibility is the key to enjoying your expedition voyage to the full. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

EXTENSIONS

With flights connecting through Montreal what better way to begin or end your holiday than to spend a few nights in this picturesque city. Call our specialist team for full details on 01737 218800.

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Voyages » Further Voyages » Hudson's Wake, Canada