Destinations
HIGH ARCTIC EXPLORER
Combine the Iceland to Greenland In the Wake of the Vikings cruise with the High Arctic departure from Kangerlussuaq and save 25%.** In the mythical far reaches of the Arctic lie Inuit homelands journey in comfort from Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), Nunavut to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Visit the Arctic at the height of its colourful summer! This trip was formerly the Arctic Safari as seen on Mighty Cruise Ships.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Watch icebergs calving from Greenland’s glaciers
- Visit the Franklin Expedition graves on Beechey Island
- Enjoy an Inuit cultural welcome at Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
- Hike on Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth
- Seek wildlife in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), Canada’s largest and newest Marine Protected Area
AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY DETAIL
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
Embark on Your Arctic Cruise
Kangerlussuaq is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will be transferred by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour. With 168 kilometers of superb scenery, Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle, northbound as we go.
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Tour: Embark on Your Arctic Cruise Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 2: JOURNEY UP THE SISIMIUT COAST
The Complex History of Greenlands West Coast
West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location. People have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. For the first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. 2,500 years ago, new people brought the Dorset culture to the Sisimiut area. They lived here for 1,500 years and were followed by the people of the Thule culture—the ancestors of the current population. The people primarily lived on fish, birds, whales, and seals.
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Tour: The Complex History of Greenlands West Coast Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 3: THE TOWN OF ICEBERGS
Explore Ilulissat
Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ice fjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. We will also visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometers. The island’s geology is stunning. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We’ll visit a number of the bays—hiking the tundra, discovering the botany, cruising a glacier face, and wildlife spotting from the ship and from shore. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Hudson’s Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
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Tour: Explore Ilulissat Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 4: VENTURE FURTHER UP WEST GREENLAND’S COAST
The Beauty of Western Greenland
Greenland’s west coast is simply stunning. From mighty mountains to the tiniest tundra flowers, our stop in this area will offer many outstanding features of interest. Hikers, walkers, photographers, and contemplators will all be equally delighted.
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Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 5: ENJOY YOUR DAY AT SEA CROSSING THE DAVIS STRAIT
Our onboard presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Canada. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, and get out on the deck looking for whales, seabirds, and marine wildlife.
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Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 6: ARRIVE IN MITTIMATALIK, CANADA
Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting. The views of nearby Bylot Island are stunning. We will have a chance to explore the town. The cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—handcrafted goods may be available here, too.
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Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAYS 7 – 10: SPOT THE WILDLIFE OF THE ARCTIC OCEAN
We will spend four days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada’s newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife.
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Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 11: VISIT THE GRAVES AND RUINS ON BEECHEY ISLAND
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen all visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves, and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House, are a haunting memorial.
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Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour |
DAY 12: ARRIVE IN QAUSUITTUQ, NUNAVUT – “A PLACE WITH NO DAWN”
Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn”, is named for its dark winters. During our time in the summer months, we will experience the midnight sun, a time of no darkness. The ending of our journey is characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine. More significant is the origin of the hamlet. In 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec, and Mittimatalik were relocated, under false pretenses, by the Canadian government with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty. Today the community is home to just under 250 people and is an important staging point for HighArctic research, tourism, and military activities. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour, and take the charter flight to Ottawa, ON.
ACCOMMODATION
OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
TRIP DETAILS
2021 Departures:
April – October
2021 Pricing:
From CA$5,724 – twin, Silver Leaf Service to CA$10,139 – twin, Upgraded Gold Leaf Service
Taxes: 5% GST / HST as applicable
Prices are “starting from” rates, shown in CA$, per person based on two people sharing a double cabin and hotel room. Single rates are available on request. Taxes are in addition to the above prices and will be quoted at the time of booking, subject to any changes made by applicable governments.
Rocky Mountaineer Service Levels and Optional Add-ons
SilverLeaf
Unwind in a classic rail experience in custom-designed, single-level dome cars with roomy, reclining seats. Don’t miss a minute of action through the oversized, domed windows and from the outdoor, viewing platform located between coaches. Enjoy a selection of delicious hot entrées, plated to your preference and served in the comfort of your seat. Relax with on-board complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and gourmet snacks. Two hosts plus a culinary team and full commentary will ensure your experience has a silver lining! The hotel accommodation with SilverLeaf Service is in comfortable hotels with restaurants on the property or within walking distance.
GoldLeaf
Sit back, relax and soak in the unparalleled panoramic views from our custom-designed bi-level GoldLeaf Dome Coach. The GoldLeaf coaches feature full domed windows with panoramic views upstairs and a private dining room on the lower level with large picture windows. There is also a large, exclusive open-air vestibule for added viewing and photography opportunities. Indulge in delectable gourmet à la carte meals served in the dining room. Relax with on-board complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and gourmet snacks. Three to four hosts plus a full culinary team and full commentary will ensure you have a golden experience from beginning to end! The hotel accommodation with GoldLeaf Service is in luxurious hotels with premium room category and restaurants on property except in Kamloops and Quesnel where all accommodation is charming but of moderate standard and cannot be upgraded.
Upgraded Gold Leaf
Gold Leaf Deluxe consists of all of the features of Gold Leaf service on-board the Rocky Mountaineer, plus upgraded hotel accommodation to deluxe hotels with superior views and/or larger rooms, except in Kamloops and Quesnel where all accommodation is charming but of moderate standard and cannot be upgraded.
Optional add-ons:
– Vancouver extension; add on an extra hotel night for more time to explore this amazing city
– Sightseeing tours; add on an optional sightseeing tour (touring options will be provided for your tour dates at the time of your reservation
– Dining; opportunity to add a meal plan at your hotel
– Cruising; add on a cruise before or after your rail journey
– Airport transfers; arrive at your hotel in style with a private pick-up from the airport