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Overview
Embark on an unforgettable small-ship expedition cruise through the pristine wilderness of Greenland and Arctic Canada, on this High Arctic Explorer voyage. Your adventure begins in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where you'll board your expedition vessel and set off on an immersive journey into the heart of the High Arctic. Over the course of 13 days, you'll explore some of the most remote and captivating regions in the Arctic. Witness the stunning coastal town of Sisimiut, known for its colorful houses and rich history, and continue to Ilulissat, where you can marvel at the colossal icebergs of Disko Bay. The voyage takes you deeper into Western Greenland, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife encounters. As you cross the Davis Strait, the onboard experts will provide enriching insights into the region's culture, history, and wildlife.
After crossing into Canadian waters, your expedition cruise brings you to the charming Inuit community of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), offering a glimpse into the indigenous way of life. The heart of the voyage unfolds as you venture through Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and explore the rugged landscapes of Devon Island, known for its stunning fjords and abundant wildlife. Your voyage takes you to Beechey Island, a site with significant historical importance in the exploration of the Arctic, and finally reaches the remote outpost of Qausuittuq (Resolute), Canada. This small-ship expedition cruise offers an exclusive opportunity to experience the Arctic's stunning landscapes, its vibrant history, and the unique cultures of Greenland and Arctic Canada, all while traveling in comfort and safety aboard a specially designed vessel.
Itinerary
Sail Onboard Ocean Endeavour
The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges, and a top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to explore throughout the polar summers. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2016.
At 137 metres in length, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Ample deck space offers comfortable lounge chairs, a swimming pool, two saunas, and a hot tub. The spacious interior allows for varied workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. The three lounges aboard the Ocean Endeavour are optimal locations for seminars, events, parties, and conversation.
The Cabin Category 5 is located on Deck 5. It features 2 lower berths, picture window with unobstructed view, a private bath, a hair dryer, a bathrobe, towels, a body wash, hair care products, an intercom, a telephone, and a flatscreen television. Approximately 115 square feet.
Day 1 Toronto Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
After your charter flight from Toronto, ON, you’ll transfer to the Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac. Begin your journey by sailing down Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic circle on your way. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 2 Sisimiut Coast
Colourful Sisimiut is Greenland’s second largest city. Access the extensive museum through a towering whalebone archway and be sure to stop in at the artisan’s co-operative for the chance to purchase outstanding handicrafts. Traditional qajaq (kayaking) is in resurgence here, and there’s plenty of other fun outdoor activities for the adventurous to enjoy.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
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Day 3 Ilulissat
Visit the town of Ilulissat, with splendid museums, cafés, craft shops, and a busy fishing harbour. View the icebergs from shore on a hike along the boardwalk at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, then board a Zodiac to cruise your way among them! Ilulissat translates literally to “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 4 Western Greenland
Choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing on Greenland’s stunning west coast. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you’ll be delighted! Admire the mighty mountains and the tiniest tundra flowers—a stop in this area will offer many outstanding features to pique your interest.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 5 Davis Strait
Deepen your understanding of the Arctic as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Nunavut, Canada. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck with your binoculars to look for whales, seabirds, and marine wildlife.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 6 Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut
Attend a cultural performance put on by the talented Tununiq Arsarniit Theatre Group, featuring drum dancing, throat singing, and storytelling. Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting—the views of nearby Bylot Island are stunning! Enjoy exploring the town and take the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted mementos when available, too.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 7-11 Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
Spend five fun-filled days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Cruise by ship and by Zodiac in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales that transit and feed in this area.
Admire Devon Island’s unique geological character, with its flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and substantial ice cap. At the northern edge of Tallurutiup Imanga, it’s the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and keep your eyes peeled for polar bears and other wildlife from ship and from shore.
Visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of Inuit and their ancestors who once lived on this now-abandoned island. Then catch a glimpse of more recent history when you visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 12 Beechey Island
Pay your respects at this haunting memorial to Sir John Franklin’s failed expedition. Learn the compelling history of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror’s attempts to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died, and numerous search parties later used the spot as a depot and rendezvous. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. Visit their graves and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House while contemplating the poignant history.
Overnight stay onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 13 Qausuittuq (Resolute), Nunavut Ottawa
Say your goodbyes to the Arctic in Qausuittuq (Resolute). The community’s name, meaning “place with no dawn,” comes from its dark winters, but during your visit at the height of summer, you’ll experience the midnight sun—a time of no darkness. Take in the unique geography and geology here, characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine.
Learn about the significance of the origin of the hamlet; in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik were relocated under false pretences 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 High Arctic research, tourism, and military activities. Disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer by Zodiac to shore for your charter flight to Ottawa, ON.
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