Icebergs & Ice Bears: From Baffin Island to Greenland

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Home / Ottawa, Canada

Arrive in Ottawa and check in to the Fairmont Chateau Lapier Hotel. This evening you gather to meet your fellow guests and expedition staff over dinner.

Day 2: Ottawa / Fly to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada / Embark Ship

Arrive by chartered aircraft to Iqaluit, capital of Nunavut, Canada’s largest and newest territory. Embark National Geographic Explorer and sail into Frobisher Bay, named for the English navigator who discovered it during his search for the Northwest Passage.

Day 3: Exploring South Baffin Island

The southeastern tip of Baffin Island forms the mouth of the Hudson Strait and is dotted with islands. Lower Savage and Resolution Island are often summer home to polar bears stranded by the retreating pack ice; your plans are kept flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings. You may cruise in your Zodiacs between the ice and weather-beaten rocks, searching for harbor seals, the prey of hungry polar bears.

Day 4: Exploring the Hall Peninsula

You spend today in true expedition style, exploring the wild and unspoiled Hall Peninsula of Baffin Island. You may hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic fox, or follow your botanist to learn more about the hardy arctic plants. The exposed rocky cliffs of Monumental and Lady Franklin islands are used as haul-outs by walrus, and you cruise the coastline in search of these icons of the Canadian Arctic.

Day 5: Exploring the Cumberland Peninsula

Your landfall on Baffin Island is the tiny town of Pangnirtung, set on Cumberland Sound. You're welcomed at the Craft Center, perhaps with a taste of traditional bannock bread, to see the soapstone carvings and prints depicting Arctic life for which this region is renowned. A hike along a riverside trail gives wonderful views of Autyuittuaq National Park, “the land that never melts.” On Kekerten Island you see the remains of a bygone era as you wander between cast iron pots once used to render oil from the blubber of the mighty bowhead whale.

Day 6: Exploring the Davis Strait

Today is spent cruising across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Sailing in the company of massive icebergs and whales, you learn about Greenlandic wildlife and people during your on board presentations. Go up on deck or visit the bridge to search for the whales which spend the summer feeding in the rich waters, and keep an eye out for polar bears on the ice floes.

Day 7: Ilulissat, Disko Bay

Today you navigate Disko Bay to explore the Ilulissat Glacier, a tongue of the Greenland Ice Cap. You have an extraordinary cruise among the towering icebergs—a highlight of your journey. At the Inuit fishing village of Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you walk around the tiny village and across wildflower meadows to view the Ilulissat Glacier. There’s time for a visit to the museum of Knud Rassmussen, Greenland’s most famous explorer.

Day 8: Exploring the West Coast of Greenland & Sisimuit

Greenland’s west coast has dozens of long, deep fjords, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers most of this country—the largest non-continental island on earth. You search for blue whales, the world’s largest mammal, humpbacks and minke whales. Zodiacs may take you ashore to walk on the tundra and perhaps spot caribou. At Sisimuit, a former trading post and whaling port, you stroll amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings and visit the museum, with its collection of Greenlandic fishing boats.

Day 9: Kangerlussuaq / Disembark / Ottatwa

Disembark our ship at the head of picturesque Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the aptly named “long fjord” at over 100 miles long. Fly to Ottawa by privately chartered aircraft and overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lapier.

Day 10: Ottawa / Return Home

Depart Ottawa on your return flight home.

Trip Details

Ship	National Geographic Explorer
Highlights	Newly renovated state-of-the-art expedition ship, abundant wildlife, excellent naturalists, kayaking excursions and onboard exploration technology
Trip Notes	Travel with National Geographic Adventurer: Eric Larsen (Aug 29)Included: Charter flight, Ottawa, Canada to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada and Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Ottawa, Canada; Accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; meals on land as indicated; air transportation where indicated included; shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of kayaks; taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician; services of expedition staff. Not Included: International air transportation except as noted above; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature; gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.
Payment Policy	The deposit amount required to confirm your reservation varies by itinerary (see trip brochure). Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.** Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/5/2009, 1/16/2009, 1/27/2009.Payment MethodsCredit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-08-29	2008-09-07	+

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