Arctic Quest: In Search of Polar Bears, Narwhals & the Northwest Passage

Itinerary

Day 1: Home / Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Arrive in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, with its historic Parliament Hill. Check in to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel and relax before gathering this evening to meet your fellow guests and expedition staff over dinner.

Day 2: Ottawa / Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Embark Ship

Arrive in the land of the midnight sun as your chartered aircraft lands in Kangerlussuaq. Embark National Geographic Explorer at the head of picturesque Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the aptly named “long fjord” at over 100 miles long, and begin your explorations.

Day 3: Exploring the West Coast of Greenland & Sisimuit

Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland's west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers most of the country. Trace this ragged coastline as you search for humback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the local museum and wander among a jumble of 18th century buildings.

Day 4: Ilulissat, Disko Bay

This morning you sail into Disko Bay, arriving off the town Ilulissat, meaning “icebergs” in Greenlandic. The settlement is well named as it is located next to the Ice Fjord, where the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere are born from a gigantic glacier, a tongue of the Greenland Ice Cap. It is likely that this was where the infamous iceberg that sank the Titanic formed before being carried south by the ocean currents into the North Atlantic. You cruise among the huge icebergs, a highlight of our journey. At the fishing village of Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for having more sled dogs than human inhabitants, you explore the tiny village and walk 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 5: Ilulissat, Disko Bay

In Ummannaq fjord you take Zodiacs ashore to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greenland, Qilakitsoq. Here you will visit the site of the discovery of the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, which appeared on the cover of National Geographic Magazine in February 1985. Dating from the mid-15th century and incredibly well preserved, the mummies are now on display in Greenland’s National Museum in Nuuk. You explore the area where they lay for 500 years until their discovery in 1972 in this beautiful little cove on the south side of Umanaq Fjord. Continuing to Umanaq Island, this afternoon you visit the town of the same name, meaning “heart” due to the distinctive mountain which dominates the island. This area has been inhabited by hunters and trappers for thousands of years, and the modern settlement was founded 200 years ago. You explore this colorful Greenlandic town on foot, with its impressive granite church, traditional turf-built houses, and wooden homes perched on the rocks.

Day 6: At Sea

Today, you are at sea in Baffin Bay.

Days 7-13: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic

Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is the eastern entrance to the Arctic Archipelago. European interest began in the 15th century with the search for a Northwest Passage by explorers like Cabot, Frobisher, Franklin and Amundsen. The Sound is rich in nutrients and has been a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for over 4,000 years: ringed seals, arctic fox, walrus and polar bears, beluga, killer and bowhead whales—and the elusive narwhal, an arctic whale known for the long, spiraling tooth (up to 10 feet long!) projecting from its upper jaw. You’ll be out daily exploring the arctic landscape as you walk, cruise in Zodiacs and kayak. And you’ll explore the region’s human history as well, visiting vibrant Inuit villages, sustained by fishing and their renowned art, and archaeological sites from the Thule people.

Day 14: 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 15: Exploring South Baffin Island & Frobisher Bay

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 the Zodiacs between the ice and weather-beaten rocks, searching for harbor seals, the prey of hungry polar bears. Continue into Frobisher Bay, named for the English navigator who discovered it during his search for the Northwest Passage, and sail towards Iqaluit.

Day 16: Iqaluit, Nunavut / Disembark / Ottawa

Fly to Ottawa by privately chartered aircraft and stay overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lapier.

Day 17: Ottawa / Home

Leave from Ottawa today to return 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 Polar Explorer: Eric Larsen (Aug 15)Included: Charter flights, Ottawa, Ontario to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Iqaluit, Nunavut to Ottawa; Accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages; 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
2008-08-15	2008-08-31	+

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