Heart of the Arctic: An Expedition to Northern Canada & Greenland

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Later in the afternoon, we will meet for a mandatory briefing with Adventure Canada. Here we will meet Resource Staff and fellow travelers as we learn about the embarkation process.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Aboard the charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

We’ll transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq on board a 737 aircraft.

Aboard the charter flight.

We’ll arrive in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. We'll board a bus and ride to the port. We will board Zodiacs and transfer to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation. We’ll begin our adventure by sailing down the dramatic Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world boasting 168 kilometers of superb scenery. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord.’ While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The schedule that follows is tentative and a representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding.

Aboard ship, we’ll have a 3-course a la carte meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible.

At leisure. Rotating members of the ship’s staff will offer fun educational activities and presentations on a variety of topics such as history, biology, storytelling, and folk music.

Aboard ship.

Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature. We will board our Zodiacs and explore the glacial landscape; marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop.

Aboard ship.

We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the world’s northernmost capital city! Nuuk means ‘the headland’ and is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system. Established as the first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling center of the country today.

Aboard ship.

We'll land on shore this afternoon in the city of Nuuk. The town itself is home to the University of Greenland, a cathedral dating back to 1849, and Greenland’s National Museum. A local expert will introduce us to this bustling metropolis and, together, we’ll set out on a field trip to the Greenland National Museum and Archives. This museum houses the largest cultural history collection in Greenland featuring seven permanent exhibits that span back over 4,500 years. We’ll have independent time to explore the exhibits before returning to the ship. Don’t miss the chance to observe the Qilakitsoq mummies! In 1972, the preserved bodies of six adults and two young Inuits were discovered at an archeological site on the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Four of these mummies are on display at the museum.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

While crossing the Davis Strait towards Canada, we'll relax onboard and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme. We’ll also watch for wildlife from the ship's decks. Resource staff will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.

Aboard ship.

We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will board our Zodiacs and visit uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay at over nine hundred square kilometers. Named for the akpait (thick billed murres) that nest on the ledges of the cliffs and is home to Canada's largest colongy of breeding pairs.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will board our Zodiacs, the expedition team will scout the shorelines and any outlying ice for a landing. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other marine life.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will board out Zodiacs and explore an area of treeless tundra along the Ungava Peninsula of Nunavik. Learn about its geological wonders, discover the rich flora and fauna, and connect with Inuit cultural educators and learn about their homeland. Enjoy great hiking and a Zodiac cruise with our expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation every step of the way.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will board our Zodiacs, the expedition team will scout the best place to land. Enjoy great hiking with the expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation. Listen to more stories from Inuit and learn more about their culture.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will board our Zodiacs and head to shore to visit Kinngait. In 1959, the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was founded in Kinngait, this became ground zero for the Inuit art market. We will meet the artists and visit the studios, have a chance to talk with the talented artists, carvers, and printmakers who continue to make Kinngait a proud center for fine art.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Join the expedition team on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait. We will search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife-polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds.

Aboard ship.

We'll make the most of every opportunity to explore whether on foot or by a Zodiac cruise among stunning backdrops as we search for wildlife that calls this region home.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Kimmirut means "the heel" in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay, also known as Lake Harbour. This is among the oldest permanently inhabited spots on Baffin Island, with a storied legacy as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, a producer of Inuit jewellery and ivory scrimshaw art. We will board our Zodiacs and head to shore where we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of the community as we connect with friendly locals.

Aboard ship.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

As we sail through the beautiful bay named after explorer, Martin Frobisher, the local experts on board will be on the lookout for wildlife. The onboard geologist will also give some insight on the rock formations we have seen. Enjoy the activities and amenities onboard.

Aboard ship.

We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will disembark in Iqaluit via Zodiacs and transfer to the airport for our return flights to Ottawa. At the head of Frobisher Bay. Nunavut's capital, a population of nearly 8,000 calls this city home.

Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.

In flight to Ottawa.

Served onboard en route to Ottawa.

Evening arrival to Ottawa. We'll gather our baggage, transfer to the hotel, and check-in. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for your journey home tomorrow.

At the hotel.

This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!