Join us in the quest to meet the Arctic's Big Five – walrus, caribou, muskoxen, whales, and the great white polar bear. The massive ice, the marvelous creatures, the midnight sun and the endless landscape are all a part of the magnetism that beckons us. Northern people are attuned to the harsh realities of their natural environment and have cultivated ingenious adaptations to thrive in the Arctic. Only a few hundred years ago early European explorers navigated the icy waters of Baffin Bay in search of whales, gold and a route to the Orient. This classic Arctic expedition, Arctic Safari, connects areas of great cultural, historical and natural significance. With such a variety of excursions and peak summer weather – long days, blooming tundra flowers and (usually) calm, warm weather we recommend this trip as the best way to experience the Arctic for the first time.
Day 1 - Kangerlussuaq
Arrive in Kangerlussuaq by chartered aircraft - you will be able to see the second-largest ice cap in the world from your airplane window. Transfer to the ship and board the Clipper Adventurer in the afternoon and begin the voyage by sailing down spectacular Sondre Stromfjord.
Day 2 - Itilleq
Living in a small town that relies primarily on fishing for its existence, Itilleq's residents are closely tied to the land and its resources. Beautifully coloured houses speckle the rocky landscape as the town's children play freely in rocky fields. We'll enjoy a community welcome before exploring the town on foot.
Day 3 - Ilulissat
Meaning "icebergs" in Greenlandic. The Ilulissat Icefjorde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has one of the most active and fastest moving glaciers in the world at 19 meters per day. You'll want to be out on deck as the ship passes throuhg the ice-filled Disko Bay.
Day 4 - Isabella Bay
While crossing Davis Strait relax and enjoy onboard lectures and opportunities to watch for wildlife from the ship's decks. Isabella Bay is a late summer and fall feeding destination for many bowhead whales.
Day 5 - Kangiqtugaapik (Clyde River)
Perched on a floodplain and surrounded by soaring mountains, offering excellent views of glacial action. The area is home to various species of seal and the polar bear that prey on them.
Day 6 - Buchan Gulf
Investigate the rugged coastline and towering fjords of the Buchan Gulf and Northeast Baffin by Zodiac. Virtually unknown to modern travellers, these fjords are known for dog-tongued glaciers that spill in to the sea.
Day 7 - Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
A picturesque town set against the backdrop of Bylot Island - one of the most dramatic settings of any town in Canada. You'll be treated to Inuit games and throat singing before exploring the town.
Day 8 - Bylot Island
Bylot Island contains one of the largest bird refuges in the world. It is prime habitat for seabirds including Thick-billed Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Here we also find bold, rugges coasts, calving glaciers and the hoodoos.
Day 9 - Devon and Beechey Island
During his pursuit for a faster route to Asia, it was here Sir John Franklin remained trapped for two years (1845-47) waiting for the ice to clear. You will explore remnants of his camp and view the headstones of those who were not lucky enough to survive the ordeal.
Day 10 - Prince Leopold Island
Here you visit one of the most significant bird sites in Arctic Canada. The spectacular sandstone cliffs are the nesting home to thousands of Thick-billed Murres, Northern Fulmars and Black-legged Kittiwakes.
Day 11 - Resolute
Arrive in Resolute early morning and disembark the Clipper Adventurer. You will have a chance to visit the surrounding area before the charter flight departs.
Further details on the charter flight schedule and price will be available late 2011. This web-page will be updated as soon as they become available.
