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NOTE
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending
on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage
of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount
for expedition cruises.
Day 1 Embarkation: Resolute
If you have purchased our optional charter air transportation,
we’ll fly you from Ottawa to Resolute. Embarkation is
in the late afternoon in Resolute.
Day 2 Beechey Island
After three years, with no word of the fate of Sir John Franklin’s
expedition to find the Northwest Passage, a massive rescue
mission was mounted. On Beechey Island are the graves of three
of Franklin’s men and one of sailor who lost his life
searching for the missing expedition. We plan to go ashore
near the grave sites.
Days 3-4 Devon and Baffin Islands
Tales of Mounties, beasts with long tusks, and prehistoric,
goat-like creatures will occupy us as we explore Dundas Harbour
on Devon Island. The abandoned RCMP outpost is surrounded
by tundra, the habitat of musk oxen. Sailing into Croker Bay,
we’ll watch for walrus on ice floes.
At Pond Inlet on Baffin Island, we’ll meet Inuit artists
who have made international reputations sculpting in stone.
Other residents will demonstrate throat-singing, drumming
and dancing.
Day 5 Gibb Fjord
Deep fjords incise the northeastern coast of Baffin Island.
Sheer cliffs rise from the water, while glaciers flow down
to the sea. At Scott Inlet, we sail into Gibb Fjord. If conditions
permit, we’ll drop anchor to go ashore. We’ll
explore a lateral moraine, a lush tundra covered valley, and
if conditions permit, a lemming colony.
Day 6 Clyde River
The mouth of the Clyde is known for its abundance of Arctic
char, a freshwater and saltwater fish closely related to both
salmon and trout. The residents of Clyde River make their
living fishing for the delicacy. You will learn about the
lifecycle of char and how it impacts the lives of the residents,
as you explore the village.
Day 7 Central Baffin Island
It is impossible to predict in advance exactly which fjords
we will explore as we sail the coast of Central Baffin Island.
That is the exhilaration of expedition style travel: Every
day begins with the element of the unknown.
Day 8 Pangnirtung
The village of Pangnirtung – known as Pang to the locals
– is the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. You’ll
visit the park’s interpretation center located in the
village. Pang also has an artists’ co-op where you will
see demonstrations of print-making and weaving.
Day 9 Monumental Island
Walrus and polar bears are known to frequent the small rocky
island with outlying islets, where marine mammals haul out.
If local conditions permit, the Expedition Leader will lower
the Zodiacs for a cruise around the island and a bit of wildlife
spotting.
Day 10 Iqaluit
If you have purchased our optional charter air transportation,
we’ll fly you from Iqaluit to Ottawa upon disembarkation.
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