
Arctic Safari Cruise
On this Arctic cruise, we seek the wilds and the wonders of the Arctic, in the welcoming company of those who call it home! Beginning in Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), we’ll enter expedition mode as we seek polar bears, whales, birds, and muskoxen throughout Lancaster Sound. At Beechey Island, we’ll pay our respects at the graves of three of Sir John Franklin’s men; at Dundas Harbour, we’ll explore the abandoned hbc and rcmp post that once guarded the gateway to the Northwest Passage.
Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet) with its stunning views of Bylot Island is a dynamic contemporary Inuit community; we’ll spend the day getting to know the place before striking out across Baffin Bay for Greenland. Towering mountains, pristine fjords, and colourful communities are among the attractions of this mighty Arctic island. The modern Greenlandic center of Illulissat offers museums, shopping, and cafés with a European flair. The Jakobshavn Icefjord, a unesco World Heritage Site and source of the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic, provides a dramatic climax to a northern journey unlike any other.
Arctic Safari Cruise itinerary
Day 1 | Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU
Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun—daylight persists constantly from about April 29 to August 13 each year. The community’s English name, Resolute Bay, honours the hms Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. “Resolute” also describes locals who survived being relocated, in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec, and Mittimatalik by the Canadian government. Our early morning charter flight will bring us to Qausuittuq, where we will embark the Ocean Endeavour.
Day 2 | Beechey Island
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England on an attempt to sail through the Northwest Passage for the first time. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party. With the discovery of Franklin’s flagship, HMS Erebus in 2014, and Terror in 2016, the graves at Beechey Island and nearby ruins of Northumberland House are bound to be a haunting highlight.
Day 3 | Devon Island
Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth, comprising over fifty thousand square kilometres. The island's geology consists of reddish Precambrian gneiss and Paeleozoic siltstones and shales; these, combined with its harsh climate, have led NASA to test its Mars rovers on Devon Island! Devon’s finest features include massive landforms, shining glaciers and long-abandoned ruins—and undisturbed habitats for Arctic wildlife.
Days 4 | Lancaster Sound
We will spend the day exploring the ocean wilderness of Lancaster Sound, which is a proposed Marine Protected Area. Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.
Day 5 | North Baffin
Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the waterways surrounding Northern Baffin Island. Wildlife will be on our minds—the region is habitat for thick-billed murres and kittiwakes, among other seabirds. Baffin’s mountains are striking, affording stunning perspectives on geological processes. Weather, ice, and opportunity will determine our route, and our team will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.
Day 6 | Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet)
Mittimatalik is a bustling Arctic community surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern Arctic. We will have a chance to explore the town, including its excellent library and other facilities, and meet many local citizens who will gladly share their culture. A cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—arts and crafts may be available here, too. The Northern and Co-op stores offer unique perspective on daily life in the Arctic, and sometimes have carvings as well.
Day 7 | At Sea
Our presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales amid potential pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.
Day 8 | Karrat Fjord
Today we will cruise one of Greenland’s most spectacular fjords, known for plentiful marine life and awe-inspiring landscapes. The rocky peaks of Karrat Fjord tower over a seascape littered with icebergs produced by the glaciers that extend from Greenland’s vast ice cap. Time spent on deck today should result in some good wildlife sightings, not to mention unbeatable photographic opportunities of icebergs against the majestic rock faces.
Day 9 | Uummannaq Fjord
Uummannaq Fjord in northwest Greenland is the country’s second-largest system of fjords, characterized by its developed coastline and various bays, islands, and peninsulas. It is considered to be the sunniest spot in Greenland, and favourable weather—coupled with proximity to coastal travel routes—has made the fjord system a popular destination for Greenlandic Inuit. It has been settled and re-settled continually for the last 4,500 years. Expect another day of extraordinary photographic opportunities!
Day 10 | Ilulissat
Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, and there couldn’t be a more fitting name for this remarkable place. Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs at the mouth the Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at nineteen metres per day—calving more than thirty-five square kilometres of ice annually, and creating the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic in the process. The bustling town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour, offers items of interest for every visitor.
Day 11 | Sisimiut Coast
Warmed by the West Greenland current, the waters around Sisimiut are free of sea ice, making the area an important fishing and shipping centre as well as a habitat for marine mammals. The fish market and folk museum in Sisimuit offer an opportunity to experience modern, and historic Greenland side by side.
Day 12 | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s only international flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight.
• Northern Fulmar
• Dovekie
• Black-legged Kittiwake
• Black Guillemot
• Common Eider
• Thick-billed Murre
• Glaucous Gull
• Iceland Gull
• Thayer’s Gull
• Polar Bear
• Walrus

Sailing with a maximum of 198-passengers, Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer.
Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and 2014. At 137 meters (450ft) in length, Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Enjoy multiple decks offering comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor dining, a swimming pool, sauna and even a hot tub! The spacious interiors allow for multiple workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. Community is at the heart of Adventure Canada’s expedition experience. We gather together to learn, enjoy a drink, sing a song or share a yarn – connecting with one and other. The three lounges aboard Ocean Endeavour are fantastic public spaces for seminars, events and dialogue.
The Ocean Endeavour’s private spaces are stylish and comfortable. All cabins have private washroom facilities, a phone for internal calls, radio, TV and air-conditioning. There are a variety of cabin categories available ranging from 9-30 m2 (100-320 sq ft).
Ocean Endeavour’s crew is experienced, and friendly. Her shallow draft and maneuverability allow her to access isolated fiords, bays and secluded communities. The stylish vessel is at home among the glorious settings we seek. Enjoy the class and comfort of a boutique hotel, while venturing to some of the world’s last great frontiers aboard the Ocean Endeavour!
2018 Fares are per person in US Dollars:
Category 1: $5,995 Deck 4
Category 2: $7,195 Deck 4
Category 3: $8,595 Deck 5
Category 4: $9,895 Deck 4
Category 5: $11,195 Deck 5
Category 6: $12,495 Deck 7
Category 7: $13,795 Deck 8
Category 8: $15,095 Decks 5 & 7
Category 9: $16,395 Decks 5 & 7
Category 10: $17,695 Deck 7
If you'd like a single occupancy cabin, there are a limited number of single cabins in categories 3 to 7 available without a single supplement. Single cabins in categories 8 to 10 are available at 1.5x the fare quoted above.
Our small ship Arctic cruise program allow you to experience the best of the natural world, while enjoying the comforts of our friendly floating hotel. The ship generally makes crossing between islands at night, so every morning you awake to new vistas and discoveries. Every day we offer a combination of interesting shore excursions and fun shipboard activities. You can choose which elements of the program you want to participate in.
Our excursions onshore will involve a relatively low level of exertion, but you will need a reasonable level of mobility to get up and down the gangway and climb into and out of Zodiacs (with assistance). Some of our shore landings will be 'wet', requiring waterproof boots. Once you have left the zodiac, you'll find our shore excursions accommodate both those who wish to enjoy a gentle stroll and those who prefer more active hikes. Our onboard specialists will join us on these shore excursions to provide interpretation and narration to these wonderful landscapes and experiences.
Each evening we will gather in the lounge to recount the day’s events and share memorable stories. Our onboard musician will provide some lively entertainment during happy hour and the expedition leader will outline the following day’s schedule. Our resource staff of naturalists, historians, and other guest speakers will give informative talks at various times throughout the voyage.
Meals in the ship's dining room are a great opportunity to meet new friends and recount the day's adventures. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Safety is also a top priority with Eagle-Eye Tours – our team has extensive experience in the field, and all of our Voyages are run in conjunction with operators with the highest safety standards.
When the ship is underway, it is a wonderful time to join a naturalist on deck, take photos of the stunning scenery, or get caught up on some reading in the library.
We know that everyone travels for different reasons. Over the years, however, we have found one common element among the guest who choose to travel with us - a thirst of knowledge and authentic experience. Knowing this drives us to ensure the highest quality learning experience on our trips, by taking time to carefully design each trip we offer.
Expedition Costs Include
• Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
• Pre-departure materials
• Special access permits, entry and park fees
• Team of expedition staff
• Applicable taxes
• Educational program
• Interactive workshops
• Evening entertainment
• Guided activities
• Sightseeing and community visits
• All shipboard meals, including on deck barbeques & afternoon tea
• All zodiac excursions
• Port Fees
Expedition Cost Does Not Include
• $250 Discovery Fee
• Commercial Flights
• Charter Flights (Ottawa to Resolute $2,295 per person, roundtrip including taxes and fees)
• Gratuities (suggested $15 USD per passenger per day)
• Personal expenses
• Mandatory Medical evacuation insurance
• Additional expenese in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Possible fuel surcharges
• Pre & post hotel accommodation
• Optional excursions
• Additional costs associated with payments by credit card