Itinerary
QAUSUITTUQ
(RESOLUTE BAY)
Arriving in Resolute early afternoon, we embark the Lyubov Orlova.
BEECHEY
ISLAND
This island is best known as the epicentre of the Franklin search,
for it was here that the lost expedition spent its first winter (1845-46).
The only record of the expedition, and subsequent explorers making
it to Beechey, is the remains of three storehouses, workshops, a washhouse,
many empty meat tins, and of course, three eerie graves.
DEVON
ISLAND
Devon is now the largest uninhabited island in the world! The region
surrounding the island supports a significant concentration of wildlife,
including 26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals.
Extensive archaeological sites from the Thule people can be found along
the shores of Devon Island, indicating that the area has been inhabited
for centuries longer than the southern world knew it existed.
MATTIMATALIK
(POND INLET)
We will sail through Milne Inlet, a narwhal breeding ground, enroute
to Pond Inlet. This bustling Arctic community is surrounded by one
of the most beautiful landscapes in the Eastern Arctic. We will have
a chance to explore the town, as well as enjoy a cultural presentation
at the Nattinnak Centre.
CAPE
GRAHAM MOORE
The steep cliffs along the ocean at Cape Hay and Cape Graham Moore
provide prime nesting habitat for large numbers of seabirds. As many
as 320,000 Thick-billed murres and 50,000 Black-legged kittiwakes utilize
these cliffs. Polynyas and floe edges in the marine waters off the
island provide rich foraging grounds for seabirds and marine mammals.
NORTH
EAST BAFFIN FJORDS, BUCHAN GULF
We'll 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 into the
sea and mountains that have been sculpted by the ancient Laurentian
ice sheet which once covered North America.
UUMMANNAQ
Despite being situated in the shadow of a mountain, Uummannaq is the
sunniest place in Greenland! It is an impressive and imposing 1,175-metre
hunk of red gneiss called Uummannaq Mountain. This mountain serves
as the town's backdrop on which colourful, single-family homes
desperately cling, anchored by cables and pipes. The famous Greenlandic
mummies dating from the 15th century were found on the shore opposite
Ummannaq.
ILULISSAT
(JAKOBSHAVNS ISFJORD)
Snapping ice, growling glaciers and the exchange of fish tales as Ilulissat's
fishermen tend to their boats - all sounds we will hear as we enter
the Ilulissat harbour in the shadow of the nearby ice cap. A walk through
town reveals that this stop is a favourite for visitors from all over
the world. Wandering a little further out of town on the tundra to
the hills beyond rewards the wanderer with spectacular views of the
Jacobshavn icefield. Icebergs calving from this field travel as far
south as New York.
QIKIQTARJUAK
(BROUGHTON ISLAND)
Nestled on the north side of Auyuittuq National Park, this busy 19th
century whaling area is famous for its sealskin clothing. The nearby
Penny Ice Cap has sired many of the glaciers on Baffin Island, and
is actually the largest on the island. The waters are full of walrus,
polar bears, even occasional bowhead whales; and the area is home to
the largest fulmar nesting site in the eastern Arctic.
PANGNIRTUNG
(CUMBERLAND PENINSULA)
"Pang" is situated at the foot of one of the most spectacular backdrops
of the Canadian Arctic. Mount Duval, at 850m, casts brilliant shadows and clouds
over the boats moored in the bay, creating an ideal photo-op for shutterbugs.
We'll visit the print shop and tapestry studio at the Uqqurmiut Art Centre.
MONUMENTAL
ISLAND (HALL PENINSULA)
The tiny pile of rocks known as Monumental Island lies at the mouth
of Frobisher Bay, where the mixing of ocean currents from Hudson Strait
creates a rich environment for ocean life. The tides here are some
of the strongest in the world; depending on ice and tide conditions
we will explore the area in search of polar bear, walrus and whale.
IQALUIT
Sitting amid gentle rolling hills is the transportation hub of the
Arctic, Iqaluit. A major transfer point between flights to other
northern communities, Iqaluit is also the smallest capital city
in Canada with a population of just over 6,000! At one time dotted
with Inuit huts, the beaches are now adorned with modern houses,
shops, and public buildings reflecting Iqaluit's importance as
a government town. In late summer, the hills are coloured with
the bright blooms of Arctic wildflowers. We will say goodbye to
the Arctic landscape as we board our flight home.
