Spitsbergen Encounter (Photography Symposium)

Home , Lower Savage Islands, Monumental Island

NORWEGIAN ARCTIC: 2018 TRIP NOTES

19 – 28 JUN 2018 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS STARTS IN LONGYEARBYEN

A CLASSIC EXPLORATION OF SPITSBERGEN AND SVALBARD

The Norwegian territory of Svalbard and the islands that make up the archipelago offer a tremendous wildlife and birdlife experience, as well as a fascinating lesson in glaciology. The islands were first used as a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries and are now celebrated as a breeding ground for many seabirds, along with marine mammals and the elusive polar bear.

Our expedition ship is perfectly suited for remote polar exploration. With her high ice classification, we are able to push further to the north along the edge of the ice pack. It is here we frequently encounter the icon of the Arctic – the polar bear – hunting for seals and other protein sources to sustain them through the Arctic summer. Throughout our journey we enjoy a comprehensive series Expedition Highlights of presentations by polar experts, providing an excellent background to the expedition. Days are busy with shore › Fascinating historic locations of early excursions to places of historic interest, visits to wildlife colonies, viewing the exquisite native flora and soaking up industry and exploration the stunning landscapes. Short or long hikes on shore are › Sublime Arctic scenery and endless another feature along with regular cruising in the zodiacs. Sea kayaking is another popular option. Our voyage focuses photographic opportunities on the western and northern coast of Spitsbergen, and › Exciting ice navigation along the polar pack as far north as the permanent pack ice. This area has the highest concentration of wildlife and places of historic and ice edge searching for wildlife scenic interest in the archipelago. › Unique onboard Photography Symposium ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS This trip starts in Longyearbyen, the principal Zodiac excursions town in the Svalbard archipelago. Longyearbyen is easily accessed with several daily flights from Onshore hiking options Norway's stylish capital city - Oslo. Flights also available from Tromso in the north of Norway. Wildlife observation We recommend you arrive in Longyearbyen at Photographer in Residence least one day prior to the scheduled voyage departure date. This gives you a buffer in the Photographic Symposium event of any unexpected travel delays between home and trip departure time. An airport transfer Sea kayaking available shuttle to your hotel is provided upon arrival.

Whale watching At the conclusion of the trip a transfer to the airport for your onward flight is provided, or to Educational presentations your local hotel if staying in Longyearbyen.

Active Cruising & Wellness Full joining instructions are provided in your final travel documentation. If you have questions before this time, please ask us.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1 / LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD, DAY 4 / LIEFDEFJORDEN AND MONACOBREEN (TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018) No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete Today we embark our expedition ship, the Akademik Sergey without a visit to Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier). A wide glacier Vavilov in Longyearbyen and as we throw the lines, we sail out face at the head of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. and zodiac cruising. The coastal plain near the mouth of With almost 24 hours of daylight at this time of the year, we Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and is often a great place to enjoy the views from the outer decks of the ship as we depart. spot polar bears that come here to hunt for ringed seals or feed We meet our fellow passengers and the expedition team during on bird's eggs. an introductory briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner as we set sail. DAY 5 / PHIPPSOYA – NORTHERNMOST POINT

DAY 2 / BOURBONHAMNA At 81° north latitude, Phippsoya is just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. The high ice classification of our ship Beluga whales are frequently seen as they transit the (Class 1A) allows us to approach the edge of the pack ice in narrow sound near Bourbonhamna. It is estimated there are safety and comfort. Because of its proximity to the permanent approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard Arctic ice pack, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar population. The beluga has no dorsal fin; a diagnostic feature of bear viewings. In recent seasons we have enjoyed excellent whale species that live in the high Arctic such as the narwhal encounters with polar bears in this vicinity. Be sure to get up to and bowhead. It has been postulated that the Beluga’s lack of the ship’s bridge and take a picture of the GPS showing your dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently latitude or, better yet, take your own handheld GPS with you covered by ice. On our shore excursion, an old hunting cabin and mark in the waypoint as we are so close to the North Pole! and other artefacts are points of interest during our scenic hike to Ingebrigstenbukta. However, it is the massive piles of beluga DAY 6 – 7 / HINLOPEN STRAIT AND NORDAUSTLANDET whalebones that catch everyone’s attention. The bones and all artefacts are protected by the Svalbard Government. While From the ice edge we enter the main channel separating wandering on shore we hope to catch a glimpse of dozens of Svalbard’s two main islands. In Hinlopen Strait the bird cliffs at reindeer that inhabit the area. Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand breeding Brunnich’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and DAYS 3 / LILLIEHOOK GLACIER AND KROSSFJORDEN black guillemots. It is a spectacular site and a challenging one for our zodiacs as the tidal currents roar through Hinlopen Strait. Lilliehook Glacier, at the head of the northwestern arm of Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or zodiac Krossfjorden is an incredible sight. The glacier face stretches cruise between the islands. There are some excellent hiking almost seven kilometres and has a height of around 80-meters. routes here, affording us breathtaking views. Viewed from the ship or on a zodiac cruise, you come to appreciate the enormous scale of our surroundings. The shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and a variety of different species. We anchor off one small harbour and cruise in the zodiacs along the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier. As we cruise the dark waters, we are always on the lookout for bearded and ringed seals, both species known to frequent this fjord. DAY 8 / FUGLESANGEN AND SMEERENBURG DAY 10 / LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD

As your zodiac approaches the shore of Fuglesangenoya, it Arriving back into Longyearbyen this morning, we disembark becomes apparent there are thousands of birds nesting on after breakfast and say farewell to our expedition team and this island. Home to a large dovekie colony, the formation of fellow passengers. A transfer into town is provided for those the island allows for excellent viewing without impacting upon choosing to stay a few days. If you are departing today, we have the perimeter of the colony. Just a few miles from Fuglesangen a few hours this morning to explore the town, before transferring is the old whaling station of Smeerenburg, literally translated to the airport for your onward flight to Tromso or Oslo. as ‘Blubber Town’. As we hike the shoreline of the old station, we learn about the importance of whaling in the discovery and SPECIAL ON BOARD PHOTOGRAPHIC SYMPOSIUM exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. The blubber ovens stand as a reminder to this harsh industry in an equally harsh This voyage features the same itinerary as One Ocean environment. Expeditions classic nine night Spitsbergen Encounter with all of the same highlights and educational elements. Unique to DAY 9 / POOLE PYNTEN, PRINS KARLS FORLAND this departure, is a custom program designed for photographic enthusiasts. This program runs parallel to our daily off ship The sight and sound of a walrus haul-out spells Arctic like excursions and activities. The photography team, led by Nikon nothing else can. We visit the walrus colony on Prince Charles master and award-winning photographer, Daisy Gilardini, Island and hope to see these odd looking animals ashore. provides practical guidance and deep insight. Special Approaching from downwind can often confirm that walrus are excursions will include early mornings and late evenings chasing ashore - the smell of a walrus haul out is quite 'unique'! Tonight the gorgeous Arctic light. We make regular use of our ship- we celebrate our journey with a special dinner attended by the board multi-media studio for breakout sessions and to review ship’s Captain. It's a great time to reflect on a wonderful voyage and critique our images throughout the voyage. The program is in this wild and remote place. open to photographers of all abilities and is included as part of the voyage. Please register your interest at the time of booking.

ALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE DATE: This is the second of two 9- night Spitsbergen Encounter voyages in 2018. The second voyage operates immediately after this departure. Check the website for details.

ABOUT OUR ITINERARY: Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship. NORWEGIAN ARCTIC: 2018 TRIP NOTES

Spitsbergen Encounter

28 JUN – 07 JUL 2018 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS STARTS IN LONGYEARBYEN

A CLASSIC EXPLORATION OF SPITSBERGEN AND SVALBARD

Our expedition ship is perfectly suited for remote polar exploration. With her high ice classification, we are able to push further to the north along the edge of the ice pack. It is here we frequently encounter the icon of the Arctic – the polar bear – hunting for seals and other protein sources to sustain them through the Arctic summer. Throughout our journey we enjoy a comprehensive series Expedition Highlights of presentations by polar experts, providing an excellent background to the expedition. Days are busy with shore › Fascinating historic locations of early excursions to places of historic interest, visits to wildlife colonies, viewing the exquisite native flora and soaking up industry and exploration the stunning landscapes. Short or long hikes on shore are › Sublime Arctic scenery and endless another feature along with regular cruising in the zodiacs. Sea kayaking is another popular option. Our voyage focuses photographic opportunities on the western and northern coast of Spitsbergen, and › Exciting ice navigation along the polar pack as far north as the permanent pack ice. This area has the highest concentration of wildlife and places of historic and ice edge searching for wildlife scenic interest in the archipelago. › Experience the land of the midnight sun ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS This trip starts in Longyearbyen, the principal Zodiac excursions town in the Svalbard archipelago. Longyearbyen is easily accessed with several daily flights from Onshore hiking options Norway's stylish capital city - Oslo. Flights also available from Tromso in the north of Norway. Wildlife observation We recommend you arrive in Longyearbyen at Photographer in Residence least one day prior to the scheduled voyage departure date. This gives you a buffer in the Sea kayaking available event of any unexpected travel delays between home and trip departure time. An airport transfer Whale watching shuttle to your hotel is provided upon arrival.

Educational presentations At the conclusion of the trip a transfer to the airport for your onward flight is provided, or to Active Cruising & Wellness your local hotel if staying in Longyearbyen. Full joining instructions are provided in your final travel documentation. If you have questions before this time, please ask us.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1 / LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD, DAY 4 / LIEFDEFJORDEN AND MONACOBREEN (THURSDAY, 28 JUNE 2018) No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete Today we embark our expedition ship, the Akademik Sergey without a visit to Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier). A wide glacier Vavilov in Longyearbyen and as we throw the lines, we sail out face at the head of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. and zodiac cruising. The coastal plain near the mouth of With almost 24 hours of daylight at this time of the year, we Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and is often a great place to enjoy the views from the outer decks of the ship as we depart. spot polar bears that come here to hunt for ringed seals or feed We meet our fellow passengers and the expedition team during on bird's eggs. an introductory briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner as we set sail. DAY 5 / PHIPPSOYA – NORTHERNMOST POINT

DAY 2 / BOURBONHAMNA At 81° north latitude, Phippsoya is just 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. The high ice classification of our ship Beluga whales are frequently seen as they transit the (Class 1A) allows us to approach the edge of the pack ice in narrow sound near Bourbonhamna. It is estimated there are safety and comfort. Because of its proximity to the permanent approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard Arctic ice pack, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar population. The beluga has no dorsal fin; a diagnostic feature of bear viewings. In recent seasons we have enjoyed excellent whale species that live in the high Arctic such as the narwhal encounters with polar bears in this vicinity. Be sure to get up to and bowhead. It has been postulated that the Beluga’s lack of the ship’s bridge and take a picture of the GPS showing your dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently latitude or, better yet, take your own handheld GPS with you covered by ice. On our shore excursion, an old hunting cabin and mark in the waypoint as we are so close to the North Pole! and other artefacts are points of interest during our scenic hike to Ingebrigstenbukta. However, it is the massive piles of beluga DAY 6 – 7 / HINLOPEN STRAIT AND NORDAUSTLANDET whalebones that catch everyone’s attention. The bones and all artefacts are protected by the Svalbard Government. While From the ice edge we enter the main channel separating wandering on shore we hope to catch a glimpse of dozens of Svalbard’s two main islands. In Hinlopen Strait the bird cliffs at reindeer that inhabit the area. Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand breeding Brunnich’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and DAYS 3 / LILLIHOOK GLACIER AND KROSSFJORDEN black guillemots. It is a spectacular site and a challenging one for our zodiacs as the tidal currents roar through Hinlopen Strait. Lilliehook Glacier, at the head of the northwestern arm of Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or zodiac Krossfjorden is an incredible sight. The glacier face stretches cruise between the islands. There are some excellent hiking almost seven kilometres and has a height of around 80-meters. routes here, affording us breathtaking views. Viewed from the ship or on a zodiac cruise, you come to appreciate the enormous scale of our surroundings. The shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and a variety of different species. We anchor off one small harbour and cruise in the zodiacs along the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier. As we cruise the dark waters, we are always on the lookout for bearded and ringed seals, both species known to frequent this fjord. DAY 8 / FUGLESANGEN AND SMEERENBURG DAY 10 / LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD

DAY 9 / POOLE PYNTEN, PRINS KARLS FORLAND

The sight and sound of a walrus haul-out spells Arctic like nothing else can. We visit the walrus colony on Prince Charles Island and hope to see these odd looking animals ashore. Approaching from downwind can often confirm that walrus are ashore - the smell of a walrus haul out is quite 'unique'! Tonight ALTERNATIVE DEPARTURE DATE: This is the second of two 9-night we celebrate our journey with a special dinner attended by the Spitsbergen Encounter voyages in 2018. The first voyage operates ship’s Captain. It's a great time to reflect on a wonderful voyage immediately prior to this departure and features our popular Photography Symposium. Check the website for details. in this wild and remote place.

ABOUT OUR ITINERARY: Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may hinder our a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship. CANADIAN ARCTIC: 2018 TRIP NOTES Classic Northwest Passage and West Greenland

12 – 24 AUG 2018 12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS STARTS KANGERLUSSUAQ

EXPLORE GREENLAND AND DISCOVER CANADA'S MOST ICONIC ARCTIC JOURNEY

This celebrated voyage explores the icy landscapes and colourful fishing villages of West Greendland, before crossing the Davis Strait to the stunning fjords of Baffin Island. From there, we continue into the remote Northwest Passage. We follow in the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, exploring the archipelago of islands and channels that create Canada’s High Arctic region. This is the home of the polar bear, the barren ground grizzly bear, musk ox, caribou and walrus. We journey along the coast of western Greenland and through the wild Canadian north aboard our celebrated expedition ship, One Ocean Voyager (Akademik Sergey Vavilov). Wildlife is a major draw card of our expedition but there Expedition Highlights is plenty of historical interest and stories of the ill-fated expedition by Sir John Franklin more than 170 years ago is › Spectacular glacial landscapes and central to our voyage. Franklin made his last heroic foray into the Arctic in 1845 with two ships and 129 men, never to colourful Greenlandic villages be heard from again. › Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, The fate of the expedition remained a mystery until zodiac cruising and from the ship September 2014 when one of the vessels, HMS Erebus, was discovered in a remarkable state of preservation in the › Historic locations of early Arctic exploration frigid waters of Victoria Strait. The find is undoubtedly one of › Cultural interaction and understanding the great archeological discoveries of the last 100 years and has been likened to the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. through visits to remote Inuit communities This is small ship expedition cruising at its best. ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS This trip commences in Ottawa - Canada's elegant Zodiac excursions capital city. We recommend you arrive in Ottawa at least one day prior to the scheduled voyage Onshore hiking options departure date. This gives you a buffer in the event of any unexpected travel delays between home Wildlife observation and trip departure time. From Ottawa we fly to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland via a charter flight. We Photographer in Residence transfer to the ship for embarkation via zodiac.

Sea kayaking available At the conclusion of the trip, we fly from Cambridge back to Edmonton (Alberta) via a charter flight. Whale watching Upon arrival in Edmonton, a transfer is provided from the airport to a central downtown location. Inuit community visits This flight arrives in the early evening and we advise staying the night in Edmonton and making your Educational presentations onward travel plans for the following day.

Full joining instructions are provided in your final Active Cruising & Wellness travel documentation. If you have questions before this time, please ask us.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1 / OTTAWA TO KANGERLUSSUAQ – GREENLAND, DAYS 4 & 5 / BAFFIN BAY (SUNDAY, 12 AUGUST 2018) Leaving the rugged coastline of Greenland, our crossing of We depart Ottawa this morning on our charter flight to Baffin Bay is highly dependent on the extent of the so-called Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon ‘middle ice’. We probe northwards seeking out the edges of the arrival into Kangerlussuaq we enjoy a short tour before boarding middle ice and plan to follow the line of ice until we reach the the ship in the afternoon. After settling in to our cabins and coast of Baffin Island. Our time at sea will be determined by the exploring the vessel, we meet our expedition team and fellow extent of the ice and amount of wildlife we encounter. As we passengers. Excitement is in the air as we cast off and enjoy a transit Baffin Bay we are always on the lookout for fin, sperm, welcome cocktail while cruising along Sondre Stromfjord, bound sei and humpback whales as well as the numerous species of for the fabled Northwest Passage. Arctic seals and seabirds that inhabit these waters. Our onboard experts deliver fascinating presentations on board focusing on DAY 2 / SISIMIUT the wildlife, history, geology and culture of the Arctic.

We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before DAY 6 / POND INLET going ashore to explore this beautiful location in the afternoon. Characterised by colorful local houses, the town features a Nearing the far north of Baffin Island we enter a broad channel towering granite peak as a backdrop. We hope to meet a few of - home to the remote Inuit community of Pond Inlet. A highlight the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration is a visit to the Natinnak Centre, where a fascinating cultural of ‘Eskimo rolling’ by one of the former Greenland kayak exhibit showcases aspects of daily life, culture and history champions. A small museum is another interesting diversion. of the people of the north. Inuit carvings, jewellery and other traditional crafts are on display and purchasing such items from DAY 3 / ILULISSAT AND THE JACOBSHAVN ICEFJORD the local artisans is a great way to support the community. We enjoy meeting the children of Pond Inlet and marvelling at their If one word could sum up today’s experience it would be athletic abilities as they demonstrate the skills and challenges of 'ice'. Even our expedition team members, with years spent traditional Inuit games. Skills and physical agility developed by exploring both the Arctic and Antarctica, will take a moment such games were often those necessary for everyday survival in to reflect on the awesome ice sculptures surrounding the ship the harsh Arctic environment. in all directions. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site - spews DAYS 7 & 8 / LANCASTER SOUND AND DEVON ISLAND gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 metres Leaving the wild landscapes of Baffin Island, we cross Lancaster per day, creating something in the order of 50 cubic kilometres Sound to Devon Island. We are now at almost 75˚ degrees north of ice annually. Our approach to Ilulissat is always dependent of latitude. This broad channel of water has been likened to the on the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the fjord. Our wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. Massive volumes of water Captain and officers are skilled ice navigators and our ship has from the Atlantic to the east and Pacific to the west, and from one of the highest ice ratings of any vessel exploring Arctic the archipelago of islands to the north all mix here, combining waters. Ilulissat was the hometown of Knud Rasmussen, one of to make a rich source of nutrients and food for an abundance Greenland’s most famous early explorers. The town is home to of Arctic wildlife, living both above and below the water. We plan a pretty harbor with colorful fishing boats and houses on shore. to visit the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour, situated on the southern shores of Devon Island. Musk ox and Arctic hare are sometimes sighted in the vicinity and there are some great hiking options in the area. DAY 9 / BEECHEY ISLAND DAY 11 / CONINGHAM BAY

Beechey Island holds great historic importance on our journey Having emerged from Bellot Strait, we cross the Victoria Strait through the Northwest Passage. It is here that Sir John and arrive at Coningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter Island. Here, in the heart of the Northwest Passage, we hope to in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an encounter one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the Arctic. incredible series of search expeditions that would span almost This is a known hotspot for polar bears. They come here to three decades. The mystery of what happened to Franklin was feast on beluga whales often caught in the rocky shallows at the partially solved in September 2014, when a joint Parks Canada entrance to the bay. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition found the with whale skeletons – and very healthy looking polar bears. long lost Franklin shipwreck, HMS Erebus, in the Victoria Strait. One Ocean Expeditions played a vital role in the search by DAY 12 / VICTORY POINT, KING WILLIAM ISLAND carrying underwater search equipment on our ship as well as scientists, historians, researchers, dignitaries and sponsors of Heading further into the Northwest Passage, the mystery of Sir this history-defining mission. John Franklin and his ‘lost expedition’ is beginning to unravel. Prior to the recent discovery of the HMS Erebus in September A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a 2014, very little was known of how the Franklin Expedition spent remote windswept beach, is a thrilling location for history buffs its last months in the frozen Arctic. The vessels, abandoned and for many will be the defining moment of our expedition. in the ice of Victoria Strait are just coming to life thanks to the We cross the Barrow Strait into Prince Regent Inlet, stopping ongoing efforts of Parks Canada’s marine archeological team to view the bird cliffs at Prince Leopold Island. This is an and the recent Victoria Strait Expedition. On Victory Point a important migratory bird sanctuary, home to thick-billed lifeboat left abandoned, bits and pieces of copper and iron, murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged cutlery and buttons and a skeleton here and there all tell a story kittiwakes. Numbering in the order of several hundred thousand of a desperate race south in search of rescue that never came. birds, Prince Leopold Island is one of the most significant bird We hope to visit Victory Point and the Victoria Strait, travelling sanctuaries in the whole of the Canadian Arctic. Given the very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, all abundance of food in this vicinity we often sight beluga, narwhal the while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually and bowhead whales here, as well as several species of seal opened up the Arctic. On this, our last night of the expedition, and polar bear. we enjoy a celebratory dinner, attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on our epic voyage . DAY 10 / FORT ROSS AND BELLOT STRAIT DAY 13 / CAMBRIDGE BAY, (NUNAVUT) TO EDMONTON, Continuing to navigate the ship south into Prince Regent Inlet, (ALBERTA) we approach the eastern end of Bellot Strait. The historic site of Fort Ross, located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a Our journey is all but complete as we approach the community former Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading outpost. Fascinating of Cambridge Bay. This remote outpost is a centre for hunting, archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand trapping and fishing. The Inuit have had summer camps in the years of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors. Having vicinity for hundreds of years. Amundsen spent two winters in explored Fort Ross, we attempt a transit through the narrows of this area, learning how to master dog-sledding from the locals Bellot Strait. The aim is to enter at slack tide if possible, in order prior to his attempt on the South Pole.We say farewell to our to avoid a current that roars through the passage at more than crew and make our way ashore by zodiac. A special charter seven knots during the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this flight returns us to Edmonton. Strait provides an abundant food source for marine mammals and we keep our eyes peeled for harp seals, bearded seals ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE: This and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain and Officers and is one of three variations of this itinerary operating in 2018. A capabilities of the ship becomes apparent during this exciting reverse trip, starting in Cambridge Bay and ending in Greenland is day of Arctic navigation. also featured. A modified variation commences in Cambridge Bay and spends more time exploring the coastline of Baffin Island, concluding in Iqaluit (Nunavut). See the website for details.

24 AUG – 05 SEP 2018 12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS STARTS CAMBRIDGE BAY

CELEBRATE CANADA'S ARCTIC CULTURE, HISTORY, WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE.

This iconic voyage explores Canada's remote Northwest Passage and stunning fjords of the Baffin Island coastline before crossing Baffin Bay to Greenland where we marvel at the beauty of the gigantic icebergs calving off of the Greenland icecap.

We follow in the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, exploring the archipelago of islands and channels that create Canada’s high Arctic region. This is the home of the polar bear, Muskox, caribou and walrus and we journey through the wild Canadian north aboard our celebrated ice-rated expedition ship

Wildlife is a major draw card of our expedition, but there is plenty of historical interest and the stories of that ill-fated Expedition Highlights expedition by Sir John Franklin more than 170 years ago is central to our voyage. Franklin made his last heroic foray › Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, into the Arctic in 1845 with two ships and 129 men, never to zodiac cruising and from the ship be heard from again. The fate of the expedition remained a mystery – until September 2014 – when one of the vessels, › Historic locations of early Arctic exploration HMS Erebus, was discovered in a remarkable state of preservation in the frigid waters of Victoria Strait. › Cultural interaction and understanding through visits to remote Inuit communities The find is undoubtedly one of the great archaeological discoveries of the last 100 years and has been likened to › Spectacular glacial landscapes and the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. This is small ship colourful Greenlandic villages expedition cruising at its best. ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS This trip commences in Edmonton - Alberta's Zodiac excursions provincial capital city. We recommend you arrive in Edmonton at least one day prior to the scheduled Onshore hiking options voyage departure date. This gives you a buffer in the event of any unexpected travel delays between Wildlife observation home and trip departure time. From Edmonton we fly to Cambridge Bay in Nunavut, via a charter flight. Photographer in Residence We transfer to the ship for embarkation via zodiac.

Sea kayaking available At the conclusion of the trip, we fly from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, to Ottawa via Whale watching a charter flight. Upon arrival in Ottawa, a transfer is provided from the airport to a central downtown Inuit community visits location. This flight arrives in the early evening and we advise staying the night in Ottawa and making Educational presentations your onward travel plans for the following day.

Full joining instructions are provided in your final Active Cruising & Wellness travel documentation. If you have questions before this time, please ask us.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1 / EDMONTON (ALBERTA) TO CAMBRIDGE BAY DAY 4 /BELLOT STRAIT AND FORT ROSS (NUNAVUT), (FRIDAY, 24 AUGUST 2018) Today we transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait – a channel We depart Edmonton this morning on our special charter flight separating northerly Somerset Island from continental North to Cambridge Bay. Located on the southern shores of Victoria America. The aim is to enter at slack tide if possible, in order Island, today it is a centre for hunting, trapping and fishing. to avoid a current that roars through the passage at more than Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the town and board our seven knots during the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this expedition ship in the afternoon. After settling in to our cabins strait provides an abundant food source for marine mammals and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow and we keep our eyes peeled for harp seals, bearded seals passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain, Officers and cocktail and cast off, bound for the fabled Northwest Passage. capabilities of the ship becomes apparent during this exciting day of Arctic navigation. The historic site of Fort Ross, located DAY 2 / VICTORY POINT, KING WILLIAM ISLAND at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost. Fascinating archaeological As we chart a course into the Northwest Passage, our onboard sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years of presentation series begins, and the legend of Sir John Franklin habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors. and his ‘lost expedition’ is beginning to unravel. The mystery of what happened to Franklin was partially solved in September DAY 5 / BEECHEY ISLAND 2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition, found the long lost Franklin Beechey Island holds great historic importance on our journey shipwreck, HMS Erebus in the Victoria Strait. One Ocean through the Northwest Passage. It is here that Sir John Expeditions played a pivotal role in the search by carrying Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter underwater search equipment on our ship as well as scientists, in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an historians, researchers, dignitaries and sponsors of this history incredible series of search expeditions that last almost three defining mission. We aim to visit Victory Point, travelling very decades. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, all the markers on a remote windswept beach, gives one pause to while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually wonder on the bravery (or foolhardiness) of these pioneering opened up the Arctic. Experts and marine archaeologists all explorers, as they sought a way through the barren, frozen agree, the second of Franklin’s lost ships, HMS Terror is likely landscape. This is a thrilling location for history buffs and for to be in this vicinity. There is great optimism that it will also be many it will be the defining moment of our expedition. found when ice conditions permit the search to resume. DAY 6 / LANCASTER SOUND AND DUNDAS HARBOUR DAY 3 / CONNINGHAM BAY We are now at almost 75° degrees north of latitude. Cruising This morning we arrive at Conningham Bay on the shore of the coastline of Devon Island, we are now in the waters of Prince of Wales. Here, in the heart of the Northwest Passage Lancaster Sound – a rich, bio-diverse region often referred to we hope to encounter one of the most remarkable wildlife as the wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. These massive sites in the Arctic. This is a known hotspot for polar bears who volumes of water from Baffin Bay to the east, Beaufort Sea come here to feast on Beluga whales, often caught in the rocky to the west, and from the archipelago of islands to the north, shallows at the entrance to the bay during low tide. It is not combine to make a rich cocktail of nutrients supporting an unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and abundance of Arctic wildlife. We plan on visiting the old Royal very healthy looking polar bears! Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour, situated on the southern shores of Devon Island. DAY 7 / MITTIMATALIK (POND INLET) DAY 11 / SISIMIUT, GREENLAND

We sight the wild north coast of Baffin Island and navigate We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before through Navy Board Inlet. The vast landscapes of Sirmilik going ashore to explore this beautiful location in the afternoon. National Park surround us as we approach the remote Inuit Characterized by colourful local houses, the town features a community of Mittimatalik. We are welcomed ashore and towering granite peak as a backdrop. We hope to meet a few of a highlight will be a visit to the Natinnak Centre, where a the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration fascinating cultural exhibit showcases aspects of daily life, of ‘Eskimo rolling’ by one of the former Greenland kayak culture and history of the people of the north. Inuit carvings, champions. A small museum is another interesting diversion. jewellery and other traditional craft is on display and purchasing such items from the local artisans is a great way to support the DAY 12 / SONDRE STROMFJORD community. One of the worlds longest fjords, Sondre Stromfjord towers DAY 8 / GIBBS FJORD above the ship on either side as we sail up it. Our goal is not the end of the fjord, but rather some of the small side fjords along it This morning we enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with that we can zodiac into and explore on foot or by kayak. Major towering cliffs all around us. Our expedition ship will seem geologic and geomorphologic features will surround us and for dwarfed by the giant peaks and snowy glaciers as we cruise those looking for living and breathing excitement, we will hope slowly along the dark waters. One recent guest was heard to to find Muskox along the shores of the fjord as well. Soaring comment that Gibbs Fjord 'was like something out of Lord of high above us will be the white-tailed sea eagle, majestic as the Rings' – and we think you’ll agree! always while riding the thermals off the ridges. We expect some fantastic hiking opportunities with hikes geared to all fitness DAY 9 / AT SEA IN BAFFIN BAY levels.

Leaving the rugged coastline of Baffin Island, our crossing DAY 13 / KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND of Baffin Bay allows us time to slow down and reflect on the beauty and experiences we have shared. Our team of onboard Our journey through the Arctic is all but complete as we experts will continue to educate us on the history and wildlife of disembark the ship and make our way to the airport. A charter the region while our naturalists keep watch looking for fulmars flight returns us to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. On arrival and dovekies, pilot whales and perhaps even orca. As we we bid farewell to our fellow passengers and our voyage approach Greenland, we also increase our likelihood of spotting comes to an end. A transfer is provided from the airport to a some of the big baleen whales like the fin and sei whales. central location downtown. the while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the Arctic. On this, DAY 10 / ILULISSAT, GREENLAND AND THE JACOBSHAVN our last night of the expedition, we enjoy a celebratory dinner, ICEFJORD attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on our epic voyage . For many, today is a highlight of the voyage. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord – a UNESCO . World Heritage site - spews gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 metres per day, creating around 50 cubic ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE: This is one of three variations of this itinerary operating in 2018. A reverse kilometres of ice annually. Our approach to Ilulissat is always trip, starting in Kangerlussuaq and ending in Cambridge Bay is also dependent on the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the featured. A modified variation commences in Cambridge Bay and fjord. Our Captain and Officers are skilled ice navigators and our spends more time exploring the coastline of Baffin Island, concluding ship has one of the highest ice ratings of any vessel exploring in Iqaluit (Nunavut). See the website for details. Arctic waters.

05 – 15 SEP 2018 10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS STARTS IN KANGERLUSSUAQ

THE BEST OF GREENLAND GREENLAND AND CANADA'S ARCTIC

ILULISSAT JEWEL – BAFFIN ISLAND QEQERTARSUAQ This outstanding voyage explores the icy landscapes and colorful fishing villages of western Greenland before crossing SISIMIUT the Davis Strait to witness the stunning fjords and soaring BAFFIN ISLAND peaks of Baffin Island. SUNSHINE KANGERLUSSUAQ FJORD

Throughout our journey we are constantly on the lookout PANGNIQTUUQ for wildlife - including a variety of bird and marine life and, of PANGNIRTUNG course, the icon of the north - the elusive polar bear. Every CAPE MERCY

LE day we venture off the ship to explore in our zodiac boats, CIRC ARCTIC enjoy guided hikes to places of outstanding natural beauty, IQALUIT and observe and photograph the wildlife, landscape and MONUMENTAL the delicate Arctic flora. In Greenland, the highlights include ISLAND cruising Sondre Stromfjord, one of the world’s longest fjords, LOWER SAVAGE and experiencing the ice-choked Jacobshavn Iceford at ISLAND Illulisat – a natural wonder of the Arctic. Expedition Highlights The Inuit communities of both Greenland and Canada are home to rich and unique cultures that have survived › Spectacular glacial landscapes and in this harsh landscape for centuries. Visits to these small colourful Greenlandic villages towns and villages are a highlight and provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the people who call this remote › Marvel at Ilulissat icefjord, a UNESCO World wilderness their home. Heritage Site and wonder of the world

Crossing the Arctic Circle at Sunshine Fjord on Baffin Island, › Wildlife observation on shore, zodiac we explore the south east corner of the island including cruising and from the ship Cape Mercy, a prime location to find polar bears and Monumental Island, a known spot for walrus. We conclude › Cultural interaction and understanding in Iqaluit - the small capital of Canada's Nunavut Province, where our Arctic adventure comes to an end. through visits to remote Inuit communities ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS This trip commences in Ottawa - Canada's elegant Zodiac excursions capital city. We recommend you arrive in Ottawa at least one day prior to the scheduled voyage Onshore hiking options departure date. This gives you a buffer in the event of any unexpected travel delays between home and Wildlife observation trip departure time. From Ottawa we fly north-east to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland and after a tour of Photographer in Residence the town and surroundings, we transfer to the ship for embarkation via zodiac. Sea kayaking available At the conclusion of the trip, we fly from Iqaluit back Whale watching to Ottawa (Ontario). This flight arrives in the late afternoon. It may be possible to make domestic air Inuit community visits connections the same evening. Alternatively, stay the night in Ottawa and make your onward travel Educational presentations plans for the following day. A transfer is provided from Ottawa airport to a central downtown location. Active Cruising & Wellness Full joining instructions are provided in your final travel documentation.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1 / OTTAWA TO KANGERLUSSUAQ (GREENLAND) DAY 4 / QEQERTARSUAQ (WEDNESDAY, 05 SEPTEMBER 2018) We cruise across the bay overnight, approaching the small town We depart Ottawa this morning on our charter flight to of Qeqertarsuaq, situated at the head of Disko Bay. Keep a look Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon out for humpback or fin whales which we often encounter here. arrival into Kangerlussuaq we enjoy a short tour before boarding A small harbour filled with local fishing boats greets us as we our the ship in the afternoon. After settling in to our cabins and head ashore. Our landing site is right next to the old Customs exploring the vessel, we meet our expedition team and fellow building - now a small museum. Qeqertarsuaq is a very historic passengers. Excitement is in the air as we cast off and enjoy a location where Eric the Red, the 9th century Norse Viking, is welcome cocktail while cruising along Sondre Stromfjord in the believed to have visited and used the location as a base for soft Arctic twilight. hunting, fishing and exploration. The town is easily explored on foot and a hike up to a high point provides great views of the DAY 2 / SISIMIUT town, the harbour and offshore where large icebergs drift by. Be sure to stop and chat to the locals. We return to the ship and We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before weigh anchor - heading west for Baffin Island and Canada. going ashore for further exploration. Characterised by colorful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as a DAY 5 / CROSSING THE DAVIS STRAIT backdrop. We hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration of ‘kayak rolling’ by one We wake this morning to find ourselves in the Davis Strait - a of the former Greenland kayak champions. The town's church broad expanse of open water that separates Greenland from and a small museum are other points of interest. The restored Canada. Whale sightings are possible and we sometimes historic houses and old Greenlandic fishing boats make for encounter fin, sperm, sei and humpback whales, plus seals and great photography. seabirds. Our onboard experts deliver fascinating presentations that focus on wildlife, history, geology and the culture of the DAYS 3 / ILULISSAT AND THE JACOBSHAVN ICEFJORD Arctic as we navigate closer towards the coast of Baffin Island. At this time of the season and with the right atmospheric If one word could sum up today’s experience it would be 'ice'. conditions, we hope to catch a glimpse of the dancing lights in Even our expedition team members, with years spent exploring the night sky - the mystical Aurora Borealis. both the Arctic and Antarctica, will take a moment to reflect on the awesome ice formations found here. Truly one of the wonders DAY 6 / SUNSHINE FJORD of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage site - projects gigantic icebergs out into Disko Bay. The Our first landfall on Baffin Island will be at Sunshine Fjord where glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over you will have the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle however 40 metres per day, creating an estimated 50 cubic kilometres of you wish – on foot, in a zodiac or on board ship. This location ice annually! Our approach to Ilulissat is always dependent on offers terrific hiking opportunities and we have a number of the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the fjord. A cruise great routes in mind. You may wish to take the extended hike, by zodiac along the face of the massed icebergs is a memorable gaining some real elevation and offering wonderful views of experience. There's also a great hike through the town to a our surroundings. Or choose to take the less strenuous option viewpoint, high above the ice field. This place will take your along the shoreline. The sheltered waters of the fjord provide the breathe away. kayakers with great conditions for paddling. DAY 7 / CAPE MERCY DAY 10 / LOWER SAVAGE ISLANDS

Protecting the northern entrance to Cumberland Sound, Cape At the mouth of Frobisher Bay on the south-eastern tip of Baffin Mercy is an exposed headland jutting out into the Davis Strait. Island, the Lower Savage Islands are a geological wonder. As the Baffin middle ice recedes throughout the summer, this A maze of channels crisscross the island and provide great stretch of coastline is a great place to look for polar bears. All zodiac cruising opportunities. It's possible to navigate from one eyes will be off the ship looking for these majestic animals in side of the island to the other where the ship will collect us. their natural environment. The islands are ideally situated between the dynamic flow of the Hudson Strait and this mixing of nutrient rich waters makes DAY 8 / PANGNIRTUNG for a diversity of marine line. Tonight, as we near the end of our journey we enjoy an entertaining voyage recap from the Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the gateway Expedition Leader. We celebrate with a special dinner attended to Auyuittuq National Park, Pangnirtung is beautifully situated by the Captain of the ship and reflect on our journey through the between the mountains and the sea. This remote town is landscapes of the Arctic. known for its arts and crafts and a visit to the local art gallery is a highlight. In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a DAY 11 / IQALUIT DISEMBARKATION – wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle of the Thule RETURN FLIGHT TO OTTAWA and of the modern Inuit. By morning we are anchored off the beach from Iqaluit – the DAY 9 / MONUMENTAL ISLAND largest community on Baffin Island. We say goodbye to our crew and make our way ashore on our final zodiac ride. We Situated in the Davis Strait, the rocky dome of Monumental are transferred to the airport and board out scheduled flight to Island can be seen from a distance. We explore by zodiac along Ottawa. On arrival in Ottawa our journey comes to an end. A the rocky shoreline and hope to encounter polar bears in this transfer is provided to a downtown location. vicinity. Walrus are also known to haul out along the shore here. In good weather a complete circumnavigation of the island in ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR GREENLAND AND BAFFIN the zodiacs is possible. ISLAND: A classic 12-night Northwest Passage expedition starting in Greenland, navigating west and ending in Cambridge Bay will also explore many of the sites in Greenland visited on this itinerary. It includes the northern end of Baffin Island, Cumberland Sound then navigates through the western section of the North West Passage. See the website for details.

ABOUT OUR ITINERARY: Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may hinder our a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.