Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Extreme Greenland
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Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Extreme Greenland The powerhouse icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov (pronounced KLEB-nik-off) has accessed some of the world’s most impenetrable and ice-choked waters since 1992. In 1997, it made history by being the first ship to ever circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers. Now, on this in-depth expedition, you’ll have the chance to witness Khlebnikov’s power and might as you travel to some of the most remote landscapes on the planet. Northeast Greenland is one of the most isolated regions in the world. The lush tundra supports herds of musk oxen, and shore landings offer excellent hiking and photographic opportunities. Visit the remains of Thule camps, and enjoy the splendor of “iceberg alley” as you navigate past majestic icebergs. Get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the residents of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most northerly community in East Greenland. Sailing south to Tasiilaq, you will undoubtedly spend time in the bar, exchanging impressions of this awesome wilderness with fellow travelers. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: • Witness the power of Kapitan Khlebnikov as it crushes through pack ice • View some of the most magnificent icebergs in the world crossing Hall Bredning • Enjoy aerial views like none other in one of two helicopters on Kapitan Khlebnikov • Visit this rarely explored area of Greenland and the incredible Northeast Greenland National Park GOOD TO KNOW When we reach Cape Morris Jesup, our helicopters will scout ahead and check out the ice conditions over the northern coast of Greenland. If they’re favorable, we may alter our course to make a landmark journey over the north end of Greenland. In this exciting scenario, we will skip the eastern shores of Greenland, and reach Kangerlussuaq via the Kennedy Channel, Smith Sound and Baffin Bay, a feat never before achieved by a passenger vessel. Be advised, the chances are less than 50% that we will be able to accomplish this navigation. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EXTREME GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 1 Included Activities HIKING Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief arctic summer, with bursts of color from shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You’ll find each hike is different - exploring communities, shorelines or glaciated landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can expect prior to each excursion. HELICOPTER The Kapitan Khlebnikov is one the few vessels offering aerial sightseeing flights and landings by expertly-piloted helicopters – an essential feature of icebreaker operations offering a unique perspective of the Arctic. You’ll witness astounding aerial views of pristine polar landscapes and the mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov as it crushes through pack ice. All helicopter flights are weather dependent and are included in the cost of your voyage. If time and conditions permit, consider booking additional private flightseeing for exclusive views (extra charge applies). ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EXTREME GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 2 Itinerary North Arctic Pole Ocean LONGYEARBYEN CAPE MORRIS 222 JESUP DAY 1 | AUGUST 4, 2016 Arrive Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) Scoresbysund Fjord Your adventure begins in Ban Longyearbyen, the Svalbard’s largest Bay settlement. Relax before yourCanada journey, Ban or take in the frontier-style atmosphere Island ILULISSAT of the city. Embarkation will take place at about 4pm, so be sure to arrive in Denmark time. KANGERLUSSUAQ Strait DAYS 2-3 | AUGUST 5-6, 2016 Davis Strait Scheduled route At Sea TO OTTAWA, Route if conditions allow CANADA Enjoy our educational program with Actual itinerary may vary based on weather conditions. lectures and workshops to prepare you for your time in Greenland. the Lincoln Sea and Kennedy Channel, DAY 5 | AUGUST 8, 2016 Your expedition staff will be on deck the body of water separating Greenland Station Nord and on the bridge to maximize the and Ellesmere Island. Should ice and opportunities for you to see whales weather conditions allow, we will use A truly unique site – Station Nord is and birdlife while at sea. This is a great the ice-breaking power of the Kapitan a military and scientific station, and opportunity to mingle with your fellow Khlebnikov to navigate over the northern the base of the Northeast Greenland guests or simply take in the natural coast of Greenland. In this scenario, you National Park. As the second beauty around you. will become part of polar history, as the northernmost permanent settlement in Kapitan Khlebnikov will be the only Greenland, for years, the post office has DAY 4 | AUGUST 7, 2016 passenger vessel to have ever achieved this delivered mail here, addressed to Santa Cape Morris Jesup, Greenland feat. If we do so, the rest of the itinerary Claus at the North Pole! below will be forgone in favor of this historic alternative journey. If conditions We will attempt a landing at Cape DAY 6 | AUGUST 9, 2016 do not allow passage, we will continue our Morris Jesup, one of the least-visited Expedition Stop areas in the Arctic, and the most exploration of Greenland’s eastern coast northerly point in Greenland. as described. A true expedition sense of adventure is required, as we will make an We’ll let the weather be our guide in NB: Your Captain will send helicopters exciting journey whichever direciton we’re choosing our landings, as we explore with ice specialists to scout ahead over able to take. the breathtaking landscapes of the region. EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone (1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EXTREME GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 3 DAY 7 | AUGUST 10, 2016 Patrol), responsible for maintaining great opportunity to see the Northern Danmarks Havn Danish sovereignty and policing Lights. You can also support local Northern and Eastern Greenland. The Inuit artisans by purchasing unique unit, comprised of drivers and sled handicrafts. Our time here is spent This small weather station, operated dogs, is a division of the Danish Navy. exploring the community and gaining by eight hardy souls, is located about Each team of two men and 11 to 15 dogs an appreciation of the local way of life. halfway along the coast of northeast carries between 770 to 1100 lbs (350 to Greenland National Park. You will 500 kg) of supplies for depot huts along The icebergs crossing Hall Bredning in cruise in Zodiacs through Dove Bugt their patrol routes. the inner reaches of Scoresbysund are (Greenlandic for “bay”), alert for polar some of the most magnificent in the bear and walrus. DAY 10 | AUGUST 13, 2016 world. The geology and topography of Blomsterbugten and Ela Oya (Ella Island) the area will fascinate you. DAY 8 | AUGUST 11, 2016 Shannon and Sabine Islands DAY 12 | AUGUST 15, 2016 Blomsterbugten, the “Bay of Flowers,” Rypefjord and Rodefjord is home to beautiful purple and gold Through many years of service with colored rocks we’ll explore in the Quark Expeditions®, Kapitan Khlebnikov distance, or on a hike for those who Pushing onward, your expedition will has earned an international reputation wish. come to Rypefjord. With binoculars as an expedition vessel. So it is fitting in hand, birders should keep watch that a landing will be made on Shannon The halfway mark of the voyage will for wheatears, snow buntings and Island, named for a Royal Navy occur on Ella Island. Pack a knapsack ravens. At Rodefjord, you’ll encounter frigate that sailed valiantly during the and binoculars, because you can climb a shallow area trapping hundreds Napoleonic and American Wars. No to the summit of the islands for an of icebergs, known as the Iceberg less significant is a visit to a hut built by outstanding view of five fjords and Graveyard. You’ll drift leisurely by arctic explorers from the timbers of the grazing musk oxen. Ella Oya is a hiker’s these floes, a photographer’s paradise. expedition vessel Alabama. The vessel, dream. The area is surrounded by ice- at anchor off shore, was holed by ice choked waters, rugged cliff s and sky- DAY 13 | AUGUST 16, 2016 and sank. The two crew members left blue icebergs. Frederiksdal and Sydkap in charge of the vessel constructed the hut to shelter the exploration party on DAY 11 | AUGUST 14, 2016 its return. Sailing deeper into Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Hall Bredning you’ll encounter massive icebergs and DAY 9 | AUGUST 12, 2016 an ancient Thule settlement as we Daneborg and Eskimonaes At the mouth of the fjord complex, approach Sydkap. The scenery here is Ittoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s something you can’t even imagine, with most northerly community and boasts There are four permanent bases in the a blend of traditional and modern park. Daneborg is the largest, with a lifestyles. With clear skies, you’ll have a population of 12 during the summer months. The hamlet is the headquarters of the Slaedepatruljen Sirius (Sirius EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone (1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EXTREME GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 4 towering mountain sides and hundreds DAY 17 | AUGUST 20, 2016 DAY 20 | AUGUST 23, 2016 of apartment-sized icebergs playing Bernstorfs Isfjord Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland tricks with your sense of perception. South of Ammassalik are many fjords Just 37 miles (60 km) north of the Arctic DAY 14 | AUGUST 17, 2016 – deep, steep-walled valleys along Circle, Kangerlussuaq sits at the head of one Danmark Island coastlines flooded with seawater.