|
|
|
|
|
High Arctic
|
© Alexander Kutskiy/Quark 
Polar Bear with cub |
The pristine east coast of Ellesmere Island is the highlight of this Arctic adventure. We visit areas that were virtually unexplored until recent changes in ice conditions finally made them accessible - and then only to icebreakers with the highest polar-class rating. Expect a one-of-a-kind journey with Quark Expeditions. And along the way, from remote seabird cliffs to Greenland's western fjords, watch for whales, walrus, musk ox and polar bears.
Arrive in Ottawa; transfer independently to the Fairmont Château Laurier for an overnight stay in Canada's museum-filled capital. Next morning, fly north to Cornwallis Island and the strategically located hamlet of Resolute. After an afternoon embarkation, the Kapitan Khlebnikov sails in the evening. August 30: Lancaster Sound Sailing along the south coast of Devon Island, we follow the 19th-century explorers into Lancaster Sound, renowned for beluga and bowhead whales. With luck you'll also see narwhals, polar bears and Arctic seals among the floes, and up to two-dozen bird species. At Dundas Harbour, a fjord ringed by steep mountains, we land by Zodiac to explore the tundra, with good chances of seeing musk ox. Early Thule winter houses provide evidence that this coast has been inhabited for centuries. The Kapitan Khlebnikov continues north into Baffin Bay, battling the notorious gyre (circular current) of ice that thwarted early whalers. Meanwhile, your Expedition Team offers a series of presentations on Arctic wildlife, geology, glaciology and history. August 31: Qaanaaq (Thule), Greenland We make our way to Greenland and sail along the western coast, with its steep fjords and gigantic blue-white icebergs drifting past iron-red cliffs. Narwhals are common at this time of year. We plan to sail up Murchison Sound to Qaanaaq (Thule), administrative capital of northern Greenland and the world's northernmost municipality (pop. 300). September 1-3: Smith Sound, Kane Basin & the Lincoln Sea As we push north into Smith Sound, you feel almost as if we're sailing off the map. We follow the American Polar Route, landing (if conditions permit) at Pim Island, where most of Adolphus Greeley's 1881-84 expedition struggled ashore and died at Starvation Camp. We move on to Kane Basin, with plans to land on the Greenland coast and view wildlife, explore the icecap and perhaps hike to a glacier. Our ultimate goal is the Lincoln Sea at the top of Greenland. Some years the infamous pack ice closes this area to all ships, so as usual we must be flexible - and on the alert for wildlife. September 4-5: Ellesmere Island Next we steer back to Ellesmere Island, where you explore Buchanan Bay and head inland to massive twin glaciers. Sailing via Alexandra Fjord, we plan to visit Skraeling Island, where archeologists have unearthed artifacts of Small-Tool cultures dating from 4500 BC, as well as Viking chain mail suggesting the Norsemen ventured further north than previously imagined. September 6: Cape York We sail into Melville Bay, typically among giant icebergs formed as the Greenland icecap cascades down to the sea. When European explorers arrived at Cape York in the early 19th century, local inhabitants firmly believed they were the only people on Earth; even today these remote shores make it easy to adopt that worldview. Plan to be on deck as the Kapitan Khlebnikov pushes through heavy pack ice - and keep a lookout for polar bears and harbor seals. September 7: Coburg Island & Devon Island We arrive at Coburg Island in the entrance to Jones Sound, where we plan a Zodiac trip along the spectacular seabird cliffs of this wildlife reserve. An estimated 30,000 pairs of Black-legged Kittiwakes crowd the rocky ledges, along with 160,000 pairs of Thick-billed Murres. Most of the murre chicks have already fledged by the time we arrive, so expect to see them diving and feeding in the fish-filled waters along the shore. In the afternoon we plan helicopter flights over Devon Island, viewing the tidewater glaciers on the eastern coast and ideally making landings. September 8: Prince Leopold Island & Beechey Island We again enter Lancaster Sound, watching out for Arctic whales and other wildlife among the ice floes. We also plan to explore magnificent fjords such as Blanley Bay or Radstock Bay along Devon Island's south coast. Our final landing point is Beechey Island, where Franklin and his men spent the winter of 1846-47 before they vanished altogether. As you walk in this desolate spot, you can reflect on their fate at the stark Franklin Memorial. September 9-10: Resolute to Ottawa We disembark in Resolute and fly back to Ottawa for a final night at the Fairmont Château Laurier. Next morning, continue home independently. KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV The Kapitan Khlebnikov, a stellar example of advanced icebreaker technology, was built to a Russian-Finnish design and launched in 1981 by the world's leading builder, Wärtsilä Corporation of Helsinki. Originally designed for the challenging conditions of northern Siberia, the Kapitan Khlebnikov was refurbished in 1992 and since that time has carried adventurous travellers to the remotest corners of the world. No other expedition ship has navigated greater expanses of polar waters. And none can match its ideal balance of advanced icebreaking technology, rigorous environmental and safety standards, and comfortable amenities designed to foster a relaxed, intimate atmosphere among groups of up to 108 travellers. CABINS & AMENITIES
Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability. Leaders: Guides from Quark Expeditions Prices per person:
What's Included At Quark Expeditions, we know that ensuring a successful polar journey requires fanatical attention to detail. We also understand that when you choose to explore these remote corners of the planet, you want to travel with experts who have thought of everything. Our passionate devotion to comprehensive planning and support is reflected in every facet of the expeditions we create. The rate you pay covers your voyage aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov or Yamal, from embarkation to disembarkation as indicated in the itinerary. But it also includes a great deal more:
Airfares to or from the gateway city, whether on scheduled or charter flights (allow approx. £ 800 per person); passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel; baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (please note that emergency medical insurance is mandatory - see Terms & Conditions); excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other charges of a personal nature; telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board. Shipboard Policies Quark Expeditions ships are smoke-free with the exception of some outside decks and designated areas. The helicopter deck and Zodiac decks are smoke-free. There is no smoking in the cabins. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||