The popular “Arctic Explorer” itinerary provides an excellent all-round introduction to the culture, wildlife and breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Arctic.
For thousands of years, the Hudson Strait region has been home to more Inuit than anywhere else in Canada. This is where the deep undersea currents of the Atlantic Ocean rise to meet the shallower Arctic seas. The process is often dramatic – tides can exceed 16 metres (50 feet), and sea ice turns to rubble in the swirling surface currents. Nutrient-rich waters are brought to the surface, stimulating the growth of phytoplankton that feed the entire marine food chain, so critical to the existence of the nomadic Inuit.
These departures are scheduled early in the season, when the waters of Hudson Strait are most calm, and the days are very long. There are many small traditional communities to visit, and wildlife tend to congregate in particular locations well known to the Inuit guides. For this reason, the “Arctic Explorer” itinerary provides an excellent opportunity to experience a broad cross-section of all the Arctic has to offer.
Tour Details
Duration
9 Days/8 Nights
Location
Eastern Arctic, Canada
Season
July 4, 12, 20 and 28, 2006
Tour Type
Fully Guided
Nearest City
Montreal, Quebec
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Nunavut, Canada
Activities
This itinerary is designed to maximize your time spent ashore taking in Inuit villages, wildlife colonies and the breathtaking landscape. Instead of black-tie dinners, the focus is on providing an outstanding program of informative talks and frequent shore excursions that will enhance immeasurably your experience of the north. By the end of the trip, you will be amazed at how much you have seen and experienced. Cruise North Expeditions are hosted by both local and southern guides and naturalists with expertise on topics such as natural history, anthropology, zoology and ornithology. They have an incredible enthusiasm for the region, and a love of sharing secrets of the natural world – be it during one of their many engaging presentations, on a walk along the shore, or lingering after dinner in informal conversation. The Inuit staff understands the land like no other people, and shares it with quiet confidence, friendliness, and a proud mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities.
Guest Capacity
Maximum 122 Passengers, Double Occupancy
Accommodations
The ship offers a casual setting with all the necessary comforts. All cabins feature two lower beds, outside view, private washroom and ample storage space. Additional features aboard include a library well-stocked with Arctic-related reading, a spacious dining room, comfortable bar/lounge, fully equipped lecture room, a gift shop, and several observation decks. Cruise North Expeditions maintains an “open bridge” policy, which means that unless otherwise noted, you are welcome to visit the Command Bridge at any time of day or night. There you can learn more about the operation of the ship and its navigational equipment, as well as talk with the Captain and officers.
Dining
Cruise North Expeditions knows that enjoying meals is a key part of the expedition experience, so be prepared for wonderful food. The chefs onboard will serve you three delicious meals every day, sometimes with locally harvested country foods, and occasionally a barbecue on deck. Every day, you’ll be served early morning coffee and tea, and mid-afternoon snacks and refreshments by the helpful, cheerful staff who will attend to your every need.
Rates
$3,195.00 - $5,695.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Included in all expedition fees are airfare when indicated, most meals, all lectures and shore excursions. A trip handbook with detailed information about the Arctic is also included. Single travelers who indicate they are willing to share a cabin are guaranteed the double occupancy rate for that cabin, whether or not a roommate is available. Family rates are available on request.
Not included in the comprehensive expedition fee:
Air taxes and surcharges.
Applicable sales taxes.
Visa fees where required.
Personal items such as insurance, laundry, alcoholic beverages and excess baggage charges.
Accommodations, meals and transfers prior to joining and after leaving the group.
Optional tours.
Gratuities for ship staff.
Medical insurance and/or trip cancellation insurance.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kuujjuaq You will depart from Montreal to Kuujjuaq, a name that means “Great River” in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit. After a brief tour of the town and buffet lunch, you'll transfer to the ship and prepare for your expedition. You may have time to visit the restored Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post at Old Fort Chimo, the site of the original settlement dating back to 1830.
Day 2-8: Expedition Cruising in the Canadian Arctic The next seven days will be spent exploring the Arctic land and seascape. Among the places you may visit are:
Akpatok Island
An uninhabited island of soaring bird cliffs and small rocky beaches. Here the zodiacs will be used to scout the beaches in search of walrus and polar bears.
Kangirsuk & Aupaluk
These small villages experience some of the highest tides in the world. Joined by local guides, you'll enjoy a leisurely walk and hear about the secrets of life on the tundra.
Kangiqsujuaq
Passing through a deep fiord with steep rocky walls, the ship anchors in Wakeham Bay. You will feast on locally harvested foods, and enjoy an amazing performance of traditional Inuit throat singing and drum dancing.
Digges Island & Mansel Island
At Digges Island, you will visit the spot where Henry Hudson first encountered native Inuit. You'll cruise along the cliff face and visit Mansel Island, a favorite place for walrus and polar bear.
Cape Dorset & Mallikjuak Territorial Park
Cape Dorset is widely known as the Inuit art capital of the world. Here you can take time to enjoy the artists’ creations – scrimshaw, fine soapstone carvings, stonecut printing, lithographic printmaking, etching and sculpting. At nearby Mallikjuaq Island you'll explore archaeological sites dating back three millennia.
Kimmirut for Katannilik Territorial Park (Soper Heritage River)
Hike along the shores of Soper Lake and picnic beside the emerald-green waters of Soper River. You’ll visit the community of Kimmirut for demonstrations of soapstone carving and stencil print making.
Inukjuaq
This Hudson Bay community has a wonderful Inuit cultural artifact museum, surrounded by expansive plateaus with breathtaking views of lakes and rivers. You'll hike across the tundra, keeping watch for wildlife and important archaeological sites.
Day 9: Churchill The relatively warm waters of the Churchill River are a favorite summering ground for droves of glistening white Beluga whales. Watch for them on deck as the ship maneuvers up the river and prepares for the journey home.
This Package Includes
Return air from Montreal, Canada (unless otherwise noted).
Ship accommodations, onboard lectures and access to all public areas.
All shipboard meals; certain meals during land portions as described.
Shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide as described.
Group transfers and baggage handling throughout.
All port dues.
A comprehensive trip handbook.
Notes
Single travelers who wish to guarantee single accommodations may do so at 1.25 times the published rate subject to availability. Travelers willing to share their accommodations will be guaranteed the double occupancy rate even if a roommate is not available.
There are two versions of the Arctic Explorer expedition. The Classic itinerary originates and ends in Kuujjuaq, while the Extended version operates between Kuujjuaq and Churchill, Manitoba. Both itineraries include return air from Montreal. Otherwise, the above itinerary applies to all departures.
As with all of the expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other conditions will dictate the itinerary and shore excursions. Unusually strong tides and currents combined with drifting sea ice means the route and landing sites will vary from one expedition to the next. The earlier in the season the departure, the more sea ice you will encounter. This increases the chance of seeing marine mammals at home on the ice, even though it may slow the voyage's progress on some days. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favorable conditions. For a more detailed description of possible landing sites, please contact Cruise North Expeditions Inc.
Your expedition vessel is an ice-strengthened ship designed to operate in ice covered waters. Equipped with the most modern navigational equipment, it is small and maneuverable enough to reach the most remote bays and shores, yet large enough to traverse open ocean with speed and comfort. Cruise North Expeditions operates in accordance with all Canadian and international safety regulations.
Cruise North Expeditions is the price leader in expedition cruising. Their goal is to provide excellent value while providing exceptional quality – exceeding your expectations.
Reservation Policy
A deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the payment is required 120 days prior to your departure date. Cruise North reserves the right to cancel reservations if payments are not received in time. Payment may be made by cash, check, Visa or Mastercard credit cards. Please request a brochure for complete details.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of a cancellation you must notify Cruise North immediately and in writing. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. Payments received 120 days or more before the departure date are refundable, less an administration fee of $250 per person. When cancellations are received within 119 days of the departure date, payments are not refundable. Please see brochure for complete details.
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