Day 1 - Montreal to Kuujjuaq
Today you will depart
Montreal by air and travel 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, transfer to the Expedition ship Orlova and prepare for the high tide that
will carry you down the river to the vast expanse of Arctic tundra and open sea.
Your home away from home for the journey is designed to operate in ice covered
waters. Fitted with sophisticated navigational equipment, the ship can enter
remote areas and traverse the open ocean with speed and comfort. Cabins include
beds, a desk, ample storage space and personal facilities. Other amenities
include a library, dining room, conference room, observation lounge and bar as
well as several observation decks and a small gift shop. Chefs will serve three
meals a day offering delicious locally harvested country foods. Various
itineraries allow for dramatic sightings of nesting thick-billed murres, beluga
whales, seals, walrus and polar bears in their natural habitats.
Moderate:
Overnight onboard Expedition Ship Orlova
Day 2 to 7 - Arctic Exploring
During this expedition
you will travel along the coastline searching for wildlife including summering
polar bears, beluga whales, and walrus. Ship to shore excursions via zodiac
include Kekerten and Auyuittuq National Park, Pangnirtung and Millet Bay.
Community visits provide the opportunity to learn about the history and culture
of the local Inuit. Spend next seven days exploring the Arctic land and
seascape. Among the places you may visit are:
Akpatok Island - Sanctuary for nesting migratory seabirds, also summer
home to walrus and a traditional hunting ground for Inuit. Polar bear sightings
are common in this area.
Quaqtaq and Diana Island - Situated on a peninsula protruding into Hudson
Strait, Quaqtaq lies in the path of migrating marine mammals. Diana Island hosts
roaming muskox and brilliant wildflowers.
Killiniq and the Button Islands - Home to many marine mammals, we embark
on zodiacs to explore coastline or hike drastic tundra landscape.
Kekerten Territorial Historic Park and Auyuittuq National Park -
Rough-edged mountain peaks, treeless valleys and flowing glacial rivers. The
park is home to the Penny Ice Cap, a remnant of the last Ice Age. Walk on shore
and interact with naturalist guides. Overnight anchored near steep walls of the
Pangnirtung Fiord. BBQ party on deck underneath bright arctic night.
Pangnirtung - Inuit home for over 1,000 years inhabited by soapstone and
scrimshaw artists.
Note:
As with all 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. Wildlife
sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions.
Moderate:
Overnight onboard
Expedition Ship Orlova
Day 8 - Fly
back to Montreal
Catch the excitement as we
sail up the storied Frobisher Bay to our anchorage just outside Iqaluit. Prepare
for the journey home, enriched by the many wonderful memories of our northern
adventure. Breakfast on board, disembark. Fly to Montreal where your tour
concludes.
PACKAGE
INCLUDES:
-
7
nights
aboard the Expedition Ship Orlova including onboard lectures and
access to all public areas
-
All shipboard meals (certain
meals during land portions)
-
Shore Excursions and Zodiac
cruises
-
Sightseeing with an English
speaking guide
-
Group transfers and baggage
handling throughout
-
All port dues
-
A comprehensive trip handbook
-
Round-trip flights from
Montreal
-
Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES
NOT INCLUDE:
-
Air taxes and surcharges (approx $350
USD per person - subject to change)
-
Applicable sales taxes
-
Personal items such as
laundry, alcoholic beverages and excess luggage charges
-
Pre & Post accommodation
-
Meals not listed as included
-
Optional tours
-
Gratuities for ship staff
-
Goods and Services tax (GST)
-
Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation
Specialist, ask for more details)