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Need help deciding which expedition offers the
experience you’re looking for? Well, look no
further. Whether it is Inuit culture, majestic
icebergs, or the most variety of wildlife we
see on any cruise – polar bears, beluga
whales, muskox and walrus – our popular
“Arctic Odyssey” itinerary has it all. There
is simply no better way to experience the
Arctic for the first time. Day 1: Kuujjuaq
We 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, we transfer to the
ship and prepare for our expedition. We 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.
Days 2-8:
We spend these days exploring the Arctic land
and seascape. Among the places we may visit
are:
Akpatok Island
An uninhabited island of soaring bird cliffs
and small rocky beaches. Here we’ll use our
zodiacs to scout the beaches in search of
walrus and polar bears.
Quaqtaq and Diana Island
At the northern tip of a peninsula jutting
into Hudson Strait, Quaqtaq lies directly in
the path of migrating marine mammals. On
nearby Diana Island, herds of muskox roam the
island amid fields of wildflowers and
thick beds of soft lichen.
Kangiqsujuaq
Passing through a deep fiord with steep rocky
walls, we anchor in Wakeham Bay. We 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, we visit the spot where
Henry Hudson first encountered native Inuit.
We cruise along the cliff face and visit
Mansel Island, a favorite place for walrus and
polar bear.
Walrus Island
This small, rocky outcrop in the northern
reaches of Hudson Bay is a favorite haul-out
for hundreds of walrus. We zodiac the shores
and marvel at the size and number of these
massive creatures with their gleaming ivory
tusks, so awkward on land but incredibly agile
in the water.
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 we maneuver up the
river and prepare for our journey home.
Reverse itinerary for July 20 departure.
*As with all
our expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other
conditions will dictate our itinerary and
shore excursions. Wildlife sightings and some
activities depend on favourable conditions. |
