Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Best of the Canadian High Arctic

Transcription

1 Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Best of the Canadian High Arctic On this unique expedition, you ll board the mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov icebreaker to access remote, ice-choked regions ordinary expedition ships dare not navigate. Since 1992, the Khlebnikov has taken adventurers to inaccessible corners of the globe, and was the first ship ever to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers in In true pioneering spirit, you ll board the indomitable Khlebnikov (pronounced KLEB-nik-off) and sail to secluded areas few will ever have the privilege to set foot upon. From quiet coastal towns to authentic Inuit communities to awe-inspiring Ilulissat, this voyage is ideal for those seeking an in-depth, authentic expedition to the less discovered areas of the Arctic. Truly off the beaten path. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: Travel aboard the indomitable icebreaker Kapitan Khebnikov Explore the beauty of the remote regions and charming villages Enjoy aerial views of the area and ship from Khebnikov s two on-board helicopters Discover the highlights of the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland DID YOU KNOW? Baffin Bay, located between Baffin Island and the southwest coast of Greenland, is a marginal sea of the North Atlantic Ocean. In oceanography, a marginal sea is one partially enclosed by islands, archipelagos, or peninsulas, adjacent to or widely open to the open ocean at the surface, and/or bounded by submarine ridges on the sea floor. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

2 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: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 Itinerary DAY 1 AUGUST 22, 2016 Arrive Ottawa, Canada Your arctic adventure begins a little further south, with an overnight stay in Ottawa, Canada s capital city. Stroll along the charming Rideau Canal, discover the majestic Canadian Parliament buildings, and explore the markets, world-class museums and shops on offer. Plan to arrive and make your way to the hotel in time for our pre-departure briefing at about 6pm. DAY 2 AUGUST 23, 2016 Embark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland After a morning charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, you ll be transferred to the mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov by Zodiac. Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. military base and serves as the international gateway for the majority of travel to and from Greenland. Enjoy time out on deck taking in your new surroundings before setting sail on your arctic expedition. DAY 3 AUGUST 24, 2016 Sisimiut Kayak is an Inuit word the English language has borrowed to describe a small vessel propelled by paddles that seats one or two people. When ashore in Sisimiut, travelers will watch a demonstration of traditional kayaking. There will be time to explore the town, where 18th century buildings from Greenland s colonial period still stand! Arctic Ocean Victoria Island TO OTTAWA, CANADA Tanquary Fjord RESOLUTE DAY 4 AUGUST 25, 2016 Ilulissat FROM OTTAWA, CANADA Baffin Bay Ilulissat Kangerlua is Greenlandic for The Iceberg Fjord. The glacier at the head of the fjord is the most productive in the Northern Hemisphere. The icebergs it calves float down the fjord to enter Baffin Bay. As the ship approaches Ilulissat, have your cameras ready to take photos of young icebergs. Their journey will end years later somewhere off the coast of Newfoundland. So significant is Ilulissat Fjord that UNESCO has designated the area a World Heritage Site. We ll take you on a Zodiac cruise near the mouth of the fjord and later visit the community and hike to a spot inside the fiord to watch the massive bergs lined up before entering Baffin Bay. Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) Baffin Island ILULISSAT 3 Scoresbysund Fjord Davis Strait DAY 5 AUGUST 26, 2016 Uummannaq Denmark Strait KANGERLUSSUAQ Actual itinerary may vary based on weather conditions. You ll want to be out on deck regardless of the time of day as the ship approaches Uummannaq. The vista is simply breathtaking. The heart-shaped mountain that gave the town its name dominates the view. Uummannaq was founded as a Danish colony in 1758 on the Nuussuaq mainland, but in 1763 it was moved to the nearby island, as seal hunting was more plentiful there. On your walk through the town, you ll visit the historic oil warehouse built in Look for the peat hut, behind the warehouse, which was still in use until a few years ago. EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 DAY 6 AUGUST 27, 2016 Upernavik The region of Upernavik is almost the size of Great Britain. The town of the same name was founded in 1772, but the history of human habitation in the region is longer. In Upernavik you will visit the northernmost open-air museum with well-preserved buildings dating back to colonial days. Unique fauna is another compelling reason to visit the Upernavik area, where the world s largest bird cliff, Apparsuit, is located. DAY 7 AUGUST 28, 2016 Cape York Today you ll hear stories of the famous Cape York Meteorite, and learn about the place other meteorites have had in Cape York s history. If conditions permit we ll take to the helicopters and fly to the Robert Peary monument at the top of Cape York and experience a very impressive view. DAY 8 AUGUST 29, 2016 Qaanaaq At Qaanaaq, founded in 1953, you will visit the northernmost municipality in the world, and learn about the culture of the people of Northern Greenland. One of the highlights of the museum is a massive chunk of meteorite. DAY 9 AUGUST 30, 2016 Cobourg Island and Grise Fjord, Nunavut, Canada Murres and fulmars will soar overhead as we cruise in Zodiacs along the base of high cliffs at Cobourg Island. Thousands of seabirds nest in Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area, established to protect the wildlife of Lady Ann Strait along the island s southern shore. Be sure to carry your camera and binoculars! The only community on Ellesmere Island is Grise Fjord. The citizens of Aujuittuq the place that never thaws will entertain and educate you with cultural demonstrations that are based on 4,000 years of tradition. The tiny hamlet, the most northerly community in Canada, has only 140 residents slightly more than one resident per guest aboard our icebreaker. DAY 10 AUGUST 31, 2016 Hell Gate and Eureka Sound From there, the ship navigates Hell Gate, a narrow passage transited successfully by only a handful of passenger vessels. Our next stop is Eureka Sound. Helicopter flights take us over an ancient petrified forest on Ellesmere Island s western coast. DAYS SEPTEMBER 1-2, 2016 Tanquary Fiord National Park and Chapman Glacier The epic beauty that is Tanquary Fjord encompasses sweeping mountain valleys under huge arctic skies. Luminous glaciers cascade down to clear blue waters. Twenty-four hours of daylight provide ample opportunity to take photos in Quttinirpaaq National Park on Ellesmere Island. DAY 13 SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 Eureka Weather Station and Axel Heiberg Island Eureka has been called the Garden Spot of the Arctic due to an abundance of flora and fauna found in the area, more so than anywhere else in the High Arctic. The Weather Station consists of Fort Eureka (for military personnel), the Environment Canada Weather Station, and the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL), formerly the Arctic Stratospheric Ozone Observatory (AStrO). DAY 14 SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 Axel Heiberg Island, Norwegian Bay and Belcher Channel At Axel Heiberg, you ll learn about its unusual fossil forests. At the Norwegian Bay and Belcher Channel, there are many wonderful and exciting sights. However, the experience of watching the 24,000-horsepower Kapitan Khlebnikov battle its way through some of the toughest ice in the world may be one of the most memorable. We then head south through Penny Strait to Queen s Channel, with plans to explore McDougall Sound, on the alert for walrus and polar bears. EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 DAY 15 SEPTEMBER 5, 2016 Penny Strait, Queen s Channel and Crozier Strait We ll traverse the natural waterways of Penny Strait, Queen s Channel and the Crozier Strait. Expect to see copious birdlife above, and magnificent views ahead. DAY 16 SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 Beechey Island Just offshore the western end of Devon Island is Beechey Island. There, on a stony beach, stand three grave markers; solemn reminders of the lives lost during Sir John Franklin s search for the Northwest Passage. Upon approach to Beechey Island, we will be treated to presentations about Franklin and his expedition. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. Our actual icebreaker program will vary according to ice and weather conditions, unexpected opportunities and wildlife sightings. The captain and expedition leader will determine our exact route based on reconnaissance flights and ice reports. The ice conditions in the Arctic vary dramatically from season to season and no specific itinerary can be guaranteed in advance. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. DAY 17 SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 Disembark in Resolute, Nunavut Bid the land of the midnight sun adieu. You will return by afternoon charter flight to the world of night and day in Ottawa, where you will be transferred to the hotel and sleep through your first full night of darkness in two weeks. DAY 18 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 Depart Ottawa, Canada After breakfast, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend time in Ottawa, Canada s capital city. EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on board All beverages on board, including a selection of house wines, beer and spirits All shore landings per the daily program Group scheduled helicopter flightseeing and excursions Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team Downloadable photographic journal documenting the expedition Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program All luggage handling aboard ship Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on. THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES Mandatory transfer package* International airfare Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above Meals ashore unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and mandatory medical travel insurance Excess baggage charges Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned Laundry and other personal charges unless specified Phone and internet charges Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew Additional overnight accommodation Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: One night hotel accommodation in Ottawa with breakfast Group transfer hotel to Ottawa airport Flight from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq Transfers to and from ship Flight from Resolute to Ottawa Group transfer Ottawa airport to hotel One night hotel accommodation in Ottawa with breakfast Package cost: $2,150 EXTEND YOUR STAY Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6

7 Dates & Rates ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Best of the Canadian High Arctic Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV Dates Days Start/End Triple Twin Suite Corner Suite Aug 22 - Sep 8, 2016 Mandatory Transfer Package $2,150 All rates per person in USD. 18 Ottawa $19,795 $26,395 $29,995 $33,995 WANT MORE ICEBREAKING? Check out 3 more voyages on the next page. Ask your Polar Travel Adviser about savings on 2 or more voyages! HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availability of Adventure Options, contact a Polar Travel Adviser ( ) ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7

8 Additional Dates & Rates ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Epic Northeast Passage Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV Dates Days Start/End Triple Twin Suite Corner Suite Jul 10 - Aug 4, Anchorage/ Longyearbyen Mandatory Transfer Package $1,950 All rates per person in USD. $29,995 $39,995 $45,995 $51,995 ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Extreme Greenland Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV Dates Days Start/End Triple Twin Suite Corner Suite Aug 4 - Aug 24, Longyearbyen/ Ottawa Mandatory Transfer Package $1,650 All rates per person in USD. $23,495 $32,995 $37,595 $41,995 ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Ultimate Northwest Passage Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV Dates Days Start/End Triple Twin Suite Corner Suite Sep 6 - Sep 23, Ottawa/ Anchorage Mandatory Transfer Package $2,650 All rates per person in USD. $20,695 $27,795 $31,595 $35,495 HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availability of Adventure Options, contact a Polar Travel Adviser ( ) ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8

9 Western Greenland POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS Please note that this list is a sampling of some of the possible sites visited during our expeditions to the Arctic. Your expedition may or may not include sites listed here. No expedition will include all the sites listed. ILULISSAT The fjord has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because the glacier at the head of the fjord produces more icebergs than any other in the Northern Hemisphere. KANGERLUSSUAQ Just 37 miles (60 km) north of the Arctic Circle, the city sits at the head of a long fjord. Musk oxen, reindeer and arctic foxes inhabit the tundra-covered plain that surrounds the town. SISIMIUT The port of Sisimiut is the northernmost in Greenland that is ice free all year round. Its other claim to fame is being the southernmost town in Greenland where dogsledding occurs all year round. Founded in 1756, some of the colonial buildings still stand in the town s old quarter. UUMMANNAQ Uummannaq was founded as a Danish colony in 1758 on the Nuussuaq mainland, but in 1763 it was moved to the nearby island, as seal hunting was more plentiful there. Within sight of the Greenland Ice Cap, this town and the island of the same name are a study in contrasts. DISKO BAY Erik the Red started a settlement on the shores of Disko Bay in 985 CE. By the 15th century, the community had been deserted, as a climate change made the bay impassable during the summer months. ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 9

10 Canada POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS Please note that this list is a sampling of some of the possible sites visited during our expeditions to the Arctic. Your expedition may or may not include sites listed here. No expedition will include all the sites listed. BEECHEY ISLAND GRISE FJORD Franklin and his men spent the winter of on Beechey Island, where three of his crew died. The grave markers erected by Franklin s crew still stand. RESOLUTE One of Canada s most northern settlements, Resolute has everything from a grocery store and cable TV to an RCMP station and handful of hotels. It also has an airport, which is your gateway back home. About 200 people live in Resolute throughout the year. Hunting is a major source of income. In the summer months, tourism contributes to the community s stability. COBOURG ISLAND A well-known nesting ground, Cobourg Island is a wildlife reserve with a diverse avian community. Greater snow geese, snowy owls, peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons thrive in the protected environment at certain times of the year. The traditional name for this Ellesmere Island hamlet means place that never melts. From April to August, the residents of Canada s most northerly Inuit community experience continuous daylight QUTTINIRPAAQ NATIONAL PARK Most of this Ellesmere Island Park is classified as arctic desert. Precipitation is low, making vegetation cover sparse. Arctic poppy and saxifrage are the common flowering plants. More abundant are lichens, byrophytes (mosses and liverworts) and vascular plants. TANQUARY FJORD A base camp for research at Tanquary Fjord, within Quttinirpaaq National Park, has evolved to become the Warden Station and point of air access to the park. It is the fjord s breathtaking beauty that continues to draw people to the region. ELLESMERE ISLAND Buchanan Bay, Alexandra Fjord, Skraeling and Pim Islands are found on the eastern coast of Ellesmere Island, the thirdlargest island in Canada and the 10th largest in the world. In 2006, a University of Chicago paleontologist reported the discovery of a Paleozoic fossil fish (Tiktaalik roseae) in former stream beds on the island. The fossil exhibits fish characteristics; however, researchers think it may be a predecessor of amphibians, reptiles and dinosaurs. NORWEGIAN BAY Off the west coast of Ellesmere Island is Norwegian Bay, where second-year ice may be found. The Bay is approximately 100 miles (161 km) long and 90 miles (145 km) wide. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. Our actual icebreaker program will vary according to ice and weather conditions, unexpected opportunities and wildlife sightings. The captain and expedition leader will determine our exact route based on reconnaissance flights and ice reports. The ice conditions in the Arctic vary dramatically from season to season and no specific itinerary can be guaranteed in advance. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. Last revised: April 1, 2015 ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: BEST OF THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC EXPEDITION DOSSIER 10