Arctic Quest: Churchill to Greenland

Transcription

1 Arctic Quest: Churchill to Greenland If you crave some cultural learning alongside your wildlife encounters, then this journey to the northern communities of the Arctic is for you. When you re not looking for polar bear, walrus, beluga whales or seabirds; you ll be exploring Inuit communities in Canada and learning about traditions in Greenland. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: Arctic wildlife polar bears, walrus, and massive sea bird colonies Unique landscapes of west Greenland and Canada Traditional Inuit Communities A traditional kayak demonstration Ilulissat, one of the world s fastest and most active glaciers Zodiac cruising Optional kayak adventure on selected voyages DID YOU KNOW? SERMEQ KUJALLEQ IS THE NAME OF ONE OF THE FASTEST MOVING GLACIERS IN THE WORLD, LOCATED NEAR ILULISSAT, GREENLAND. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

2 Adventure Options Booking an Adventure Option on your Sea Explorer expedition is a great way to enhance your polar experience. These options are all subject to availability and fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. SEA-KAYAKING Imagine gliding along the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers! Our sea-kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of people, multiple times per voyage, sea-kayaking adventures are only done during calm weather conditions. We require you to have some prior sea-kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. More information about your Adventure Options, including physical requirements and cost of each option is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser. INCLUDED OPTIONS 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 you can expect prior to each excursion. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 Itinerary DAY 1-2 Your arctic adventure starts with an overnight in Toronto. The following day, we will take a private charter flight to Churchill, and be transferred to the ship, where you'll settle into your home for the next few weeks. We will set sail in the afternoon, heading north towards Nunavut, keeping an eye out for the beluga that are frequently seen in this region. DAYS 3-7 Islands of Hudson Bay As your expedition heads into the second largest bay in the world, the focus turns back to wildlife watching. There are numerous landing site options in the Bay, including Zodiac excursions around Walrus Island and shore excursions and hiking at Digges, Coats and Marble Islands. CHURCHILL WALRUS ISLAND CANADA MARBLE ISLAND Hudson s Bay CORAL HARBOUR COATS ISLAND CAPE DORSET DIGGES ISLAND Actual itinerary may vary based on conditions and voyage length. BAFFIN ISLAND KIMMIRUT AKPATOK ISLAND Baffin Bay MONUMENTAL ISLAND Davis Strait GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat) ILULISSAT SISIMUIT KANGERLUSSUAQ From Greenland to Churchill From Churchill to Greenland The relatively shallow waters of Hudson Bay create a rich marine environment where you may spot a wide variety of animals. The big cliffs at Digges Islands attract black guillemots and Iceland gulls. On the ground you may spot caribou and polar bears. Both bearded and ringed seals are known to frequent this area as well, as are beluga whales. If you re anxious for more walrus encounters then Coats Island, and the aptly named Walrus Island, should provide the best opportunities for good viewing in this part of Hudson Bay. Hiking enthusiast and history buffs will enjoy time here as well. You ll have the opportunity to hike around Eric s Cove, Zodiac cruise the bird cliffs at Digges Islands and explore part of Coats Island, which has been a caribou reserve since Over at Coral Harbour, a small settlement of Inuit people live on the shores of Southampton Island. This area was home to one of the last Thule Inuit settlements in the Arctic, with Sallirmuit people living here until the 20th Century. Get ready to get active by hiking on Marble Island. You ll gain a whole new perspective on life in the Arctic as this part of Hudson Bay has a lengthy list of expedition mysteries and tragic stories. A number of shipwrecks happened around here and even those who survived and sought help from the Inuit died from scurvy in the 1700 s and 1800 s. Failed expeditions to the Northwest Passage and a troubled whaling history helped give Marble Island its nickname of Deadman s Island. DAY 8 Cape Dorset This little hamlet is dubbed the Capital WANT TO STAY LONGER OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 Itinerary of Inuit Art. Since the 1950 s art has been the primary source of income for this small, local economy. You ll find plentiful Inuit carvings, lithographs, sculptures and drawings here. The settlement itself has an interesting history, dating back more than 3,000 years. That ancient Dorset culture gave way over the years to the Thule Culture, of which today s inhabitants are related. As with most communities here in the north Anglican faith dominates, despite decades of efforts from the Catholic Church. DAY 9 Kimmirut Stepping foot on Baffin Island at the tiny community of Kimmirut, you ll have a chance to see how people here still live a traditional Inuit lifestyle. This southern part of Baffin Island has an interesting mix of historical sites to visit or explore while hiking. While the traditional Inuit culture holds strong, you ll also see an Anglican Church that dates back to This was also once an important trading post, with the Hudson s Bay Company setting up here in Kimmirut will be your first good chance to have a chat with some Canadian Inuit, fewer than 500 people live here and many of them are artists who are happy to show you their impressive indigenous artwork and sculptures. Enjoy time wandering around the settlement, or purchase some Inuit art if something catches your eye. DAY 10 Akpatok Island Continuing along the eastern edge of Baffin Island in an area called Ungava Bay, your next landing is all about birds and bears. The word Akpat is the Inuit name for the thick-billed murre, or Brünnich s guillemot. These birds nest on the tall limestone cliffs found around the island. This is one of the largest colonies in the world and a favorite spot for polar bears. DAY 11 Monumental Island Before reaching Baffin Island, you ll head to the small island with a big name Monumental Island, which was named as a tribute to Sir John Franklin. This is a well-known island for potential close encounters with some of the Arctic s most iconic creatures. Settle in for a Zodiac ride around the island, in search of a walrus haul-out. These haul-outs are places where walrus congregate in great numbers and can provide you with some exceptional photographic opportunities of these tusked pinnipeds. The walrus often aren t alone here either, so be sure to keep your eyes on the horizon looking for spots of white roaming along the shorelines. Polar bears are often also seen around Monumental Island. DAY 12 At Sea Turning west, most of your day will be spent at sea. This will give you plenty of time to hang out on deck, searching for cetaceans or watching the seabirds glide along above the Arctic Ocean. This Arctic waterway, which separates Greenland and Baffin Island in Canada, is called the Davis Strait. Your Quark Expeditions team will happily recount the story of John Davis, an English explorer who crossed this waterway many times in search of the Northwest Passage. DAYS West Greenland Icy fjords, colorful communities and a historical UNESCO World Heritage Site await you in Greenland. You ll explore by land and sea, first at Sisimiut; which is the second largest settlement in Greenland. Even so, this town has the feel of a small fishing village with a great harbor for walking around and a number of original 18th Century colonial buildings. Located 75km/46miles north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the most northern ice-free port in Greenland. You ll get to watch a demonstration of traditional kayaking, the form of transportation first developed by the Inuit more than 4,000 years ago. From Sisimiut, you ll venture further north to Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This community is home to fewer than 5,000 people and more than 6,000 sled dogs. Ilulissat is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. As well as some spectacular zodiac cruising, there is also a refreshing longer hike in Ilulissat. WANT TO STAY LONGER OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 Itinerary DAY 15 Disembarkation Day in Kangerlussuaq Today s charter flight will take you from Greenland to Denmark. Upon arrival in Copenhagen, we will transfer you to your hotel. DAY 16 Copenhagen, Denmark Your Arctic adventure ends with an overnight stay in Denmark. You may want to stay on for some postexpedition touring around Denmark, contact your Polar Travel Adviser for ideas. WANT TO STAY LONGER OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless worry-free booking of all trip extensions. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage All shore landings per the daily program Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled Photographic Journal on DVD documenting the voyage A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages 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 the ship On embarkation day transfer from your hotel to Copenhagen airport for the mandatory charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, followed by transfer to the waiting ship On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport for mandatory charter flight to Toronto Post-expedition hotel night in Copenhagen and pre expedition hotel night in Toronto Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES International airfare Passport and any applicable visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance Excess baggage charges Laundry and other personal charges Telecommunications charges The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew Any extra overnight accommodation required due to flight connections Optional sea-kayaking activities Transfer from Copenhagen airport to your hotel IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6

7 Dates & Rates ARCTIC QUEST Greenland to Churchill/Churchill to Greenland Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship SEA EXPLORER Dates Days Emb/Disemb Triple Porthole Window Suite Suite Jul 29 - Aug 13, 2014 Superior Suite Deluxe Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite 15 Kang/Church $7,995 $9,995 $10,995 $11,995 $12,995 $14,995 $16,995 Aug 11 - Aug 26, Church/Kang $7,995 $9,995 $10,995 $11,995 $12,995 $14,995 $16,995 Transfer package available for $1,750 All non-alcoholic and house pouring drinks are included. A selection of premium alcoholic drinks (such as top wines and spirits) is also available at an additional cost. HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availabilty of adventure options, contact a Polar Travel Advisor ( ) ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7

8 Canada POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS MONUMENTAL ISLAND COATS ISLAND Just off the coast of Baffin Island in the Davis Strait, this island belongs to the Canadian Territory of Nunavut. Monumental Island is a place where both polar bears and walruses can be seen. Zodiac cruising here presents great photographic opportunities. AKPATOK ISLAND Since 1920, Coats Island has been a protected area for caribou. There are also good chances of spotting walrus and thick-billed murres at Coats Island. At 5,500 square km in size (2,200 square miles) it is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the world. CORAL HARBOUR South of Baffin Island and the Hudson Strait, the largest island in Ungava Bay is called Akpatok Island. This limestone island has tall sea cliffs reaching as high as 250m, creating a perfect habitat for nesting seabirds including the Akpat, or thick-billed murre. KIMMIRUT Previously called Lake Harbour, Kimmirut is home to roughly 400 people. This small settlement has had a rich Canadian history, having been an outpost for both the RCMP and Hudson s Bay Company. CAPE DORSET A historic hamlet located on Dorset Island, Cape Dorset is where remains of an ancient Thule settlement were found, dating back to 1000BC. Nearby, Mallikjuaq Territorial Park provides great hiking and exploring options, while the Inuit inhabitants of today are known for producing great works of art. DIGGES ISLANDS West Digges and East Digges Islands are part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and are home to large colonies of thickbilled murres as well as Iceland gulls and black guillemots. Strong currents in this part of the Hudson Strait also attract abundant sea life, including cetaceans and the beautiful ringed seal. This community on Southampton Island lies along the northern rim of Hudson Bay. Surprising to many people, the name comes from fossilized coral which can be found in the waters here. It is believed that the last people of the pre-inuit Tuniit culture lived here, but were wiped out by western disease in the early 1900 s. MARBLE ISLAND Sunken whaling ships and wrecked expedition ships from as far back as the 1700 s give the island a somewhat mysterious and treacherous history. The rocky landscapes of Marble Island have a high proportion of quartzite in them, creating a marble-like look on parts of the island. In addition to interesting geology, the island has plenty of great hiking trails to explore by foot. Travelers with a keen eye may spot lemmings, Arctic hare or Arctic fox here. WALRUS ISLAND This uninhabited island is along the western shore of Hudson Bay, north of Whale Cove. Walrus are a big reason to visit here as they haul-out on shore and can be seen bobbing around in the water. CHURCHILL There are very good chances of spotting beluga whales in the water near Churchill and the town itself is a hive of activity compared to other Arctic communities. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8

9 Greenland POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS RØDEFJORDEN The Red Fjord, or Rypefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been stained red by hematite, creating an oddity in this part of Greenland. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. KANGERLUSSUAQ Kangerlussuaq and the Kangerlussuaq Fjord in Western Greenland present colorful buildings and potential for glimpses of Arctic wildlife such as musk oxen and caribou. Lush, mountainous landscapes provide a great backdrop at this port of embarkation, while whales may be spotted at sea. ILULISSAT North of the Arctic Circle, this ice fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier located here moves at 19m per day. More glacial ice is calved into the ocean here than anywhere else, except for Antarctica. SISIMIUT A village town, the second largest in Greenland, Sisimiut is a place the stretch the legs. Inhabited for more than 4,000 years the history here is a mix of Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures. The colorful wooden houses here are typical of Greenlandic communities today. Nasaasaaq, an impressive mountain provides a scenic backdrop to this settlement and the nearby Amerloq Fjord is another worthwhile landing site. ARCTIC QUEST: CHURCHILL TO GREENLAND EXPEDITION DOSSIER 9