Whether it is Inuit culture, majestic icebergs, or the most variety of wildlife seen on any cruise - polar bears, beluga whales, musk ox and walrus. There is simply no better way to experience the Arctic for the first time.
Day 1 Kuujjuaq
We depart from Montreal to Kuujjuaq. 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 Bay Company fur trading post at Old Fort Chimo, the site of the original settlement dating back to 1830.
Days 2 through 8
We spend these days exploring the Arctic land and seascape. Among the places we 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.
Kangiqsujuaq
We journey through a deep fjord with steep rocky walls then anchor in Wakeham Bay. Enjoy dining on locally harvested foods then relax for a traditional Inuit throat singing and drum dancing performance.
Digges Island & Mansel Island
Visit where Henry Hudson first encountered the Inuit. 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 favourite 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.
Day 9 Churchill
The relatively warm waters of Churchill River are a favourite 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.
As with all our expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other conditions will dictate our itinerary and shore excursions. Unusually strong tides and currents combined with drifting sea ice means our route and landing sites will vary from one expedition to the next. The earlier in the season the departure, the more sea ice we will encounter. This increases the chance of seeing marine mammals at home on the ice, even though it may slow our progress on some days. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions.