Canadas Arctic Islands

Vastness, wilderness, and fascinating animals characterize this expedition with Quark Expeditions, creating unforgettable memories. The remote islands of Canada enchant with pristine nature and breathtaking landscapes. Here, you will experience the Arctic up close with its indigenous people, who welcome you eagerly and invite you into their settlements. Keep an eye out for wild animals and be accompanied by countless seabirds. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot a polar bear. Enjoy the passing views from the outer deck and marvel at the magic of Canada. A special highlight will be a helicopter flight, allowing you to change perspective and explore the dreamlike nature from the air. The travel price per person is based on accommodation in a double cabin with double occupancy.

Canada's Arctic Islands: Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
You arrive in Calgary, Canada and check into the hotel in the afternoon. This journey begins with an overnight stay at a hotel in Calgary. Use your free time to explore Calgary.

Day 2: Flight to Resolute and Boarding
A transfer takes you to the airport for a flight to Resolute in Nunavut. Here, you have some time to explore the small community on foot. Depending on weather conditions, you will be transported to the expedition ship by helicopter or Zodiac. After boarding, you settle into a cozy cabin.

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Days 3-10: Canada's Arctic Islands
You start each day with breakfast and look forward to unforgettable adventures that lie ahead of you. Your expedition team is dedicated to showing you the best that this region has to offer, including Canada's northernmost islands: Axel Heiberg Island and the rarely visited Ellesmere Island, at the top of the world. On board the Ultramarine, the newest ship in the fleet, you will circumnavigate the remote islands of the Canadian High Arctic and sail through the same icy bays and channels that fascinated legendary explorers long ago. The Ultramarine was designed to provide polar adventurers with unprecedented access to the most remote places on Earth, and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters on board. Again, no polar journey is the same, as each expedition offers new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. Daily Zodiac excursions and landings give you the opportunity to explore nature up close. Thanks to the helicopters on board, you will also experience the ultimate polar expedition experience: The polar landscapes are spectacular from both sea and land, but the view from the air is uniquely beautiful. If weather conditions allow, you can participate in a unique flight program (short flights around your ship and the surroundings), which will provide you with an impressive polar experience.
On your journey through the remote landscapes, you will travel through the home of the ancient Inuit culture, which will be introduced to you personally by Inuit guides on board and on land. The Nunavummiut (the people of Nunavut) are known for their incredible resourcefulness, hospitality, good humor, and deep knowledge of the land and animals that has allowed them to survive in the high north for thousands of years. Finally, your expedition team will set their sights to the north, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the few lucky polar adventurers who have crossed the famous Hell's Gate to reach the top of the world, the spectacular Ellesmere Island. Ellesmere is the northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and one of the most remote places on Earth, a land of deep fjords, rugged mountains, and massive ice shelves. If you are lucky enough to get here, you will be among the few polar explorers who have succeeded in doing so. Another goal of the expedition is to introduce guests to the unique glaciology of Axel Heiberg Island, Canada's second-northernmost island, which is covered one-third in glaciers. Axel Heiberg is home to the world's most dramatic and impressive piedmont glaciers. Bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars and cameras ready, as the island is home to species such as snow buntings, ptarmigans, ivory gulls, and Arctic terns.
With some luck, you may spot polar bears, muskoxen, and various bird species such as gyrfalcons and dovekies (little auks). Perhaps even the narwhal or polar wolf may appear - however, sightings of these iconic creatures in the wild are rare. For example, Coburg Island is a bird sanctuary for birds such as snowy owls and peregrine falcons, while the impressive vertical cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are populated by nesting seabirds such as northern fulmars and thick-billed murres. The protected shores and steep cliffs of Arctic Bay, a hamlet on Admiralty Inlet, are an ideal nesting place for various high-arctic birds such as snow geese, thick-billed murres (Brunnich's guillemot), and black-legged kittiwakes. The region has been inhabited by the Inuit and Thule cultures for almost 5,000 years. This community is an ideal place to go ashore and learn more about the Inuit culture, try local cuisine, and interact with artists to perhaps take home carvings or other crafts as souvenirs of your polar adventure.
Devon Island is another possible spot for wildlife encounters, as walruses, polar bears, and muskoxen live in this area. You may have the opportunity to ride along the wall of an active glacier near Croker Bay with a Zodiac and perhaps even experience the wonder of calving ice from a safe distance. Listen for the steady crackling and deep rumbling as ice sheets break off and plunge into the water. Also, keep an eye out for the walruses that are often seen in this area. Every day you will discover something new and inspiring, whether it's admiration for the tundra flora that can survive in this extremely harsh environment, a rare bird species hovering above you, a polar bear hunting in its natural habitat, or the ancient remains of a Thule dwelling, the predecessors of the Inuit who live here today.

Day 11: Disembarkation and return flight to Calgary
After a final breakfast on board, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye. You will be taken back to land and then to the airport. From here, you will take a flight to Calgary, where you will check into a hotel for the last night. Use your free time to explore the city according to your own interests.

Day 12: Departure
Today marks the end of your journey - carrying with you countless unforgettable experiences and impressions of the Canadian Arctic.

Arrival
The travel package starts and ends with a hotel stay in Calgary. The flight and transfer to the ship and back to Calgary are also included. Please note that meals are not included in Calgary.

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine: This modern expedition ship with a helicopter and helipad accommodates 199 guests and 140 crew members. The restaurant offers stunning views, and the lounge provides ample space for readings, lectures, and presentations. The expedition ship has Ice Class 1A+ and can reach speeds of 16 knots.
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