NORTHWEST PASSAGE Epic High Arctic - ARCTIC 2021 | INAUGURAL SEASON - Alberta Viaggi
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NORTHWEST
PASSAGE
Epic High Arctic
ARCTIC 2021 | INAUGURAL SEASON
Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 6 Arrival and Departure Details 8 Your Ship 10 Included Activities 12 Adventure Options 13 Dates & Rates 14 Inclusions & Exclusions 15 Your Expedition Team 16 Meals on Board 17 Possible Excursions 20 Packing Checklist
Overview
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
Passage continues to grip our collective imagination. On this captivating 17-day Experience highlights of the
voyage, we invite you aboard our game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, to explore Canadian Arctic and Greenland
this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of on-board comforts and off-ship
Visit traditional Inuit and
adventures no other vessel can offer. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, Greenlandic communities
guests will journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, navigating the
View Arctic wildlife, such as
waters explored by sailors from different lands and visiting the sites that helped whales, walrus and muskoxen
unlock the eventual discovery of this long-coveted route.
Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, a
Aboard the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, you will explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site
environment in unforgettable ways—taking advantage of two twin-engine helicopters, Cruise in a Zodiac to get up
20 quick-launching Zodiads, the most extensive portfolio of adventure options in close to the spectacular scenery
the industry, more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than any other expedition ship Enjoy flightseeing and heli
its size—to create your quintessential Arctic experience. Marvel at highlights of the landings with Ultramarine’s two
Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast, stopping at traditional Inuit onboard helicopters
and Greenlandic communities. Participate in included helicopter activities and take
in the vast, pristine Arctic wilderness from the air. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage
site Ilulissat Icefjord, whose Jakobshavn glacier calves off icebergs up to a kilometer
high. And keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures who make their
home in this harsh, remote landscapes, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar
bears. Come aboard Ultramarine, venture to the fabled route that for centuries held
explorers in its grip, and return home forever bonded to the spirit of Arctic adventure.
1
Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN aboard Ultramarine, the newest ship in our
TORONTO, CANADA fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets,
Your Arctic expedition begins in channels and bays that fascinated legendary Resolute
Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on explorers of long ago. Designed to give polar Beechey
Qaanaaq GREENLAND
Island
your own before spending the night adventurers unprecedented access to the Cape York
at your well-appointed hotel. hardest-to-reach places on the planet—and
Dundas
Harbour
equipped with two onboard twin-engine Upernavik
DAY 2 | FLY TO
RESOLUTE AND EMBARK helicopters for unparalleled access to areas Baffin Bay Uummannaq
This morning, board your charter flight only Quark Expeditions can bring you—this FROM
TORONTO Ilulissat
to Resolute. Upon arrival, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind ship, in its inaugural year, ARCTIC Kangerlussuaq
CIRCLE Baffin
chance to walk around this small Arctic will take you beyond the familiar in polar Island
town before enjoying your first of many exploration. Throughout your journey, your
Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to Expedition Team will keep an eye toward Davis Strait
your ship. immersing you in the best the Arctic has to TO
TORONTO
offer at the top of the world.
DAYS 3 TO 6 | EXPLORING
CANADA’S HIGH ARCTIC Named after explorer Frederick William
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Beechey, of the Royal Navy, Beechey Epic High Arctic
Cruising around the remote regions
Island is a Canadian National Historic Onboard the Ultramarine
of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Flights from Toronto to and from ship
2
Site. It’s an important stop on our The eastern end of Lancaster Sound Visit the monument to the first Inuit
voyage, as this is the final resting place affords numerous hiking opportunities settlers, as well as the remnants of the
of three members of Sir John Franklin’s on Devon Island. We’ll anchor at Croker “old camp” where they lived.
ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find Bay, where we’ll Zodiac cruise along the
DAYS 7 & 8 | EXPLORING
the Northwest Passage. The graves, face of an active glacier. We’ll try to keep
SMITH SOUND
on a remote windswept beach, were a safe distance, but still hope to get close
Before saying goodbye to Canada,
discovered in 1851 by the crew of British enough to appreciate the splendor of
we’ll try to cruise as far north as possible,
and American vessels searching for signs calving ice. Walrus frequent the waters
exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the
of Franklin’s lost expedition. here, so be sure to have your camera
uninhabited passage between Ellesmere
handy. A hike to a nearby archaeological
Radstock Bay is a popular research Island and Greenland.
site is another possible excursion. At
location for observing polar bears,
Dundas Harbour, trek along a beach to a DAY 9 | QAANAAQ, GREENLAND
which are often seen here in summer.
former Royal Canadian Mounted Police Your first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq,
An impressive Thule archaeological site
outpost. Encounters with muskoxen are formerly known as Thule, one of the
provides insight into how these pre-Inuit
possible here. northernmost towns in the world (there’s
people lived in the Far North.
a reason ancient philosophers called
Canada’s most northern settlement,
For almost 5,000 years, the hamlet of it Ultima Thule, or “edge of known
Grise Fjord will be your final shore visit
Arctic Bay and its surrounding area territory”). Here, local Inuit share their
in the Canadian High Arctic. Now home
has been occupied by Inuit nomads culture and traditions, and the museum
to about 150 residents, the traditional,
migrating from the west. Surrounded sheds more light on what it’s like living
mostly Inuit community was created
by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, near the top of the world.
in 1953, when the federal government
this is a great spot to go ashore and learn
resettled eight Inuit families from DAY 10 | AT SEA
about the Inuit community’s traditional
northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing As we sail south along the west coast of
way of life.
are a significant part of their way of life. Greenland, presentations by our on-
3
board experts will prepare you for the ship approaches the shore, you’ll want Cruising farther south rewards with
adventures that lie ahead. to be on deck to take in the incredible spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The
DAYS 11 TO 15 | EXPLORING view of the twin peaks towering over the jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of
WEST GREENLAND vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the crystal-clear water is one of the most
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords the rocky terrain below. The settlement beautiful sights in Greenland, and we
and vibrant communities, the west coast was established as a Danish colony in hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive
of Greenland will leave you breathless. 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated front from a safe distance. We may also
five years later because seal hunting was go ashore to explore nearby.
Nuussuaq (formerly known as
more plentiful here.
Kraulshavn) is the only mainland Just south of Ilulissat, which means
community in the Upernavik Archipelago. In the nearby archaeological site of “iceberg” in Greenlandic, is the
Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s Qilaqitsoq (also known as Qilakitsoq), impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The
one of the most traditional hunting and you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site is home
fishing villages in Greenland. settlement, where the remains of eight to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive
fully dressed mummies were discovered glacier in the northern hemisphere. As
It’s not surprising that the red-hued,
under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the
heart-shaped mountain that rises up
of hunters. The famous Greenlandic fjord, you may be lucky to witness the
behind Uummannaq gave the traditional
mummies, which date back to 1475 A.D., wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud
community its name (Uummannaq means
are on view at the Greenland National roars as the ice breaks off ). Founded in
“heart-like” in Greenlandic). As your
Museum in Nuuk. 1741, the traditional town, which boasts
4
more sled dogs than people, is famous
in its own right: it was the birthplace Situated in a scenic hollow on a small
of explorer Knud Rasmussen, the first island with no freshwater, the colorful
IMPORTANT REMINDER
to traverse the Northwest Passage by community of Itilleq, which has about
Embracing the unexpected is part
dogsled, in the early 1920s . Hikes here 130 inhabitants, is surrounded by sea, of the legacy—and excitement—of
lead out to stunning views of the young mountains and fjords. The final excursion expedition travel. When traveling
icebergs as as they float out the fjord to of your Arctic adventure may be a hike in extremely remote regions, your
Disko Bay. around Itilleq Fjord. Expedition Team must consider the
sea, ice and weather to guide the route
In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN
and itinerary details. This itinerary is
traditional kayaking demonstration. KANGERLUSSUAQ & FLY TO TORONTO
a tentative outline of what you may
The kayak (an Inuit word that the Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore,
experience on this voyage; please be
English borrowed) is Greenland’s where you’ll board your charter flight aware that no specific itinerary can be
national symbol and can be traced back back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife
to the country’s first immigrants, who in Toronto, we will transfer you to your encounters as described are expected,
used vessels that resemble the narrow included hotel. but not guaranteed. Your Expedition
one- or two-person boats. The town has Team will use their considerable
DAY 15 | DEPART TORONTO, CANADA experience to seek out wildlife in
several 18th-century colonial buildings,
Today, you can make your way home known habitats, but the presence
including the oldest surviving church
at your leisure or spend some time of any particular species of bird or
in Greenland, so take time to wander
exploring this fascinating city. marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
through the historic area. You’ll also
have a chance to hike amongst the area’s
surrounding mountains.
5
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival Day and Embarkation
ARRIVING IN TORONTO
You may arrive in Toronto at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make
your own way to the included hotel, near the airport.
On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure
information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark
Expeditions® will be available in the lobby of the hotel this evening to answer
any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning.
EMBARKATION IN RESOLUTE
PLEASE NOTE
Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Toronto to Resolute on Day 2 There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs
of the itinerary in the morning. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg)
your welcome letter, and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the cabin baggage on the flights between
airport. Upon arrival in Resolute, you will be transferred to the ship by Zodiac. Toronto and the ship. Should you have
additional luggage, it can be stored at
the hotel in Toronto. There is NO option
to pay for additional luggage.
6
Final Day and Included Hotel Arrival and Departure
Departure Accommodations Transfers
DISEMBARKATION IN Your included accommodation begins on TORONTO AIRPORT TRANSFERS
KANGERLUSSUAQ Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific Arrival and departure transfers in
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in hotel(s) will be indicated in your final Toronto are not included; however, if
Kangerlussuaq between 7am and 8am voyage confirmation. If you are arriving you like, your Polar Travel Adviser can
local time. After breakfast, and once prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are arrange them for you.
the ship has anchored, you will have staying after the disembarkation day and
In order to facilitate your transfers, we request
time to bid farewell to your Expedition would like help booking a pre- or post- that you provide your flight details to Quark
Team and shipmates before taking stay, please contact your Polar Travel Expeditions® at least 30 days prior to traveling.
one last Zodiac ride to shore. After Adviser or travel professional for hotel
disembarkation, you will be transferred options. As accommodation space is
to the airport for the return charter flight limited, you are encouraged to request
to Toronto. any extra nights as early as possible.
DEPARTING FROM TORONTO
Upon arrival in Toronto, there will be a
group transfer to your included post-
expedition hotel. After breakfast the
following morning, you may make your
way to the airport to connect with your
onward flight, or stay longer if you have
booked additional accommodation.
7
Your Ship: Ultramarine
NEW! ULTRAMARINE Ultra Suite
Deck 8
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to Owner’s Suite
go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover Penthouse Suite
new places, and to immerse you in the best the region Terrace Suite
Library
has to offer.
708
706
704
702
Deluxe Balcony Suite
WC
WC
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Balcony Suite
WC
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707
705
703
701
Fitness
Fittness
Ceenteer
Center Sp
Spa
pa Saauna
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Explorer Suite
Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of Explorer Triple
628
626
624
622
620
618
616 EL
638
636
634
632
614
612
610
608
606
604
602
adventure activities in the industry, and features the
Cabin
Brridg
Bridge
id
dge
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Solo Panorama
E
Deck 6
category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public E
627
625
623
621
613
611
609
607
605
603
601
619 617 615 Interconnecting Suites
spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than
other expedition ships its size, complemented by an
innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed
WC
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taura
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ran
Deck 5
E
WC WC
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all industry standards.
With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly
4011
4009
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432
430
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426
424
422
418
416
414
412
410
408
406
404
402
positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expedition
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Deck 4
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429
427
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423
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419
417
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411
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experience.
4024
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SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Room
Hospital
334
332
330
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324
322
320
318
316
314
312
310
308
306
304
302
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Staff & Crew: 140 E
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Guests: 199
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Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed
Ice Class: PC6 ZODIAC EMBARKATION
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ZODIAC
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All images are artist's renderings.
ZODIAC EMBARKATION
8Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sauna Suite Bathroom
Fitness Center Main Restaurant
All images are artist's renderings.
9Included Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your
ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage HELI-LANDING
offers a variety of recreational activities You will be transferred from Ultramarine’s
to enhance your polar experience. heli-decks via our two twin-engine
helicopters to a pre-selected Arctic
FLIGHTSEEING destination. You’ll have time to explore
While polar landscapes are spectacular the location, accompanied by Quark
from the sea, they’re even more stunning Expeditions team members, after which
from the air, a view you can enjoy while you’ll be picked up by the helicopters
seated in one of the two twin-engine in the same location and returned to
helicopters stationed on Ultramarine. Ultramarine. Note: heli-landings are
Typically in groups of 7 to 9, you will dependent on weather conditions and
experience an unforgettable aerial tour logistics.
of the Arctic during a 10- to 15-minute
ZODIAC CRUISING
flightseeing excursion that’s included
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar
in the cost of the voyage. Additional
expeditions, taking you to places the
helicopter activities may also be available
ships can’t access, allowing you to
for purchase onboard. Please note: all
reach remote shorelines, explore shallow
helicopter operations are weather- and
inlets and search for unique wildlife.
logistics-dependent.
Expedition staff make stepping in and
out of them safe and comfortable.
10HIKING
Led by experienced staff, exploring on
foot is the best way to appreciate the
polar landscapes. Our guides are able
to accommodate a range of skill levels
to suit every passenger. Walking poles
are provided at each landing for your
convenience. As there are a limited
number of poles available, please bring
your own if you require them on every
landing, as some landing sites will offer
more demanding options than others.
PRESENTATIONS
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations
from our world-class onboard polar
experts—guides, scientists, naturalists,
historians and other special guests who
will introduce you to the fascinating
history, biology, ornithology, and
glaciology of the region, and much,
much more.
POLAR PLUNGE
This rite of passage, scheduled only once
per expedition, gives you the chance
to jump safely into the bracing Arctic
waters under the watchful eye of our
staff—and just about every single camera
on board!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting your voyage so you can
take the memories home is a rewarding
experience. Our photography guides will
help you hone your skills to capture the
beauty of the polar regions.
Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your
Travel Professional for more information
about your Included Activities and Adventure
Options, including the necessary experience,
physical requirements and cost.
11Adventure Options
SEA KAYAKING PADDLING EXCURSION
Imagine gliding across the surface of If you’re interested in kayaking but
a bay in the presence of icebergs and would like to try something a bit less
glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re
a great way to intimately explore your the perfect candidate to sign up for a
surroundings. A small group of kayakers one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top
will plan to go out multiple times per kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal
voyage as an alternative to shore landings or no kayaking experience. Rotating
or Zodiac cruises. groups of passengers will be taken out on
calm days, with our expert guides always
The number of opportunities to kayak
present to provide instruction and help
is weather dependent, and will be
connect you with the polar sea.
conducted only during calm conditions.
Prior kayaking experience is required,
and you must be able to do a wet exit PLEASE NOTE
to participate. Beginners interested in For all paid activities pre-booking is
kayaking should consider participating required. We recommend booking early
in the Paddling Excursion. as spaces fill quickly. Please see your
pre-departure book for a list of provided
gear for each Adventure Option.
12Dates
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
ULTRAMARINE
Dates Days Start / End
ARCTIC 2021
AUG 31 – SEP 16, 2021 17 Toronto
13Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions
RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE:
experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Mandatory Transfer Package*
landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Arrival and departure transfers, except where
program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package
• All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Passport and visa expenses
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges U.S. visa-exempt passengers
throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program • Government arrival and departure taxes not
dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship mentioned above
Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
kosher meals.)
to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • Baggage, cancellation, interruption
• Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and
• Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax and medical travel insurance—strongly
cocoa available around the clock
recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac
• One night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Group transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2 • Laundry, bar and other personal charges
• Charter flight from Toronto to Resolute unless specified
• Group transfer from the Resolute airport to the ship on embarkation day • Phone and Internet charges
• Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage
for shipboard staff and crew
• Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto
• Additional overnight accommodation
• One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
• Adventure Options not listed in Included
PACKAGE PRICE: $2,895 USD Activities
14Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied
as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their
knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar
environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.
With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and
an industry leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected.
Ensuring this hard earned experience is passed on, our new expedition staff
receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar
expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training
for experienced staff.
15Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily.
While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll
always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions
can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served
plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to
prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals
during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer
and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available
around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines
and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard
account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow
shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
16Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote CROKER BAY
regions, your Expedition Team must A nearby glacier actively calves off
consider the sea, ice and weather to chunks of ice, creating a birthing place
guide the route and itinerary details. for icebergs at Croker Bay. The bay was
The following sites are a sample of a popular stop during the 1800s, when a
what you may experience on your path to the Pacific (the Northwest Passage)
expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac was at the forefront of Arctic exploration.
cruise, or shore landing. DUNDAS HARBOUR
Canada Located on Devon Island, there are
remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted
BEECHEY ISLAND
Police post here, dating back to 1924.
Named after Frederick William Beechey,
Historically, this area has been settled
an explorer with the Royal Navy, this is
for more than 3,000 years by Inuit and
one of Canada’s most important Arctic
pre-Inuit cultures. Its original name
sites and has been deemed a Canadian
in Inuktitut is Talluruti, meaning “a
National Historic Site. During the
woman’s chin with tattoos on it.”
Franklin expedition of 1845–46, two of
Be alert for wildlife, as walrus, polar
Franklin’s ships, HMS Erebus and HMS
bears and muskoxen inhabit the area.
Terror, anchored here with perilous
results. Three of Franklin’s crew died
here and are buried at a marked gravesite.
17GRISE FJORD RESOLUTE
The traditional name for this One of Canada’s most northern
Ellesmere Island hamlet means settlements, Resolute has everything
“place that never melts.” From April to from a grocery store and cable TV to a
August, the residents of Canada’s most Royal Canadian Mounted Police station
northerly Inuit community experience and a handful of hotels. It also has an
continuous daylight. airport, which is your gateway back
PRINCE LEOPOLD ISLAND home. About 200 people live in Resolute
Impressive, near perfectly vertical cliffs throughout the year. Hunting is a major
surround part of this small island. This source of income, while in the summer
creates an ideal environment for nesting months, tourism contributes to the
seabirds, and they nest here in vast community’s stability.
numbers—more than 500,000 strong!
Thick-billed murres, black guillemots and West Greenland
northern fulmars are most commonly CAPE YORK
seen here. In 1894, Robert Peary visited Cape York,
RADSTOCK BAY and a soaring monument to the American
The bay has been a popular research explorer, erected in 1932, sits atop the
location for observing polar bears. promontory to this day. The name of a
Denning mothers favor this area, and settlement on a nearby island means “place
polar bears are frequently seen during of meteorite iron,” so it’s not surprising
the summer months. A Thule site here that several meteorites dating back 10,000
provides insight into how the pre-Inuit years, including the famous Cape York
people survived and lived in the Arctic. meteorite, have been found in the area.
18DISKO BAY ILULISSAT
Erik the Red started a settlement on The fjord has been designated a UNESCO IMPORTANT REMINDER
the shores of Disko Bay in 985 C.E. By World Heritage Site because the glacier Embracing the unexpected is part of the
the 15th century, the community was at the head of the fjord produces more legacy—and excitement—of expedition
deserted, as a climate change made the bay icebergs than any other in the northern travel. When traveling in extremely
impassable during the summer months. hemisphere. remote regions, your Expedition Team
must allow the sea, the ice and the
EQIP SERMIA ITILLEQ
weather to guide route and itinerary
With an ice front of just under 2.5 miles Itilleq is a settlement in the Qeqqata
details. This itinerary is a tentative
(4 km), Eqip Sermia is a truly massive municipality in central-western
outline of what you’ll experience on
glacier, with huge chunks of ice seen— Greenland. It was originally founded this voyage; please be aware that no
and heard—calving into the water below. in 1847 on another island, but was specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Navigating the narrow sound on the later moved 0.62 miles (1 km) east to its By the same token, wildlife encounters
way to the glacier requires traversing ice- present location. Its main trade is fishing as described are expected, but not
clogged water, which produces an eerie and hunting, and a facility is required to guaranteed. Your Expedition Team
sound as the bergs grind against desalinate seawater, as the island has no will use their considerable experience
the ship’s hull. freshwater source. to seek out wildlife in known habitats,
but the presence of any particular
ETAH KANGERLUSSUAQ
species of bird or marine wildlife is
An abandoned settlement on the Just 37 miles (60 km) north of the Arctic
not a guarantee.
shores of Foulk Fjord, Etah was a Circle, Kangerlussuaq sits at the head
starting point of discovery expeditions of a long fjord. Muskoxen, reindeer and
to the North Pole. It was also the landing Arctic foxes inhabit the tundra-covered
site of the last migration of the Inuit from plain that surrounds the town.
the Canadian Arctic. The huts of the
former village, once the most-northerly
populated settlement in the world, still
stand today.
19Packing WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES
Weather is very variable; temperatures may hover
around the freezing mark and winds can be strong.
The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so
Checklist
that you may sometimes find it warm enough for
t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls,
fog and white-outs during an expedition and should
be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark
voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate polar boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS
Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!)
Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Binoculars
Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with extra batteries
Extra memory cards
Neck warmer or balaclava
Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates)
Warm hat that covers ears
Eye masks for sleeping
Waterproof pants
Seasickness, indigestion, headache
Waterproof gloves and glove liners
or other medicine
Sunscreen
Voltage converters and plug adapters
Sunglasses with UV protection (220V/European outlets)
Spare set of gloves Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising)
Bug spray and bug nets
FOR ON BOARD
Comfortable casual clothing
(pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes
(NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board
due to safety concerns)
20TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Contact your Travel Professional
PHOTO CREDITS:
Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin;
Michelle Sole; Sue Flood; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Abbey Weisbrot;
EXPEDITION BROCHURE
Hugo Perrin; Grange Productions; Focus Productions; Adobe Stock
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