Colours of Uummannaq | Rachel Imber
Colours of Uummannaq  | Rachel Imber
The vast landscape of the Northwest Passage  | ©Dennis Minty
Sisimiut village in West Greenland  | Dennis Minty
The immense beauty of Karrat Fjord  | © Michelle Valberg
A humpback whale fluke's  | Rachel Imber
Walking the tundra of West Greenland  | Mike Beedell

Circling the Midnight Sun: Baffin Island and Greenland

14 Days from

$9995 USD

Trip Code: CHC
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bunk Bed Twin
$11995 USD
Upper Deck Twin
$13195 USD
Bridge Deck Twin
$13995 USD
Superior Twin
$14995 USD
Single Upper Deck
$19995 USD
Kayaking Option
$950 USD
Optional Charter Flights
$2640 USD

Duration

  • 14 Days

Activities

  • 13 days expedition cruising

Accommodation

  • 13 nights aboard Ocean Nova

Meals

  • 13 Dinners
  • 12 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Experience the rugged beauty of the Cumberland Peninsula
  • Submerge yourself in Inuit culture in Panniqtuuq
  • Search for Polar Bear, Beluga whales and Arctic Fox
  • Photograph exquisite Arctic flowers at the height of summer bloo
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord
  • Sail along the dramatically beautiful west Greenland coastline

Overview

Marvel at the rugged beauty, rich Inuit culture and varied wildlife as we make our way along southern coast of Baffin Island and across to Greenland. Starting from Iqaluit we sail north towards Lady Franklin Island, where we explore the coastline by zodiac, keeping watch for seabirds, polar bears, and marine life. Experience Panniqtuuq, a small Inuit community surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the ocean. Spend two days in Cumberland Peninsula, taking every opportunity to hike the vast tundra and zodiac cruise through the ice-strewn waters. Make sure to keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales. Crossing the Davis Strait we arrive in Greenland, an island of rare beauty covering nearly 3.5 million square kilometres. More than 80 percent of the island is covered by the ice cap or small glaciers, and the west coast provides a landscape of dramatic peaks and enormous fjords. Throughout the voyage, we enjoy ample opportunities to view and photograph the unique wildlife of the region. At each stop, we board zodiacs to go ashore, or position ourselves for the best views to take photographs of the wildlife, flowers, icebergs and landscapes. Our landing sites here include the spectacular west coat, a full day at Ilulissat and Sisimuit before our voyage concludes in Kangerlussuaq.

Itinerary

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Begin your journey by transferring to the ship by zodiac through Iqaluit harbour. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital. A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Ottawa (Ontario) in the early morning so we suggest you book one night pre-trip accommodation to ensure you do not miss the flight.

Meals: D

Sail through this beautiful bay named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendour.

Meals: B,L,D

Journey to Lady Franklin Island, one of the many rugged and wildlife-rich islands dotting the south Baffin Island coast. Explore the coastline by Zodiac keeping watch for seabirds, polar bears, and marine life. A wonderful introduction to the geology of Nunavut, examine the rock formations from the sea. With Inuit expedition team members by your side, you'll gain an intimate perspective on the captivating wildlife and geological wonders that cross your path.

Meals: B,L,D

Spend time on the nuna—the Inuktitut name for land. Take a hike that best suits your interest accompanied by our expert expedition team who offer insightful interpretations of the surroundings. Soak in the full seasonal blooms at the height of Arctic summer as you explore the rolling tundra. A stop here will give you a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level.

Meals: B,L,D

Experience Panniqtuuq, nestled on a coastal plain amidst stunning mountains and a winding river valley. Meaning “the place of the bull caribou” in Inuktitut, this charming community is embraced by snow-capped peaks and the ocean. Immerse yourself in renowned Inuit art at the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre. Step inside the print and weave shop, where talented Inuit artists create beautifully woven tapestries and prints. Get the opportunity to purchase the acclaimed "Pang" hats—colourfully patterned crocheted toques—at the centre's gift shop.

Meals: B,L,D

Spend two days exploring the Cumberland Peninsula, a stunning Arctic region steeped in cultural heritage. Jutting from the southeastern coast of Baffin Island, this peninsula encompasses Cumberland Sound, whose profuse wildlife sustained Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years. We hope to experience the same natural wonders as we sail through the marine-rich waterway. It was even considered a potential missing link in the early search for the Northwest Passage. While exploring, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the captivating maritime history of the region, gaining a deeper understanding of its past and present significance. We'll make the most of every opportunity to hike the vast tundra and Zodiac in the ice-strewn waters. Make sure to keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales.

Meals: B,L,D

Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Try your hand at athletic feats during an interactive cultural performance of Inuit games. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the culture and gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse. Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Meals: B,L,D

Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat, or Greenland! Choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing on Greenland’s spectacular west coast. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you’ll be delighted! Alongside our team of knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists, and geologists, embrace every opportunity to learn and deepen your connection to the landscapes we explore. Admire the mighty mountains and the tiniest tundra flowers—a stop in this area will offer many outstanding features to pique your interest.

Meals: B,L,D

Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold. Visit the town, with its museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Meals: B,L,D

Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Meals: B,L,D

Our trip concludes today in Kangerlussuaq. Meaning 'The Big Fjord' in Greenlandic, the town is appropriately named, with the fjord covering 168km in length. It lies at the head of the longest fjord in western Greenland, and has one of the most stable climates in the region though temperatures can range from -50C in the winter to as high as 28C in summer. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Kangerlussuaq bound for Toronto (Ontario) in the early evening.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Services of expedition leaders
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Service charges and port fees
  • Pre-departure information
  • Basic Wi-Fi (subject to reception)

Not included

  • Optional charter flights necessary to get to/from start and end point
  • Travel to and from start /end point of trip
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges, and airport departure taxes
  • Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Customary end of voyage tips for ship's crew (approximately US$10 - 15 per passenger per day)

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Extra trip info

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