Expedition Cruise with Adventure Canada: High Arctic and Greenland
– August 2023 –
Written by Amy Davoli, Owner and Travel & Cruise Consultant at Travitude Travel Group
When I was awarded a spot with Adventure Canada on an Expedition Cruise to explore the High Arctic Circle and Greenland, my first thought was, “This isn’t my typical scene”. I have always been drawn to sunny beaches and palm tree-line shores, not tundras and glaciers. However, I knew that if I didn’t say yes to this opportunity, I might regret it in the future. And I’m so glad that I did! The experience was so much more than I ever expected, it was certainly an adventure for a lifetime.
I was fortunate enough to be joined by my cousin, Christina, whose excitement for this once-in-a-lifetime trip raised my spirits. Throughout this unique trip, I was able to see parts of the world that only 1% of people have the pleasure of enjoying. Join me as I recap this incredible journey from Ottawa, Ontario to Nunavut, the high Arctic, Greenland, and back!
Day 1: Setting Off on a New Kind of Journey
After several delays, I finally made it to Ottawa! And finally connected with Christina and the entire group we would be traveling with on this 12 day adventure. That evening everyone gathered for an informational session to provide details on what to expect, and we were each given our exclusive Adventure Canada winter coat, and yes, we got to keep them.
Day 2: Flying to Nunavut
When I woke up the next morning, I was still in shock that this high arctic adventure was happening!! After a quick breakfast, it was time for us to get on the bus. The bus took us from the hotel directly to the private airport, where our planes were waiting for us!!! Two chartered jets will take the entire group up to Nunavut. When you book an Adventure Canada expedition, everything is included! Transfers, chartered air, every zodiac ride, every excursion, every part of the adventure!!!!
Getting to Resolute actually meant taking two flights. Apparently Resolute doesn’t have fuel, so it’s required to make a pit stop and land in Iqaluit to fuel up so the aircraft can get back. So interesting to learn! Both flights were smooth, we flew over Hudson Bay, so blue so gorgeous! As we came in for our landing in Resolute we could actually see the Adventure Canada vessel in the water, this totally brought on another level of excitement! It was time!!
Finally, we arrived in Resolute, Nunavut. We transferred from a private airport to our destination in two chartered jets that Adventure Canada had arranged. We took a bus from the airport to the beach, boarded zodiacs, and set off toward our expedition vessel. Honestly, even at this point I was still pinching myself because I couldn’t believe I was there!
Boarding and Exploring the Ship
It was time to board the ship, which we would be spending the next 9 days on. The vessel was unreal; exploring it was an adventure in itself. While there was no internet connection for most of the trip, at this point I was still able to get enough data to send out a quick trip update on Facebook.
As for our room, the cabin was incredibly cozy! I was pleasantly surprised by how perfect the room felt for a restful night’s sleep — especially important since we’d be dealing with 23 hours of daylight in the high arctic during the trip! Here’s a peak at our comfy cozy cabin, and some photos around the ship.
Day 3: Discovering Port Leopold
Day three brought us our first taste of real exploration with two expedition opportunities. We first made a wet landing at Port Leopold, where we learned about the rich history and ecology of the area from our guides. I love learning new things and I really learned a lot from these field experts.
In the afternoon, we were treated to a spectacular zodiac ride to see a massive bird colony, home to over 500,000 birds and five different species. As we sailed around the cliffs, I was mesmerized by the sheer scale and beauty of the colony and the rugged landscape around us. We even spotted seals on the way back, adding another highlight to an already amazing day.
Day 4 – Glacier Viewing at Croker Bay
Day 4 started with an early wakeup call from the captain, that there was a visible polar bear that could be seen from the ship. Immediately after hearing that, Christina and I rushed out of our cabins to witness this stunning creature. After breakfast we set off on our first excursion of the day, glacier viewing at Croker Bay.
The glacier at Croker Bay had cleared enough for us to get an up-close view, and it was truly remarkable. The ice towering above us reached about 100 feet, but it extends to an incredible 3,000 feet in total! Our guides connected all the zodiacs to deliver an on-the-spot informational session, letting us absorb the grandeur of the glacier right where it stands.
Our plans shifted unexpectedly in the afternoon when our bear monitors spotted another polar bear, preventing us from safely going ashore. Instead, we loaded up the zodiacs and set off on a closer cruise, watching the bear move about as we followed from a safe distance. It was something I never imagined I would see with my own two eyes.
Day 5 – A Relaxing Day Paired with an Arctic Plunge!
Today was a bit more relaxing for us. Christina and I decided to sleep in and start the day on our own time. The morning expedition had already left, but our leader noticed us wandering the deck and offered us a private zodiac cruise. Just the two of us and one other guest took in the beauty of the bay, appreciating the stillness and the great Arctic landscapes. I found the mountains to be insanely cool. You wouldn’t think they were that big, just looking at them. However, when I looked closely, I could see people climbing, and they looked as small as ants!
After lunch, there were different onboard workshops available. I chose to lounge in the library a bit connecting with my representative from Norwegian Cruise Line. Then I decided to go to the top of the bow to take in the sites and I am so glad I did because the team spotted walruses!
Later, we enjoyed a shipboard BBQ with views of the icy surroundings, followed by some onboard workshops and, for the adventurous, an Arctic plunge! Watching Christina and the other brave souls jump into the icy waters (6°C/43°F) was such fun, even though me and a few others stood on the sidelines just cheering them on!
Day 6 – Spotting Birds, Waterfalls, and Cliffsides in Cape Hay’s
Fog greeted us this morning, but we headed out on zodiacs to observe a bird colony along Cape Hay’s cliffs. Over 120,000 pairs of birds nest here, and we spotted a stunning waterfall cascading down the cliffside. All I can say is WOW!
The rest of the day was spent crossing into a new Arctic region as we sailed southward. I took the opportunity to relax, catch up on some work, and enjoy a friendly game of cribbage with fellow travelers. Our afternoon teatime paired with Flambe was also a treat and a wonderful way to cap off Day 6.
Day 7 – Visiting a Small, Yet Thriving Community
On day 7, we were fortunate enough to be able to be the first ship to visit Pond Inlet this season. The ice had just fully melted yesterday, allowing our Captain to sail right up to the Pond Inlet docking. The community in this small town is growing and only currently homes about 1,160 people.
Some of the locals hosted a presentation of Inuit games, singing, drumming, and dancing, all deeply rooted in tradition. It was incredibly moving to be invited into this lovely community. However, our time here went too quickly, and before we knew it, we were back on board, setting sail for Greenland.
Day 8: Arriving in Greenland
We’ve officially crossed into Greenland, and the journey keeps getting more incredible! We kicked off the morning with a zodiac ride alongside towering icebergs, some soaring nearly 200 feet above sea level. Now that we’re here, I can hardly believe we have only two days left before we fly home. This trip that once felt so daunting and endless is suddenly coming to an end, and honestly, I’m not ready to leave. It’s amazing how immersing yourself in a place so wild and untouched can change you.
Day 9: Exploring the Operations Cabin & More Sailing
Today was packed with special moments that make this expedition feel so unique. We all gathered for a huge group photo on the bow of the ship. Then, as a surprise, they opened the bridge for everyone! Stepping inside and getting an up-close look at the operations was incredible. The captain of the Ocean Endeavour took time to explain the equipment they use, showing us the GPS, sonar, and satellite imaging systems that help them navigate these icy waters safely.
Day 10: Wandering Around Illulisaat
After an unforgettable morning cruising by massive icebergs, we arrived in the charming town of Ilulissat (pronounced eh-lulu-set). We started by wandering through the town on foot, taking in its small, friendly feel. With a population of just under 6,000, it’s a close-knit community, and I loved getting a glimpse into daily life here. One tip for anyone visiting Greenland: pack bug spray! I’ve never seen so many mosquitoes in my life!
After exploring on foot, we took a short bus ride to a World UNESCO site, where we followed a wooden pier to reach our destination. The path had its challenges, with some parts being quite windy and hilly, but every bit of effort was worth it for the breathtaking views of massive icebergs emerging from the fjord.
Day 11: Our Final Day in Greenland!
We spent our final day in Greenland exploring Sisimiut, a small town only accessible by boat or plane. Christina and I spent most of the day exploring on foot, climbing through lots of hilly, green landscapes which was a huge change from the previous views of seemingly endless ice.
After our exploration, I stopped by Hotel Soma to enjoy a food tasting experience open to visitors. While I took some photos, I’ll be honest, I decided not to try any samples. Honestly, I’m not the most adventurous eater. I did, however, make one last stop at a grocery store to pick out some snacks to bring home to my boys!
Back on board, this was officially our last evening and sailing on Ocean Endeavor. We would be sailing past absolutely breathtaking fjords. I can’t even describe how fantastic this was. I know I’m short, but wow did I feel so incredibly small next to these magestic mountains! Christina and I stood outside for a long time, soaking in every possible moment.
When I look back on this adventure, I’m amazed at just how much I loved it. Like I said, an Arctic Circle expedition isn’t a trip I would have ever thought to book myself. I guess sometimes, the universe hands you things out of your comfort zone and teaches you new things about yourself and the world! I would do this again in a heartbeat!
Ready to book your trip to the High Arctic? Reach out to a travel agent today and get planning!