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Photo © SOI
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EXPEDITION ITINERARY
About the Itinerary:
Every day on board the vessel will be different than the last. Our approach to expedition learning weaves together elements of exciting shore landings, interpretive hikes, community visits, zodiac cruises, and ship-based exploration. We will also incorporate lectures, workshops, naturalist seminars and small group discussion into the education program. We also believe that participants need time for personal reflection, such as time alone on deck to soak up some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
As always, weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to this expedition itinerary. Flexibility is the key!
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Aug. 2-3 |
Ottawa, Canada: Our team of students, chaperones, scientists and expedition staff will assemble in Canada’s capital for two days of pre-expedition excitement! A behind-the-scenes tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Natural Heritage Building and many interesting workshops await us. We will also be the guests of honour at a gala IPY Expedition kick-off event! |
Aug. 4 |
Iqaluit, Nunavut: This morning, we board our First Air charter flight for Iqaluit, Nunavut – Canada’s newest capital! We will spend some time exploring the community before boarding our expedition vessel – the “Polar Ambassador”, checking into our cabins, casting off the lines, and setting sail down Frobisher Bay! |
Aug. 5 |
The Grinnell Glacier and The Lower Savage Islands: We will begin our adventure sailing down Frobisher Bay to the Grinnell Glacier, and then onwards to the Lower Savage Islands located in the wild waters off the southeastern tip of Baffin Island. In pure expedition spirit, we plan to make a landing to the rarely visited Savage Islands. Our expedition staff and education team will lead us on hikes across the tundra. We hope to find evidence of the Palaeo-Eskimo people who may have used the Savage Islands as a resting place as they traveled between the south coast of Baffin Island and the northern-tip of the Labrador-Quebec Peninsula. |
Aug. 6 |
Akpatok Island and Quaqtaq, Ungava Bay: This eastern end of the famed Hudson Strait is a vital feeding area for millions of seabirds. It is also the main migration route for beluga, bowhead and narwhal whales heading for Hudson Bay. Expect to spend a lot of time on deck, keeping a sharp look-out! More soaring bird cliffs await us at Akpatok Island; Black Guillemots, Iceland and Herring Gulls are all abundant nesters here! We will explore Akpatok’s pristine rocky beaches and will hike inland to explore grassy meadows, ponds and streams. This is also a great place to spot Polar Bears!
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Aug. 7 |
Monumental Island: We will visit the remote and rocky island off the west coast of Baffin Island – home to hundreds of Walrus and usually a good place to view Polar Bears! |
Aug. 8 |
Kekerten Island and Pangnirtung: Kekerten Island is a reminder of European whaling days of long ago. At one time, many commercial whaling stations dotted this area. Today, we will visit the remains of one such station. In the afternoon we plan to visit the Inuit Hamlet of Pangnirtung. Situated on a coastal plain along the shores of the stunning Pangnirtung Fjord, this community was once a Hudson Bay Company trading post. Today, we will visit community leaders and village Inuit elders to listen to their observations of the impact of climate change on their community and way of life, as well as visit the local artist’s cooperative.
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Aug. 9 |
Auyuittuq National Park: Following a breathtaking journey up the Pangnirtung Fjord, we find ourselves entering one of Canada’s most spectacular parks. With its glaciers, soaring mountains, and one of the most diverse selections of Arctic mammals and migratory birds, this will be a day of breathtaking grandeur. Lace up your hiking boots for a spectacular all-day trek to the Arctic Circle!
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Aug. 10-11 |
Cape Dyer and Kivitoo: We will spend the next day or so, sailing north along the rugged eastern-coast of Baffin Island past Cape Dyer and Kivitoo, just north of the community of Qikiqtarjuaq. Depending on ice and weather conditions, we hope to sail into some pack ice and experience real ice navigation! Naturally, it will be all hands-on-deck for whales, bears and seals throughout the day. We will also sail above the Arctic Circle! |
Aug. 12 |
Itirbilung Fjord: The various fjords and islands of Home Bay are rich with wildlife and in history. We will explore the stunning fjords and search for the red, rocky slopes of Abbajalik Island, the only known breeding colony of Dovekies in the Canadian Arctic. The telltale red coloration of the island is caused by nitrophilous red lichen which signals a long, continued use by Dovekies. We will also search for signs of ancient Thule settlements as well as Polar Bears and Bowhead Whales. |
Aug. 13 |
Fjord Day: After exploring the numerous fjords and islands of Home Bay, the expedition turns southward down Baffin’s craggy coast. We will sail south while making quick Zodiac excursions along the way in the dramatic fjords of the northern end of Auyuittuq National Park, investigate icebergs and watch wildlife.
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Aug. 14 |
Cape Mercy: As we continue south and sail along the east coast of Baffin Island, our education staff will be busy on deck and in the lecture hall discussing the impacts of climate change on this area of the Arctic. There will also be many opportunities available to observe icebergs and wildlife on deck. |
Aug. 15 |
Butterfly Bay: As the expedition winds down, we will stop in Butterfly Bay where there will be icebergs to see, beaches to cruise, wildlife to spot and some fantastic hills and tundra to hike. We will start to wrap up lectures and workshops to help make sense of the experiences of the trip. We will discuss ways to apply the lessons learned on the expedition for when participants return home. |
Aug. 16-17 |
Iqaluit and Ottawa: Upon returning to the capital of Canada’s newest territory, we will have the opportunity to explore the town, and be treated to a special reception by local officials. This afternoon we board our return charter flight back to Ottawa. Late that evening and throughout the next day, the team will bid fond farewells and begin their respective journeys home. |
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