Ontario/Greenland
Arctic Expedition: Baffin Island and Greenland
Program No. 21407RJ
Journey to the Arctic Circle in summer and bask in the Land of the Midnight Sun as you explore gorgeous fjords, discover incredible wildlife and examine massive glaciers up close.
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
16 days
15 nights
43 meals
15B 13L 15D
2
Explore Ottawa
Ottawa
4
Beechey Island
Beechey Island
5
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Lancaster Sound
6
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Lancaster Sound
7
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Lancaster Sound
8
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Mittimatalik
9
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Lancaster Sound
10
Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet)
Mittimatalik
11
At Sea, Davis Strait
Davis Strait
12
Western Greenland
Uummannaq
13
Ilulissat
Ilulissat
14
Sisimiut
Sisimiut
16
Program Concludes
Toronto
At a Glance
Embark on an expedition north of the Arctic Circle in summer, when long days allow for plenty of time to absorb the incredible environments around you. Beginning in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and ending in Greenland, this voyage takes you into dramatic fjords, close to actively calving glaciers and through icy waters home to an array of majestic wildlife.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Search for bears, whales and walrus in their Arctic feeding grounds.
- Get a close look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord by Zodiac, located at the mouth of one of the world’s most active glaciers.
- Enhance your knowledge with unique access to Adventure Canada's seasoned onboard staff, each professionals in their fields including culturalists, photographers and naturalists.
General Notes
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. The program is limited to 24 participants and the Ocean Endeavour holds 198 passengers.
Suggested Reading List
(33 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Arctic Expedition: Baffin Island and Greenland
Program Number: 21407
The Voyage of the Narwhal
Across the Top of the World
The Last Gentleman Adventurer
Frozen in Time: The Fate of the Franklin Expedition
Ice Ship: The Epic Voyages of the Polar Adventurer Fram
In Order to Live Untroubled: Inuit of the Central Arctic, 1550-1940
Dead Reckoning: the Untold Story of the Northwest Passage
Native peoples of Quebec. Michel Noel, Redaction
The Other Side of Eden: Hunters, Farmers, and the Shaping of the World
Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams and Nightmares
The Last Imaginary Place
True North: Peary, Cook, and the Race to the Pole
From Magic Words to Word Processing: A History of the Inuit Language
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
Give Me My Father's Body: The Life of Minik the New York Eskimo
Canada's Relationship With Inuit: A History of Policy and Program Development
The Arctic Grail: The Quest for the North West Passage and the North Pole
Paper Stays Put: A Collection of Inuit Writing
What We Know About Climate Change
Franklin's Lost Ship: Historic Discovery of HMS Erebus
Gossip: a Spoken History of Women in the North
Ghosts of Cape Sabine: the Harrowing True Story of the Greely Expedition
The Right to Be Cold: One Women's Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic, and the Whole Planet
Inuit Women Artists: Voices from Cape Dorset
The Legend of Kiviuq as Retold in the Drawings of Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq.
The Gates of Hell: Sir John Franklin's Tragic Quest for the Northwest Passage
The Future of the Arctic
Across Time and Tundra: the Inuvialuit of the Western Arctic
Who Owns the Arctic: Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North
Vikings: the North Atlantic Saga
Arctic Eden
Uqalurait: an Oral History of Nunavut
Program
At a Glance
Duration
16 days
Program Begins
Ottawa
Program Concludes
Toronto
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
43
| 15B |
13L |
15D |
Activity Level
Embark on an expedition north of the Arctic Circle in summer, when long days allow for plenty of time to absorb the incredible environments around you. Beginning in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and ending in Greenland, this voyage takes you into dramatic fjords, close to actively calving glaciers and through icy waters home to an array of majestic wildlife.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Search for bears, whales and walrus in their Arctic feeding grounds.
- Get a close look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord by Zodiac, located at the mouth of one of the world’s most active glaciers.
- Enhance your knowledge with unique access to Adventure Canada's seasoned onboard staff, each professionals in their fields including culturalists, photographers and naturalists.
General Notes
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. The program is limited to 24 participants and the Ocean Endeavour holds 198 passengers.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(33 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
43 meals | 15B | 13L | 15D |
8 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
15 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Ottawa
Meals:
D
Stay:
Fairmont Château Laurier
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation at 6:00 PM followed by Dinner at 7:00 PM. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Explore Ottawa
Location:
Ottawa
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Fairmont Château Laurier
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; paved surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on foot to explore Canada's capital city. With a local expert, we will explore some of Ottawa's iconic landmarks, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and Byward Market. We’ll learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the area.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We’ll have independent time to explore Canada’s capital city before meeting back at the hotel for a mandatory Adventure Canada Orientation. This Orientation is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Charter Flight to Resolute, Embark Ocean Endeavour
Location:
Resolute
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Embarkation via zodiac; staff available to assist. Flight times are subject to the unpredictable Arctic weather and the vagaries of flight servicing in remote destinations. Delays can, and often do occur. Should you require medication during the day please ensure you keep this with you.
Breakfast:
Aboard the charter flight to Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU.
Morning:
Transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Resolute on board a 737 aircraft.
Lunch:
Aboard the charter flight.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Resolute, NU. Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun — daylight persists constantly from about April 29 to August 13 each year. The community’s English name, Resolute Bay, honors the HMS Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. “Resolute” also describes locals who survived being relocated, in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Quebec, and Mittimatalik by the Canadian government. We will take a zodiac to the ship. While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The schedule that follows is tentative and a representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Aboard ship, we’ll have a 3-course a la carte plated meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus water, coffee, tea; other beverages available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible.
Evening:
At leisure. Rotating members of the ship’s staff will offer fun educational activities and presentations.
Day
4
Beechey Island
Location:
Beechey Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
A field trip to Beechey Island led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England on an attempt to sail through the Northwest Passage for the first time. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party. With the discovery of Franklin’s flagship, HMS Erebus in 2014, and Terror in 2016, the graves at Beechey Island and nearby ruins of Northumberland House are bound to be a haunting highlight.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
5
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Location:
Lancaster Sound
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get we; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today is the first of five days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), which is Canada’s newest National Marine Conservation Areas. We will spend these days exploring the ocean wilderness of Lancaster Sound via zodiac with our onboard expert. Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll learn about this area’s fascinating marine life. There is a great selection of landing sites available. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
6
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Location:
Lancaster Sound
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll set out on an expert-led walking field trip to Devon Island to observe and learn about its unique geology. Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on earth comprising over fifty thousand square kilometers. The island's geology consists of reddish Precambrian gneiss and Paleozoic siltstones and shale; these, combined with its harsh climate, have led NASA to test its Mars rovers on Devon Island!
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to explore Devon Island. Its finest features include massive landforms, shining glaciers, long-abandoned ruins, and undisturbed habitats for Arctic wildlife.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
7
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Location:
Lancaster Sound
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac sailing/landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet. Getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we'll continue exploring Lancaster Sound via zodiac. We'll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears and other wildlife. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
8
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Location:
Mittimatalik
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Possibility of walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue exploring Lancaster Sound. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbor. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to explore Lancaster Sound. We’ll return to the ship with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
9
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Location:
Lancaster Sound
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we'll continue exploring Lancaster Sound via zodiac. We'll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears and other wildlife. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
10
Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet)
Location:
Mittimatalik
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll journey to Mittimatalik. This bustling Arctic community is surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern Arctic. We will have independent time to explore the town, including its excellent library and other facilities. Next, we will gather in the Community Hall for a cultural presentation from local citizens that will include traditional throat singing, drum dancing, and storytelling. We’ll return to the ship with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
11
At Sea, Davis Strait
Location:
Davis Strait
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
While crossing Davis Strait towards Greenland, we'll relax and enjoy onboard lectures and opportunities to watch for wildlife from the ship's decks. Resource staff will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Relax aboard the Ocean Endeavour as you enjoy onboard lectures from the knowledgeable resource staff.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
12
Western Greenland
Location:
Uummannaq
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
A field trip to explore Greenland’s west coast will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience, choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you will have plenty to choose from. From mighty mountains to the tiniest tundra flowers, Greenland’s west coast offers a stunning array of wildlife.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
13
Ilulissat
Location:
Ilulissat
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, and there couldn’t be a more fitting name for this remarkable place. With an onboard expert, we will sail in our fleet of Zodiacs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier and is one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at nineteen meters per day. Calving more than thirty-five square kilometers of ice annually, it creates the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time in Illulissat. Explore the bustling town, with museums, cafes, craft shops, and a busy fishing harbor, or use this time to hike out to an elevated viewpoint to observe the icefjord a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
14
Sisimiut
Location:
Sisimiut
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will visit the small town of Sisimiut. People have lived in the area for 4,500 years. We will learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to explore Sisimiut, warmed by the West Greenland current, the waters around Sisimiut are free of sea ice, making the area an important fishing and shipping center as well as a habitat for marine mammals.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
15
Kangerlussuaq, Disembarkation, Charter Flight to Toronto
Location:
Toronto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Activity Note
Flight times are subject to the unpredictable Arctic weather and the vagaries of flight servicing in remote destinations. Delays can, and often do occur. Should you require medication during the day please ensure you keep this with you. Transfer to shore is via Zodiacs.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometers of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s only international flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to shore via Zodiac. We will then board our bus and ride to the airport for our return charter flight to Toronto.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.
Afternoon:
In flight to Toronto.
Dinner:
Served onboard en route to Toronto.
Evening:
Evening arrival to Toronto. We'll gather our baggage and check-in at the hotel. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Day
16
Program Concludes
Location:
Toronto
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out 12:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
43 Meals
15 Breakfasts
13 Lunches
15 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024
Participant Reviews
Based on 4 Reviews
Sort By:
I took this trip as a follow-up to the Greenland to Newfoundland expedition I took in 2023. Excessive time in open waters combined with heavy fog most days resulted in a less inspiring trip this time. The ship itself was built in 1982 and is showing its age.
Still, excellent researchers onboard (including renowned geologist, historian, archeologist, biologists, linguist and author Margaret Atwood) provided great lectures and presentations. One team member was a terrific guitarist and played for the passengers several times! Excellent meals.
Jocelyn Langford, our leader, was experienced, welcoming, capable and enthusiastic.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Best trip of my life! Blown away by the Inuit!
— Review left January 11, 2024
Excellent trip in seldom seen parts of world and wildlife. The Ocean Endeavour is a first class ship with outstanding leadership and crew. One must be prepared for unpredictable weather and schedule changes.
— Review left August 30, 2022
Wonderful program. Saw polar bears, muskoxen, whales, icebergs and see ice. We got to spend time in indigenous communities and learn their history and culture. Very rewarding experience.
— Review left August 25, 2022