Jul 23 - Aug 6, 2025
Greenland/Canada
Heart of the Arctic: An Expedition to Northern Canada & Greenland
Program No. 25006RJ
Voyage into the Arctic by expedition ship and get up close to massive glaciers and expansive tundra while searching for polar bears, whales and more!
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
| Ship Inside | Ship Outside |
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A cabin with no window, porthole or balcony.
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A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.
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15 days
14 nights
41 meals
14B 13L 14D
3
Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord
At Sea
4
Nuuk
At Sea
5
At Sea, Davis Strait
At Sea
6
Ungava Bay
At Sea
7
Ungava Bay Continued
At Sea
8
Ungava Peninsula, Quebec
At Sea
10
Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
At Sea
11
Hudson Strait
At Sea
12
Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
At Sea
13
At Sea, Frobisher Bay
At Sea
15
Program Concludes
Ottawa
At a Glance
From glaciers and fjords to polar bears and belugas, there’s nothing like the landscapes and ecosystems of the Arctic. Experience the vastness and magnificence of northern Canada firsthand and get a new perspective on geological features and wildlife via expedition ship and smaller Zodiac vessels. Set sail across the region’s bays while keeping your eyes peeled for walruses, whales, seals and more. Then, make land on the world’s largest island — Greenland — and explore its capital on foot, including a stop at the Greenland National Museum. Voyage through Inuit culture, Arctic wildlife and geology on this unforgettable learning adventure.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day over hilly, rocky, uneven terrain. Climbing stairs between decks on board as well as external gangway stairs to transfer between the ship and Zodiacs. Most embarkations and disembarkations will be via Zodiac, which require stepping up or down approximately 12 inches. Zodiac landings will generally entail disembarking onto rocky or gravelly beaches and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides.
Best of all, you’ll…
- In the Canadian territory of Nunavut, visit Akpatok Island, which boasts spectacular limestone cliffs and an abundance of birds.
- Delve into the area’s Inuit culture as you visit an Inuit art studio and explore Kimmirut, where the Inuit people have lived for thousands of years.
- Search for arctic wildlife from smaller Zodiac vessels.
Suggested Reading List
(22 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.
Heart of the Arctic: An Expedition to Northern Canada & Greenland
Program Number: 25006
Gossip: a Spoken History of Women in the North
Uqalurait: an Oral History of Nunavut
Canada's Relationship With Inuit: A History of Policy and Program Development
What We Know About Climate Change
The Ice At The End of the World
In The Ice at the End of the World, Jon Gertner explains how Greenland has evolved from one of earth's last frontiers to its largest scientific laboratory.
Give Me My Father's Body: The Life of Minik the New York Eskimo
Arctic Eden
The Voyage of the Narwhal
This Cold Heaven
In This Cold Heaven Gretel Ehrlich combines the story of her travels with history and cultural anthropology to reveal a Greenland that few of us could otherwise imagine.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
A primer on Arctic climate, geography, plants, birds, mammals and insects in a single nicely written book. It's a highly recommended, enthusiastic guide to natural history throughout the Circumpolar North.
Inuit Women Artists: Voices from Cape Dorset
Melting Away, Images of the Arctic and Antarctic
In her masterful series of 75 portraits and essays, Camille Seaman shows how climate change has wreaked havoc on both the North and South Poles.
Unikkaaqtuat: An Introduction to Inuit Myths and Legends
This definitive collection of Inuit legends is thoughtfully introduced and carefully annotated to provide the historical and cultural context in which to understand this rich oral tradition.
The Right to Be Cold: One Women's Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic, and the Whole Planet
Paper Stays Put: A Collection of Inuit Writing
Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams and Nightmares
Who Owns the Arctic: Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North
The Greenlanders
Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author Jane Smiley’s The Greenlanders is an enthralling novel in the epic tradition of the old Norse sagas.
The Future of the Arctic
The Arctic, A Guide to Coastal Wildlife
An essential handbook for the ship-based traveler, this compact guide to the plants, marine mammals and birds of the Circumpolar North features handsome watercolor illustrations and lively text. This new edition includes a section on the Bering Sea.
The Snow People
Spirited, enthusiastic and sympathetic, Marie Herbert tells the fascinating story of two years of Arctic adventure: in doing so she has written an important anthropological account of a vanishing way of life.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Toronto
Program Concludes
Ottawa
Meals
41
| 14B |
13L |
14D |
Activity Level
From glaciers and fjords to polar bears and belugas, there’s nothing like the landscapes and ecosystems of the Arctic. Experience the vastness and magnificence of northern Canada firsthand and get a new perspective on geological features and wildlife via expedition ship and smaller Zodiac vessels. Set sail across the region’s bays while keeping your eyes peeled for walruses, whales, seals and more. Then, make land on the world’s largest island — Greenland — and explore its capital on foot, including a stop at the Greenland National Museum. Voyage through Inuit culture, Arctic wildlife and geology on this unforgettable learning adventure.)
Best of all, you'll...
- In the Canadian territory of Nunavut, visit Akpatok Island, which boasts spectacular limestone cliffs and an abundance of birds.
- Delve into the area’s Inuit culture as you visit an Inuit art studio and explore Kimmirut, where the Inuit people have lived for thousands of years.
- Search for arctic wildlife from smaller Zodiac vessels.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day over hilly, rocky, uneven terrain. Climbing stairs between decks on board as well as external gangway stairs to transfer between the ship and Zodiacs. Most embarkations and disembarkations will be via Zodiac, which require stepping up or down approximately 12 inches. Zodiac landings will generally entail disembarking onto rocky or gravelly beaches and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(22 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
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
41 meals | 14B | 13L | 14D |
10 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Toronto
Meals:
D
Stay:
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Later in the afternoon, we will meet for a mandatory briefing with Adventure Canada. Here we will meet Resource Staff and fellow travelers as we learn about the embarkation process.
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
Charter Flight to Kangerlussuaq, Embark Ocean Endeavour
Location:
Kangerlussuaq
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Due to the remote location of the ports, each embarkation and disembarkation will be done via zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. 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 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
Morning:
We’ll transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq on board a 737 aircraft.
Lunch:
Aboard the charter flight.
Afternoon:
We’ll arrive in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. We'll board a bus and ride to the port. We will board Zodiacs and transfer to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation. We’ll begin our adventure by sailing down the dramatic Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world boasting 168 kilometers of superb scenery. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord.’ 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. 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. 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 meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus coffee, tea, water; 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 on a variety of topics such as history, biology, storytelling, and folk music.
Day
3
Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature. We will board our Zodiacs and explore the glacial landscape; marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
4
Nuuk
Location:
At Sea
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:
Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the world’s northernmost capital city! Nuuk means ‘the headland’ and is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system. Established as the first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling center of the country today.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll land on shore this afternoon in the city of Nuuk. The town itself is home to the University of Greenland, a cathedral dating back to 1849, and Greenland’s National Museum. A local expert will introduce us to this bustling metropolis and, together, we’ll set out on a field trip to the Greenland National Museum and Archives. This museum houses the largest cultural history collection in Greenland featuring seven permanent exhibits that span back over 4,500 years. We’ll have independent time to explore the exhibits before returning to the ship. Don’t miss the chance to observe the Qilakitsoq mummies! In 1972, the preserved bodies of six adults and two young Inuits were discovered at an archeological site on the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Four of these mummies are on display at the museum.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
5
At Sea, Davis Strait
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Possibility of rough seas
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
While crossing the Davis Strait towards Canada, we'll relax onboard and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme. We’ll also 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:
We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
6
Ungava Bay
Location:
At Sea
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. Hiking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our Zodiacs and visit uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay at over nine hundred square kilometers. Named for the akpait (thick billed murres) that nest on the ledges of the cliffs and is home to Canada's largest colongy of breeding pairs.
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
7
Ungava Bay Continued
Location:
At Sea
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. Hiking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our Zodiacs, the expedition team will scout the shorelines and any outlying ice for a landing. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other marine life.
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
Ungava Peninsula, Quebec
Location:
At Sea
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. Hiking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board out Zodiacs and explore an area of treeless tundra along the Ungava Peninsula of Nunavik. Learn about its geological wonders, discover the rich flora and fauna, and connect with Inuit cultural educators and learn about their homeland. Enjoy great hiking and a Zodiac cruise with our expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation every step of the way.
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
9
Ungava Peninsula, Quebec Continued
Location:
At Sea
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. Hiking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our Zodiacs, the expedition team will scout the best place to land. Enjoy great hiking with the expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation. Listen to more stories from Inuit and learn more about their culture.
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
Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Location:
At Sea
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 will board our Zodiacs and head to shore to visit Kinngait. In 1959, the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was founded in Kinngait, this became ground zero for the Inuit art market. We will meet the artists and visit the studios, have a chance to talk with the talented artists, carvers, and printmakers who continue to make Kinngait a proud center for fine art.
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
11
Hudson Strait
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Join the expedition team on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait. We will search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife-polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll make the most of every opportunity to explore whether on foot or by a Zodiac cruise among stunning backdrops as we search for wildlife that calls this region home.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
12
Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
Location:
At Sea
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:
Kimmirut means "the heel" in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay, also known as Lake Harbour. This is among the oldest permanently inhabited spots on Baffin Island, with a storied legacy as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, a producer of Inuit jewellery and ivory scrimshaw art. We will board our Zodiacs and head to shore where we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of the community as we connect with friendly locals.
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
At Sea, Frobisher Bay
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Endeavour
Activity Note
Full Day at Sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
As we sail through the beautiful bay named after explorer, Martin Frobisher, the local experts on board will be on the lookout for wildlife. The onboard geologist will also give some insight on the rock formations we have seen. Enjoy the activities and amenities onboard.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We'll relax and enjoy illuminating lectures by onboard experts that will expand on the program theme.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
14
Iqaluit, NU, Canada, Disembark, Charter Flight to Ottawa
Location:
Ottawa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Activity Note
Upon disembarkation, transfer by Zodiac to shore. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain. 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 ship.
Morning:
We will disembark in Iqaluit via Zodiacs and transfer to the airport for our return flights to Ottawa. At the head of Frobisher Bay. Nunavut's capital, a population of nearly 8,000 calls this city home.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.
Afternoon:
In flight to Ottawa.
Dinner:
Served onboard en route to Ottawa.
Evening:
Evening arrival to Ottawa. We'll gather our baggage, transfer to the hotel, and check-in. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for your journey home tomorrow.
Day
15
Program Concludes
Location:
Ottawa
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out by 12:00 p.m.
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
41 Meals
14 Breakfasts
13 Lunches
14 Dinners
LODGING
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- Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
- Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
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