Canada/Greenland
Arctic Ecosystems: Fjords & Tundras Under the Midnight Sun
Program No. 25007RJ
Fascinated by Arctic wildlife and the region’s natural wonders? Set sail and experience northern Canada and Greenland firsthand via expedition ship.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
Ship Inside | Ship Outside |
---|---|
A cabin with no window, porthole or balcony.
|
A cabin with a window or porthole to view the outside.
|
Aug 3 - Aug 17, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
15 days
14 nights
40 meals
14B 12L 14D
2
Explore Ottawa
Ottawa
5
Southeast Baffin Island
At Sea
6
Pangnirtung,Inuit Art
At Sea
7
Cumberland Peninsula
At Sea
9
At Sea, Davis Strait
At Sea
10
Western Greenland
At Sea
12
Ilulissat
At Sea
13
Sisimiut Coast
At Sea
15
Program Concludes
Toronto
At a Glance
Are you drawn to Arctic landscapes and want to explore some of Canada’s northernmost regions? Does the idea of viewing polar bears and arctic foxes in their natural habitats inspire the explorer within you? Does Greenland, the world’s largest island, pique your curiosity? If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, this learning adventure in the Arctic is for you! Explore the waters of the Arctic by expedition ship and smaller Zodiac vessels, which will allow you to get up close to seabirds and marine life in places like Kitigung (Lady Franklin Island) and the Cumberland Peninsula. On land, experience the region’s geology and history alongside local experts, who will lead you through ecosystems like the tundra of Baffin Island. This learning adventure will leave you with memories that will be frozen in your mind for a lifetime.
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…
- Board smaller Zodiac vessels at Kitigung (Lady Franklin Island) and the Cumberland Peninsula for opportunities to see arctic wildlife.
- Visit the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre to learn about the region’s Inuit culture.
- Explore Greenland’s west coast alongside a team of naturalists, marine biologists and geologists, including the Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs.
Suggested Reading List
(21 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 Ecosystems: Fjords & Tundras Under the Midnight Sun
Program Number: 25007
Ice Ship: The Epic Voyages of the Polar Adventurer Fram
Canada's Relationship With Inuit: A History of Policy and Program Development
The Last Gentleman Adventurer
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.
The Other Side of Eden: Hunters, Farmers, and the Shaping of the World
Arctic Dreams and Nightmares
Gossip: a Spoken History of Women in the North
The Voyage of the Narwhal
Inuit Women Artists: Voices from Cape Dorset
The Right to Be Cold: One Women's Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic, and the Whole Planet
Arctic Eden
What We Know About Climate Change
The Future of the Arctic
The Last Imaginary Place
Uqalurait: an Oral History of Nunavut
From Magic Words to Word Processing: A History of the Inuit Language
Give Me My Father's Body: The Life of Minik the New York Eskimo
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.
Arctic Dreams
Who Owns the Arctic: Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North
Paper Stays Put: A Collection of Inuit Writing
Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Ottawa
Program Concludes
Toronto
Meals
40
| 14B |
12L |
14D |
Activity Level
Are you drawn to Arctic landscapes and want to explore some of Canada’s northernmost regions? Does the idea of viewing polar bears and arctic foxes in their natural habitats inspire the explorer within you? Does Greenland, the world’s largest island, pique your curiosity? If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, this learning adventure in the Arctic is for you! Explore the waters of the Arctic by expedition ship and smaller Zodiac vessels, which will allow you to get up close to seabirds and marine life in places like Kitigung (Lady Franklin Island) and the Cumberland Peninsula. On land, experience the region’s geology and history alongside local experts, who will lead you through ecosystems like the tundra of Baffin Island. This learning adventure will leave you with memories that will be frozen in your mind for a lifetime.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Board smaller Zodiac vessels at Kitigung (Lady Franklin Island) and the Cumberland Peninsula for opportunities to see arctic wildlife.
- Visit the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre to learn about the region’s Inuit culture.
- Explore Greenland’s west coast alongside a team of naturalists, marine biologists and geologists, including the Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs.
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
(21 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
40 meals | 14B | 12L | 14D |
10 expert-led lectures
10 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:
Ottawa
Meals:
D
Stay:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: At 5:00 PM meet your group leader in the hotel lobby. Orientation: 7:00 PM after dinner. 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 Chateau 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 pre-embarkation briefing.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Charter Flight to Iqaluit,NU, Embark Ocean Endeavour
Location:
At Sea
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 Iqaluit, NU.
Morning:
Transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Iqaluit on board a 737 aircraft.
Lunch:
Aboard the charter flight.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Iqaluit, NU at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital.A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. 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
Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
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:
This morning, we will discover Lady Franklin Island in Zodiacs. Discover 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.
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
5
Southeast Baffin Island
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’ll set out via Zodiacs on an expert-led hiking field trip to Southeast Baffin Island. 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.
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
Pangnirtung,Inuit Art
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 Pangnirtung, 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. Discover 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.
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
Cumberland Peninsula
Location:
At Sea
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. Hiking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will spend two days exploring the Cumberland Peninsula via Zodiac, 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. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today.
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
Cumberland Peninsula 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 continue our exploration of the Cumberland Peninsula via Zodiac. Considered a potential missing link in the early search for the Northwest Passage. While exploring, we'll have the opportunity to delve into the captivating maritime history of the region, gaining a deeper understanding of its past and present significance. Accompanied by our expert expedition team we'll make the most of every opportunity to hike the vast tundra and Zodiac in the ice-strewn waters.
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
At Sea, Davis Strait
Location:
At Sea
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
10
Western Greenland
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:
A field trip to explore Greenland’s west coast led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. 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
11
Western Greenland 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 continue exploring Western Greenland, different activities will be offered alongside our team of knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists, and geologists while on shore: hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively.
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
12
Ilulissat
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 3 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 great fields of ice.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Day
13
Sisimiut Coast
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:
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.
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
14
Kangerlussuaq, Disembarkation, Charter Flight to Toronto
Location:
Toronto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Activity Note
Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.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:
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 motorcoach 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 as a group. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Day
15
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
40 Meals
14 Breakfasts
12 Lunches
14 Dinners
LODGING
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- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
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