High Arctic: Canada and Greenland
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 24 days
Price Point: Starting from $47,143
Seasons Available: Summer
The High Arctic expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into one of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. Imagine sailing through icy fjords, past towering glaciers, and along rugged coastlines where the land meets the Arctic Ocean in a dramatic display of nature’s power. This voyage takes you deep into the heart of the Arctic wilderness, where every day brings new wonders: the majestic sight of polar bears roaming the sea ice, the haunting beauty of massive icebergs drifting silently, and the vibrant cultural history of the Inuit people whose ancestors have thrived in these harsh landscapes for centuries. Led by expert naturalists, photographers, and local guides, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the untouched wilderness of Canada’s Baffin Island and the dramatic shores of Greenland. Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, and onboard educational sessions bring you closer to the wildlife, geology, and history of this incredible region. Witness the midnight sun casting a golden glow over the ice, kayak in crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering ice sculptures, and experience the thrill of spotting a rare Arctic fox or the elusive narwhal, often called the “unicorn of the sea.”
Every moment on this journey is more than just an adventure-it’s a transformative experience. Whether you’re standing on the deck of the ship with the crisp Arctic wind in your hair or listening to the haunting calls of seabirds echoing off towering cliffs, you’ll feel a deep connection with the Arctic wilderness. This expedition is a journey of discovery and wonder that will leave you inspired by the breathtaking beauty and resilience of its inhabitants.
Activities & Sites
- Experience the thrill of navigating icy waters by Zodiac, where you’ll glide past towering glaciers and drift among colossal icebergs.
- Paddle through the serene, iceberg-studded waters of Disko Bay and the dramatic fjords of Greenland.
- During guided hikes, set foot on the remote shores Ellesmere Island and across tundra landscapes filled with hardy Arctic flora.
- In the rich waters of Lancaster Sound, Canada’s wildlife haven, watch for the majestic polar bears patrolling the ice, the narwhals breaching the surface, and the Arctic foxes darting across the snow.
- Under the guidance of expert National Geographic photographers, capture the extraordinary light, landscapes, and wildlife of these regions.
- Step into the lives of Inuit communities in the Thule Region of Greenland and Baffin Island, Canada.
- Marvel at the rarely-seen Arctic underwater world as footage from unique cameras reveals the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the ice-covered waters of Greenland and Baffin Island.
- Take the ultimate Arctic challenge with a polar plunge in the icy waters of Greenland’s fjords.
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Reykjavík
Enjoy a morning excursion in the region as your first introduction to the land of Fire and Ice. After lunch, check into your centrally located hotel in Reykjavík and enjoy exploring the quaint capital city streets at your leisure. - Day 2: Nuuk
Fly from Reykjavík to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital thriving capital city. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a scenic sailing out of the Nuuk fjord and into the open water of the Davis Strait, as the ship navigates north along the coastline. - Day 3: Sisimiut
Upon arrival to the former whaling port of Sisimiut, enjoy your choice of guided walks through the sights and sounds of the village, including Dog Town or Sallinnguit, a small island with centuries of history In your free time, enjoy a local food tasting, visit the open-air museum or the artisan workshops. - Day 4: Disko Bay
Sail into Disko Bay to be welcomed by floating icebergs calved off the world’s most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. On Disko Island, the second largest in Baffin Bay, enjoy a day of expeditions, including backcountry hiking, photo walks, and naturalist led botany walks. - Day 5-11: The Northwest Passage
The exploration will take you along bays and inlets of Baffin Island’s Lancaster Sound, a historical Inuit hunting and fishing location. Lancaster Sound is also the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago, where explorers William Baffin first ventured to search for the Northwest Passage in the 17th century. - Day 12-16: Queen Elizabeth Islands
Adventure in the hundred miles of ice-laden channels and glacier-carved islands following wildlife, stopping for hikes on the tundra, and dropping anchor to explore and kayak amongst massive ice sculptures and soaring cliffs. - Day 17-21: Ellesmere Island
Head ever northward and cruise along the scenic Smith Bay. Be up on the bridge to search for “polar bear ice,” the mixture of first-year and multi-year sea ice, polar bears' preferred habitat. Return to the northern shores of Greenland to kayak in sheltered coves, embark on hikes, and visit local communities. - Day 22: Ilulissat
Enjoy an extraordinary cruise aboard local boats among towering icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ilulissat Icefjord while keeping watch for whales and glimpses of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. - Day 23-24: Nuuk to Reykjavík
Sail back into Nuuk and disembark the ship. Join an evening flight to Reykjavík and transfer to the hotel closest to the airport. On the final morning, transfer to the airport and catch your flight home.
National Geographic Endurance
This state-of-the-art expedition ship is crafted to explore the planet’s most remote and extreme environments. Named after the legendary polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s book, the Endurance boasts a reinforced hull and an innovative X-Bow® design, allowing it to navigate through thick sea ice and rough seas with exceptional stability and efficiency while reducing its environmental impact. Onboard, guests are treated to expansive observation areas, including a 270° glass-walled lounge and dedicated viewing wings, offering uninterrupted views of the Arctic’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Accommodating up to 138 guests, the ship’s cabins are elegantly designed with large windows or balconies, providing a private retreat with stunning panoramic views. The vessel is equipped with cutting-edge exploration tools, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, and remotely operated vehicles, enabling close-up encounters with the Arctic’s unique ecosystems. An onboard Science Hub invites guests to engage with ongoing scientific research, adding an educational dimension to the journey. The Endurance also features wellness amenities, including a spa, saunas with panoramic views, a yoga studio, a gym, and outdoor hot tubs—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Dining aboard the ship emphasizes culinary excellence, with multiple venues offering globally inspired dishes highlighting local ingredients. The open bridge policy allows guests to visit the command center, meet the captain and crew, and gain insights into the ship’s operations.
Led by a team of expert naturalists, scientists, and photographers, the onboard experience is enriched with insightful lectures and field experiences that deepen your understanding of the polar environment.
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