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Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  MV Akademik Ioffe AC

Itinerary:  High Arctic Birds and Shutterbugs 2008

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  High Arctic Birds and Shutterbugs Itinerary Map

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

The magic and mystery of the far north can hardly be escaped as we once again combine its landscapes, people and communities into our favourite High Arctic adventure. Beginning in Canada, we will undertake an exploration of Devon Island before visiting Grise Fiord - the community with the honour of being the furthest north in Canada. From here, we will embark on our attempt to sail further north (dependant on ice conditions, of course!) than we have before into the Kane Basin in Smith Sound. Here the vista should be filled with ice - a perfect scene for photographers! Heading south we will visit Cobourg Island, Bylot Island, the fjords of the Buchan Gulf, Isabella Bay and the north coast of the Cumberland Peninsula. Bird sightings should be rich, and we will have a host of naturalists to keep us busy out on deck, on shore and in Zodiacs to observe them. We end our journey in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. Even though this itinerary focuses heavily on photography and birding, we will complete the resource team with our usual complement of specialists including a musician, archaeologists and Inuit culturalists.

Day 1 : Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay) / Embark

Arriving in Resolute early afternoon, we embark the Akademik Ioffe and set sail for our adventure.

Day 2 : Beechey Island

In 1845, Sir John Franklin commandeered his expedition of 128 men in two ships into the Wellington Channel. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. It was two years before search parties were launched. Only relics were found as clues to the disappearance, along with the bodies of three souls buried here. The three grave markings had left no clues as to the fate of the rest of the expedition.

Day 3 : Devon Island

Devon is the largest uninhabited island in the world! The region surrounding the island supports a significant concentration of wildlife, including 26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals. Extensive archaeological sites from the Thule people can be found along the shores of Devon Island, indicating the area has been inhabited for centuries longer than the southern world knew it existed.

Day 4 : Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)

Aujuittuq means "place that never thaws," and at 1,150km (720mi) above the Arctic Circle, it is Canada's northernmost civilian community, with a population of 165. We explore the charming town, getting a taste for life in the Arctic.

Days 5-6 : Smith Sound

We will spend a couple of days exploring north into this fabled body of water that served as the main route between Ellesmere and Greenland for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sire George Nares and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.

Day 7 : Cobourg Island

Cobourg Island is 65% covered with ice, but the remaining rugged land is a haven for wildlife. Cliff ledges are filled to capacity with 30,000 pairs of Black-Legged Kittiwakes and 160,000 pairs of Brunnich's Guillemot (Thick-Billed Murres) among other seabirds. As we tour the area, we will keep our eyes peeled for the rare Ivory Gull and Northern fulmars also known to breed in the area.

Day 8 : Bylot Island

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Baffin Island, at the entrance to Lancaster Sound, Bylot Island hosts bold, rugged coasts, glaciers and an interior not conducive to habitation. It is prime habitat for seabirds including Thick-billed Murres and Black-legged Kittiwakes.

Day 9 : Buchan Gulf

We'll investigate the rugged coastline and towering fjords of the Buchan Gulf and Northeast Baffin by Zodiac. Virtually unknown to modern travellers, these fjords are known for dog-tongued glaciers that spill into the sea and mountains that have been sculpted by the ancient Laurentian ice sheet which once covered North America.

Day 10 : Igaliqtuuq

Also know as Isabella Bay, this is a late summer and fall feeding destination for many Baffin Bay/Davis Strait bowhead whales. We were lucky enough to find a pod of 60 bowheads here in 2005.

Day 11 : Cumberland Peninsula

We will make an expedition stop along the north coast of the spectacular Cumberland Peninsula. The scenery here should take our breath away as we take time for photographs and wildlife viewing from our sturdy Zodiacs.

Day 12 : Cumberland Sound

The mixing of ocean currents from Hudson Strait creates a rich environment for ocean life. The tides here are some of the strongest in the world; depending on ice and tide conditions we will explore the area in search of polar bear, walrus and whale.

Day 13 : Iqaluit / Disembark / Return Home

Sitting amid rolling hills is the transportation hub of the Arctic, Iqaluit. A major transfer point between flights to other northern communities, Iqaluit is also the smallest capital city in Canada with a population of just over 6,000! In late summer, the hills are coloured with the bright blooms of Arctic wildflowers. We will say goodbye to the Arctic landscape as we board our flight home.

Ship Description: MV Akademik Ioffe AC

Widely regarded as the finest expedition ship operating in Polar waters, the Akademik Ioffe offers a high level of comfort - in her appointment, stability and strength.

As a working scientific research vessel, the Akademik Ioffe forms the ideal platform from which to travel the Arctic. Including all the equipments needed for exploring, from Zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear, even snowshoes.

The Akademik Ioffe is a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying 110 passengers. In terms of stability and speed, she is 'state of the art' and, while not luxurious, she's very comfortable and kept in top condition.

All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) or private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna and plunge pool - a great place to relax after your shore excursions during your travels. There is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include an exercise room, gift shop and laundry.