Greenland - Thule Explorer
If you have ever dreamed of seeing the unicorn-tusked Narwhal, of standing atop a lofty polar fjord, or of paddling below the Greenland Icecap near the top of the world, this trip is for you. Our roving expedition takes place in Inglefield Fjord where enormous sandstone and granite mountains alternate with the polar icecap and spectacular ice cliffs, where mountains plummet into the sea amid spectacular tidewater glaciers.
The scenery is astounding with island cliffs and high red portals reflecting in the often glassy waters, and enormous icebergs floating along the waterways. This trip takes place during the season of the Narwhal, and large pods are often seen scattered across long, smooth reaches of open water. A few Beluga, or white whales, as well as Harp, Bearded, and Ring seals also join the Narwhal in these waters. While kayaking in the fjords, we encounter the Inughuit hunters and their families, observe these remarkable people in action, and get to know them when we visit their camps.
This trip is a fabulous learning experience as we see first hand a society that has barely changed during the last centuries.
Day 1: The group flies north from Ottawa on First Air. Upon arrival in Iqaluit, the group will board a chartered King Air for the flight over to Qaanaaq, Greenland. Overnight in the local hotel.
Days 2: After a trip orientation, you and your group will be transported by local motor launch up into Inglefield fjord to the point of departure for our kayak trip.
Days 3-12: Ice conditions permitting, we will kayak from our drop-off site into the head of Inglefield fjord and back towards Qaanaaq, approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. Our direction of travel each day will be governed by such factors as wind, ice, and tides. We hope to encounter pods of narwhal out in the fiords, and we plan to spend time with the Polar Inuit hunters and their families, watching these remarkable people in action and sharing tea with some of them when we visit their camps. We'll paddle amongst a myriad of picturesque icebergs, and then pull ashore to explore inland along the foot of the Greenland icecap. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the High Arctic.
Day 13: We will return to Qaanaaq. Overnight in Qaanaaq, Greenland.
Day 14: The group boards their charter flight to Iqaluit in time to connect with our flights south to Ottawa.