Compare Baffin Island Cruise by Adventure Unbound vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures

Day 1: Ottawa

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Your adventure begins with a scheduled flight from Ottawa to Iqaluit on Baffin Island where you’ll have time for a short walking tour before boarding your expedition ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. Then make sure you’re out on deck to soak up the fresh air as we set sail to explore the remote landscapes and wildlife of Baffin Island.

Day 2: Monumental Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Today we’ll explore the shores of Monumental Island in the Davis Strait by zodiac, hoping to encounter walruses. Polar bears are also known to frequent these waters as they come to hunt these fascinating creatures. 

Day 3: Pangnirtung

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

With a picturesque setting between the mountains and waters in Cumberland Sound, the small village of Pangnirtung serves as the western gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. Explore this remote community which has made a name for its traditional arts and crafts, then visit the Angmarlik Visitor Center to gain a better insight into the history and lifestyle of the Inuit people. 

Day 4: Sunshine Fjord

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

This morning we will arrive in Sunshine Fjord which straddles the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north. Depending on weather conditions, we will cross the Arctic Circle by ship, on zodiacs or by foot, soaking up the magnificent views. Paddlers may also take advantage of the sheltered waters of the fjord to go kayaking.

Day 5: Auyuittuq National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Today we will venture into one of Canada’s most impressive national parks - Auyuittuq - which lies on the east coast of Baffin Island. Trek beneath its rugged mountains and glacial systems which feed gushing rivers while learning more about the flora, fauna and geology from local guides. We may also visit the small settlement of Qikiqtarjuaq which is home to several Inuit families before continuing north along the coast of Baffin Island and into the Arctic wilderness. 

Day 6: Niginganiq (Isabella Bay)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Cruise into beautiful Niginganiq (Isabella Bay) which provides an important summer habitat and feeding ground for the endangered bowhead whale which is able to break sea ice using the crown of its head. Also keep an eye out for hunting polar bears, ringed seals, narwhal and Canada geese as we navigate these waters.

Day 7: Gibbs Fjord

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

ACCOMMODATION : Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

This morning we will cruise through beautiful Gibbs Fjord which is surrounding by towering cliffs. Soak up the views towards its snowy glaciers as we slowly navigate the dark waters, keeping an eye out for wildlife en route.

Day 8: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

As we approach the far north of Baffin Island, we’ll enter a channel to visit the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik to learn more about their culture and history. Visit the Natinnak Center to peruse its fascinating cultural exhibit, including beautiful Inuit carvings, jewelry and traditional crafts, before heading into the wilderness of Sirmilik National Park. Its spectacular landscapes include rugged mountains, glacial-carved valleys and coastal lowlands, together with a number of large seabird colonies.

Day 9: Devon Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

This morning we will depart Baffin Island and cross the wildlife “super highway” of Lancaster Sound to Devon Island. Waters from the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet here, creating an abundant source of nutrients for both marine life and bird species. We will visit the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour before heading to Crocker Bay to discover its large glacial system. 

Day 10: Prince Leopold Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Today we will visit Prince Leopold Island which serves as an important migratory bird sanctuary and one of the most significant in the entire Arctic ecosystem. Thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes can all be spotted here, together with beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales which come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. 

Day 11:Beechey Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Sergey Vavilov or Akademik Ioffe

Our final shore landing for this expedition will be on Beechey Island where Sir John Franklin’s expedition spent its last winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy wilderness. The HMS Erebus was found in Victoria Strait in September 2014, with One Ocean Expeditions contributing to the discovery by carrying scientists, historians, researchers and underwater search equipment. Step ashore to visit the grave markers which have been placed on a remote beach here, before returning to the ship for a special farewell dinner hosted by your Captain.

Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke

Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.

Day 2 Sooke

After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.

Day 3 Sooke

Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.

Day 4 Sooke/Parksville

In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.

Day 5 Parksville/Squamish

Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.

Day 6 Squamish

Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.

Day 7 Squamish/Whistler

In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the ​​Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.

Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver

Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.

Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.