Compare Yellowstone, Grand Canyon & Tequila by Dragoman vs High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean Endeavour) by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 32 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 3,290 | $ 12,640 |
| Price Per Day | $ 103 | $ 972 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
20 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches and 20 Dinners |
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| Description |
If there is one continent that is designed for the great road journey, it has to be North America, and that is exactly what this trip is all about, a great North American road trip. Travelling from Banff in the Canadian Rockies, down to Mexico through the Rockies and the great deserts, this is a journey to show you the wilds of the Canada and the USA. Exploring, hiking and horse riding in the plethora of national parks is fundamental to the tour; Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks; the list seems endless. But the journey is not all about the great outdoors and we allow ourselves to embrace the culture of the, good old, US of A, whether it be the glitz and glamour of La Vegas, the zeal of Salt Lake City or the wild west culture of Arazonia. Moving into the northern states of Mexico, is a continuation of the journey, and certainly historically the links are clear to see. |
Discover a land so untamed, so remote and so beautiful that most can only dream of it. Venture into the Arctic Circle and traverse the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on a 13-day expedition. On board the Ocean Endeavour, a team of experts will help you dive deeper into the intriguing geography, history and culture of the region, while expedition landings allow you to experience it firsthand. Visit tiny villages set against colossal backdrops of icebergs and mountains, and admire the Arctic’s diverse wildlife from ship and shore. |
Day 1: Banff
Border information: If joining in Banff, you will most likely enter Canada at Calgary International Airport (IATA code: YYC).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore Banff and its stunning surroundings. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Banff before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Banff.
In Banff we will stay in dormitory rooms in a centrally-located hostel.
Day 2-3: Glacier National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Border information: Exit Canada at Chief Mountain, enter USA at Chief Mountain.
Today we will have a full day drive over the US border into the state of Montana and arrive at the eastern side of Glacier National Park, stopping en route at the fascinating Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a cliff that aboriginal people used for hunting for almost 6000 years.
On Day 3 we will free time to fully explore the pristine ecosystem of Glacier National Park and take some optional treks or scenic drives up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass and other scenic points.
In Glacier National Park we will camp in a campsite near the spectacular St. Mary's Lake.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, used for around 5,500 years by the indigenous peoples of the plains to kill buffalo by driving them off the 11m-high cliff
- Explore the spectacular lakes and mountains of Glacier National Park in the state of Montana
Day 4-6: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 9-11 hours.
Today we have a full day drive south into the state of Wyoming and to the famous Yellowstone National Park, home to magnificent landscapes, fantastic treks, and the incredible Old Faithful geyser.
On our first night we will stay at a Campsite on the northern edge of the park with good facilities.
On Day 5 we will pack up our camp and explore Yellowstone National Park as we make our way to our camp on the southern edge of the park, where we will base ourselves for the next 2 nights.
From here we have a free day on Day 6 to fully explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National park and take part in optional treks and other activities.
In Yellowstone National Park we will camp at a campsite in the Madison area of the park.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Explore the highlights of the famous Yellowstone National Park, including its hiking trails and the iconic geyser of Old Faithful
Day 7-8: Jackson Hole
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
Today we will drive south through the stunning Grand Teton National Park and take a stop at the spectacular Jenny Lake, where we'll have some free time to explore the lake and possibly take a short boat trip. We will then continue to the beautiful town of Jackson Hole.
In Jackson Hole we will stay in quad rooms in a comfortable hostel, the following day we have a free day for activities and to explore the area.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Drive through the stunning Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, stopping at the picturesque Jenny Lake
Day 9: Salt Lake City
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will drive to Utah's state capital of Salt Lake City, where we will have time for quick free exploration of the city centre and its famous Temple Square. We will then head to the nearby Antelope Island State Park, known for its abundant population of American bison and pronghorns.
In Antelope Island we will camp at a basic campsite with few facilities.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Explore the rugged Antelope Island State Park and go in search of American Bison and Longhorns
Day 10-11: Canyonlands National Park, Moab
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Today we will have a full day drive to the town of Moab, perfectly located next to the rugged wildernesses of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
We will spend the next day exploring and trekking in Canyonlands National Park, and taking part in some optional activities in and around Moab.
In Moab we will camp in a well equipped campsite.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Explore the phenomenal 'Islands in the Sky' region of Canyonlands National Park and walk on some of it's stunning trails
- Explore the other-worldly landscapes of Arches National Park and see the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset
Day 12: Monument Valley
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
Today we will drive to the incredible Monument Valley, the iconic landscape symbolic of the American West. On arrival we will head out on an included jeep tour of the Monument Valley Tribal Park, seeing the stunning rock formations up close and learning about the local Navajo culture.
In Monument Valley we will spend the night in a traditional Navajo ‘Hogan’ (an igloo-shaped dwelling of wood and earth where 6-8 people sleep together on the ground in a circle).
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Spend a night sleeping in a traditional Navajo hogan and take a jeep tour of the spectacular Monument Valley
Day 13: Page
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will continue our drive to the beautiful town of Page near the stunning Lake Powell.
In Page we will camp in a well-equipped campsite.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Visit the iconic Antelope Canyon on a trip from the town of Page
Day 14: Kodachrome Basin State Park
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will drive to the wonderful Kodachrome Basin State Park, where we will have free time on arrival to explore the beautiful landscape.
In Kodachrome Basin State Park we will camp in a scenic campsite.
Day 15-16: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will drive to the incredible Bryce Canyon National Park, where we will have a few hours here to take some optional treks to its hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion). Following this, we will take a very scenic drive to the stunning Zion National Park.
In Zion National Park we will camp at a well-equipped campsite just outside the park.
On Day 16, we have a free day for exploring and activities in the Zion National Park.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Visit the beautiful and scenic Bryce Canyon National Park and the nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Visit the spectacular canyons and rock formations of Zion National Park
Day 17-18: Las Vegas
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
This morning we will have free time to explore, trek or take scenic drives through the spectacular deserts and rock formations on Zion National Park. In the afternoon we will drive to the bustling and energetic city of Las Vegas.
On the following day we will have free time to fully explore the fascinating city of Las Vegas and enjoy its world-famous all-night entertainment options, including its casinos and shows!
In Las Vegas we will stay in a local hotel.
Day 19-20: The Grand Canyon
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will continue south into the state of Arizona and to one of the most spectacular highlights of the USA - the world-famous Grand Canyon. On arrival we will head up to one of the stunning viewpoints over the Grand Canyon for sunset.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the Grand Canyon area and take optional treks and scenic helicopter flights over the canyon. The entrance to the Grand Canyon is included on the trip, but as there are many options once inside the National Park the day will be free to explore in your own way.
At the Grand Canyon we will camp at a well-equipped campsite in the Grand Canyon Village.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
- Visit some of the spectacular viewpoints over the world-famous Grand Canyon and the Colorado river
Day 21: Phoenix
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we start to drive south through Arizona to the area near Phoenix.
In the Phoenix area we will most likely stay in multi-share rooms in a hostel, if time allows we may have the opportunity to go horse riding or visit Antelope Canyon.
Day 22: Nogales
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will drive south to the border town of Nogales.
In Nogales we will camp in a well equipped campsite.
Day 23-24: Mazatlán, Guaymas
Estimated Drive Time - 8-11 hours each day.
Border information: Exit USA at Nogales, enter Mexico at Nogales.
Today we will cross the border into Mexico, and over the next two days we will drive south along the Pacific coast, staying close to the towns of Guaymas and Mazatlán en route.
In Guaymas and Mazatlán we will camp in well-equipped campsites.
Day 25-26: Sayulita
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will drive to the surfing town of Sayulita on Pacific coast and enjoy some free time on arrival.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the Playa Los Muertos beach and possibly try your hand at surfing!
In Sayulita we will stay in a basic hostel.
Day 27: Tequila
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will drive to the town of Tequila, where we will have time for an optional visit to the town's famous distilleries (either today or on the following morning).
In Tequila we will stay in a basic hotel.
Day 28-29: Angahuan
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we drive to the town of Angahuan. This village is inhabited by the Purépecha people, who have been indigenous to the area since one thousand years before the Spanish invasion. Angahuan is the gateway to the Parícutin volcano, the only volcano in the world to have been born in modern times.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the village of Angahuan or to go for optional walks around the area of the Parícutin volcano. The creation of the volcano in 1943 buried two nearby villages, and it's still possible to see the spire of the cathedral of San Juan Parangaricutiro sticking up from the lava field.
In Angahuan we will camp at a campsite near to the volcano.
Day 30-31: Mexico City
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Today we will have a full day drive to the massive and chaotic Mexican capital of Mexico City.
The following day we have a free day to enjoy Mexico.
In Mexico City we will stay in a good hotel in the central district of Bellas Artes.
Day 32: Mexico City
Border information: if leaving in Mexico City, you will most likely exit Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code: MEX).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Mexico City. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Day 1 Ottawa to Qausuittuq (Resolute), Canada
Your Arctic adventure begins in Ottawa, Canada, from where you’ll hop aboard an included early morning charter flight to Qausuittuq (Resolute), in Canada’s Nunavut region. Here you’ll find the Ocean Endeavour ship, your home for the next 13 days. Board a Zodiac boat which will take you to the Ocean Endeavour – these sturdy inflatable vessels will get you on and off the ship throughout your journey. With a name meaning ‘place with no dawn’, Qausuittuq experiences long, dark winters, but your visit in the peak of summer means day-round sunlight. The unique topography of the landscape is characterized by shoreline gravel flats, rocky coastal bluffs, and deposits of glacial moraine. First established in 1953, the community began under false pretenses, as the Canadian government relocated Inuit families from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik, in an attempt to assert Canadian sovereignty. Learn about this dark chapter in Canadian history and how the community lives on today. Qausuittuq now serves as an important staging post for High Arctic research, tourism and military activities.
Day 2 Beechey Island
Make a sobering visit to the Franklin Expedition historic site on Beechey Island, a memorial to the failed expedition of British explorer Sir John Franklin in 1845. Attempting to cross the Northwest Passage, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror vanished – searches for the wrecks were unsuccessful for 170 years, only to be both be discovered in 2014 and 2016. Pay your respects while learning the stories of the men who are buried here as you visit their graves and the nearby ruins of Northumberland House.
Day 3-7 Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island
The next four days will be spent exploring the rugged landscapes of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound). The area is home to narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales who feed in this area – set out in search of them by ship and Zodiac. Stop by Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island. The vast, barren landscape is dotted with glacial valleys, flat-topped mountains and ice caps, and while it may not be a place you’d want to live, it’s certainly a joy to explore. Hike over tundra, cruise a glacier face and keep a lookout for polar bears and other wildlife from ship and shore. Let expert guides show you ancient archaeological sites that unearth the history of the Inuit people and their ancestors who once laid roots on this now abandoned island. Visit the eerie remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
Day 8 Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
A world away from Ottawa where your adventure began, see a different side of Canada in the beautiful Arctic community of Mittimatalik. With a population of just 1600, this place may be small, but there’s so much Inuit culture and history to uncover here. Dive straight in with a performance by the Tununiq Arsarniit Theatre Group, where they will take you on a journey with their drum dancing, throat singing and storytelling. After the performance, enjoy some time to explore the town and soak in the spectacular views of nearby Bylot Island. There are often gorgeous handcrafted goods for sale if you want to pick up a keepsake to remember your time in this unique corner of the world.
Day 9 At Sea, Davis Strait
Cross the Davis Straight today on your way towards Greenland. This day at sea is the perfect opportunity to add a deeper layer to your discoveries of the Arctic. Enriching workshops and presentations delivered by experts on board the Ocean Endeavour paint an in-depth picture of the region’s fascinating history, geology, wildlife and cultural heritage. There’s even a workshop on how to best use your binoculars, so put your new skills into practice and get out on deck in search of whales, seabirds and other marine life.
Day 10 Western Greenland
An expedition landing on Greenland’s wild and wonderful west coast means the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may like to get active with a rewarding hike, or stretch your legs with a more easygoing stroll through the everchanging landscapes. There’s plenty of unbelievable photography opportunities here, or you may prefer just to sit back and take it all in. However you choose to spend the day, the sights of soaring mountains and vibrant tundra flowers are sure to stick with you long after your adventure is over.
Day 11 Ilulissat
After travelling south overnight, disembark the ship and head out to explore the town of Ilulissat and its surrounds – the name Ilulissat directly translates to ‘icebergs’ in Kalaallisut, Greenland’s official language, and you’ll soon find out why! Neatly organised colourful houses make the town postcard-pretty, but it’s the nearby icefjord that really puts this place on the map. A walk along a boardwalk will lead you to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering white ice formations dwarf the buildings of the nearby town. Spend some time soaking up this memorable sight, and perhaps have a wander around Ilulissat’s charming shops and museums, then set out on a Zodiac cruise to admire the icefjord from a different perspective. Weave and bob your way around impressive icebergs – this really has to be experienced to be believed!
Day 12 Sisimiut Coast
Today will be spent exploring western Greenland along the Sisimiut Coast. You’re going to want to have your camera ready for this journey – prepare to pass by glaciers, fjords and islands against a staggering backdrop of mountains. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get off the ship and hike through the inspiring landscape, or set off on a Zodiac cruise for a closer look at these natural wonders. As you traverse the complex waterways, learn the stories of the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit people who have called the Sisimiut region home for 4500 years.
Day 13 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, Canada
It’s time to say goodbye to the Arctic after a day cruising down the Kangerlussuaq Fjord for your final dose of epic scenery, crossing the Arctic Circle one last time. The 190-kilometre-long fjord is flanked by snow-dusted mountains and dramatic glaciers, ensuring your last day in the Arctic will be one to remember. Bid farewell to the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark and take a Zodiac transfer for your included charter flight to Toronto, Ontario. Your Arctic adventure comes to an end upon your arrival at Toronto airport – prepare to leave with memories to last a lifetime.
