West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs
Immerse yourself along the dramatic coast of West Greenland with this epic 10-day adventure. Explore the immense fjords and stunning islands of Disko Bay and Qeqqata, visiting Sisimiut, Ilulissat and Ittileq along the way, all rich in local culture. Find yourself coasting by massive glaciers and sculpted icebergs while enjoying all the comforts of the Ultramarine – your vessel on the icy seas. At the peak of summer, you’ll enjoy long sunny days, clear vistas and loads of opportunities to see ringed, harp and possibly hooded seals, as well as various Arctic birds, including the black guillemot, Arctic tern, northern fulmar and snow bunting. You might even see some humpback, minke and fin whales!
10 days, from
$8,152
per person
GROUP SIZE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Details
Countries Visited:
Canada
Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Ship (7 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)
Transportation: Ship , Zodiac , plane
Included Meals:
- 9 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 7 dinners
Group size: Minimum 1, Max 199
Minimum Age: 8
Travel deeper into Disko Bay and the Eternity Fjords than any other travel operator! On your journey aboard the Ultramarine, you’ll be looking out for Arctic wildlife like whales, seabirds and seals.
If the conditions are right, you’ll even get to see the stunning panoramic views from above on the twin-engine H145 helicopters aboard the ship – who else can say they’ve experienced this landscape from the air?
Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture by exploring small towns surrounded by sea and mountains – maybe even take up a soccer game with the villagers in Itilleq.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) and maybe opt to take on a few of the nearby hiking trails for epic views.
Take advantage of the many optional activities, like mountain biking in Sisimiut or hiking to the basalt columns of Qeqertarsuaq. In your down time, you can relax on board with the huge array of amenities like the gym, the spa and the library.
Itinerary
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins in Toronto – one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the country. When you arrive at Pearson International Airport, make your way to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Maybe visit the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario or, if you’re staying a few extra days, you could take a daytrip to Niagara Falls. This city is also known for its brilliant nightlife – so perhaps end your evening at one of the trendy dining spots or hit the bars for some craft beer and cocktails.
This morning, you’ll catch a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small town in western Greenland. This is where you’ll board your vessel, the Ultramarine, and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! When aboard, you’ll have a welcome and safety briefing from your leader and meet your expedition team, as well as the other travellers in your group.
Over the next couple of days, you’ll sail Disko Bay – a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as you navigate this iconic bay, where whales are often spotted in the deep sea. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations to explore, including the community of Illulissat, at the head of the outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is a sight to behold, and there are many optional marked hiking trails to explore further.
Discover the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or the Torsukatak Fjords, in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large, active glacial faces, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling and Zodiac cruising. This is where, if conditions allow, you might be treated to a ride in one of the twin-engine helicopters to appreciate the immensity of this region from above.
You may also get the chance to visit one of the oldest settlements in Greenland, Qeqertarsuaq, settled by whalers in 1773 (but archaeological evidence suggests that people lived here at least 6000 years earlier). The town and surrounding area are the island’s only volcanic region. The area offers unusual geology and colourful landscapes, with particularly lush vegetation. More than half of Greenland’s plant species are found here, tucked between columns of basalt rock and black sand beaches littered with ice fragments. In town, you don’t want to miss Qeqertarsuaq’s Vorherres Bleaekhus, which hosts musical performances by resident artists. Local guides will also lead walking tours to the church, shopping area and the local museum. If time and weather permit, there’s the chance to hike to the incredible basalt columns 10 km down the coast.
During the next two days, your expedition team will work with the local partners to create a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities during your time in Qeqqata. This will likely include a visit to Sisimiut, where you can wander through the open-air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits along one of many incredible hiking trails on Sisimiut’s doorstep. If you’re keen, you can also opt to take on the mountain biking activity here.
Further south, your team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical, one-of-a-kind experiences, including in Eternity Fjord – home to the tallest mountains in all West Greenland. Another fascinating community in this region is Itilleq. Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is located about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle. Here, the locals will often invite the group to join in on a game of soccer or football.
Today, you’ll disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Sondre Stromfjord. Take a private transfer to your charter flight to Toronto, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, why not head out for a farewell dinner at one of the trendy restaurants?
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. Make your way to the airport to connect with your onward flight, or if you’d like to stay longer, get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.