13 days

13 Day Heart of the Arctic

Start Location Ottawa
End Location Vancouver
Code
ACHA
Places Visited

Arctic Regions, Frobisher Bay, Hudson Strait, Iqaluit, Ivujivik, Kangerlussuaq...

Tour Overview

Visit three distinct Arctic regions on this voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Meet the artists in South Baffin Island's Inuit famous art-making communities and explore Nunavik, the Arctic coast of Quebec. Cross the Davis Strait in the wake of the explorers. Explore the deep fjords and vibrant communities of Greenland.

Board a Zodiac to seek whales, birds, bears, and caribou. Journey with scientists, historians, Inuit artists, and culturalists to the heart of the Arctic!

Start Location Ottawa
End Location Vancouver

Top Highlights

  • Cross the Arctic Circle by ship while enjoying glorious Sondre Stromfjord
  • Learn about Inuit art and culture from artists and experts
  • Seek polar bears, marine mammals, and seabirds in the rich waters of Hudson Strait
  • Appreciate Inuit life in Greenland, Nunavut, and Nunavik!
  • Immerse yourself in the creative tradition, science, and culture of the Arctic
  • View the spectacular Arctic coastal regions by Zodiac
Download Brouchure

Make this trip matter and reduce your carbon print.

As a responsible tour operator, we believe in creating experiences that not only enrich your life but also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities. That’s why we will be planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us. 

A person standing in a serene forest surrounded by tall trees

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Iqaluit

    Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut's bustling capital. A population of nearly 8,000 (and growing) call Iqaluit home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude's Cathedral, art shops, and more. We will transfer by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour through busy Iqaluit harbour. Take a moment to notice the amazing tide! Once all are aboard, we'll begin our journey down Frobisher Bay.

    Overnight: Iqaluit


  • Day 2: Frobisher Bay

    We'll be on the lookout for wildlife, of course. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks, and the tundra plants beneath your feet are worth a closer look. Expect compelling scenery, and soak up the Arctic splendour as we go!

    Overnight: Frobisher Bay


  • Day 3: Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)

    Kimmirut means "the heel" in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay from the community. Kimmirut is considered one of the most charming communities on the South Baffin coast. Art aficionados may know the hamlet as Lake Harbour, once the home of a Hudson Bay Company post. Art has played a major role in putting Kimmirut on the map. The Dewey Soper Building houses a gallery of outstanding works of art.

    Overnight: Kimmirut


  • Day 4: Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

    Kinngait was ground zero for the Inuit art market. In 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established: it remains the oldest arts organization in the Canadian Arctic and the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada. Old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for Inuit art. We'll visit studios and meet the artists here"”an opportunity to purchase outstanding works straight from the source.

    Overnight: Kinngait


  • Day 5: Hudson Strait

    On this exploration day, we'll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. We can expect to navigate the icy waters of Hudson Strait. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

    Overnight: Hudson Strait


  • Day 6–7: Ungava Peninsula, QC

    Along the Ungava Peninsula, we explore an area of treeless tundra rich in geology and flora. We’ll enjoy hiking and a Zodiac cruise.

    Overnight: Ivujivik


  • DAY 8–9: UNGAVA BAY

    Large and shallow, Ungava Bay is a rich ecosystem and home to a variety of wildlife, including an endangered beluga population and Canada’s largest number of breeding thick-billed murres. Here we’ll use our Zodiacs to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice with hopes of seeing polar bears, walrus, and other marine life. We’ll pay a visit to uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay, at over nine hundred square kilometres. It’s named for the akpait—the thick-billed murres—that nest on ledges of Akpatok’s lofty cliffs.

    Overnight: Arctic Regions


  • Day 10: At Sea - Davis Strait

    Our presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Our resource staff will deepen your understanding of the Arctic as we go. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops and group learning, watch a documentary or dive into our library. While out on deck, keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales amid pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

    Overnight: Arctic Regions


  • Day 11: Nuuk

    Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafes. The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.


  • Day 12: Kangerlussuatsiaq FJORD

    West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location. We’ll explore this sublime landscape by ship and by Zodiac.


  • Day 13: Kangerlussuaq

    In the early morning we’ll complete our overnight journey up Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord)—a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, bisected by the Arctic Circle. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at its head, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. We’ll transfer to shore by Zodiac, then bus to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto, ON.

    Overnight: Kangerlussuaq


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Title

Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2026 dates and prices

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
  • Applicable taxes and credit card fees
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund
  • Special access permits, entry, and park fees
  • Expert expedition team
  • Guided activities
  • Sightseeing and community visits
  • All Zodiac excursions
  • Port fees
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Photo Equipment Trial Program
  • Interactive workshops
  • Evening entertainment
  • All shipboard meals

What’s Not Included

  • Charter flights - Charter flights are available at additional cost
  • Program enhancements/optional excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Possible fuel surcharges
  • Pre/post accommodation
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tour Questions

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Iqaluit

    Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut's bustling capital. A population of nearly 8,000 (and growing) call Iqaluit home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude's Cathedral, art shops, and more. We will transfer by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour through busy Iqaluit harbour. Take a moment to notice the amazing tide! Once all are aboard, we'll begin our journey down Frobisher Bay.

    Overnight: Iqaluit


  • Day 2: Frobisher Bay

    We'll be on the lookout for wildlife, of course. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks, and the tundra plants beneath your feet are worth a closer look. Expect compelling scenery, and soak up the Arctic splendour as we go!

    Overnight: Frobisher Bay


  • Day 3: Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)

    Kimmirut means "the heel" in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay from the community. Kimmirut is considered one of the most charming communities on the South Baffin coast. Art aficionados may know the hamlet as Lake Harbour, once the home of a Hudson Bay Company post. Art has played a major role in putting Kimmirut on the map. The Dewey Soper Building houses a gallery of outstanding works of art.

    Overnight: Kimmirut


  • Day 4: Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

    Kinngait was ground zero for the Inuit art market. In 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established: it remains the oldest arts organization in the Canadian Arctic and the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada. Old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for Inuit art. We'll visit studios and meet the artists here"”an opportunity to purchase outstanding works straight from the source.

    Overnight: Kinngait


  • Day 5: Hudson Strait

    On this exploration day, we'll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. We can expect to navigate the icy waters of Hudson Strait. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

    Overnight: Hudson Strait


  • Day 6–7: Ungava Peninsula, QC

    Along the Ungava Peninsula, we explore an area of treeless tundra rich in geology and flora. We’ll enjoy hiking and a Zodiac cruise.

    Overnight: Ivujivik


  • DAY 8–9: UNGAVA BAY

    Large and shallow, Ungava Bay is a rich ecosystem and home to a variety of wildlife, including an endangered beluga population and Canada’s largest number of breeding thick-billed murres. Here we’ll use our Zodiacs to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice with hopes of seeing polar bears, walrus, and other marine life. We’ll pay a visit to uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay, at over nine hundred square kilometres. It’s named for the akpait—the thick-billed murres—that nest on ledges of Akpatok’s lofty cliffs.

    Overnight: Arctic Regions


  • Day 10: At Sea - Davis Strait

    Our presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Our resource staff will deepen your understanding of the Arctic as we go. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops and group learning, watch a documentary or dive into our library. While out on deck, keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales amid pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

    Overnight: Arctic Regions


  • Day 11: Nuuk

    Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafes. The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.


  • Day 12: Kangerlussuatsiaq FJORD

    West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location. We’ll explore this sublime landscape by ship and by Zodiac.


  • Day 13: Kangerlussuaq

    In the early morning we’ll complete our overnight journey up Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord)—a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, bisected by the Arctic Circle. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at its head, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. We’ll transfer to shore by Zodiac, then bus to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto, ON.

    Overnight: Kangerlussuaq


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Title

Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2026 dates and prices

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
  • Applicable taxes and credit card fees
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund
  • Special access permits, entry, and park fees
  • Expert expedition team
  • Guided activities
  • Sightseeing and community visits
  • All Zodiac excursions
  • Port fees
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Photo Equipment Trial Program
  • Interactive workshops
  • Evening entertainment
  • All shipboard meals

What’s Not Included

  • Charter flights - Charter flights are available at additional cost
  • Program enhancements/optional excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Possible fuel surcharges
  • Pre/post accommodation
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Download Itinerary

Get Full Itinerary with all includes and exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tour Questions

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

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Get in touch with one of our local travel experts.

Contact us to discover:

  • The ideal seasons to explore your next destination landscapes, perfectly aligned with your travel plans.
  • Tips on the most convenient routes and layovers for a hassle-free trip to your next destination.
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YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881
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