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 kayak and hiking trip in Northwest Greenland 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.

Highlights:

• Expeditions follow the footsteps of polar explorers Robert Peary and Wally Herbert.
• Greenland is the worldís largest island, a vast and spectacular wilderness slashed by countless fjords.
• Trip explores a mountainous and craggy, partly glaciated coastline 1200 kilometres (800 miles) from the North Pole.
• Dramatic 24 hour arctic light for photography.
• Exceptionally remote wilderness.

How this trip makes a difference

Over the past 23 years, this operator has successfully guided active, self propelled wilderness adventures. We start our trips by supporting the local communities where we travel, from shopping for our supplies to lodging, and, whenever possible, hiring local guides. Once we are dropped off in the wilderness, we are walking, paddling or dogsledding across a landscape, noticing everything, but leaving nothing but footprints in our wake.

Every visitor traveling behind us will arrive feeling they are the first explorer to the area. Wildlife skulls, antlers, and artifacts are left as they were found. Rocks anchoring tents are returned their original resting place. The little garbage we generate is carried out with us. Fresh water sources are fiercely protected against contamination.

Our trip goals include educating and connecting people to nature and the outdoors through natural history based expeditions. We diligently promote cultural preservation and environmental awareness from our pre-departure information to our no trace practices in the field. As our guests explore the wonders of our world, we hope to help everyone gain new insights and perspectives on other cultures and environments as well as our own and foster a sense of our interconnectedness.

We consider running these trips our way of giving back to the environment as our guests return better educated and likely to vote or support these environments, their culture and wildlife.

Trip Details:

• 15-day trip begins and finishes in Ottawa.
• Trip includes commercial flight from Ottawa to Iqaluit return.
• charter plane flight from Iqaluit to Qaanaaq, Greenland return.
• Meals, kayaks, tents, satellite phone and HF radio included.

What is included:

• the services of two fully qualified expedition guides
• all group equipment including kayaks, paddles, tents; we provide all special group equipment as well as a full ‘cruiser’ suit for each person. A cruiser suit is a nylon flotation suit with closed cell insulation designed to act as a life preserver and prolong life in cold water immersion situations; it is however, quite comfortable, well-ventilated, and nearly waterproof, and most people on these trips wear them even while on land.
• air transportation between Otttawa and Iqaluit
• air charter transportation between Iqaluit and Greenland
• all meals listed in the itinerary from Day 2 to Lunch Day 14

What is not included:

• transportation between Ottawa and your home
• hotel accommodation in Iqaluit and Qaanaaq, Greenland
• personal belongings and gear as per ‘Clothing and Equipment List’
• any extra expenses incurred because of delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft, including accommodation and/or meals needed in any northern community
• gratuities for guides

Kayak and Hiking Trip in Northwest Greenland