The Thule Explorer - 77° North
Kayaking & Hiking Northwest Greenland
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 geography in the Arctic contributed, but you really made the trip. You have cleansed our souls for many months to come and we look forward to meeting you both again in the future."
- David Scott - Ottawa, Ontario
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 trip 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.
Trip Details
- 15-day trip begins and finishes in Resolute Bay.
- Trip includes charter plane flight from Resolute to Qaanaaq, Greenland, and return.
- Meals, kayaks, tents, satellite phone and HF radio included.
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: The group flies north from Edmonton/Yellowknife or Ottawa on First Air. Upon arrival in Resolute Bay, the group will board a chartered Twin Otter for the flight over to Qaanaaq, Greenland. Overnight in the local hotel.
Days 2: After a trip orientation, you and your group will be transported by local motor launch up into Inglefield fjord to the point of departure for our kayak trip.
Days 3-13: Ice conditions permitting, we will kayak from our drop-off site into the head of Inglefield fjord and back towards Qaanaaq, approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. Our direction of travel each day will be governed by such factors as wind, ice, and tides. We hope to encounter pods of narwhal out in the fiords, and we plan to spend time with the Polar Inuit hunters and their families, watching these remarkable people in action and sharing tea with some of them when we visit their camps. We'll paddle amongst a myriad of picturesque icebergs, and then pull ashore to explore inland along the foot of the Greenland icecap. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the High Arctic.
Day 14: We will return to Qaanaaq to meet our late afternoon charter flight over to Resolute Bay. Overnight in Resolute Bay.
Day 15: The group will connect with the First Air flight southbound into Ottawa.
Inclusive Services
- 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
Non-Inclusive Services
- 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
