West Greenland Gems: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture

12 Days
From CAD 12788 Was CAD 17050
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level

Rating


(3 reviews)

Experience Overview

One of the most remote and pristine areas in the world, Greenland is one of those bucket list destinations. On this 12-day trip, you’ll get a chance to explore regions of the incredible coastline that aren’t easily accessible by road, from the comfort of your ship (your floating home away from home). You’ll get opportunities to step right into the action with hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions that take you closer to nature. Plus, you’ll explore fjord systems and glaciers that few humans have ever laid eyes on and marvel at the sheer enormity of this arctic wilderness. Learn about the culture, geology and wildlife of this pristine place on a trip that takes you further. Pull on your adventure boots, this is one to tick off the bucket list.

Highlights

  • Learn from in-depth presentations run by your expert crew that reveal the fascinating history of Greenland and teach you more about the geology, climate and wildlife of this region.
  • Be one of the few people to explore the Uummannaq Fjord, the second-largest fjord in Greenland, and traverse the winding valleys and channels that intertwine within the depths of the awe-inspiring fjord system.
  • Cruise the waters surrounding Disko Bay and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life that might like to join you (whales are often spotted here), then get closer to the action with opportunities to hike, paddle and cruise on Zodiacs to remote areas like Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) or Torsukatak Fjords.
  • Get to know the locals and the local wildlife while exploring the region of Qeqqata in the middle of Greenland’s western coast. You might visit Sisimiut, where you can check out the open-air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits.
  • Our fully equipped ship will act as your home away from home; giving you somewhere to relax, unwind and warm up plus, providing access to some of the most remote parts of the rugged Greenland coastline.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 1680

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Comfortable

TransportTransport:

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: BQMWG

StartStarts: Toronto, Canada, Canada

FinishFinishes: Toronto, Canada, Canada

DurationDuration: 12 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Basic

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (8), Dinner (9)
Accommodation:

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 12788 (CAD 1066 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Toronto, Canada

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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Embark

This morning you’ll catch your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, where you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! Expect a welcome and safety briefing from your Expedition Leader.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: At Sea

As we sail north along the west coast to our first area of exploration, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead. Once activity and excursion briefings are completed, our education team will schedule presentations on the wildlife and fascinating history of Greenland, its geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)

4
Day 4-6: Uummanaq Fjord

Uummannaq Fjord is the second-largest fjord system in Greenland surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days you will have the opportunity to become one of few people ever to explore this area in depth and travel beyond the predictable tourist destinations. The fjord is full of cultural and natural wonders. Potential excursions include visits to the town of Uummanaq, venturing into Qilakitsoq (the site where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered) and excursions focused around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. You’ll embrace the expeditionary spirit as we pioneer new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord. Quark Expeditions’ core belief in working closely with local partners will enhance every experience as you explore alongside local experts. We’ll draw on our team’s collective knowledge and expertise to deliver incredible experiences.

5
Day 7-8: Disko Bay

Disko Bay Is a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and is the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as we navigate into this iconic bay where whales are often spotted. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations for us to explore. We will almost certainly visit the community of Illulissat, which is situated at the head of outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) , known for discharging 35 billion tons of ice each year. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is immensely beautiful and we will encourage you to explore it via one of the many marked hiking trails. Another area you may visit on this itinerary is the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords, located in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising. This is also an area where, if conditions allow, we will consider utilizing our twin- engine helicopters to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.

6
Day 9-10: Qeqqata

Qeqqata (meaning centre) municipality is Greenland’s second smallest administrative region. Situated in the middle of the country’s western coast, Qeqqata is home to almost 20% of Greenland’s populace, most of whom reside in Sisimiut and Manitsoq. During these two days your expedition team will work with our local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities. You will likely visit Sisimiut, where you can wonder 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. This is where we will also offer the (paid) mountain biking activity. Further south, the areas surrounding Manitsoq are equally stunning. One of our favorite destinations in the area is the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat, which we can hike and share a picnic with friends from Manitsoq. The fjord systems behind Manitsoq are deep and seldom visited. Our team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical one-of-a-kind experiences, one of which is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland.

7
Day 11: Kangerlussuaq

Today, we disembark in Kangerlussuaq and transfer you to your charter flight to Toronto, Canada, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

8
Day 12: Toronto, Canada

Today, make your way to Toronto Pearson International Airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend more time exploring the fascinating city of Toronto, known for its many multicultural neighborhoods and attractions.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

Daniel   -  Traveled, January 2024

the trip overall was good but a few things to be aware of: The Edmonton Sky shuttle has not been in service since 2020! You must take a taxi. The guide was surprised that we were told to schedule extras through her and by the time the trip started, much of what we wanted was already booked out. You must book the extras yourself. Neither intrepid nor tour radar does this. this was unclear in all the communications. you can't talk to a tour radar person. on line chat is fine if you are not in a hurry for answers. That aside, the guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 01/28/2024

 

Josephine   -  Traveled, August 2023

the tour leader was very good .She fulfilled her responsibilities very well

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/04/2023

 

Barbara   -  Traveled, March 2024

We were fortunate to have Claire Kredens as our driver guide. She is a gifted leader and could cope with ant situation. Such a tour is useful to learn which cities you might like to re-visit because our time in each is very short. Four and five hour drives every other day is exhausting and maybe the number of places visited could be edited downward. On the whole, I enjoyed the trip altho the age range 15-99 is unwise. 15-80 would be much more realistic.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/13/2024

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