West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs
10 Days Starting and ending in Toronto
Visiting: Toronto, Canada, Fly to Kangerlussuaq and Embark, Disko Bay, Qeqqata, Kangerlussuaq Disembarkation - fly to Toronto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMO
Group size:
1 - 199
Age range:
8-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
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!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Toronto, Canada
Location: Toronto, Canada
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 2: Fly To Kangerlussuaq And Embark
Location: Fly to Kangerlussuaq and Embark
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Day 3-5: Disko Bay
Location: Disko Bay
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
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.
Day 6-8: Qeqqata
Location: Qeqqata
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
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.
Day 9: Kangerlussuaq Disembarkation - Fly To Toronto
Location: Kangerlussuaq Disembarkation - fly to Toronto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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?
Day 10: Toronto, Canada
Location: Toronto, Canada
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Ship , Zodiac , plane
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (7 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)
Important Information
This trip starts and finishes in Toronto, Canada1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Toronto, Canada on day 1 of this tripGroup Charter flights to Kangerlussuaq return are included in this trip.1 nights post expedition hotel accommodation is included in Toronto on day 9 of this trip. You are free to depart anytime after breakfast on the last day of this trip.This trip is onboard the UltramarineYour voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditionsADVENTURE OPTIONSKayaking, Mountain biking, paddling excursion and Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience are all optional activities that can be prebooked and incurs an additional cost. Please speak to your sales consultant if you are interested in booking any of these optional activities.
Mode of Transport
Ship , Zodiac , plane
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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