2023 Best of the Western Arctic

ARCTIC 2023

BEST OF THE WESTERN ARCTIC

Canada and Greenland

DESIGNED TO

GO BEYOND

Contents

Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship Included Activities Adventure Options Dates and Rates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist

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Overview

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Venture far above the Arctic Circle to a land where polar bears roam and the sun rides high in the sky. On the Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland itinerary, you’ll explore the eastern and northerly shores of Nunavut’s Baffin Island and the western coast of Greenland. You’ll visit local communities to learn about the cultural traditions of Inuit in Canada, and their ancestors, the Thule, while in Greenland. You’ll also spend your days searching for wildlife that inhabit this remote, mysterious realm. Our new, game-changing ship, Ultramarine —with its two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs and the largest portfolio of off-ship Adventure Options in the industry—will give you one-of-a-kind perspectives of icebergs, glaciers and fjords. Community visits will reward you with insights into traditional and modern ways of life in the Western Arctic, and the rugged beauty of these pristine landscapes will leave you breathless, whether it’s the soaring cliffs of Caswell Tower or the sculpted icebergs that dominate the Ilulissat Icefjord. In a wildlife-rich region such as this, it’s possible you’ll spot whales or catch a glimpse of one of the Arctic’s most iconic animals—the polar bear. You can expect to stay connected to these magnificent surroundings even when you’re back on board: Ultramarine has more wildlife-viewing spaces than any ship its size. The unrivaled luxury amenities, which include a spa and sauna, will rejuvenate you after a day exploring the Western Arctic.

EXPEDITION IN BRIEF

Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as muskoxen, walrus and whales Explore Canadian wildlife sanctuaries and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenland Visit traditional settlements and meet Inuit and Greenlandic locals Cruise in a Zodiac to explore icebergs, glaciers, fjords and more Enjoy unforgettable flightseeing aboard Ultramarine ’s two helicopters

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN TORONTO, CANADA Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel. DAY 2 | FLY TO KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND & EMBARK This morning, board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small town at the eastern head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world. After embarking your ship in the afternoon, enjoy time out on deck, taking in your new surroundings as you set sail on your Arctic expedition.

DAY 3 | CRUISING As we cruise across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that pass through these waters. Exploring the remote regions of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic aboard Ultramarine , the newest ship in our fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Designed to give polar adventurers

Beechey Island

Qaanaaq

GREENLAND

Dundas Harbour

Bushnan Ø

Melville Bay

Lancaster Sound

Ban Bay

Uummannaq

Isabella Bay

Ilulissat

Qikiqtarjuaq

Davis Strait

Itilleq

Ban Island

Kangerlussuaq

TO/FROM TORONTO

CANADA

BEST OF THE WESTERN ARCTIC Canada and Greenland

Onboard the Ultramarine

Flights to/from Kangerlussuaq

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unprecedented access to the hardest- to-reach places on the planet—and equipped with two onboard twin-engine helicopters for unparalleled access to areas only Quark Expeditions can bring you—this one-of-a-kind ship will take you beyond the familiar in polar exploration. Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer at the top of the world. DAYS 4 – 6 | EXPLORING BAFFIN ISLAND, CANADA Baffin Island is the fifth-largest island in the world. Its Inuktitut name is Qikiqtaaluk, and it has been home to Inuit for thousands of years. The colonial name Baffin Island comes from English navigator William Baffin, who ventured to the area in the early 17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days sailing along the island’s eastern

coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Isabella Bay. Towering mountains, deep fjords, colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements await! The Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a chance to support local Inuit artisans here by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewelry. Cruising farther north along the east coast of Baffin Island, we’ll approach Isabella Bay, an important summer and fall feeding area for a large population of bowhead whales.

DAY 7 | CRUISING As our ship sails farther north, take in a presentation by our on-board experts, sip a cocktail in the bar, watch a documentary film or join your Expedition Team on the bridge as they scan for wildlife—there is no shortage of activities while at sea. DAYS 8 – 11 | LANCASTER SOUND The gateway to the Northwest Passage, Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga) is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas staying ice-free all year, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. Our days here will be spent exploring several of the sound’s beautiful bays and inlets, discovering historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walrus, seals and, of course, whales.

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Polar bear sightings are possible too, as Lancaster Sound is known for polar bear sightings. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well- preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these pre- Inuit people thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a Canadian National Historic Site. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area.

The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds like Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black- legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots. DAY 12 | SMITH SOUND Before saying goodbye to Nunavut, we’ll push as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland. Experience a true expedition as weather and ice determine how far north we explore.

1900s. Opening up to Baffin Bay, the area is a major egress for the Greenland ice cap and is home to spectacular icebergs in all shapes and sizes, making it an ideal spot for Zodiac cruising. If you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a unique Arctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (additional cost). DAY 15 | CRUISING As we continue sailing south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations by our on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

DAYS 13 & 14 | EXPLORING NORTHWEST GREENLAND

DAYS 16 – 18 | EXPLORING WEST GREENLAND Boasting spectacular glaciers,

Your return to Greenland will have you sailing along the remote northwest coast, a land of impressive icebergs and massive glaciers. Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, is one of the northernmost towns in the world. Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, while the museum sheds more light on life near the top of the world. We hope to explore Melville Bay, a significant whaling site until the early

mountainous landscapes, dramatic fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Some areas we hope to explore here are Uummannaq, Itilleq and the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. Quite possibly the most picturesque place in Greenland, the traditional Inuit town of Uummannaq (which means “heart-like”) takes its name from the

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red heart-shaped mountain that rises up a staggering 3,840 feet (1,170 meters) behind it. You’ll want to be positioned on deck as your ship approaches the shore, with your camera ready to capture the inspiring vistas of the twin peaks soaring high above the colorful houses dotting the rugged coastline. Another beautiful locale is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an absolutely unique glacial phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. Home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most active glaciers in the world, this is a great spot to enjoy a Zodiac excursion past towering icebergs. Venturing ashore in the town of Ilulissat (which means “iceberg”) will allow you to visit the icefjord on foot and gaze at this unforgettable river of ice from the rocky shore. Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is situated about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a small island. It is the southern limit of

the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, the dogs are not permitted south of this community and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. It’s also known as a welcoming community, where you might experience “kaffemik,” a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors in for coffee, cakes and conversation. Explore the town’s charming wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals, whose main trade is fishing, and maybe challenge them to a game of football (soccer) —it won’t be long before you’re experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe. DAY 19 | DISEMBARK IN KANGERLUSSUAQ & FLY TO TORONTO Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival in Toronto, we will transfer you to your included hotel.

DAY 20 | DEPART TORONTO Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend time exploring this fascinating city.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Arrival and Departure Details

Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN TORONTO You may arrive in Toronto at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make your own way to the included hotel, near the airport. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® will be available in the lobby of the hotel this evening to answer any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. KANGERLUSSUAQ AND EMBARKATION Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2 of the itinerary in the morning. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter, and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the airport. Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you will be transferred to the ship by Zodiac.

PLEASE NOTE There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Toronto and the ship. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Toronto. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.

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Final Day and Departure DISEMBARKATION IN KANGERLUSSUAQ Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Kangerlussuaq between 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has anchored, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before taking one last Zodiac ride to shore. After disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport for the return charter flight to Toronto. DEPARTING FROM TORONTO Upon arrival in Toronto, there will be a group transfer to your included post- expedition hotel. After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the airport to connect with your onward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation.

Included Hotel Accommodations

Arrival and Departure Transfers TORONTO AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers in Toronto are not included; however, if you like, your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange them for you. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions® at least 30 days prior to traveling.

Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated in your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre- or post- stay, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser or travel professional for hotel options. As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Your Ship: Ultramarine

NEW! ULTRAMARINE

The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, and features the category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size, complemented by an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience. SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 140 Guests: 199 Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed Ice Class: PC6 Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.

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Deluxe Balcony Suite

Sauna

Panorama Lounge

Fitness Center

Balena Restaurant

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Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage offers a variety of recreational activities to enhance your polar experience. FLIGHTSEEING While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air, a view you can enjoy while seated in one of the two twin-engine helicopters stationed on Ultramarine . Typically in groups of fewer than 10, you will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Arctic during a 10- to 15-minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the cost of the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase on board. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather- and logistics-dependent.

ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.

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HIKING Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every guest. PRESENTATIONS Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more. POLAR PLUNGE This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera on board! PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions. Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your Travel Professional for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion. TUNDRA TO TABLE: INUIT CULINARY EXPERIENCE This one-of-a-kind adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut is hosted by Inuit chefs who are experts in Indigenous cuisine. Guests get to enjoy four courses of modern Inuit fusion-style cuisine while chefs talk about the origins of the food and elements of Inuit cooking. The dinner, featuring regional tableware, includes cultural storytelling.

PLEASE NOTE For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure book for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.

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Departure Dates Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Adventure Options

Transfer Package

Days

Start / End

Dates

ARCTIC 2023 SEP 11 – 23, 2023

Toronto

Included

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Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions RATES INCLUDE: • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program • All shore landings as per the daily program • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.) • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Exclusions RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • Mandatory Transfer Package * • International airfare • Arrival and departure transfers in Toronto • Passport and visa expenses • Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location) • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew • Additional overnight accommodation • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • One night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto • Group transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2 • Charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq • Group transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day • Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day • Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto • One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto

PACKAGE PRICE: $1,995 USD

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Your Expedition Team

Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard- earned experience is passed on, all our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Meals on Board

If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

Possible Excursions

COBURG ISLAND A well-known nesting ground, Coburg Island is a wildlife reserve with a diverse avian community. Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots dominate the cliffs here, while it’s also possible to spot greater snow geese, snowy owls, peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons. CROKER BAY On the south coast of Devon Island is Croker Bay. A glacier here actively calves off chunks of ice, creating a birthplace for icebergs. The bay was a popular stop during the 1800s, when a path to the Pacific (the Northwest Passage) was at the forefront of Arctic exploration.

When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing. Canada BEECHEY ISLAND Named after Frederick William Beechey, an explorer with the Royal Navy, this is one of Canada’s most important Arctic sites and has been deemed a Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, two of Franklin’s ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, anchored here with perilous results. Three of Franklin’s crew died here and are buried at marked gravesites.

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DUNDAS HARBOUR Located on Devon Island, there are remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police post here, dating back to 1924. Historically, this area has been settled for more than 3,000 years by Inuit and pre-Inuit cultures. Be alert for wildlife, as walrus, polar bears and muskoxen inhabit the area. ISABELLA BAY A bowhead whale sanctuary, the Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area is comprised of the islands of Isabella Bay and the surrounding shoreline and waters. As many as a hundred bowheads have been recorded at one time in the bay, which is the single-largest known concentration of the species in Canada.

QIKIQTARJUAQ Qikiqtarjuaq sits at the foot of the Baffin Mountains, the highest range east of the Rockies. A friendly and welcoming community will open their arms to welcome you here. RADSTOCK BAY A Thule site here provides insight into how the pre-Inuit people survived and lived in the Arctic. Their subterranean dwellings were constructed of giant whale skulls and bones still visible today.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement— of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

West Greenland ILLULISSAT ICEFJORD

welcoming community, where you might experience “kaffemik,” a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors in for coffee, cakes and conversation. KANGERLUSSUAQ Kangerlussuaq sits at the head of a 118- mile (190 km) long fjord. The tiny town has Greenland’s largest airport and a unique history. Although Inuit and their predecessors occupied or visited the area, Kangerlussuaq’s modern incarnation dates back to the U.S. occupation of Greenland as an air force base beginning in World War II. MELVILLE BAY This large bay was named by explorer Sir John Ross after Lord Melville, the first lord of the British Admiralty. The Greenland ice sheet comes down to the

coast, making it a major egress for some of the most spectacular icebergs in the world. QAANAAQ Qaanaaq is one of the world’s most northern settlements. Traditional means of living are strong here, and the local museum helps shed some light on what it takes to live this close to the top of the world. UUMMANNAQ Uummannaq was founded as a Danish colony in 1758 on the Nuussuaq mainland, but in 1763 it was moved to the nearby island, as seal hunting was more plentiful there. A heart shaped mountain forms a striking backdrop to Greenland’s second- largest town.

North of the Arctic Circle, this ice fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as one of the fastest- moving glaciers in the world, the Jakobshavn Glacier (or Sermeq Kujalleq in Greenlandic) located at the head of the icefjord moves 62 feet (19 m) per day. More glacial ice is calved into the ocean here than anywhere else in the Arctic. ITILLEQ Itilleq in Greenlandic means “a hollow,” which is where this village is situated, on an island without any freshwater. The village has approximately 130 inhabitants and offers picturesque views of colorful Greenlandic houses dotted along the rocky landscape. It’s also known as a

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

What to pack on your polar expedition WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:

WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.

TO WEAR ON LANDINGS  Base-layer wool or synthetic top 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS 

Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)

Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom

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Mid-layer warm or fleece top

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Light warm jacket to wear during travel to the ship

Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom

Workout attire (for the fitness center!)

Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)

Binoculars

Hand and feet warmers

Glove liners

Camera with charger and extra batteries

Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)

Extra memory or laptop with spare storage (for saving photos)

Scarf, buff, or other face protection

Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)

Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera

Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)

Lens cloth for camera

Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack

Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping

Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)

Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)

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Ski goggles (offers extra protection for adventure options or Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)

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Personal alarm such as mobile phone, watch, or alarm clock

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Sunscreen

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Moisturizer for face and hands (polar air can be dry)

Lip Balm

Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses

Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)

TO WEAR ONBOARD  Complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board (wear the waterproof shell out on deck, and the removable liner indoors to stay comfortable)  Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)  Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)

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Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications

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Hand sanitizer

Passport, visas, immunization and vaccination records, travel documents, etc. (as required)

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Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)

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Water bottle (a collapsible reusable water bottle will be provided onboard)

Scan this QR code to watch our video on what to pack before you go!

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Bug spray

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PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Michelle Sole; Nicky Souness; Sam Edmonds; Hugo Perrin; Grange Productions; Adobe Stock.

21 May 3, 2023 EXPEDITION BROCHURE

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