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. COBURG ISLAND A well-known nesting ground, Coburg Island is a wildlife reserve with a diverse avian community. Greater snow geese, snowy owls, peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons thrive in the protected environment at certain times of the year. 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. DEVON ISLAND This is the largest uninhabited island in the world. Marking the northern side of Lancaster Sound, this desert island is so cold and dry that NASA and other organizations conduct research here for future missions to Mars. The Inuktitut name, Tallurutit means “tatoos on the chin” referring to the similarity of the geological features of the area to an Inuit woman’s traditional chin tattoos. 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.
ELLESMERE ISLAND The most northerly point of land in Canada, this island at the top of the world features dramatic glacier-capped peaks that soar over 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). It is the third-largest island in the country and the 10th largest in the world. Those fortunate to visit Ellesmere will have achieved one of the most elusive landmarks in all of polar exploration. FORT ROSS In 1937, the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post, named Fort Ross, on the southern coast of Somerset Island. Due to the harsh conditions and isolation of the post, it was closed in 1948. The store and manager’s house still stand. GRISE FIORD The Inuktitut name for this Ellesmere Island hamlet means “place that never thaws.” From April to August, the residents of Canada’s most northerly Inuit community experience continuous daylight.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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