The Leader in Polar Adventures
Arctic 2025
OCEAN EXPLORER
OUR NEWEST SHIP
Brand new itinerary: Northwest Passage to Newfoundland PAGE 41
Exclusive Helicopter Adventures: Flightseeing, heli-hiking and more PAGES 62 & 63
Go Solo in the Arctic: Seven perks for solo
travelers PAGE 68
Spectacular Arctic Wonders: Northern Lights, polar bears, icebergs and more PAGES 16–41
Zodiac cruising by blue-tinted icebergs in the Arctic.
We have curated our Arctic 2025 portfolio of voyages to allow travelers to fulfill unique polar dreams in Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, and, for the first time ever, down the east coast of Baffin Island to Newfoundland and Labrador. If you want to explore the legendary Northwest Passage, we’ve got you covered. If you dream of flying in a helicopter and landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet, we can make that happen. Do you long to camp along the Tasermiut Fjord in Greenland, spot a polar bear in Svalbard, or visit Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic? Our expedition team—recognized as the best in the industry—is ready to turn these dreams into reality. We’ll make sure you get off the ship as often as possible to explore by ship, helicopter, kayak, mountain bike and on foot. It all starts with a dream—yours. Our seasoned expedition guides will immerse you in the Arctic landscape in ways no one else can.
Watch a video preview of our Arctic 2025 season. Scan the QR Code.
COLIN SOUNESS, GEOLOGY PRESENTER AND HELI OPERATIONS MANAGER The Arctic is a place that must be felt, not simply seen. One comes to feel it, smell it and have it whip around your face. This place is special and wild simply because it is inhospitable, and to truly appreciate that, and to be enlivened by it, you have to be outdoors.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A handful of highlights from our trophy shelf.
VIRTUOSO , Best Expedition Cruise Line 2023
FOOD & TRAVEL READER , Best Boutique Cruise 2023
MAGELLAN AWARDS GOLD , Expeditions-Shore Excursion Cruise Line 2023 CRUISE CRITIC EDITOR’S PICKS AWARDS , Best In Adventure (Expedition) 2022 and 2023 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS , World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line 2020, 2021 and 2022 SIGNATURE LUXURY TRAVEL & STYLE CRUISE AWARD , World’s Best Four-Star Expedition Ships 2022 and 2023
USA TODAY 10 BEST READERS' CHOICE
TRAVEL AWARD , Best Adventure Cruise Line 2018
TRAVEL WEEKLY GOLD MAGELLAN AWARD , Best Expedition Itinerary, 2017, 2018 and 2019
, Best Small Ship Expedition 2019
TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARD , Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line 2016
AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) is an international association for expedition cruise operators operating in the Arctic and others with interests in this industry.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
What's inside.
4 6
54
34 Years of Polar Exploration Our Expert Team The People of the North The Arctic at a Glance Map of the Arctic In-Depth Exploration Spitsbergen Greenland Canadian Arctic Multi-Destination Voyages Our Superior Fleet Ultramarine 18 24 32
On-Ship Experience
54 56 58
From Morning to Midnight Food and Drink Your Life Onboard
10 12 14 16
60 64 66 68 70
Adventure Options Sustainability Matters Why Travel With Us? Solo Travel What’s Included in Your Trip
42 44 36
46 48
Unbeatable Helicopter Experiences From Wilderness to Wellness
50
Ocean Explorer
52
Relax and Rejuvenate
Scan QR codes in our brochure to view more great content! Using the built-in camera app on your phone, point the camera at the QR code, tap the banner, and follow instructions on the screen.
A Svalbard reindeer roams the snow-covered terrain.
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34
OUR HISTORY
years of
polar pride
Goin g Beyond in Polar Adventure.
November 1996 Quark Expeditions begins a circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, the first-ever voyage of its kind.
As the Leader in Polar Adventures, we’re committed to taking our guests deeper into the Polar Regions than they ever thought possible. Breaking boundaries is part of our DNA— so, too, is innovation. For the last 34 years we’ve pushed the limits of our own imagination to provide our guests with the most immersive—and imaginative —adventures in the Polar Regions. We have the most experienced team in the industry. We have the most diverse fleet, which allows guests to personalize their voyage. We offer the most off-ship adventure options— enabling guests to customize their expedition experience. Our fleet of small ships, including our newest vessel, Ocean Explorer , can take you places other larger ships cannot reach. Get ready for the expedition of a lifetime.
CIRCUMNAVIGATION
July 1999 Quark Expeditions completes its first passenger circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean.
August 1991 Quark Expeditions becomes the first polar operator to take commercial guests to the North Pole. August 1991 Quark Expeditions celebrates the first-ever passenger transit of the Northeast Passage.
Choose from 14 amazing Arctic itineraries starting on page 16
November 2003 Quark Expeditions passengers become the first humans to witness a Total Solar Eclipse in Antarctica.
December 1991 Quark Expeditions charters the first series of oceanographic research vessels specially converted for adventure travel, heralding a new phase in polar exploration.
November 2004 Quark Expeditions becomes the first operator to confirm the existence of the Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony. March 2006 Quark Expeditions breaks Roald Amundsen’s record set nearly 100 years earlier, attaining the most southernly latitude of any vessel.
November 1992 Quark Expeditions departs Cape Town for the first passenger voyage to the Far Side of Antarctica, the most remote coastal region of the continent.
November 1993 For the first time, Quark Expeditions guests retrace the voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance .
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OUR HISTORY
January 2019 Quark Expeditions launches the construction of the game-changing ship Ultramarine , the very first vessel purpose-built for polar exploration.
June 2008 Quark Expeditions offers maiden voyage to the North Pole on nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory , the most powerful icebreaker on the planet at the time.
ULTRAMARINE
April 2019 Quark Expeditions unveils Polar Promise, the most holistic sustainability policy in the polar expedition industry. December 2021 For the fourth time, Quark Expeditions is named the World's Leading Specialist Cruiseline at the World Travel Awards. December 2021 Ultramarine sets sail at last. Fittingly, the ship’s inaugural voyage is a celebration of the life of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Discover Ultramarine ’s incredible amenities. See page 48
July 2022 We present the first Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience with local chefs on board Ultramarine during a voyage to Greenland.
Get the updates on our Polar Promise sustainability strategy. See page 64
April 2011 Quark Expeditions’ Three Arctic Islands voyage is voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime.”
Check out our Three Arctic Islands itinerary on page 40
June 2012 Quark Expeditions becomes the first tour operator to successfully offer passengers hot-air ballooning at the North Pole. February 2013 Quark Expeditions hosts Jonathan Shackleton (Ernest Shackleton’s cousin) and Falcon Scott (Robert Falcon Scott’s grandson) as they walk, and camp, on the 7th Continent. October 2017 Quark Expeditions launches Quark Academy training program for expedition team members, the first training program of its kind in the industry.
To find out more, watch our Tundra to Table video on page 31
November 2023 Quark Expeditions hosts
To find out more about Ultramarine on page 44
two successful landings at the legendary Emperor penguin colony Snow Hill Island.
January 2024 Quark Expeditions announces Ocean Explorer will join the fleet in late 2024.
July 2022 For the first time ever, guests take to the polar skies in Ultramarine 's two twin-engine helicopters.
Meet our talented team on page 8
Hear about our unbeatable helicopter experiences on page 46
Learn more about Ocean Explorer on page 50
OUR TEAM
Our Expert Team
Behind every successful polar voyage is a dedicated team who stop at nothing to ensure you have the expedition of a lifetime. You can count on this team support from your initial booking inquiry up to and including the moment you first set foot in the Polar Regions. Our ensemble cast includes Polar Travel Advisors, Expedition Leaders, adventure guides, helicopter operations specialists and other ship crew who play a pivotal role in the success of your polar voyage.
When asked, " What does the Arctic mean to you? ," our guides shared these heartfelt reflections. Scan the QR Code.
COLIN SOUNESS, GEOLOGY PRESENTER AND HELI OPERATIONS MANAGER I suggest that every Arctic guest invest in a good pair of binoculars and spend time at home getting used to them. This will dramatically enhance your ability to find wildlife, and see it when pointed out by others.
A Quark Expeditions guide interacting with guests on a landing.
6 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
OUR TEAM
Polar Travel Advisors. Our dedicated team of polar specialists is available to help you from the first email exchange, virtual chat inquiry or initial phone call to the friendly follow-up after you’ve returned home after your voyage. You can trust our team of Polar Travel Advisors to have the information you need to plan your life-changing Arctic journey.
Polar Experience All of our Polar Travel Advisors have first-hand experience in the Polar Regions and are eager to share their expertise— and passion—for the regions we visit. Many have made multiple trips to the Arctic and Antarctic throughout their careers and can answer your questions about Arctic travel.
In-depth Knowledge Our Polar Travel Advisors have comprehensive knowledge of the wildlife, geography, climate, history, botany and geology of the regions we visit—and can also answer your questions about the expedition experience, whether it pertains to ships, off-shore activities, airport/hotel transfers, the best season to visit, what to pack and what to expect.
Multilingual Collectively, our Polar Travel Advisors are fluent in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Egyptian Arabic.
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OUR TEAM
Your Expedition Leaders.
Our Expedition Leaders are the most experienced in the industry. They possess an incredible range of skills: strong communications; the abil- ity to navigate unexpected itinerary changes; a commitment to safety; and excellence in coordinating, support- ing and leading a diverse expedition team to meet and exceed your expec- tations. All of our Expedition Leaders undergo rigorous training at our very own polar training institute, Quark Academy. In addition, our teams are fully versed in the regulations and guidelines set by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which sets out the safety and environmental practices we follow in order to protect the Arctic regions. We also have the best team in the air to deliver the most unforgettable helicopter adventures in the Polar Regions. Every member of our heli- copter options team—under the guid- ance of chief pilot Niel Sierens—have years of experience.
Abbey Weisbrot Home base: Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada Years of polar experience: 10 Polar expeditions to date: 90 Areas of expertise: Bachelor of Tourism
Alison Gordon Home base: Canberra, Australia Years of polar experience: 9 Polar expeditions to date: 120
Areas of expertise: Alison, who speaks Mandarin, has studied geopolitics and founded a company that tackles the issues of food waste and sustainable protein. She’s an avid skier, scuba diver, cyclist, runner and conservationist. Advice to polar travelers: “Be open to what it feels like to fall in love (again) with our planet and the beauty it contains.”
Management with a major in Adventure Studies. Certified Level 3 Lead Sea Kayak Guide with Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia. Advice to polar travelers: "Consciously slow down and soak up the incredible beauty around you, both big and small. Be present, take opportunities as they arise, and spend as much time out on the outer decks as possible."
Amalia Goodall Home base: Ushuaia, Argentina Years of polar experience: 9 Polar expeditions to date: 45+
Jake Morrison Home base: Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
Years of polar experience: 12 Polar expeditions to date: 75
Area of expertise: Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management and Guiding, and Master's Degree in n Environmental Management Advice to polar travelers: "Every now and then, put down your camera and take a moment to soak it all in. Experience this unique environment with all your senses: the sound of the ice crackling, the scent of the tundra, the vastness of the landscape, the texture of a feather or a piece of qiviut (muskox wool). These simple moments create powerful memories that cannot always be captured on film."
Areas of expertise: With a degree in operations management and after a lifetime on the water, Jake spent six years managing expedition operations from Quark Expeditions’ Toronto office before returning to the field to fuel his love for the great outdoors. During his 12 years with Quark Expeditions, Jake has worked on over 10 different expedition vessels and explored nearly every polar destination where Quark Expeditions operates. Advice to polar travelers: “Slow down, let your soul absorb every majestic moment, and spend plenty of time out on deck.”
Meet Expedition Leader Jake Morrison. Scan the QR Code.
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David Burton Home base: Shetland Islands, UK
David (Woody) Wood Home base: Melbourne, Australia
NEIL SIERENS Chief Pilot
Years of polar experience: 10 Polar expeditions to date: 90 Areas of expertise: History and glaciology Advice to polar travelers: “Head to the outer decks after dinner to take an evening constitutional. There’s no better place than the Polar Regions to take some time and reflect on the serene beauty you’ve witnessed that day, as well as contemplate the life-changing moments you’re experiencing. You never know what you might catch sight of— the majesty of the northern lights or a sighting of some wildlife!”
Years of polar experience: 20 Polar expeditions to date: 300
Areas of expertise: Woody has developed in-depth knowledge of numerous aspects of polar wilderness throughout two decades of polar expedition. Advice to polar travelers: “Polar voyages touch people in different ways. The polar environment has a power which sets people thinking about their place in our world. Get prepared with gear and have the time of your life! Travel with eyes wide open, with no fixed ideas and be open to the beauty, wonder, tranquility and fury of the polar environment."
Home base: Fairoaks, UK Years of helicopter experience: 19 Polar expeditions to date: 10 Areas of expertise: Helicopter operations around the globe; specialist in the safe transport of passengers to and from vessels. On embracing helicopter adventures in the Polar Regions: “The view from above is like no other, but the helicopter flight provides more than just an elevated viewpoint. The landing sites we choose can only be accessed by helicopter. So, along with the great views, you can experience the thrill of possibly being the first person to have ever set foot in that area.” Our helicopter team: “Delivering an amazing helicopter experience involves a lot of highly-trained people. It’s similar to a motor racing team which entails numerous experts working behind the scenes to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. We are very selective in the pilots we hire to fly in the Polar Regions—and we’re incredibly proud of our entire team. Guests are in very safe hands.” Advice to Polar Travelers: “Clearly you will want to take photos during your helicopter flight, but the lens cannot capture it all. Put down your camera occasionally and just look around. Secondly, on most flights you will be able to chat to the pilot. If you’ve got a question, there’s a strong likelihood your fellow guests are also keen to hear the answer. If you don’t get around to asking during the flight, you can always ask later when back on board Ultramarine .”
Ryan McDevitt Home base: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA Years of polar experience: 7 Polar expeditions to date: 75 Areas of expertise: Operations, logistics and helicopter operations Advice to polar travelers: "Exploring these wild regions is a full sensory experience. Take time to breathe in deeply and absorb the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Polar Regions. If you pack one thing for your expedition, make it a good set of binoculars and spend time using them on the outer decks."
Shane Evoy Home base: Pointe au Baril, Ontario, Canada Years of polar experience: 26 Polar expeditions to date: 250 What guests are apt to learn on a polar voyage: “I hope guests will learn a lot about the areas we go into so they can protect what they love. There’s a quote from environmentalist Baba Dioum that I live by when I’m on an expedition: ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’" Advice to polar travelers: “Sit, look, listen, and feel what is around you and take it all in.”
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 9
THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTH
The People of the North
Whenever we venture to the remote Arctic, we are ever mindful that we’re visiting lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples who have thrived in these domains long before Europeans set out to explore new territories. Honoring Indigenous heritage. For centuries, Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit, have hunted, fished, nurtured their cultural traditions and co-existed with the wildlife in Nunavut (Canadian Arctic) and remote Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). Whether we’re visiting a community, hiking the tundra, or Zodiac cruising a fjord in Nunavut on itineraries such as Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage, we recognize we are visitors to the Nunavummiut homeland. Nunavut, in the Inukitut language, means “our land.” Similarly, when we set foot on the Greenland Ice Sheet, visit a historic Thule site, view traditional qajaq
(kayak) demonstrations, or savor local food on a community visit, we are doing so on the homeland of the Greenlandic Inuit, or Kalaaliit. Their land is known as Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning “The Land of the People.” Working in partnership with local communities. As outlined in our Polar Promise sustainability strategy, respect for local people, their culture and traditions is our guiding principle when we plan community visits for our guests.
“Sometimes that respect manifests in the simple things,” says Lyndsey
Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For example, we always book community visits early—never at the last minute—and our team always deals directly with the community or locally-based operators. We also ensure that we understand how local residents would like to share their community, traditions and culture with us,” says Lewis. “We feel quite strongly that the community should decide what activities they would like to offer, whether it’s a sports game between guests, expedition team and local residents, or storytelling or a culinary experience.” To the people of the North: For inviting us into your homes, for giving us the opportunity to experience the beauty of your lands and your rich culture, we say Nakurmiik. Qujannamiik. Matna. Qujanaq. Thank you.”
For itineraries that celebrate the Indigenous culture of Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, see pages 24–41.
Explore culturally-rich Arctic communities in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic. Scan the QR Code or watch here.
10 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Supporting local communities
“Helping communities develop resources for tourism is important to us,” says Lyndsey Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For instance, Quark Expeditions has supported the efforts of the town of Qaanaaq in northwest Greenland to develop infrastructure that supports visits by small expedition ships. Through our on- board auctions, our guests support a wide range of organizations and not-for-profit groups unrelated to the tourism industry.”
Ittoqqortoormiit Museum Refurbishment
We support the community of Ittoqqortoormiit as they work to restore and modernize their local museum, to translate the sense of place and cultural identity of Ittoqqortoormiit. Ilisaqsivik Society This not-for-profit offers a wide range of culturally- based programs that support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of all community residents from infants to elders. Pond Inlet Elders Tea A weekly community-led gathering for elders who come together to socialize, enjoy tea and country food (char, seal, whale and caribou), and participate in other activities. Mittima Food Bank This program puts healthy meals on the tables of families in need. The Mittima Food Bank, based in Pond Inlet, provides a grocery drop to over 400 families every two weeks. Pirurvik Preschool The Pirurvik Preschool in Pond Inlet provides early childhood education based on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, and reflects traditional Inunnguiniq educational practices.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 11
the Arctic at a glance.
AXEL HEIBERG ISLAND is an uninhabited island in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. It’s home to the famous mummified trees (or fossil forest) dating back more than 30 million years.
GRISE FJORD , an Inuit community of about 150 residents, was established in 1953 when the government relocated eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. It is now Canada's northernmost settlement, where many rely on hunting and fishing for their livelihoods.
Axel Heiberg Island
On Devon Island, visitors can see the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost established at Dundas Harbour in 1924 to prevent foreign whaling. Guests can also visit the small, well-maintained cemetery, one of the northernmost in Canada.
Devon Island
BEECHEY ISLAND, a significant historical site in Canada, features the marked graves of three crew members from the ill-fated Franklin expedition (1845–46). Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen stopped here during his successful Northwest Passage transit (1903–1906) to pay his respects to Franklin.
Baffin Island
ARCTIC BAY Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay) on northwest Baffin Island, with its sheltered shores and steep cliffs, offers ideal nesting for Brünnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes. For nearly 5,000 years, its inhabitants lived a traditional Inuit nomadic lifestyle, making it a perfect place to explore Inuit culture and cuisine.
ANCIENT HISTORY & CULTURE Visiting local communities in the Canadian Arctic connects travelers to 4,000 years of Inuit history and culture. Pangnirtung, Pang for short,
CANADA
is an artistic community known for its beautiful hand-woven tapestries and lithographic prints.
The Arctic is a mass of sea ice floating over the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by North America, Europe and Asia. Use this infographic to help narrow down your choices of where to explore.
12 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
GREENLAND'S NORTHERN LIGHTS Auroras occur when solar protons and electrons hit the Earth’s magnetic field, creating a stunning display of multi- colored lights. In Greenland, the Northern Lights, typically green, white, and purple, can often be seen in September.
EXPLORING SVALBARD About 60% of Svalbard's mountains, glaciers, and islands are protected within seven national parks, including Forlandet and Nordvest-Spitsbergen. Visitors can find historical monuments like former whaling stations and burial grounds.
UUMMANNAQ , an island off Greenland's west coast, is one of the few places where Inuit still follow a traditional hunting and fishing lifestyle. Formerly known as Thule, it is home to about 1,200 Inuit, making it the second-largest town in North Greenland.
SVALBARD
GREENLANDIC CULTURE A visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland, is a window into the daily life of a remote community where many inhabitants still
GREENLAND
hunt and fish to continue their traditional heritage.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
THE KING OF THE ARCTIC A polar bear’s fur appears white but is actually transparent hair that creates this illusion; its skin is black. The optimal time
Ilulissat Icefjord, a tidal fjord and UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest and most active
to view polar bears in Spitsbergen is during May, June, and July.
glaciers in the world.
MANIITSOQ , a town of 2,500, is the gateway to stunning landscapes, fjords, and sharp-peaked mountains in West Greenland. A visit typically includes a stop at Eternity Fjord, one of Greenland's longest and most beautiful fjords.
ICELAND
MAMMOTH CLIFFS Approximately 110 bird
FAROE ISLANDS
species nest in the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands. Cape Enniberg, which stands at 2,400 feet (754 m) high, is one of the highest cliffs in the world.
TASERMIUT FJORD Paddling and Zodiac excursions into the fjord
allow for closer connection with a landscape that is considered one of the most beautiful places in Greenland.
THE HEART OF THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
The quest for Far East trade routes ignited early explorers' passions and obsessions. Discover the great sea route at the top of the world.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 13
CANADA, GREENLAND, NORWAY. Where do you want to explore with the most seasoned expedition team in the Polar Regions? Quark Expeditions’ 2025 lineup offers unique Arctic itineraries to fully immerse yourself in specific Arctic regions. Explore with the best expedition team in the Arctic. Where our team can take you.
Axel Heiberg Island
ITINERARIES AND SCHEDULED ROUTES:
Ellesmere Island
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage See page 22 Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings See page 26 South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic See page 27
Resolute
Devon Island
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture See page 29
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights See page 30 Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route See page 34 Canada's Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands See page 35 Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen See page 38 Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland See page 39 Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland See page 40 Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains and Wildlife See page 41
Baffin Island
NOT SHOWN ON MAP:
Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief See page 20
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway See page 21
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs See page 28
CANADA
Calgary
Flight paths
Scheduled paths
Toronto
Map is not to scale. Itineraries shown are for illustrative purposes only. Actual itinerary is dependent on weather and ice conditions.
14 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Uummaanaaq
Store Glacier
Eqip Sermia
Ilulissat
Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen
GREENLAND
Greenland Sea
SVALBARD
Kangerlussuaq
Sisimiut
Baffin Bay
Jan Mayen
Norwegian Sea
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
Kangerlussuaq
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Reykjavik ICELAND
Nuuk
FINLAND
Faroe Islands
Helsinki
Atlantic Ocean
Labrador Sea
Fair Isle
Aberdeen
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
U.K.
St. John's
Lindenow Fjord
Saint Pierre & Miquelon
Greenland Ice Sheet (access point)
Aappilattoq
Labrador Sea
Tasermiut Fjord
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 15
In-depth explorations. Our region-specific expeditions to remote parts of Norway, Greenland and Canada are ideal for those who know where they want to go, and for past travelers who’ve explored the highlights and would now like to drill a little deeper and explore a little further into one Arctic domain. Such trips are also ideal for first-timers who are eager to explore one specific region in depth. Our range of itineraries covers three Arctic regions, allowing you to choose the adventure that best suits your travel desires.
NATURE IS THE TOUR GUIDE: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will ultimately influence your trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Guests photograph the Greenlandic landscape on a shore landing.
16 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
In This Section Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway | Explore west Spitsbergen, as well as the fjords and islands to the north. See page 21 Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings | Observe spectacular glaciers and fascinating Viking sites. See page 26 Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route | Retrace the route of the intrepid Franklin Expedition of 1845. See page 34
MICHELLE SOLE, ASSISTANT EXPEDITION LEADER AND PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE I love watching first-time Arctic guests as they take in the vastness of the tundra from afar and then have the opportunity to experience it intimately. From afar it can seem quite bleak. However, upon closer inspection the tundra reveals a myriad of flowering plants, nature’s jewels, that never fail to impress.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 17
Spitsbergen Spitsbergen, known as the Wildlife Capital of the Arctic, is the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Located about 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is dark four months of the year, but when the sun returns in April, the days lengthen until sometime in June when the sun never sets. It’s this near-constant light that creates the perfect conditions to view the wildlife species that have made Spitsbergen so popular: polar bears, walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals and seabirds—all of which we hope to view against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords.
Explore Spitsbergen in 60 seconds. Scan the QR Code.
18 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
ANNIE INGLIS, MARINE BIOLOGY PRESENTER Svalbard offers such contrasting landscapes, from west to east and north to south. One can be exploring amongst miles of sea ice on one day and walking over the vibrant tundra the next.
A polar bear prowls along the sea ice in Spitsbergen. Photography taken with a Zoom lens.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 19
SPITSBERGEN
Guests enjoy the incredible landscapes of Spitsbergen during a Zodiac excursion.
Kvitøya
Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Nordaustlandet
Monaco Glacier
Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief
Hinlopen Strait
Smeerenburg
SPITSBERGEN
Barentsøya
Longyearbyen
Our popular Spitsbergen Highlights expedition is ideal for guests who are looking to experience the best of Spitsbergen but are short on time. You can pack a lot into just seven days, including a scenic journey along the island’s west coast, where you’ll encounter rocky mountains, glaciers, towering cliffs and fjords. We'll be on a constant lookout for wildlife. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Edgeøya
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
Greenland Sea
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Hornsund
1 departure | 7 days May 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Helsinki, Finland (included in mandatory transfer package)
Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
20 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
SPITSBERGEN
Zodiac cruising around Spitsbergen; hiking the Arctic terrain; a pair of walruses.
Kvitøya
Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Nordaustlandet
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Smeerenburg
Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
SPITSBERGEN
Barentsøya
Experience everything this island has to offer on our 10-day itinerary, which covers western Spitsbergen as well as the stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. You’ll hike the tundra, zip through fjords on a Zodiac and experience vast expanses of icebergs. The archipelago is home to a diverse range of terrestrial and marine mammals. As we explore, keep an eye out for various wildlife species, including walruses, Svalbard reindeer and potentially polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Longyearbyen
Edgeøya
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Greenland Sea
Hornsund
16 departures | 10 and 12 days May–August 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Ship: Ultramarine Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Helsinki, Finland (included in mandatory transfer package)
Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 21
ROBERT D. — We were able to see and photograph almost everything on the list, including a polar bear and cub, Arctic foxes, blue whales, walruses, seals and myriad seabirds. The Expedition Team was stellar and the food on-board was 5-star.
22 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
SPITSBERGEN
Kayakers paddle the Arctic waters; Svaldbard reindeer; guests on a shore hike; Zodiac excursion; Ocean Explorer.
Kvitøya
Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Scheduled route
Nordaustlandet
If conditions allow
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Smeerenburg
Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
SPITSBERGEN
This 14-day journey—during which we will attempt a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago—is our most extensive expedition in Spitsbergen. The itinerary includes opportunities to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the archipelago with time to maximize unique off-ship adventures. We'll have our binoculars and scopes out to keep a watchful eye for wildlife, on shore as well as on the water. This incredible Arctic adventure also offers the rare chance to visit two birdwatching utopias, the 14th of July Glacier and famous Alkefjellet cliffs. This voyage truly is the big Arctic adventure you've been waiting for. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Barentsøya
Longyearbyen
Edgeøya
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
Greenland Sea
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Hornsund
1 departure | 14 days June 25, 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Helsinki, Finland (included in mandatory transfer package)
Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 23
Greenland The world's largest island teems with life, welcoming visitors with its breathtaking scenery. East Greenland is vast, sparsely inhabited, and stunning in its austere beauty, while West Greenland offers more Indigenous community experiences, icebergs, Viking history—and much more. Then there’s South Greenland, home of the 70-kilometer long Tasermiut Fjord, a vast largely unexplored landscape that beckons to adventurers who long to explore some of the most remote parts of Greenland.
Why travel to Greenland with Quark Expeditions? Click here or scan the QR code
MICHELLE SOLE, ASSISTANT EXPEDITION LEADER AND PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE Greenland is like no other destination because of its size and the variety of things it has to offer. West Greenland is rich in culture, the east is vast, remote and can provide good wildlife opportunities, whilst South Greenland has dramatic scenery and fjords.
Guests excitedly await the arrival of their helicopter in Greenland.
24 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 25
SOUTH GREENLAND
Guests hike the tundra; helicopter soars the Greenland skies; Viking ruins.
Ba n Bay
Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings
GREENLAND
The 13–day Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings itinerary is an ultra- immersive exploration of Greenland’s serene shores. You’ll sail the icy waters of the rarely traveled southeast coast, travel down to the lush southern tip, and stop to visit local communities and fascinating Viking sites, and observe stunning glaciers on the south and southeast coasts, which are the featured regions of this voyage. Spectacular, unspoiled wonders—from towering mountains, verdant valleys and incredible wildflowers—await at every turn. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
TO TORONTO
Nuuk
Denmark Strait
Hvalsey
Lindenow Fjord
Prins Christian Sund
ICELAND
Reykjavik
Atlantic Ocean
1 departure | 13 days July 2025
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight:
Nuuk to Toronto (included in mandatory transfer package)
Embarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Disembarkation: Nuuk, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
26 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
SOUTH GREENLAND
Guest Review: Watch Charlotte's South Greenland experience with Quark Expeditions. Scan the QR Code.
A guest admires a ruggedly beautiful Greenland fjord.
Approximate limit of exploration area
Nuuk
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
Our 13-day South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to experience the massive fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland, and includes unprecedented opportunities to explore the majesty of South Greenland’s diverse fjordlands. This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing by icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, heli-hiking, camping in comfort along the massive Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts, visiting small Greenlandic communities or joining guided hikes. Ultramarine ’s helicopters will take you to areas in South Greenland that others simply can’t reach. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will determine your trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
GREENLAND
Kvaneord
TO/FROM TORONTO
Lindenow Fjord
Greenland Ice Sheet (access point)
Aappilattoq
Labrador Sea
Tasermiut Fjord
1 departure | 13 days July 29, 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Nuuk, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Toronto, Canada (included in mandatory transfer package)
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 27
WEST GREENLAND
Guest Review: Jennifer and Patrick loved exploring Greenland with our expert guides. Scan the QR Code.
Zodiac cruising in Disko Bay, West Greenland. Distance from iceberg appears closer in the photograph.
Approximate limit of exploration area
Eqip Sermia
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs
Ilulissat
GREENLAND
Our 10-day West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs will immerse you along the dramatic coast of West Greenland, and we will take you deeper into Disko Bay and Eternity Fjords than any other operator. Featuring the best sites and ice-laden realms of West Greenland, you’ll coast by massive glaciers and sculpted icebergs while enjoying the comforts of Ultramarine , with its and on-board spa and twin-engine helicopters. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Kangerlussuaq
Sisimiut
TO/FROM TORONTO
1 departure | 10 days August 10, 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Toronto, Canada (included in mandatory transfer package)
28 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
WEST GREENLAND
Greenlandic community visit; a guest explores on mountain bike; whale sighting.
GREENLAND
Uummaanaaq
Store Glacier
Eqip Sermia
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture
Ilulissat
Explore the dramatic coast of West Greenland with its deep fjords and stunning islands. This trip, which mostly explores north of the Arctic Circle, features the best sites of West Greenland in just 12 days. Visit culturally-rich small towns such as Sisimiut and Uummannaq, and cruise by massive glaciers on Ultramarine . At summer’s peak, you’ll enjoy long days, clear vistas, and longer opportunities to see wildlife. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Kangerlussuaq
Sisimiut
TO/FROM TORONTO
Approximate limit of exploration area
1 departure | 12 days August 17, 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Toronto, Canada (included in mandatory transfer package)
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 29
EAST GREENLAND
Paddling a remote fjord; colorful houses of a Greenlandic settlement; the Northern Lights.
Ella Island
King Oscar Fjord
GREENLAND
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights Explore some of the last untouched wilderness areas on the planet on our 11-day Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights. Cruising along Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you can explore the largest fjord system in the world, visit ancient Thule sites, savor Greenlandic culture firsthand, discover the region’s diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes—and hopefully witness nature’s spectacular light show, the Aurora borealis . Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Ittoqqortoormiit
Scoresby Sund
Atlantic Ocean
Reykjavik
ICELAND
4 departures | 11 days August and September 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
30 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
FROM TUNDRA TO TABLE
Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience Offered only on select voyages: W est Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs G ems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture N orthwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route C anada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
Guests traveling with Quark Expeditions to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic can now be part of our Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience . You’ll savor food made with ingredients direct from the sea and surrounding Arctic land—prepared by local chefs. Enjoy an evening of Inuit storytelling as you dine on traditional dishes of the Inuit of Greenland and Nunavut, including beer-braised muskox served with Greenlandic mashed potatoes, and pickled halibut served with lumpfish dip and bread. Our on-ship Tundra to Table experience is the only exclusively Inuit culinary offering of its kind in the world.
When you taste the food of the Inuit, you’re tasting the real Arctic.
Savor authentic Inuit cuisine in our Tundra to Table experience. Scan the QR Code.
Canadian Arctic The Canadian Arctic is one of the world's least disturbed marine ecosystems, home to spectacular wildlife such as polar bears, ringed seals, and bowhead, narwhal and beluga whales. While sparsely populated, the region is rich in Inuit culture, especially in Nunavut. There are 35,563 islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, of which Baffin Island is just one. Remote, austere and rugged, the Canadian Arctic invites modern-day explorers to navigate its icy channels and follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers who braved the fabled Northwest Passage.
Immerse yourself in the Canadian Arctic with our expert team. Scan the QR Code.
Intrepid travelers explore the Canadian Arctic on a guided hike.
32 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
MICHELLE SOLE, ASSISTANT EXPEDITION LEADER AND PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE My most memorable wildlife experience in the Arctic was from a Zodiac. We observed two adolescent polar bears playing on a pan of ice. They wrestled each other and continuously jumped in and out of the water—seemingly without a care in the world. Time stood still and it felt like we were living inside a documentary.
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 33
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Guest Review: Catherine and Manrique describe their Canadian Arctic and Greenland experience. Scan the QR Code.
Ultramarine guests set off on a Zodiac cruise.
Resolute
GREENLAND
Beechey Island
Dundas Harbour
Fort Ross
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Pond Inlet
Ba n Bay
Ba n Island
TO CALGARY
Sail along the coast of Greenland before setting off for the remote Canadian Arctic as we retrace the route of the intrepid Franklin Expedition of 1845 on our game- changing new vessel, Ultramarine . The ship’s two helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs enable you to explore Greenlandic villages, view glaciers, dramatic fjords and towering icebergs, and hike the Arctic tundra while looking for whales, walruses, muskoxen and polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
Qikiqtarjuaq
Kangerlussuaq
Davis Strait
FROM TORONTO
1 departure | 17 days August 26, 2025 Embarkation: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Disembarkation: Resolute, Canada Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: From Toronto, Canada; To Calgary, Canada (included in mandatory transfer package)
34 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
CANADIAN ARCTIC
Inuit in traditional attire; large muskox; guests and crew congregate on ship deck.
Axel Heiberg Island
Ellesmere Island
Canada's Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
Hell Gate
Grise Fjord
Coburg Island
Devon Island
Resolute
Croker Bay
Beechey Island
Ba n Bay
Arctic Bay
Journey above 73 degrees north through through the Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands on our new expedition vessel Ultramarine . You’ll enjoy unique perspectives of the remote bays, inlets and channels of Canada’s remote Arctic on Ultramarine ’s two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs. We'll be on the lookout for wildlife in this rugged, rarely visited region which is home to polar bears, whales, seals, walruses and muskoxen. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected!
TO/FROM CALGARY
NUNAVUT (Canada) T
Approximate limit of exploration area
1 departure | 12 days September 9, 2025 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Resolute, Canada Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 62–63 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Calgary, Canada (included in mandatory transfer package)
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 35
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