Baffin Island and Greenland: Circling the Midnight Sun
August 15–28, 2026
From $9,995 to $19,995 USD
Aboard Ocean Nova
Starts: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Ends: Toronto, ON, Canada
Charter Flights:
Northbound Charter Flight: $1,045 USD
Ottawa, ON, Canada to Iqaluit, NU, Canada. Early-morning departure.
Southbound Charter Flight: $1,595 USD
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival.
Itinerary
Day 1: Iqaluit, NU, Canada
Day 2: Frobisher Bay
Day 3: Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
Day 4: Southeast Baffin Island
Day 5: Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
Day 6-7: Cumberland Peninsula
Day 8: At Sea—Davis Strait
Day 9-10: Western Greenland
Day 11: Ilulissat
Day 12-13: Sisimiut Coast
Day 14: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Trip Summary
Sail through one of the planet’s most stirring regions on a journey linking the coasts of Baffin Island and Greenland. Under the unsetting light of Arctic summer, this voyage traces the edges of Inuit Nunangat, travelling alongside Inuit who share their homeland through art, language, and lived experience. Every moment invites connection: a conversation on deck beneath the glow of midnight sun, a walk across tundra alive with colour, the quiet of a Zodiac among drifting ice. You may even find your sleep schedule politely protesting the endless daylight—a small price for witnessing the world bathed in perpetual gold.
From the rolling tundra of Baffin’s southeast to the immense fjords of West Greenland, the landscapes reveal both grandeur and intimacy. Polar bears and belugas, glaciers and wildflowers, all coexist in a delicate balance of endurance and renewal. In communities such as Panniqtuuq and Ilulissat, creativity and culture are inseparable from place—woven through every tapestry, carving, and song.
This is a voyage of relationships: between people and place, light and ice, sea and sky. It is an opportunity to witness how ancient knowledge and modern life meet in the North, and how travel—done with respect and curiosity—can deepen our understanding of both. The experience endures long after the journey ends, carried in memory like the lingering glow of the midnight sun.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit
- Seek polar bears, seabirds, and other Arctic wildlife in pristine natural environments
- Cruise among icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness stunning glaciers, islands, and fjords in Sisimiut
- Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Panniqtuuq
- Explore the rolling tundra at Southeast Baffin Island—Canada's largest island
- Discover the rich history and natural wonders of the Cumberland Peninsula
Day 1: Iqaluit, NU, Canada
Begin Your Adventure
Begin your journey by transferring to the ship via Zodiac through Iqaluit harbour. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital. A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more.
Day 2: Frobisher Bay
Witness Wildlife, Geology, and Ice
Sail through this beautiful bay named for the bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendour.
Day 3: Kitigtung (Lady Franklin Island)
Marvel at Incredible Geology
Journey to Lady Franklin Island, one of the many rugged and wildlife-rich islands dotting the south Baffin Island coast. Explore the coastline by Zodiac, keeping watch for seabirds, polar bears, and marine life. A wonderful introduction to the geology of Nunavut, examine the rock formations from the sea. With Inuit expedition team members by your side, you'll gain an intimate perspective on the captivating wildlife and geological wonders that cross your path.
Day 4: Southeast Baffin Island
Explore Southeast Baffin Island
Spend time on the nuna—the Inuktitut name for land. Take a hike that best suits your interest, accompanied by our expert expedition team, who offer insightful interpretations of the surroundings. Soak in the full seasonal blooms at the height of Arctic summer as you explore the rolling tundra. A stop here will give you a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level.
Day 5: Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
Discover Spectacular Arctic Scenery
Experience Panniqtuuq, nestled on a coastal plain amidst stunning mountains and a winding river valley. Meaning “the place of the bull caribou” in Inuktitut, this charming community is embraced by snow-capped peaks and the ocean. Soak in the area’s striking beauty on a community tour, with the opportunity to visit the Angmarlik Visitor Centre. Explore exhibits showcasing both Thule and modern Inuit life, as well as information about the community’s available activities
Day 6-7: Cumberland Peninsula
Experience the Rugged Beauty of the Cumberland Peninsula
Spend two days exploring the Cumberland Peninsula, a stunning Arctic region steeped in cultural heritage. Jutting from the southeastern coast of Baffin Island, this peninsula encompasses Cumberland Sound, whose wildlife sustained Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years. We hope to experience the same natural wonders as we sail through the marine-rich waterway. It was even considered a potential missing link in the early search for the Northwest Passage. While exploring, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the captivating maritime history of the region, gaining a deeper understanding of its past and present significance. We'll make the most of every opportunity to hike the vast tundra and Zodiac in the ice-strewn waters. Make sure to keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales.
Day 8: At Sea — Davis Strait
Learn From the Inuit in Their Homeland
Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Greenland. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Try your hand at athletic feats during an interactive cultural performance of Inuit games. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse. Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.
Day 9-10: Western Greenland
Hike the Tundra
Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat, or Greenland! Choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing on Greenland’s spectacular west coast. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you’ll be delighted! Alongside our team of knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists, and geologists, we embrace every opportunity to learn and deepen our connection to the landscapes we explore. Admire the mighty mountains and the tiniest tundra flowers—a stop in this area will offer many outstanding features to pique your interest.
Day 11: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs
Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold! Visit the town, with its museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Day 12-13: Sisimiut Coast
Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords
Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.
Day 14: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Cross the Arctic Circle
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former U.S. Air Force base. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included:
- Passage aboard the Ocean Nova
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
Not Included:
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
- Premium internet access is available at an additional cost
