SEATTLE, WA. July 23, 2024
Quark Expeditions, the leader in Polar and Adventure travel, is thrilled to announce its grandest Arctic expedition to date: “Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife.” This exclusive itinerary invites guests aboard the Ultramarine for a 2,500-nautical-mile odyssey across the vast expanse of the Arctic, from the historic city of Resolute, Nunavut, to the electric city of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Equipped with twin-engine helicopters for exhilarating flightseeing and quick-launch Zodiacs for up-close wildlife viewing, guests will experience the remarkable beauty of the North from all possible vantage points, all in the luxurious comfort of the state-of-the-art Ultramarine.
“Quark Expeditions is excited to guide guests for the first time ever, through the Northwest Passage and down the east coast of Baffin Island to Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Catherine Lawton, Director of Product Development at Quark Expeditions. “From the tidewater glaciers of Lancaster Sound to the rugged wilderness of the Torngat Mountains and the charming French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, this 16-day journey provides unsurpassed access to explore the breathtaking scenery, rich topography, history, and cultures of the Arctic and North Atlantic.”
Departing on September 18, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, guests will visit a curated selection of the Canadian Arctic’s most remote and untouched locations, including Icy Arm Fjord, Cape Mercy, and the untamed and unspoiled Torngat Mountains. These stops offer a perfect blend of mountainous landscapes and serene waters, with opportunities to paddle, hike, and explore the scenery and wildlife by land, boat, and air.
Travellers will also tread where past explorers once ventured, delving into the mysterious and captivating history of Arctic exploration. At Beechey Island, a poignant site from Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition, guests will visit the gravesites of Franklin’s crew members and learn about their courageous journey. Later, in L’Anse aux Meadows, guests will explore a remarkable Viking settlement, believed to be where Norse explorer Leif Erikson first set foot in North America, centuries before Columbus. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only one of its kind in North America, offers a unique and intriguing glimpse into Viking exploration and the early settlement of the continent.
In addition to historical exploration, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures encompassing these distinct regions. In Qikiqtarjuaq, a remote community in Nunavut guests will meet community members and learn about the local Inuit way of life and what it is like to live in one of Earth’s harshest climates. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago off the coast of Newfoundland, charming, colorful houses will welcome guests as they experience French ambiance through the region’s delightful cuisine, exquisite wines, and cultural traditions. Onboard the Ultramarine, guests will learn about Newfoundland’s folk musical heritage and will partake in a Newfoundland Kitchen Party, an integral part of the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, where people come together to share music, stories, food, and dance.
Creating the perfect polar expedition requires a dedicated team of experts who bring talent, knowledge, and experience to every detail. Our Expedition Team is comprised of seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology, and more. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, our Expedition Teams safely deliver your trip of a lifetime to maximize your polar adventure every step of the way. For more information on this voyage, including a detailed itinerary and photos assets click here, or to learn more about travelling to the Polar Regions with Quark Expeditions, please visit: www.quarkexpeditions.com.
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About Quark Expeditions: The global leader in polar adventures for more than 30 years. The most passionate and seasoned team in the industry, taking explorers to the ends of the earth. Going where few ever dream, and walking where few ever will. Delivering extraordinary experiences and enriching lives through travel, Quark Expeditions is a Travelopia specialist company.