SEATTLE, WA. September 13, 2024
Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventure, has once again demonstrated its commitment to unlocking the secrets of the world’s most remote wildernesses by successfully conducting flightseeing excursions over Axel Heiberg Island in the remote Canadian Arctic. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Ultramarine’s twin-engine H145 helicopters, passengers were flown high above one of the most isolated islands on Earth. This venture, undertaken as part of the most recent Canadian Remote Arctic voyage, continues Quark Expeditions’ 33-year legacy of firsts, further solidifying Quark’s status as the only expedition cruise operator with the experience, equipment, and resolve to explore one of the most inaccessible places on the planet by air.
Axel Heiberg Island, in Canada’s high Arctic archipelago, is a place of raw majesty and extreme isolation. Characterized by expansive wilderness, spectacular piedmont glaciers, and rugged terrain, the island is virtually inaccessible. Reaching this remote destination required the technologically advanced polar capabilities of the Ultramarine, crewed by a world-class team of experts. The team overseeing the journey included Captain Yuriy Oboychuck, Expedition Leader Colin Souness, a seasoned group of veteran Arctic guides as well as a helicopter team including Pilots Steve Fisher and Steve Martin. Together, they navigated challenging conditions to offer guests a bird’s eye view of this extraordinary region.
“Flying above Axel Heiberg Island gives you a view of landscapes and high-latitude glacial systems that can be seen almost nowhere else on earth. The challenges of getting there are immense—from unpredictable and often heavy seasonal pack ice to the harsh climate and weather, coupled with the sheer remoteness of the island. Yet, it’s these obstacles and the difficulty of the taskthat fuel our passion for pushing the boundaries of polar exploration,” said Colin Souness, Expedition Leader at Quark Expeditions. “Soaring above the unique and spectacular glaciers of Axel Heiberg, absorbing the vast and unspoiled beauty of the place whilst knowing you’re the only ones up there… That’s why we do what we do.”
The deep passion, love, and respect our Expedition Team has for the polar regions is mirrored in Quark’s commitment to innovation and its ongoing drive to push the boundaries of what is possible and deliver the best possible experiences for our customers.
“Reaching Axel Heiberg Island was the goal, arriving there was a dream; flying over Axel Heiberg Island was a dream; being able to touch the land was a dream,” says Bonita B., a guest of Quark Expeditions. “The Captain and the Expedition crew went over and above my expectations so we could all experience these great moments in time. The whole experience will stay with me always, and while some may look at it as just frozen land, for me it meant everything just to see and touch the land, to be somewhere on this earth that not many get to experience in their lifetime. I am honoured that I can say I was one of the few.”
Quark Expeditions continues to set the standard for polar exploration, offering unparalleled access to some of Earth’s most remote and pristine areas. Our commitment to excellence in safety across polar seas, land, and air is reinforced by Quark Academy—a rigorous training program that ensures our expedition team members receive expert instruction in polar navigation, wildlife safety, and emergency preparedness. This training, coupled with the team’s foundational expertise, allows us to provide our guests with a safe and serene experience in the planet’s most secluded regions.
For more information about Quark Expeditions and our latest journeys to the farthest corners of the Earth, 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 setting foot where few ever will. Delivering extraordinary experiences and enriching lives through travel, Quark Expeditions is a Travelopia specialist company.