Please note that the Aug 15-29, 2011 voyage is sold out.
We have added a new departure date: Aug 27 - Sep 10, 2011.
Please see more details. |
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Transit the Northwest Passage while learning about the geography, history and contemporary reality of the Canadian High Arctic. This unique program brings Canadian University alumni and friends together on board our exclusive chartered polar exploration vessel. Our daily excursions and enriched onboard lecture program will delve into the unique nature and culture of the North as a defining feature of the Canadian experience.
Our route is the legendary Northwest Passage, starting in Resolute Bay, almost 500 nautical miles north of the Arctic Circle and concluding in Kugluktuk. Over 12 nights in the High Arctic we'll experience what very few have been privileged to witness: the vast and spectacular North.
Spot the wildlife, stop the ship, drop the Zodiacs. As this vessel is all our own, we have the flexibility to take advantage of the wildlife, ice conditions and spectacular scenery. Daily activity options range from Zodiac cruises to trekking to wandering at your own contemplative pace. Our highly trained Expedition Leaders will introduce you to the biology, geology and climatology of the region. We'll meet community elders, young people and researchers. Onboard lectures will address contemporary Canadian challenges such as Arctic sovereignty, oil drilling, climate change and navigation rights.
Personalized service onboard includes our Adventure Concierges who help you select excursions tailored to your interests and level of activity. Our Active Cruising and Wellness program ensures you keep fit and healthy with activities, healthy cuisine and massage and hydrotherapy treatments.
The M/V Marina Svetaeva was designed and built as a scientific polar exploration vessel in Poland in 1989. Extensive refitting and refurbishment have created a comfortable expedition cruise vessel. The ship's bridge is open to passengers virtually 24 hours a day; it's a fascinating place to meet our English-speaking Russian officers. Our commitment more
to safety is absolute.
Participating universities include: The University of British Columbia, The University of Alberta, The University of Saskatchewan, The University of Western Ontario, Brock University, McMaster University, The University of Toronto, Queens University, McGill University, and Concordia University.
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| FACTS: |
| • | 15 days |
| • | Maximum: 80 participants |
| • | Start and finish in Edmonton, Alberta |
| • | The charter flight Edmonton to Resolute and Kugluktuk to Edmonton is not included in the price (approx. $1,650 CAD per person) |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Moderate: |
| • | We have had a very wide range of participants on our expedition voyages ranging from people in their twenties to others in their mid-eighties. All have had a normal level of fitness that permit them to get in and out of Zodiacs, with assistance from the expedition staff and sailors, and the ability to walk on pebble beaches and uneven ground. Shore landings usually last for up to three hours at a time, but Zodiacs will be available to transport back to the ship at any time. If you have any concerns about being able to participate in this trip, please contact us for further information. You should be aware that we will be in remote areas, far from conventional medical facilities. |
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| SHIP: M/V Marina Svetaeva |
| LIMIT: 93 passengers | |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Edmonton, Alberta |
| Day 2: |
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Resolute Bay, Nunavut |
| Day 3: |
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Beechey Island and Prince Leopold Island |
| Day 4: |
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Fort Ross and Bellot Strait |
| Day 5: |
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Victory Point, King William Island |
| Day 6: |
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Gjoa Haven, King William Island |
| Day 7: |
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Queen Maud Gulf and Dease Strait |
| Day 8: |
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Johanssen Bay, Coronation Gulf |
| Day 9: |
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Ulukhaktok (Holman), Victoria Island |
| Day 10: |
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Ikahuak (Sachs Harbour), Banks Island |
| Day 11: |
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Smoking Hills, Cape Bathurst |
| Day 12: |
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Amundsen Gulf, Beaufort Sea |
| Day 13: |
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Bernard Harbour, Dolphin and Union Strait |
| Day 14: |
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Kugluktuk (Coppermine), Nunavut |
| Day 15: |
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Depart Edmonton |
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The on board program of lectures and excursion is delivered by expedition staff. 