Baffin Island Fjords
Travel beneath monumental cliffs and glaciers through some of the Canadian Arctic's most dramatic waterways.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEFJORDS, INUIT CULTURE AND HIGH-ARCTIC WILDERNESS
Baffin Island and the Canadian High Arctic
An expedition focused on Baffin Island and the eastern Canadian High Arctic, combining immense fjords, tundra, community visits and wildlife watching in remote northern waters.
12–14 days Typical durationJuly–September Travel seasonIqaluit, Nunavut to Resolute, Nunavut Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- 12–14 days
- Season
- July–September
- Voyage style
- Canadian High Arctic expedition
Baffin Island's steep-walled fjords form the scenic backbone of this voyage, while visits arranged with Inuit communities add contemporary knowledge and cultural context to the surrounding land and water.
Routes vary widely between departures. Sea ice, swell, wildlife activity and community schedules determine whether the ship concentrates on Baffin's east coast or ranges farther north towards Devon and Ellesmere islands.
Why This Route
Community Perspectives
Join respectful visits and presentations developed with local hosts when a community call is confirmed.
High-Arctic Wildlife Watching
Spend time scanning shorelines, water and sea ice without promising narwhal, bear or any other sighting.
Route Map
Iqaluit → Baffin Island → Davis Strait → Devon Island → Ellesmere Island → Resolute
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Day 1
Fly to the Arctic Gateway
Take the arranged flight to Iqaluit, Resolute or the departure's named community and transfer to the ship.
Days 2–5
Baffin Island
Cruise mountain-lined fjords and make shore visits selected around tides, wind, permits and local conditions.
Days 6–8
Davis Strait and Northern Waters
Search from deck for marine mammals and seabirds while travelling between the voyage's eastern Arctic regions.
Days 9–11
Devon or Ellesmere Island
Explore polar-desert landscapes, historical sites or deep fjords if ice allows the ship to range farther north.
Days 12–14
Community Call and Departure
Complete the expedition with a locally arranged visit or final landing before flying south from the gateway.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Quark ExpeditionsUltramarine
199 guests · PC6 · Helicopters and a broad activity programme
Ask about this ship →
Lindblad ExpeditionsNational Geographic Endurance
138 guests · PC5 Category A · Science-led expedition platform
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Iqaluit, Nunavut
- Arrival
- Resolute, Nunavut
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers interested in Inuit culture and Canadian geography
- Wildlife watchers who understand that patience does not ensure sightings
What You May See
- Narwhals and other whales when naturally present
- Walruses and seals
- Polar bears when naturally encountered
- Baffin Island fjords
- Ellesmere Island mountains
- Polar desert and sea ice
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate to active, with Zodiac transfers, rough ground and potentially cold, windy shore visits.
- Davis Strait and exposed channels may be rough, while ice can redirect the voyage at short notice.
Before You Book
- Narwhal and polar-bear sightings cannot be guaranteed
- Community visits require local agreement and may change independently of the ship
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to plan Baffin Island and the Canadian High Arctic?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.