The Magnetism of The North

We, at Alaska Tours are passionate about ‘The North’ of North America. Our roots are embedded here and all of us feel at home in this exciting environment. Many visitors have already discovered for themselves, that once you experience our part of the world – the north continually draws you back and it’s hard to let go when time comes to leave! And so we invite both first time travelers to Canada’s Arctic and welcome back seasoned veterans of previous journeys. Canada’s True North is waiting for us in 2008!

EXPLORATION OF BAFFIN ISLAND’S EAST COAST

September 2 - 12, 2008

An unforgettable voyage that explores the east side of Baffin Island, truly one of the world's great coastlines. Aboard explorer ship Lyubov Orlova you will view the remnants of the Laurentide Icesheet that form the backdrop for the rugged mountainous spine that runs from the Cumberland Peninsula up to Bylot Island and beyond to Devon and Ellesmere. Deep fjords cut into the main Baffin range where we find glaciers spilling down to the sea. The landscape is an artist's paradise, and we will make time for sketching and painting with interactive workshops and lectures from artists familiar with Baffin Island.

Join us as we have a look at some of the wilder places in this untamed land: the sheer bird cliffs to the north of the Cumberland Peninsula, the ocean trench paralleling Isabella Bay - home to bowhead whales, and the winding fjords above Clyde River on Baffin's northeast shoulder. We'll skirt the shores of Bylot and Devon Islands, as we cruise into Lancaster Sound toward Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay).

Our northbound cruise commences from Kuujjuak, reached from Ottawa aboard a private charter flight. Reaching the rugged eastern coastline of Baffin Island, the Arctic Circle is crossed and you are in Arctic waters from this point northward. The ships itinerary includes: Ungava Bay; Exploring South East Baffin Island for two days; Northeast Baffin Island and Buchan Gulf; the Bylot and Devon islands. The voyage of discovery concludes in Resolute where you disembark and return south to Ottawa aboard the private charter flight.
Canada's NOrthwest Passage

September 18 - 30, 2008

If you love the idea of adventure cruising in Canada’s High Arctic as much as we do, this rare opportunity to explore Canada’s Arctic waterways and save up to $1000 per person is too good to miss. For many of today’s travelers the lure of legendary Northwest Passage and chance to discover the mystique of Canada’s Arctic are often consigned to dreams but with our special Arctic Cruise offer - all this changes. The cruise commencing September 18th is your springboard into a magical and unforgettable world - a paradise for photographers, birders, nature lovers, arctic historians and explorers of all ages!

Boarding the vessel Akademik Ioffe in Resolute, the ship’s course takes you north with a fascinating exploration of Devon Island and visit to Grise Fiord – Canada’s most northerly community! The aim is to attempt to sail further north (dependant on ice conditions, of course!) than on previous voyages into the Kane Basin in Smith Sound. The vista will likely be filled with ice - a perfect scene for photographers! Beyond here the passage narrows and coastlines of Canada and neighboring Greenland are closest. Turning south from Kane Basin the voyage has many highlights to look forward to: Cobourg Island, Bylot Island, the fjords of the Buchan Gulf, Isabella Bay and the north coast of Cumberland Peninsula. We cruise the coastline of remote Baffin Island where bird sightings should be rich, and with a host of naturalists on board to keep us busy on deck, on shore and in Zodiacs observing them. Adding to the wealth of arctic expertise on board are archaeologists and Inuit culture specialists. The cruise ends in Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital city.

Adventure Cruising in the High Arctic is made easier and less expensive by including a private air charter from Ottawa to Resolute and return flight from Iqaluit.

THE GHOST COAST OF WILD LABRADOR

September 24 – October 4, 2008

Sailing a southerly route aboard our expeditionary ship will take us from the capital of Nunavut, Iqaluit, to the wilds of Labrador. An exciting and picturesque journey lies ahead for us all. Where the Torngat Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean with great altitude - is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Canada! And what’s more, the timing of the southbound cruise from Canada’s Arctic, exploring as we go – allows for spectacular viewing Labrador’s wild coastline – it will not disappoint.

Canadian Geographic Publisher, André Préfontaine, invites you on a voyage of a lifetime to Canada's Ghost Coast - Labrador! Guided expeditionary stops and Zodiac cruises along Labrador's coast will allow time for wildlife viewing, spectacular tundra hikes and photography, as well as chances to uncover the mysteries of Labrador's intriguing history. Investigating the Norse history of the region, we will visit L'Anse aux Meadows before settling into Northeast Newfoundland to visit some of Canada's friendliest folks. Newfoundland’s picturesque Change Islands are the last visit before steaming into St. John’s where our journey ends.

http://www.alaskatours.com/cruises/adventurecruises

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