INTRODUCTION
BAFFIN ISLAND offers dog sledding, tundra walking,
river rafting and wildlife viewing in groups of 4 to 8 with North Winds
Arctic Adventures. Crossed by the Arctic Circle, Baffin Island is a world
suspended in time by the forces of wind, ice, snow and sun. It is a land
of majestic glaciers spawning awesome icebergs, the land of the midnight
sun where wildflowers carpet the tundra. This is home for caribou, narwhal,
and polar bears. And this land is home to the Inuit people.
NORTHWEST CANADA'S CENTRAL ARCTIC COAST has a renowned naturalist lodge at
Bathurst Inlet. It is co-owned by the Warner family and the local Kingaunmiut
people who provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to experience the
wildlife and flowers of the arctic spring and summer. River canoeing tours
and snow adventures at caribou migration time are also available.
ARCTIC WATCH is the name of a high comfort, eco-sensitive wildlife lodge
on Somerset Island in the High Arctic 50 miles from Resolute. The Jess
family personally guide you to see vast numbers of migrating Beluga Whales
as well as Musk Ox, Polar Bears, seals and Arctic Fox. The lodge is limited
to 20 guests and only five weeks per year. A week fully inclusive from arrival
at Resolute is about £3000.
CENTRAL CANADA has miles of forests, prairies and lakes where you can see
abundant wildlife including the famous bears. Riding Mountain guest
ranch has a range of standard and tailor made tours including walking, riding,
skiing, dog sledding and special wildlife photography tours. Luxury Cruises
on the Mackenzie River are available on the "Norweta" which only accommodates
20 passengers in well appointed staterooms. Visit historic communities, hike
along the riverbank in search of flowers and fossils and watch for wildlife.
There are four 10 to 12 day trips per year in June/July at about £2,200
per person double occupancy including air fare from Edmonton. Many of these
northern tours are limited to the spring and summer season but we also offer
Aurora viewing between November and April, some winter snow adventures and
a range of summer tours and arctic cruises from Yellowknife.
NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR are the home of
millions of birds, thousands of caribou and twenty species of whales and
porpoises. The wild scenery, passing icebergs and historical sites of
the earliest American colonies add to the experience. We are UK agents for
Wildland Tours a small, Newfoundland, award winning company who have excellent
tours with naturalist guides. All departures are guaranteed to operate and
the maximum group size is normally about 20.
In ALASKA we offer tours of the Inside Passage by "Marine
Highway" Ferry with naturalist guides aboard and includes a journey on the
spectacular Yukon Railway, river trips, glacier and fjord cruises
and local flights. The scenery of snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers,
sheltered seas, massive glaciers and lush spruce forests is home to eagles,
bears and salmon. A 2 week tour from Prince Rupert is about £1450
and overland extensions are available.
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BAFFIN ISLAND
BAFFIN ISLAND offers dog sledding, tundra walking, river rafting and wildlife
viewing in groups of 4 to 8 with North Winds Arctic Adventures. Crossed
by the Arctic Circle, Baffin Island is a world suspended in time by the forces
of wind, ice, snow and sun. It is a land of majestic glaciers spawning awesome
icebergs, the land of the midnight sun where wildflowers carpet the tundra.
This is home for caribou, narwhal, and polar bears. And this land is home
to the Inuit people.
North Winds is a family run business, owned and operated by Matty McNair
and Paul Landry. Our programs combine exciting adventures with sensitive
exposure to Inuit culture and an educational appreciation of the Arctic
environment. Our goal is to share with you our love of the Arctic and help
you discover the beauty and splendor of Baffin Island. Baffin Island is like
no other place on Earth. The people at Northwinds are committed to protecting
the wilderness areas we travel through with firm environmental practices.
Between them they bring 50 years of combined experience in adventure travel
and tour leading. They have co-authored 2 books on canoeing, climbed the
highest mountains in South America and, in 1990, were the first to circumnavigate
Baffin Island by dog team.
Unique Adventures: Whether you join us for a dog sledding expedition on Frobisher
Bay or a tundra walk through Katannilik Park, you will leave with unforgettable
memories of Baffin Island. Every NorthWinds' program is carefully developed
to offer you the best of Baffin. Below are two examples of the trips we offer.
Others include a more challenging 12 day dog sled, and treks in the Auyuittuq
National Park and Greenland. A 9 day Arctic Safari is specially designed
to see seals, whales and bears.
DOG SLEDDDING
ARCTIC ODYSSEY
Experience the exhilaration of an Arctic dream come true as your team of
dogs joyfully dash across the white snow. The magic of the Arctic unfolds
as you learn the art of keeping warm and driving a dog team. Your journey
takes you through deep fiords and up on the rolling tundra, where caribou
graze in small herds. At night, while the Northern lights dance across the
heavens, you snuggle into your warm, sleeping bag on a bed of caribou skins.
Moderate Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Iqaluit. We meet you at the airport and welcome you to the
Arctic. Town tour & orientation. Welcome dinner of northern foods. Slide
show: "1990 Baffin Island Expedition: a 4,000 km dog sled journey"
Day 2 On the Trail. We spend the morning getting ready: outfit and review
clothing, load & lash the qomatiq (sleds), introduction to the dogs.
After lunch, we hook up the dogs, pull up the brakes and we're off! After
a couple hours of sledding, we tie out the dogs and set up camp.
Day 3 - 5 Dog Sledding Trip. How far we travel depends on weather, trail
conditions, length of day light and your enthusiasm for adventure. We camp
in a large, double wall canvas tent, heated with stoves. After dinner we
go for a walk-about to check the sky for northern lights (none in May because
of 24 hr. light)
Day 6 Return to lqaluit Return to lqaluit in the afternoon, unpack and hot
showers. Celebrate with a farewell banquet.
Day 7 Return South Inuit Arts Tour: history of Inuit carving and print making
and visit to local galleries. Depart for Montreal or Ottawa
Arctic Odyssey 7 days Min 2 Max 4 participants
Apr. 19 - 25, Apr. 26 -May 02, May 03 09, May 10- 16, May 17 - 23.
SOUTH BAFFIN TRAVERSE 12 days Challenging
This challenging dog sledding expedition takes you across the sea ice of
Frobisher Bay and up 2,000 feet onto the Meta Incognita Peninsula. After
crossing the undulating highlands we descend abruptly into the Soper River
Valley. We can now sit back and relax as the dogs silently pull us past grazing
herds of caribou. In Kimmirut, formerly Lake Harbour, you are invited to
"homestay" with an Inuit family for an unforgettable cultural experience.
After a day to explore Kimmirut, we begin our return journey.
Day I Welcome to lqaluit. We meet you at the airport and welcome you to the
Arctic. Town tour & orientation. Welcome dinner of northern foods
Day 2 Introduction to dog sledding. After breakfast, review clothing and
head out for a day trip to learn the basics of driving a dog team. This also
gives you the opportunity to fine tune your clothing system. Slide show:
" 1990 Baffin Island Expedition: a 4,000 km dog sled journey"
Day 3 The Expedition Begins! Load the qomatiq (sled), hook up the dogs, pull
up the brake and we're off. Travel across Frobisher Bay and begin the long
climb. Camp at Lower Windy Ravine Shelter # 2
Day 4 Climb the high plateau. Climb the mountains to the highlands and sled
across the undulating plateau. Camp at the Highland Shelter # 4
Day 5 Soper Valley. With full brakes on, descend into the Soper River valley.
Sled down the Soper River valley to the Group Shelter to camp.
Day 6 To Lake Harbour. Arrive in Lake Harbour in the afternoon, "homestay"
with an Inuit family.
Day 7 Lake Harbour. Day in Lake Harbour to visit carvers, the Co-op and the
Northern Store.
Day 8 - 10 Return Trip
Day 11 Back to lqaluit Return to lqaluit, unload sleds, hot showers. Celebrate
with a banquet dinner
Day 12 Return South Inuit Arts Tour: history of carving and print making
and visit to art galleries. Depart for Montreal or Ottawa
THE NORTH POLE
This is certainly the trip of a lifetime. Led by an expert team you will
travel by a combination of dog sled and ski to either the Magnetic North
Pole or the real thing!
THE MAGNETIC NORTH POLE 8 days Challenging
We meet in lqaluit for orientation to the dogs and skiing and after final
preparations we fly to Resolute Bay in the high Arctic. From this remote
northern community, 600 kilometres of frozen Arctic Ocean now separate us
from the Magnetic Pole.
The ice condition will dictate our route and progress. Options include an
unsupported expedition, one or more food drops or starting further north
on Bathurst Island. We will navigate with a GPS. Our final destination: Magnetic
North Pole.
Upon reaching the Pole we will be picked up by a Twin Otter and transported
back to Resolute Bay for a well deserved shower and celebration dinner. The
following day fly back to lqaluit.
NORTHPOLE 16 days Challenging
For those who want the real thing, a similar trip using dogs, sleds and skis,
navigating with GPS will reach the 0 degree mark.
There will also be a Special Expedition for an all- women team led by Matty
McNair who led the first successful All Women Expedition to the North Pole
in May 1997
NORTH POLE AT THE MILLENNIUM
Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the turn of the Millennium
at the North Pole. This is a trip based on comfort rather than adventure
and you will helicopter to the Pole from a Russian base. No doubt there will
be plenty of Russian champagne on board.
Trips to the North Pole from Moscow also run in April. You can choose between
skiing the last degree to the pole or flying in.
TREKKING
AYUITTUQ NATIONAL PARK 14 days Challenging
Auyuittuq National Park is one of the most awesome places on Earth with towers
of glacier carved rock reaching to the sun. Our journey begins in the Owl
River Valley, a seldom hiked route leading into the heart of Auyuittuq, "the
land that never melts". As we hike through Pangnirtung Pass, majestic Mt.
Asgard comes into full view, glaciers creep down from the Penny Ice Cap and
Mt. Thor rises a vertical mile above the valley floor. Our hike finishes
in the Inuit community of Pangnirtung known for its Inuit print making and
weaving,
Day 1 Welcome to lqaluit . We meet you at the airport and welcome you to
the Arctic . Equipment and clothing review. Afternoon flight to Broughton
Island. Walking tour of Broughton Island.
Day 2 To the Trail Head Boat trip with Inuit guide past icebergs, into N.
Pang. fjord to the trail head Hike begins up the Owl River Valley
Day 3 - 6 Owl River Valley. Rugged hike over tundra with numerous stream
crossings. Views of Mt. Asgard and the Penny Ice Cap glaciers
Day 7 or 8 Lay- Over Day, A day to take a side trip without your pack or
simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views
Day 9 - 11 Weasel River Valley Summit Lake marks the beginning of the main
hiking trail. Panoramic views down Pangnirtung Pass and Mt. Thor
Day 12 Pangnirtung. Boat trip to Pangnirtung. Tour of the Angmarlik Visitor
Center, Auyuittuq National Park office and the Arts and Crafts Centre Hot
showers and a banquet dinner at Auy,uittuq Lodge
Day 13 Flight to lqaluit.
Day 14 Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Note: Ice conditions may force us to change our access into the park.
GREENLAND 18 days Challenging
Greenland the ice capped island, captures the imagination of the wander lust
in all of us. As one Greenlandic poet wrote, "I get dizzy of all this beauty
and shiver with happiness". From Kangerlussuaq we hike overland to Sisiniiut
on the west coast. You will soon see why this is the most popular trek in
Greenland as we hike over the flowered tundra, along chains of lakes, over
passes and along fiords.
Our hike ends in Sisimiut; historically the meeting place for north and south
Inuit hunters and Dutch whalers. Today it is the cultural centre of Greenland.
Day I Welcome to lqaluit *We meet you at the airport and welcome you to the
Arctic * Town tour and orientation. to the Arctic *Welcome dinner with choice
of.. Arctic char., caribou, halibut, scallops and muktuk (when available)
Day 2 - 4 Greenland * Flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland *Take a jeep safari
to look for muskox.
Day 3-15 Hike to Sisimiut * 13 day, 150 km hike from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut.
* The route follows an old dog sled trail. Although not a difficult trek
it does necessitate carrying a 20 kg. Backpack and route finding.
Day 16 Sisimiut * Explore Sisimiut town * Visit Old Town and the Holsteinsborg
Museum * See the Knud Rasmussen Cultural School where traditional Greenland
arts are taught. Day 17 Return to Baffin * Morning flight to Kangcrlussuaq
* Afternoon flight to lqaluit to connect with your flight home.
ELLESMERE ISLAND Moderate to Challenging
The Canadian Arctic's northernmost island is and adventure travellers dream.
This spectacular expanse of mountains, glaciers and fiords is an unspoiled
realm of much Arctic wildlife: 'polar bear, musk oxen, caribou and wolves.
In the spring we use the dogs and sleds to explore this vast wilderness.
In summer, July, we have trekking programmes.
*Ask for more details of dates and prices for 2000.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS INCLUDED
North Winds' tours are ALL inclusive from lqaluit. Your hotels, meals,
gratuities, boat trips, transportation, camping equipment, and guides are
included.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED'
*Personal clothing & effects *Airfare to and from lqaluit *GST 7% Goods
& Service tax*Cost for emergency evacuation and hospitalization *Additional
costs due to changes beyond our control due to inclement weather, flight
cancellations or delays
PRACTICAL DETAILS
FLIGHTS
First Air (an Air Canada partner) flies daily from Ottawa and Montreal to
lqaluit. Flights depart early in the morning and arrive in lqaluit early
afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION
We use the best lodging available. In lqaluit you will stay at Pearson's
Bed & Breakfast or the Discovery Lodge. In the smaller commimities, we
use the local hotel or arrange a "homestay" with an Inuit family.
SUMMER CAMPING
You sleep in a Sierra Designs dome tent, a 3 season fiberfill sleeping bag
and a full length thick ensolite sleeping pad. On the Katannilik trip you
are issued a water proof river bag and rubber boots. North Winds supplies
all the cooking equipment such as: stoves, pots, mugs, howls, utensils.
WINTER CAMPING
You sleep in double wall canvas tents, on a bed of caribou skins, in a winter
sleeping system that includes a vapour barrier liner in a winter sleeping
bag inside an insulated bivi bag. NorthWinds provides you with an expedition
winter parka & pants, a windproof mountain anorak with fur ruff, a pile
cowl (hat) and Arctic winter boots,
EQUIPMENT
NorthWinds combines state of the art equipment with traditional Inuit styles
and our own innovative designs.
FOOD
On expedition, we serve wholesome, gourmet camping food with a northern flair.
We are happy to accommodate diet
restrictions.
DOG TEAMS
NorthWinds owns 3 tearns of pure bred Canadian Inuit dogs, the last indigenous
breed in North America. These Arctic dogs were used by the Inuit for the
last 2,000 Years. They are the dogs that pulled Peary to the North Pole and
Amtuldsen to the South Pole. They are strong, independent and very friendly.
We invite you to participate with harnessing, driving the dogs and steering
the sled.
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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Even with all its rich cultural history, Newfoundland is really for the birds.
It's for the guillemots (world's largest colony), the gannets, and the
black-legged kittiwakes. It's for the razorbills (world's largest colony),
the storm petrels (world's largest colonies), and of course the puffins -
our provincial bird. Newfoundland just might be the puffin capital of the
world. Twenty miles south of St. John's is the largest Atlantic puffin colony
in North America. Venture out into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve; and
you'll quickly be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of the wobbly, stout
little "sea parrots." Because they're such great swimmers and fishers, the
bright-billed puffins can and win stuff themselves with caplin and other
small fish until they are nearly too fat to fly.
The puffins are not alone, for a dozen other species of seabirds make this
very special place their home. Hear cacophony of more than a million pairs
of breeding seabirds. Watch the sky darken as your boat drifts through the
birds' domain. In fact, Newfoundland has over 300 different species of birds.
It's the home of falcons, hawks, and ospreys. And the eagles have definitely
landed - we enjoy North Atlantic's largest gatherings of American bald eagles.
A visit to Cape St. Mary's will give you access to the most spectacular gannet
nesting area in North America: a three-hundred foot sea stack only 20 feet
from where you stand. And a few hours away, members of the world's most southerly
caribou herd, close to 6,000 animals strong, graze quietly on the barren
headlands. We also have the world's densest moose population and the biggest
black bears hidden away in our interior wilderness.
The humpback whales will take your breath away. Newfoundland has the world's
largest population of these mighty leviathans of the deep. Feel the moisture
against your skin when the whales exhale into the soothing wind. Get so close
you can smell their salty breath as the spray whispers over the boat, or
over the feeding beach - unique in all the world. Only Wildland Tours will
take you there. The majestic humpback might even breach, lifting its 40 tonnes
right out of the water, just for your camera. Twenty species of whales, dolphins,
and porpoises ply our waters and hug our coastline. Humpback, fin, pilot,
minke, harbour porpoise, and white- sided dolphin. They're all here. While
you're on the water, spy the blue-and-crystal hues of mammoth icebergs -
15,000-year-old chunks of glacier - as they migrate south.
Our first visitors came ten centuries ago. Five hundred years before Columbus
set sail, Norse Vikings founded a wonderful and mystical place in the New
World. That place is right here in Newfoundland. Leif Ericson, son of Eric
the Red, called it Vinland.
We call it L'Anse aux Meadows (near St. Anthony), the first cultural discovery
in the world to receive recognition as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand
on the grassy knolls of our Great Northern Peninsula. Walk where Thorfin
Karlsefni walked a thousand years before in a land that's as peaceful and
untrammelled now as it was back then. Explore North America's only
authenticated site of Norse settlement, and you'll be taken back to the Iron
Age as you wander through the three turf-walled buildings that show how our
first visitors lived.
Come to Gros Mome National Park, also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage
site for its exceptional beauty and unique geological features. Ramble over
an ancient expanse of mantle where colossal collisions of tectonic plates
created formations as barren as the moon. Visit the Tablelands, a 600-metre-high
plateau that forms one the world's best examples of rock exposed from the
earth's interior. Here, according to geologists and poets, Mother Earth shows
her bones. This is the land of Titans, where human travellers are dwarfed
by Precambrian cliffs towering thousands of feet above land-locked fjords.
Further north Labrador's mountains rival the Rockies except that these surge
up from the ocean in a tangle of rocks, glaciers, and icebergs.
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The Newfoundland Adventure
The Newfoundland Adventure
This is a Nature Lovers or photographers dream tour!! Experience the world
largest gathering of humpback whale, thousands of seabirds and shorebirds
and of course seek out the moose and caribou, Cruise bv icebergs and see
giant chunks of 15000 year old glaciers.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1: Pick up at airport and short orientation tour of St. John's. Your
hotel is in the heart of the city which allows You some wonderful evening
and early morning wandering or bird watching. A slide show featuring the
ecology of Newfoundland is offered in the evening.
Day 2: Today begins with a boat tour featuring whale watching, plus North
America's largest puffin colony, second largest guillemot colony and largest
kittiwake colony. There are thousands of other scabirds. Today usually features
members of the world's largest gathering of playful humpback whales. Enjoy
a picnic lunch in a natural setting before visiting an abandoned fishing
village. Return to St. John's for the night.
Day 3: Whales, members of the world's most southerly caribou herd, a small
puffin colony, and seals are usually seen as we circle the Avalon Wilderness
Area. Feeding whales, a rugged landscape, lighthouses, magnificent stags
and curious caribou fawns will provide dozens of fabulous photo-taking
opportunities.
Day 4: Cruise St. John's Harbour and beyond in search of whales; travel to
North America's most easterly point, and, explore the oldest city in the
new world. before travelling to the Placentia area for the evening. Delightful
shops, historic battle sites, and colourful wildflowers add to the many special
flavours of the day.
Day 5: Explore Placentia, the old French Capital of North America (and our
secret patch of wild orchids), before visiting the continent's second largest
but most spectacular gannet colony. This site features stunning cliffside
walking and excellent land-based whale watching. It is also a breeding ground
for other scabirds including the worlds most southerly Brunnich's guillemots.
You can photograph the birds up close as they tend to their eggs or chicks.
The evening's destination is the Terra Nova National Park area, searching
for moose or black bear.
Day 6: A flexible programme today exploring the Terra Nova National Park.
There are walking trails so that you can experience hat makes the area so
special: moose, osprey, shore birds and orchids. You may prefer sea kayaking,
a boat tour or a flight- seeing trip. It's up to you.
Day 7: Examine Newfoundland's marine ecology, as a morning-long boat trip
takes you to see bald eagles. Icebergs, giant chunks of 15,000 year old Greenland
glaciers, add to the days photographic wonders. Call in at nearby settlements
before returning to St John's for the evening
Day 8: Free in St. John's until we take you to the airport.
The Newfoundland Adventure is a guaranteed departure. We cannot promise whales
during departures 1, 2, 8 and 9 but they are,fairly likely. The other dates
include the prime whale watching season. The seabirds are thinning out by
departure 8 but everybody should see guillemot, puffins,razorbilled auks,
gannets, eagles, moose, caribou, and many other species of wildlife. Our
maximum group size is 20.
The Viking Trail Adventure
This exciting holiday explores two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Gros Mome
National Park, and L'Anse aux Meadows). Red Bay (Labrador), and numerous
other points of significant cultural importance. Guests may join this holiday
from St. John's (Day 1) or from Deer Lake (Day 3). Similarly, when the tour
ends in St. Anthony, guests have the option of returning to St. John's or
Deer Lake for their connecting flights home.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1: Arrive St. John's International Airport. Our coach and guide meet
you at the airport. After a brief orientation tour of the St. John's area
we take you to your downtown hotel. The hotel is located a 5 minute walk
away from a spectacular coastal hiking in one direction, and the heart of
the city in the other. After our evening meal we view a slide show which
features some of the upcoming vacation highlights. (D)
Day 2: Today we travel west to Grand Falls. Along the way we'll pass through
Terra Nova National Park and stop at a museum featuring the history of
Newfoundland's indigenous peoples. (B,L,D)
Day 3: We are on the road again today as continue on to Gros Mome, arriving
in the early afternoon. On the way, we stop in Deer Lake to pick-up any
passengers who are joining the holiday there. In the early evening, we begin
our exploration of Gros Mome with a light hike. (B,L)
Day 4: Gros Mome provides one of the worlds great geology lessons. As Prince
Edward noted, "What the Galapagos are to biology, Gros Mome is to geology."
Hence, its United Nations World Heritage Site designation. This morning we
travel to Western Brook
Pond for a 2 1/2 hour boat journey through a billion years of geological
history. During the afternoon we explore lush woodlands and rugged waterfalls.
(B,L)
Day 5: Today we travel to the centre of the earth. More specifically, we
visit the Tablelands where an 80 km' slab of the Earth's mantle has been
shoved up on land from deep beneath the ocean floor. Some scientists say
that the Tablelands more closely resemble the surface of the moon than the
rest of the Earth. We then go on to part of the beautiful Green Gardens trail
to view the remains of ancient volcanic islands. If people prefer there are
other options including longer hikes or sea kayaking. (B,L)
Day 6: Today we drive North to L'Anse aux Meadows - the only authenticated
Viking site in North America. Enroute to the excavation we also visit The
Arches, where the ocean has carved tunnels in the limestone rocks. After
our visit to the Viking site we go to St. Anthony for the evening. (B,L)
Day 7: Today we take the ferry to Labrador and visit Red Bay - the 17th Century's
Whaling Capital of the World. This part of North America had a population
of over 500 people, when areas like Boston and New York were still wilderness.
We'll visit the interpretation centre, and if permitted by the Chief
Archaeologist, we may gain access to the actual dig site. (B,D)
Day 8: Free time to explore beyond the end of the road. To go further North
requires a coastal boat! We also visit Canada's second largest lighthouse
at Point L'Amour. Visit the oldest burial mound in North America - older
than the pyrarrtids. The entire area is rich in birds of prey, wild flowers,
and fossils. Everyone with a camera will want to try and capture the sweeping
seascapes and the dramatic colours the sea itself takes on in this wild place.
The evening includes a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Today we return to St. Anthony where we take a flight back to St.
John's (or Deer Lake). Our coach meets you atthe airport and for some free
time to shop or to explore on your own. We will also have day-rooms available
at our hotel, for those who just want to relax prior to late flights. (B,L)
Optional day 10 can be added if needed to suit flight timings. (B) Maximum
group size is 24
1999 Dates
The Newfoundland Adventure
1999 Dates: (1) June 6-13 (2) June 1320 (3) June 20-17 (4) June 27 - July
4
(5) July 4-11 (6) July 11-18 (7) July 1825 (8) July 25 - Aug. 1 (9) Aug.
1-8 (10) Aug. 10 - 17
Prices: Cdn$2,000/person twin share (approx £870) Cdn$2.250/person (single
occupancy)
Price includes:accommodation in comfortable hotels, an experienced naturalist
guide, all breakfasts and lunches, ground and boat transportation', airport
transfers.
Price does not include: International flights. tax 7.5%, dinners, personal
spending. (Direct flights London-St John's with Air Canada)
The Viking Trail Adventure
1999 Dates: (1) June 20-28 (2) July 4-12 (3) July 18-26 (4) Aug. 8-16 (5)
Aug 22-30 (6) Sep 5-13 (7) Sep 19-27 (8) Oct 3-11
Prices: Joining holiday in St. John's on Day I and departing on Day 9: Cdn
$2,100 per person twin share (approx £915) Cdn$2,400 per person (single
occupancy)
Optional Day 10: Cdn$100.00 (approx £43) per person (includes accommodation
on the night of Day 9, breakfast on Day I 0, and transfer to the airport)
Cross-Province Tours The dates of the first 4 Viking Trail Adventures are
scheduled to coincide with the end of 4 of The Newfoundland Adventure programmes
so that a cross-province tour may be formed by linking the two holidays.
A 10% discount may be offered to clients taking both holidays.
**Similar trips will run in 2000 so please contact us for dates and prices**
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WHALE WATCHING
The Whale Study Week
With the success of our Whale Study Week over the past four seasons. we are
once again offering this great opportunity for people
to participate in actual whale research.
Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1: Arrive, airport pick up and short orientation tour. You are free to
explore St. John's from vour downtown hotel. An evening slide show on whale
biology and ecology is presented.
Day 2: An introduction to the ocean during a 2.5 hour trip on the Atlantic
Whaler. We also view puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds.
We then review the marine ecology of the North Atlantic (get our sea legs)
and prepare for our onboard assistance to local whale census and acoustic
research.
Day 3: We spend 6 hours on board a small, local, coast guard certified vessel
looking at whales. Typically humpback and minke whales are most frequently
seen but dolphins and fin whales are also occasionally viewed. In fact 20
species of whale have been reported in Newfoundland waters so we can expect
an occasional surprise. We will focus on fluke photography,, individual whale
recognition, behavioural observations, feeding ecology. and just enjoying
the sights. We have also been involved with hydrophone development research
and will probably be listening in on humpback feeding sounds together with
any vocalisations associated with their other behaviours.
Day 4: Today we go whale watching from the land as we try to take in some
of the range of the world's largest population of humpbacks. A caribou herd
and seals add to the day's sightings.
Day 5: Another 6 hours on board our study boat watching the whales and letting
them watch us.
Day 6: Today we further study the richness of th'e Atlantic as we journey
to the continent's second largest gannet colony. Tens of thousands of other
scabirds with their chicks add to the day as does some of the worlds best
land based whale watching. A farewell barbecue or group supper is planned
for our last night in Newfoundland.
Day 7: We have a few more hours of extra boat time if your schedule allows
it before we take you to the airport .
For groups with a special interest in marine mammal biology we provide special
evening presentations on marine mammal entrapment research, dolphin intelligence,
and general marine ecology. Company president Dave Snow has taught marine
mammal biology in Canada and the United States and has been involved with
field studies with some of the world's best known whale researchers. Maximum
group size is 18.
The Whale Study Week:
1999 Dates: (1) July 4 -10 (2) July ll-17 (3) July 18-24
Prices: Cdn$2,100/person twin share (approx £915) Cdn$2.375/person (single
occupancy)
Price includes:accommodation at the Quali Hotel in St Johns, ground transport
and airport transfers, all boat time, an experienced naturalist guide, all
breakfasts and lunches, and 2 group dinners.
Price does not include: International flights, tax 7.5% . dinners, personal
spending.
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THE OCEAN HIGHWAY TO ALASKA
Alaska's Inside Passage is a 460km expanse of fjords, towering glaciers,
jagged snow-capped mountains, snow-fed rivers and sheltered seas. Historic
waterfront towns reflect a rich mixture of Native, Russian and gold rush
history. Most are accessible only by water or air; each enjoys a very picturesque
setting and has its own distinct flavour. All are easy and safe to explore
on your own at leisure. The tours that are included feature some of the finest
experiences this lovely region has to offer. While they are included in your
package, they are often unavailable or must be purchased separately on cruise
Ships.
You'll travel via Alaska's Marine Highway, enjoying the same fine scenery
as that from major cruise lines, but at less cost and with much more freedom
to follow your own interests. Nights will be spent ashore in Alaskan communities.
Naturalists aboard the ferries will help you watch for wildlife and interpret
the complex and interrelated natural world that surrounds you. The temperate
coastal rainforest of Southeast Alaska is home to a wide variety of wild
life including bald eagle, brown and black bear, whales, mountain goats,
deer, sea otter, many species of marine birds, song birds and waterfowl.
The 370 mile (530 km) Stikine River is North America's fastest navigable
river, and its lower delta is prime habitat for bald eagles, moose and bear.
Other attractions are Chief Shakes Glacier, spectacular cliffs and waterfalls,
a garnet ledge where the semi-precious gems lie atop the ground. Travel upriver
on a jet boat designed especially for the river's shallow, braided waters.
The Stikine River Valley provides a natural corridor between the continental
climate and boreal forest of interior British Columbia, and the temperate
coastal rainforest of Southeast Alaska. In spring it provides a major migratory
stopover for snow geese, trumpeter swan, sandhill cranes, glaucous- winged
and mew gulls.
The White Pass & Yukon Railway hugs the shoulders of sheer granite cliff
for a spectacular mountain train ride through some of the north's most ruggedly
beautiful terrain. The railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush of
1898, and was considered the engineering marvel of its time. About 35,000
workers were employed during the three years of construction, carving a roadbed
along sheer rock cliffs, building sky-high wooden trestles and hammering
tunnels through solid granite. Critics said it was impossible, but the line
reached the shores of Lake Bennett in British Columbia within a year. In
1994 the White Pass & Yukon Route was designated an International Historic
Civil Engineering Landmark, joining a list of 19 projects worldwide that
includes the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Quebec Bridge and Panama Canal.
A ride on the White Pass is a journey into the history of gold that opened
the north and gave birth to many of the communities that exist today.
Tracy Arm is a narrow, deep, glacier-carved fjord with sheer towering cliffs,
green velvet valleys and tumbling water falls. It winds 25 miles (48 km)
through Southeast Alaska's coastal range. Twin Sawyer glaciers at the
head of Tracy Arm are retreating 85 to 300 feet (25 to 90 meters) per
year, calving hundreds of icebergs into the waters. Along most of its
length, the fjord is less than a mile wide, and sheer cliffs reach 2,000
feet (600 meters) above icy waters. You'll watch for humpback whales en route,
bears along the shoreline. mountain goats on sheer rock cliffs, bald eagles,
sea birds and seals floating on ice bergs. Tracy Arm is even more dramatic
than Glacier Bay, and is not accessible to large cruise ships.
Sitka, capital of Russian America prior to U.S. purchase in 1867, is located
on Alaska's outer coast on Sitka Sound. Russian Bishop's House, St. Michael's
Cathedral, Castle Hill and Totem Park Cultural Centre for Indian Arts provide
insights into the history of bitter conflicts between native Tlingit Indians
and Russian fur traders. Once the most fashionable city on the West Coast,
Sitka enjoys an unrivalled natural setting and a graceful self-assurance
that makes it a favourite community with visitors and Alaskans alike. Other
points of interest are Sheldon Jackson Museum with its fine collection
of Eskimo and Indian artefacts, and the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Centre
where injured raptors are prepared for release into wild, and visitors can
get close up views and photos of eagles whose injuries prevent release.
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TYPICAL ITINERARY FOR ALASKA'S OCEAN HIGHWAY TOUR
MARINE HIGHWAY- 8 days Visit communities of Juneau, Skagway, Gustavus,
Sitka as well as cruising Glacier Bay, Lynn Canal, and the White Pass Rail
journey.
Day 1 Friday - Fly Seattle to Juneau, Alaska's capital city and hub community
for the Inside Passage. You'll see the close-up Mendenhall Glacier, other
attractions of this picturesque city wedged between mountain and sea on tour
by bus. Overnight in Juneau.
Day 2 Saturday -Depart Juneau 07.00 via Alaska Marine Highway for a cruise
to Skagway via Lynn Canal, North America's longest and deepest glacial fjord.
Lynn Canal was named by Capt. George Vancouver for his home of King's Lynn.
You'll pass historic light houses and watch for whales, porpoise and seabirds
against a backdrop of two rugged mountain ranges, the Chilkat Mountains to
the west and the Coast Range on the east. Arrive Skagway 13.40 (1:30 p.m.).
Overnight Skagway motel.
Day 3 Sunday - The White Pass & Yukon Railway hugs the shoulders of sheer
granite cliffs for a spectacular mountain train ride. Your three-hour excursion
will take you from sea level to the 1,002-meter summit of White Pass. Time
at leisure this afternoon to re-live gold rush history at the various sites
of the Klondike Gold Rush National historic Park. Return in Juneau in late
afternoon by light aircraft for eagle-eye view of rugged mountain wilderness
lining Lynn Canal, Overnight downtown Juneau. NOTE: you can also return to
Juneau by ferry, departing Skagway 15.30 arriving Juneau 22.00
Day 4 Monday -Late this morning take the Gustavus Ferry to Gustavus. Afternoon
at leisure to visit National Park Service visitor centre, walk beach or forest
trails, relax at your charming country inn. Overnight Gustavus. (D)
Day 5 Bay. Tuesday - Day-long cruise by catamaran will take you up west arm
of Glacier Watch for mountain goats high on rocky cliffs, sea bird rookeries,
seals on icebergs, walls of ice "calving" into the sea. Overnight Gustavus.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Wednesday - Icy Strait just outside of Glacier Bay is prime summer
feeding grounds for humpback and Mitike Whale and Orca. Join a whale watching
cruise by charter boat to view and photograph whales of Icy Strait. Return
to Juneau in late afternoon by Gustavus Ferry. Overnight Juneau. (B,L)
Day 7 Thursday - Board Alaska Marine Highway for mid-morning sailing to
Sitka.Cruising time is eight hours, 45 minutes. NOTE: ferry to Sitka is available
only on Thursdays; all other activities can be scheduled any day of the week.
Exact sailing time varies with tide schedules. Overnight downtown Sitka motel.F
Day 8 Friday -Lovely Sitka by the Sea is a favourite of Alaskans and visitors
alike. There are many attractions in easy walking distance in downtown Sitka,
including St.Michael's Russian Orthodox Church and other historic sites from
Russian America, Totem Park and museums of Native American culture, Alaska
Raptor Rehabilitation Centre where injured raptor are nursed back to health.
Overnight Sitka
Saturday Day 9 Fly from Sitka to Seattle
ALASKA MARINE EXPLORER- 8 days Visit communities of Wrangell, Petersberg,
Juneau and Skagway. Pass Le Conte and Mendenhall Glaciers and Lynn Canal
and do the White Pass Rail journey.
Day 1 Friday- Fly from Seattle to Wrangell, gateway to Stikine River country.
Overnight Wrangell. (D)
Day 2 Saturday - The 400-mile Stikine is North America's fastest navigable
river, and itslower delta is prime habitat for bald eagles, moose and bear.
You'll travel upriver on a jet boat in an exciting ride that will take your
breath away. Overnight Wrangell. (B,L)
Day -3 Sunday - Take a nature walk through the forest or along the
beach today. Latethis afternoon, board Alaska Marine Highway for a three-hour
cruise to Petersburg. You'll want to be on deck as the ferry threads its
way through the narrow, shallow Wrangell Narrows with the aid of dozens channel
markers. This intriguing passageway is not travelled by major cruise-ships.
Overnight Petersburg. (B)
Day 4 Monday -LeConte Glacier is North America's southernmost tidewater
glacier.This active glacier is calving hundreds of icebergs which serve as
nurseries for seals in June and floating retreats all summer long. Take a
half-day cruise to LeConte Glacier today. You'll also have time at leisure
to explore this very Norwegian fishing community. Overnight Petersberg.
Day 5 Tuesday -Re-board Alaska Marine Highway late morning or early afternoon
for Juneau. Sailing times vary each week with tide schedule. Disembark
Juneau eight hours after departure. Overnight downtown Juneau.
Day 6 Wednesday- Juneau is Alaska's capital city and hub community for the
InsidePassage. You'll see the close-up Mendenhall Glacier, other attractions
of this picturesque city wedged between mountain and sea on tour by bus.
Overnight Juneau.
Day 7 Thursday - This morning, travel to Skagway by light aircraft for eagle-eye
view ofrugged mountain wilderness lining Lynn Canal, North America's longest
and deepest glacial fjord, Flight is about 50 minutes long. Afternoon at
leisure to explore historic gold rush sites during centennial gold rush
celebration. Overnight Skagway motel.
Day 8 Friday- 'The White Pass & Yukon Railway hugs the shoulders of sheer
granitecliffs for a spectacular mountain train ride. Your three-hour excursion
will take you from sea level to the 1,002-meter summit of White Pass. Return
to Juneau via Alaska Marine Highway, departing Skagway 1530 and arriving
Juneau 2200
Day 9 Saturday Fly from Juneau to Seattle.
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