2011 Canada and the North

The Great Excursions Company

200 Albert St. N., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada s4r 5e2 | 1-866-975-8687
www.GreatExcursions.Travel | info@GreatExcursions.Travel
 Cover photo © Andrew Stewart, 2009

Dear seekers of transformational journeys,

There is no better way to describe how you approach travel. You lead busy lives nourished by relationships, family, community
and professional endeavours. Your travel choices are inspired by the quest for special meaning, for ways to “refuel” and seek greater
immersion in the simple pleasures of the human adventure.

Our Canada and the North brochure features trips that will resonate with Canadians and other travellers fascinated by Canada‘s
North. We are also introducing trips to other continents this year — across Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. The
lens through which Great Excursions looks at the world is merely an extension of our own journey as a Canada specialist.

Please visit www.greatexcursions.travel to find out all about our new Great Excursions abroad.

It will be a pleasure to welcome you on next time you travel. On behalf of the Great Excursions team, thank you for helping us make
a difference.

All the best,

Claude-Jean Harel, Founder & Manager, Great Excursions

Southeast Alaska Community Tourism Development Mission Rafting on the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park Guest ranch adventure at Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan
Coming Attractions
Kayaking Adventure in Portugal
This trip combines fun and exercise between stays
in one fabulous wine farm (quinta) after another.
There are also plenty of opportunities for long hikes
in addition to low-key paddling. The vistas from the
high hills, with the sun glinting gold on the river and
the vineyards rolling down like a green blanket to
the water’s edge, are nothing short of breathtaking!
September 10-19, 2011 & From $4,390
September 20-29, 2011
Grizzly Viewing at Knight Inlet
We view the bears differently in the different
seasons. In the spring, we set out in boats so that
we can get close to the shore (50 metres) and give
our guests a good view of the bears feeding. We
still remain far enough away as to not disturb them.
June 10-12, 2011 4 days from $1,605
Mountain Guest Ranch Adventure
Ride along well-defined horse trails, once used by
explorers,pioneers and gold miners on this guest ranch
horseback riding vacation in British Columbia. This
is Western hospitality with all the activities of a true
western lifestyle, and reliable Cayuse horses matched
to your abilities. Vancouver shuttle is included.
Offered year-round 4 days from $1,252
Dog Mushing Holiday in Yukon
This dog mushing holiday in Yukon is an adventure
for the beginner musher. We will teach you
all the important aspects of mushing. You will
experience the untouched beauty of the Yukon
wilderness while mushing on historical trails.
November 13 - April 9, 2011 5, 8, 11 or 15 days
from $1,325
Please call or Visit us online for More information
Cruise Southeast Alaska!
Experience Southeast Alaska as few can ever do!
Watch humpback whales in Frederick Sound and
Chatham Strait, see brown bears, float among
icebergs as a glacier tumbles into the sea and see
totem poles from ancient cultures. These 9 to 11-
day adventures aboard our small-ships in Alaska
are comparable to no other Alaskan experience.
July 1-9, 1-7, 13-20, 18-25, 2011 from $4,080
Grizzly Viewing on Horseback in BC
Grizzlies are truly a symbol of the wilderness.  This
horseback riding grizzly viewing pack tour coincides
with  the beginning of the grizzly mating season
in Canada. Catch yourself holding your breath in
anticipation of the female finally obliging to the
male Grizzly, after a week-long courting ritual.
June 19-25, 2011 From $3,059
Ocean Kayaking, Rafting and Canoeing in Belize
Belize is a kayaker’s tropical wonderland of turquoise blues,
emerald greens and coral whites. Two of nature’s most
productive and diverse habitats—the magical tropical rain
forest and abundant coral reef—are waiting to reveal their
interconnected wonders. We’ve been looking forward to
launching in this dynamic area for years and are excited
to finally share the experience with our fellow explorers.
December 19 - 26, January 23 - 30, 8 days from $3,090
February 13 - 20, March 13 – 20, 2011
Baja California Mountain Bike Tours
Tour the desert back country roads of central
Baja California, with spectacular views, rugged
rides and the perfect climate for your winter
vacation! Our multi-day mountain bike tours
begin on the picturesque waterfront of Loreto,
and then turn inland through low foothills to the
dramatic spine of the central desert mountains.
Dec. 11 – 18, Jan. 9 – 16, 8 or 9 days from $995
Apr. 16 – 23, 2011
Celtic Quest: A Voyage Through
the Scottish Isles
 Table of Contents
Celtic Quest: Voyage through the Scottish Isles 6
The Canadian-Scottish Connection 11
Gardens Great & Small: Pre-tour 13
Iceland & Greenland 14
Four Billion Years of Earth History 19
Into the Northwest Passage 20
Walking in Ancient Footsteps 25
Out of the Northwest Passage 26
Heart of the Arctic 30
Some Thoughts on Inuit Art 35
Greenland & Wild Labrador 38
The Land God Gave to Cain 43
About the Arts Float 45
Newfoundland Circumnavigation 46
Exploring Rural Newfoundland 51
Art on the Rock with Kevin Major 52
The Clipper Adventurer 53
The Ocean Nova 54
The Clipper Odyssey 55
The Trans-Siberian Express 56
Explore Eastern Newfoundland 58
Newfoundland Close-Up 59
British Columbia’s Coast Mountains 60
Haida Gwaii: The Queen Charlotte Islands 61
Pond Inlet: Floe Edge 62
2011 Rates 64
2012 Rates 65
Coming Attractions 66
Registration Form 67
Terms & Conditions 68

Iceland & Greenland
Into the Northwest Passage
Out of the Northwest Passage
Heart of the Arctic
Greenland & Wild Labrador
Newfoundland Circumnavigation
Adventure Canada specializes in soft adventure programs, where you can experience the best of the natural world while enjoying the
comforts of a friendly hotel. Our program features outdoor activities such as walking, wildlife viewing and Zodiac cruising in addition
to a full lecture and entertainment schedule onboard our ship. Every day we offer a combination of lively shipboard activities and
interesting shore excursions. Our guests choose what elements of the program they want to participate in, with nothing compulsory. It’s
up to you!
How fit do you need to be? Our excursions onshore will involve a relatively low level of exertion, but you will need a reasonable level of
mobility. For example,you will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs (assistance is provided) for excursions onshore, and some of our
landings will be ‘wet’, requiring waterproof boots. All of our participants must complete a medical form verified by their physician. Once
you have left the Zodiac, you’ll find that we have designed our shore excursions to accommodate both those who wish to enjoy gentle
strolls and those who prefer more active hikes. A few of the excursions may involve rough terrain, with rocky beaches leading to steep or
rocky or marshy ground.
In the seasons we travel, temperatures will vary, according to our altitude on land, or our ship’s position at sea. Itineraries are subject to
change, and landings may depend on tides or weather, so, as with all outdoor activities, a flexible approach works best.
When you register we will provide you with a complete list of recommended clothing, essentials to bring, and a suggested reading list.
You will also receive a detailed booklet to help prepare you for your adventure. It includes information on the ship and a brief history of
your destination, along with news about its people, its landscape, its wildlife, and its distinctive culture.
Meals in the ship’s dining room are a great opportunity to meet new friends and to plan or recount the day’s adventures, and special diets
can be accommodated with advance notice. Many of our guests form life-long friendships, and we are delighted to find that reunion
events often involve people travelling great distances to renew these important ties.
We know, of course, that everyone travels for different reasons. Over the years, however, we have found one common element among
the guests who choose to travel with us — a thirst for knowledge and authentic experience. Knowing this drives us to ensure the highest
quality learning experience on our trips, by taking the time to design in careful detail each trip we offer.
Celtic Quest: A Voyage Through the Scottish Isles
May 31- June 10, 2011
aboard the Clipper Odyssey

Both photos © Larry Frank

6
 S
cotland’s western and northern isles offer a rich supply of culture, heritage and
natural history. In medieval times an already archaic society in the Hebrides evolved
into the Lordship of the Isles, a sea-kingdom blending Gael and Viking under the
powerful domination of Clan Donald. In the north, Orkney and Shetland were welded
into a formidable Scandinavian earldom, and were in fact held by the kings of Norway.
The naturally-occurring slabs of flat stone and the shortage of wood for buildings mean
that both island groups today preserve some of the oldest monuments in Europe, dating
back to the Stone Age. The miraculously preserved buildings of Orkney’s Skara Brae “the
most complete Neolithic settlement in Europe featuring superbly preserved domestic
interiors with stone cupboards, dressers and box beds, cooking utensils and jewellery-
like beads” (according to Rosemary Goring in Scotland: The Autobiography) provide a
Pompeii-like intimate visit to the past. Today both islands exploit the latest computer
technologies to place them at the forefront of modern developments, and the distinctive jewellery of
Orkney is justly famous, like the traditional Harris tweed of the outer Hebrides.

Kinship and community are two of the constants in this story; Gaelic-speaking clans retained their
independence despite acknowledging the Lords of the Isles, while free Norse landholders battled the
forces of feudalism in the Northern Isles. As our ship, Clipper Odyssey, winds its way through the western
isles and the Pentland Firth to Orkney and Shetland, history will illuminate the present, while tradition
will enhance our understanding of the past. An ever-present part of that past will be the tides of history
that swept so many thousands of people from these islands to the shores of Canada, from the days that The
Hector in 1773 brought the first Highland settlers to Nova Scotia. Today, more than 4 million Canadians
boast of their Scottish descent, and the names of the people we encounter will be very familiar to students
of Canadian leaders.

On our cruise, the abundant bird and mammal population of the area will be observed, studied and surely
enjoyed. June is an ideal month to visit Scotland in search of birds. With breeding well under way, watchers
will be rewarded with excellent opportunities to see new types of birds. Photographers will have time to
focus their attentions on improving technique, and will enjoy learning in small group tutorials. Island folk
have always been extremely conscious of the natural environment, as the riches of the sea have sustained
them for many centuries. We’ll experience a bit of island life, too, with music and laughter in community
halls and local pubs.

After sailing down the east coast of the Scottish mainland, a highlight of our program will surely be our
visit to the University of St. Andrews, which will be celebrating the 600th anniversary of its foundation in
1410-12. As the ruins of the massive Cathedral show, St. Andrews was the seat of the greatest bishopric
in Scotland and a natural location for a centre for learning, a role that has continued with distinction
down through the centuries. The recent engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who met as
students at St. Andrews, has led the mischievous University to proclaim itself “Britain’s leading match-
making University.” We will have a chance to test this claim as we make a behind the scenes visit to the
University. This charming little mediaeval town on the Fife coast is also known to golfers around the world,
and arrangements can be made (with plenty of notice, as described elsewhere) to help golfers fulfil their
dreams.
7
 “This trip was nothing short of magical.
The way to see the Scottish Isles is by
ship. The landscapes, the special light,
the island communities, the birds...it was
almost overwhelming. .”
-Jean, Celtic Quest 2007

© Larry Frank

Our Intended Itinerary Highlights

• Relish single malts on the distillery isles of

Day 1: Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Oban Islay and Jura
Day 2: Islay & Jura • Explore St. Kilda, an island community five
Day 3: Staffa, Iona & Lunga hours west of the outer Hebrides, abandoned
by the last 38 inhabitants in 1930 : very few
Day 4: Mingulay & Barra
people ever get to go there!
Day 5: St. Kilda • Experience island life on Foula and Papa
Day 6: Orkney Islands Stour in the Shetlands
Day 7: Foula & Papa Stour • Marvel at the largest collection of prehistoric
megalithic structures in western Europe
Day 8: Mousa & Fair Isle
• Glory in the spring wildflowers and the
Day 9: Stonehaven & Aberdeenshire abundant birdlife throughout the western and
Day 10: Dundee & St. Andrews northern islands
Day 11: Edinburgh • Climb Mousa broch, a stone age fortification
almost perfectly intact on the Shetlands
• Visit the Highlands, followed by a trip to the
old Arctic whaling city of Dundee
• Celebrate St. Andrews University’s 600th
anniversary, and stroll the streets of the old
grey medieval town
• Finally, marvel at Edinburgh, where you may
wish to extend your tour
8
 Celtic Quest: Resource Staff
Ted Cowan
Historian
Educated at Edinburgh
University, Ted taught for
13 years in the Scottish
History Department
there. In 1979, he became
Professor of History and
Chair of Scottish Studies
at the University of
Guelph, Ontario, returning
to Scotland in 1993 as
Professor of Scottish
History and Literature at
the University of Glasgow.
He has written several
books, and is interested
in the Vikings, medieval
Scotland, the Covenants,
Scottish Popular Culture
and Scottish Emigration.
Ted has a keen interest in
Arctic Canada’s exploration
era. Ted lives across from
a pub in New Galloway
outside Dumfries in the
Scottish borders.
Matthew Swan, Ian Tamblyn, Mike Beedell, Aaron Russ and others will also be on this voyage, find their biographies within this brochure or online.
Bill Lishman
Special Guest
Nicknamed Father Goose,
Bill is a world renowned
artist. His works include
award-winning films and
numerous works of public
art, a self designed energy
efficient earth integrated
dome home and a best selling
autobiography. He was a
pioneer in microlight aviation
and is the first human to
fly with, and lead birds in
the air with an aircraft. He
pioneered the use of aircraft
in establishing new migration
routes for endangered
species of birds. His work
has been documented
numerous times, including
the feature film, Fly Away
Home. He is the recipient of
the The Canadian Governor
General’s Meritorious Service
Medal and the US National
Wildlife Federation 2002
Conservation award.
Brent Stephenson
Ornithologist
Brent was born in New
Zealand and has been a
birder since childhood. In
2005 he completed a Ph.D.,
studying the breeding biology
of Australasian gannets in
New Zealand. In 2003, he
rediscovered the “extinct”
New Zealand storm-petrel,
a bird known only from
three museum specimens
collected during the 1800s.
With support from National
Geographic, he has been
leading a team conducting
further research on this
enigmatic seabird. His passion
for travel, birds, and the ocean
has led him to many corners
of the world working on small
expedition ships. It’s a tough
job, but somebody has to do
it! His passion and knack for
wildlife photography has led
to increasing publication of
photos and articles in books
and magazines, both within
New Zealand and overseas.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Douglas Gibson
Publisher
Doug was born and raised
in Scotland, where he went
to the University of St.
Andrews. Besides having a
great time there, he boxed
for the Scottish Universities
team (it won, he lost) became
President of the Students’
Union, and won a scholarship
to Yale. He came to Canada
in 1967, and became a book
editor and publisher. As the
Publisher at McClelland &
Stewart for many years, he
worked closely with authors
such as Pierre Trudeau, Alice
Munro, James Houston,
Robertson Davies, and
Alistair MacLeod. He was
the first Canadian with
his own editorial imprint,
Douglas Gibson Books, and has
won every industry award
from Editor of the Year to
Publisher of the Year. In 2011
his memoirs of publishing so
many of our country’s leading
authors, entitled Stories About
Storytellers, will appear.
Lizanne Henderson
Historian & Folklorist
Lizanne has a B.A. in History
and Fine Art, from the
University of Guelph, ON,
and an M.A. in Folklore, from
Memorial University, NL.
She completed her PhD at
the University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow. Currently, she runs
the history program at the
University of Glasgow. One
of her main research areas is
the Scottish diaspora in North
America, Australasia, Africa
and the Caribbean. Her books
include Scottish Fairy Belief:
A History, editor of Fantastical
Imaginations: The Supernatural
in Scottish History and Culture
and co-editor of A History
of Everyday Life in Medieval
Scotland. She is currently editing
The Routledge Companion to
British and Irish Folklore (2013),
and writing a monograph
Witchcraft and Witch Belief at the
Dawn of Enlightenment: Scotland
c. 1670-1740. She has been
working on expedition ships for
fifteen years.
Graeme Gibson
Author
Graeme who is the author of
four novels and the recently
published Bedside Book of
Beasts, is currently joint
Honourary President, with
Margaret Atwood, of BirdLife
International’s Rare Bird
Club. For almost ten years
(in the guise of “The Great
Auk”), Graeme organized,
and frequently led, birding
trips to Cuba and Ecuador. A
long time conservationist he
has been a council member
of WWF-Canada and is
currently Chairman of the
Pelee Island Bird Observatory.
Graeme was an initial
organizer and a founding
member of the Writers’ Union
of Canada and has been
president of the Canadian
Centre of International PEN.
He was appointed a Member
of the Order of Canada in
1992. He lives with writer
Margaret Atwood in Toronto.
9
 © Michelle Valberg, 2009 ©Matthew Swan

“I had to write to tell you about how

special it was to travel with that amazing
group of Adventure Canada resource
people. The knowledge, sense of humour
and approachability of your team bumped
the trip up to a whole new level. Well
done again!”

-Betty, Celtic Quest 2007

© Daniel J. Catt, 2009

10
©Daniel J. Catt ©Larry Frank
The Canadian-Scottish Connection
As you might expect from its title, my book How The Scots Invented Canada
focuses mainly on Canada. But while preparing to write it, I felt the need to
do research in Scotland – partly to understand those Scottish inventors and
where they came from, and partly, let’s be honest, for the fun of it. With my
wife, Sheena Fraser McGoogan, I devoted ten weeks to two separate road
trips. We visited Robbie Burns Country and sat in the poet’s old favourite
chair. We poked around Abbotsford, the fantastical house that Sir Walter
Scott (the man who invented the historical novel) built in the Borders. In
Ken McGoogan
St. Andrews, we explored the ruins of the cathedral in which the preacher Author & Historian
John Knox made his first stand.
Ken McGoogan is the author of
But mostly we explored more direct connections. In the Ettrick Valley, we an Arctic Discovery Quartet of
visited the graves of the ancestors of Alice Munro. North of Inverness, we biographical narratives: Fatal Passage,
drove down a dirt road to the ancestral cairn of John A. MacDonald, a cairn Ancient Mariner, Lady Franklin’s
built of the stones salvaged from the croft of his grandfather. In Avoch, Revenge, and Race to the Polar
on Black Isle, we admired the walled memorial that honours Alexander Sea. Hailed as “one of the finest
Mackenzie, the first explorer to travel overland (and by river) from the contemporary Canadian writers of
Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Arctic exploration history,” Ken has
won the Writers’ Trust of Canada
In my book, I summarize the road trips in a prologue. But I gloss over two key moments. The first came when we Biography Prize, the Canadian Authors’
stood in the wind at the Mull of Kintyre in the south of Scotland. We had arrived in a morning fog, but as we Association History Award, the UBC
stood gazing over the water, the fog lifted and, sure enough, we could see it, not twenty kilometres away: the north Medal for Canadian Biography, and the
coast of Ireland. We could almost touch it. Pierre Berton Award for History. He
has chased the ghost of Lady Franklin
around Tasmania, lugged a memorial
The second moment occurred on that coast. Having deked over to Ireland, we were staying at a B&B just outside
plaque honoring John Rae into the
Ballycastle. One evening, we chased a rugged, cliffside path along the rocky coast until, as promised, we came to High Arctic, and made a cameo
the ruins of a magnificent castle. I found myself wondering: why would anyone build such a glorious edifice in a appearance in the BBC docudrama
location so hard to reach? To the north, looking out across the water, we could see Scotland: not just Kintyre but based on his book Fatal Passage. He
Islay and a few other islands. writes a column for Canada’s History
magazine, serves as chair of the Public
Then it struck me: this castle, almost inaccessible by land, could easily be approached by sea. It belonged to a Lending Right Commission, sails as
maritime world in which it overlooked a bustling thoroughfare. For hundreds of years, people had explored this a resource historian with Adventure
water-world by boat. They had sailed regularly between northern Ireland and Scotland, and south to Dublin and Canada and is a fellow of the Royal
beyond, and north to the islands of St. Kilda, Orkney and Shetland. And at that point I realized that I would Canadian Geographical Society.
never appreciate the Scotland of my ancestors unless I experienced the world the way they did. I would have to
explore that world by boat. And if, to some, that rationale seemed inadequate, I would make no apologies: I would Ken will be joining us on our Celtic
sail the Scottish Isles for the fun of it. Quest & Out of the Northwest Passage. 11
 About Our Partnership
What’s Differentwith
aboutThe Walrus
this Sailing Foundation

In 2011 we are delighted once again to partner with the award-winning magazine The
Walrus. The Walrus is published by the charitable, non-profit Walrus Foundation, which is
dedicated to debate on matters vital to Canadians. The magazine – winner of more awards
in its seven years of publication than any other Canadian title – is the principal means by
which the foundation achieves its mandate, supporting Canadian writers, artists, ideas, and
conversations.
Along with publishing The Walrus, The Walrus Foundation strives to take the content of the
magazine off the page and bring it to life, creating a public square for debate and discussion
and an opportunity for Canadians to continue the conversations started by the pieces in the
magazine.
Margaret Atwood
Through its partnership with Adventure Canada, The Walrus Foundation has created a floating forum of its Author
engaged, curious, intelligent, spirited friends—and this is your chance to become a Friend of The Walrus, Margaret Atwood is keen birder,
just by coming aboard! You’ll receive a year’s subscription to The Walrus, and other Walrus-y treats onboard. ardent conservationist and one of
And you’ll have a walrus of a time with celebrated authors Margaret Atwood, Graeme Gibson and Ken Canada’s most celebrated authors.
McGoogan. Throughout her thirty years of
writing, Margaret Atwood has
With the help of The Walrus Foundation, our joint Celtic Quest: A Voyage Through The Scottish Isles program received numerous awards and
will feature special guests, smart talk, and a Walrus Foundation Embarkation package. Don’t miss this unique several honorary degrees and
floating salon! currently serves as joint president
of the Rare Bird Club. She is the
In the meantime, why not give The Walrus a try? Visit www.walrusmagazine.com/bestdeal for a free trial issue, author of more than thirty-five
and start enjoying one of Canada’s top magazines. volumes of poetry, fiction, and
nonfiction and is perhaps best
known for her novels. The Blind
Assassin, won the 2000 Booker
Prize, and in April 2003, her
eleventh novel, the Man Booker
Prize nominated Oryx and Crake
was released to great acclaim. Her
latest book is The Year of the Flood.
Visit www.theyearoftheflood.com.

Margaret will be joining us on

© Matthew Swan, 2007 our Celtic Quest & Out of the
Northwest Passage.
12 Visit www.walrusmagazine.com/bestdeal for a free issue
 Gardens Great & Small May 26 - 30, 2011
Our focus is on the beauty, creativity, learning and fun inherent to gardens great and small in this Scottish Isles Pre-trip.
Cost: $2,995
Here we bring together our love of gardens, our ancient human relationships with plants, and the contemporary challenges
Single supplement available upon request
of conserving this threatened part of our global biological heritage.
Max: 16 adventurers
The exploration begins at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London – widely considered the world’s premier botanic
garden – which has developed through centuries of scientific and cultural evolution. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Tour cost includes:
Site, the Kew Gardens encompass 300 acres of stunning themed gardens and collections. Kew illustrates key periods in • Most meals
garden design from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and is recognized as a global center of excellence in the study of • Accommodations
plant diversity and economic botany. • Admissions & entry fees
• Ground transportation from
Our Pre-trip program moves around the city of London and the countryside of England to include the Royal morning day 1 to morning day 5
Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley, the Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea Physic Garden. Of special interest in our • Services of Guide
explorations this year will be the gardens at Sissinghurst, Kent. “The Garden of England”, will enhance our understanding
and appreciation for the magic of gardens, and their impact on our lives. Tour cost does not include:
• All flights (from your home to
Your hosts and guides are delighted to bring several unique elements and personal contacts in this program. Gardens Great London, London to Glasgow,
and Small is a botanical adventure like no other, which we trust will inspire, inform and entertain you for years to come. Edinburgh to home)

Golfing St. Andrews

• Insurance
• Gratuities
• Independent meals
Like to try your hand at a round of Golf in St. Andrews following your Voyage Through the Scottish Isles? We • Items of a personal nature
have some green fee and accommodation options that may assist you in doing just that. Contact our office for
details about this and other golfing opportunities. Fitness Level: Easy 13
 Iceland & Greenland
August 7 - 18, 2011
aboard the Clipper Adventurer

© Andrew Stewart,2009
14
J
ourney with us to the land of fire & ice! We’ll travel in the path of the
Vikings who arrived in Iceland more than 1,100 years ago as we make
our way from Iceland to Greenland. Much of Iceland is still taking
shape before your very eyes — raw, dramatic landscapes born of volcanic
eruptions and the merciless scour of glaciers. Today’s inhabitants proudly
speak the ancient language of the Vikings but are trendsetters in modern
culture, most notably in music and art, and are famous for their almost
universal level of literacy. We’ll explore Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, before
making our way to the Westman Islands where we will find ourselves
surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and seabirds.

After crossing the Denmark Strait, we arrive on the shores of Greenland.

East Greenland is one of the most isolated parts of the world, with over
2,600 kilometres of coastline and very few people. Situated between the
polar sea ice and the Greenlandic Icecap, this region is primarily accessible
by ship. We begin our journey at Angmagsalik,at the very heart of East
Greenland, and one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the Arctic.

It will become evident as we sail towards the tip of Southern Greenland,

that Greenland has earned its name – the region is filled with shades of
green. Southern Greenland has a well-developed farming industry, with
extensive grazing pastures for sheep and horses. As we sail along the fjords
we may see isolated sheep farms, many accessible only by boat, dotted
along the coastline. Here we will seek out ruins from the Norse settlers as
we wind our way through the dramatic fjords.

Our journey from Eastern to Western Greenland will highlight the many
contrasts found throughout this vast Arctic island: from the traditions of
the Inuit and the impacts of modernity, from barren landscapes of blue
and gray to the lush greens of fertile farms and flowering plains, to ice-
filled fjords, glaciers and mineral-rich mountain vistas. Throughout the trip
we’ll explore a region with breath-taking landscapes, majestic wilderness,
cold ice, and warm-hearted people.

© Andrew Stewart 2009 15

 “I was expecting the ice bergs, but
I was not expecting such a rich
cultural experience. I particularly
enjoyed the resource staff. They were
knowledgeable, always helpful, and
fun!”

-Bob, High Arctic 2008

©Dennis Minty

Our Intended Itinerary

Highlights
Day 1: Reykjavik Day 5 & 6: Prince Christian Sound Day 10: Ivittuut
Day 2: Westman Islands Day 7: Sydproven Day 11: Nuuk
Day 3: At Sea Day 8: Hvalso Day 12: Kangerlussuaq
• Seek out Puffins at the Westman Islands
Day 4: Angmagsalik Day 9: Qaqortuk
• Visit the one of the smallest capitals in
the world, Nuuk (pop 15,000)
• Spend two days in stunning Prince
Christian Sound, Greenland’s large
southern inland waterway
• Explore the unique Arctic flora of
Angmagsalik
• Seek out sperm, humpback, minke and
sei Whales as we cross the icy Denmark
Strait
• Walk through the best preserved Norse
stone church in Greenland at Hvalso
• A new exhibit of the Greenland
Mummies at the National Museum in
Nuuk
16 Our southbound charter flight returns to Toronto, priced at $958. Group fights will be available for the northbound leg. Please call us for details.
Iceland & Greenland: Resource Staff
Danny Catt
Photographer
Danny is a internationally
published photographer and
biologist, with over 25 years of
experience in environmental
education. He completed
studies in wildlife ecology
and worked in the Canadian
Rockies for Parks Canada.
He carried out post graduate
studies in East Africa and
also taught in Asia for the
Canadian International
Development Agency before
shifting to teaching at the
post-secondary level. Danny
has travelled the world, and
leads a number of Adventure
Canada’s natural history and
photography trips. His images
have appeared in publications
all over the world including
the Globe & Mail, Macleans
and TIME. When not seeking
adventures in exotic places,
Danny is a faculty member
in the Fish, Wildlife and
Recreation program at the
British Columbia Institute of
Technology.
Callum Thompson, Jerry Kobalenko, Julia Szucs, Ted Cowan, Aaju Peter and others will also be on this voyage, find their biographies within this brochure or online. 17
Steve Smith
Naturalist
Steve has been involved in
20 seasons of field research in
the Arctic, primarily studying
seabirds. Over the past two
decades Steve has led more
than fifty journeys in the High
Arctic. In 2004 he was Director
of Operations for Abandoned
in the Arctic a documentary
film project that retraced a
500km historic retreat route
of Adolphus Greely at 82°
North on Ellesmere Island.
An accomplished landscape
and nature photographer,
Steve’s photographs have been
published in Natural History,
Outside, National Geographic
and National Geographic
Adventure magazines. He is the
co-founder of the Canmore,
Alberta-based independent film
production company, Meltwater
Media. He recently co-
produced and co-directed Arctic
Cliffhangers, an award-winning
one-hour documentary on
Arctic seabirds.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Gunna Pálmadóttir Jack Seigel
Environmental Scientist Naturalist
Gunna is an environmental Jack has spent a lifetime
scientist working as a pursuing a passion for
nature, both professionally
Nature Reserve Officer
and at leisure.  After
in the National Park
more than 30 years as a
Snæfellsjökull in Iceland.
professor of environmental
She has a broad spectrum studies, his commitment
of work experience in to conservation and
the environmental and
education remain
agricultural fields, and
strong.  A well-rounded
has worked for the Soil naturalist, Jack has an
Conservation Service, extensive knowledge of
Forestry Service and the plants and animals, and
Nature Conservation the ecological principles
Council in Iceland. that bind them.  As
comfortable in the field
She has also taken on
as in the classroom, his
jobs in other areas, as ability to interpret “the
a horse breeding judge, big picture” in a relaxed
web developer, store and humorous style is
manager, and has worked sure to entertain as well as
in theatre and music. educate.  In 1978 he began
Her hobbies include his explorations of the
singing and songwriting, eastern and western Arctic
photographing and wool and first joined Adventure
Canada’s resource team in
art.
1994.   the Arctic Circle in 2010-2011.
Jane Sproull-Thompson
Cultural Historian
Jane has worked as lecturer,
zodiac driver and cruise
director on expedition
ships around the Arctic for
the past ten years. Until
recently she was professor
of Inuit and native art and
culture at the University
of Calgary, and is a former
curator for the Glenbow,
Newfoundland and Red
Deer College Museums.
She is a Research Associate
and was appointed a Life
Member with the Arctic
Institute of North America.
With husband Callum
she operates a consulting
business in the field of
environmental and heritage
conservation, interpretation
and planning and has had
a key role in planning
new heritage and tourism
facilities throughout
Canada.
James Raffan
Author & Adventurer
James studied at Queen’s
University and holds a
doctorate in cultural geography
based on cross-cultural Arctic
research. James has been an
expedition leader, writer, and
consultant for organizations
including The Canadian
Canoe Museum. Winner of
the Queen’s Jubilee Medal
(2000) and the Camsell Medal
(2009), he is a Fellow and
past Governor of the Royal
Canadian Geographical Society,
past Chair of The Arctic
Institute of North America
and a Fellow International of
the Explorer’s Club. Author/
editor of 15 books including,
Emperor of the North, his writing
and photography have been
published by publications
including Canadian
Geographic and National
Geographic. His next book,
on the future of the Arctic, is
taking him around the world at
 “It is very hard to say that anything was less
than excellent, the Clipper Adventurer and her
crew, Adventure Canada staff, Resource staff,
food, adventures, guests were all second to
none. We had the best vacation ever! “

-Randolph, Arctic Quest 2010

© Mike Beedell

18
© Daniel J. Catt, 2010 © Michelle Valberg, 2009
 Four billion years of Earth history….
And not a day less.

From the Beaufort Sea to the south-eastern shore of Iceland, the Arctic’s
geological past is not only remarkably rich and turbulent, but it is unique
on this planet. No other place on Earth can claim the full planetary rock
record as documented in the Arctic, with the polar record including
the oldest rocks in the world – ranging in age between 3.8 and 4.03 Marc St-Onge
Geologist
billion years old, with the age of the Earth being only a bit more, at 4.55
Marc is an internationally
billion years. It’s a unique rock record that includes some of the earliest distinguished researcher and lecturer
traces of life itself, specifically circular, dinner plate-size mounds called who studies how the Arctic region
“stromatolites” (see inset field photograph from Port Epworth, Nunavut) has evolved. He is a Senior Research
formed by bacterial colonies of blue-green algae once living at the bottom Scientist at the Geological Survey
of shallow warm equatorial seas, and now to be found, dated at 2.9 billion of Canada, Senior Research Fellow
at Oxford University (UK), Adjunct
years old, in Arctic Canada.
Professor at Queen’s University,
and Fellow of the Royal Canadian
© Marc St-Onge, 2010

It’s a unique geological record that includes planet Earth’s first Geographical Society. Marc has
Himalayan-scale mountain belt with the ancient, now eroded mountains led seven multi-year integrated field
extending beneath Hudson Bay, through northern Quebec and southern research projects in the Canadian
Baffin Island into West Greenland. These mountains formed 1.8 billion Arctic and has participated in a
number of expeditions. He has
years ago with the collision of two ancient continents, Ontario & Quebec’s
earned many honours for his
landmass colliding with that of Nunavut, the NWT, and Greenland. The resulting ranges were similar in every way contributions to research and
(height, length, and width) to the modern Himalayas of south-central Asia. education, including Teaching Merit
Awards from Queen’s University,
At the young end of the geological time scale, the unique Arctic record includes the most compelling evidence for what Earth Sciences Merit Awards
is known as the “Little Ice Age”, a period of long, cold winters, and short, cool summers that characterized the climate of from Natural Resources Canada,
and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
the northern hemisphere from the late 14th Century to the end of the 19th Century. Inconveniently, the Little Ice Age
Medal. Marc is co-leader of the
was also the historical period when polar explorers ventured into Arctic Canada, beginning with Sir Martin Frobisher international compilation project
and continuing with Sir John Franklin, Sir John Ross, and Sir Robert McClure, among many others. (Geologically led by Canada that produced a new
speaking, this was definitely a case of not checking the weather prior to departure!) international Geological Map of the
Arctic and underlying GIS-enabled
Four billion years of Earth history, full of violent volcanic eruptions, great floods that would have impressed Noah (there database (final release in February
2011). Currently he is contributing
were several), colliding continents, and wandering supercontinents, yet with life persisting through most of it, somehow.
to the assembly of a Tectonic
The rock record is a gripping tale open to those who learn its alphabet, then study it closely. Like any really good book, it Map of the Arctic with colleagues
leaves those who peruse it totally awe-struck. from the other circumpolar Arctic
-Marc St-Onge, Geologist nations.

Marc will be joining us on the

Out of the Northwest Passage.
19
 Into the Northwest Passage
August 18 - September 1, 2011/ August 10-24, 2012
aboard the Clipper Adventurer
20 © Andrew Stewart, 2009
V
enture with us through the famed Northwest Passage! Our first stop in Nunavut is at the picturesque community of
The epic quest for a northern route west to silk and spice Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). We’ll be treated to a cultural presentation
producing Asia occupied some of the best minds of European there, including throat singing and traditional Inuit games, before
civilization for half a millennium, and it still remains an elusive route exploring the town. From here we’ll sail into the famed Northwest
that few have had the privilege of travelling. Passage itself. In Navy Board Inlet we’ll keep a keen eye out for
narwhal and bowhead whales before landing on Devon Island, where
Our journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, as we make our way we’ll find spectacular Croker Bay and the Dundas Harbour RCMP
through one of Greenland’s historical site. Arriving at
longest fjords, crossing the Beechey Island, we’ll visit
Arctic Circle in the process. the chilling site of the lost
As we make our way north Franklin Expedition, and see
along Greenland’s shore, the signs of their losing fight
we’ll have the opportunity against the harsh Arctic
to sail the pretty Sisimiut winter.
coast, dotted with the
colourful houses typical of Sailing down the coast of
Greenlandic communities. Somerset Island, we’ll set
Next we visit the UNESCO our sights on Fort Ross.
World Heritage Site of the Making landfall in Gjøa
Ilulissat Icefjord, where Haven, we’ll have the
we will cruise amongst the chance to visit the historic
icebergs, and marvel at the ice Northwest Passage Museum.
fields. At Karrat Fjord we will Voyaging from here into
sail amid the ice and enjoy Queen Maud Gulf, we’ll
a hike through the tundra. seek out marine wildlife, the
© Dennis Minty, 2009
Our last stop in Greenland impressive summer birdlife,
is at the tiny community of and make an expedition stop
Upernavik – the farthest north the Vikings are known to have travelled. at the mouth of Bathurst Inlet before arriving in Kugluktuk for a
community visit and, our flights home.
Crossing Davis Strait to the Canadian Arctic, we’ll have time to catch
up with our new friends aboard the ship, learn about the region through Join us in tracing the passage that conjures a history at once tragic
our onboard lecture series, and keep our eyes out for the birds, whales and inspiring, a history encompassing hardship and death, but also
and seals that frequent the area. courage, determination, and superhuman endurance.

21
 “I loved the expedition format which
was reinforced by the breadth of
information provided by the resource
staff. I learnt an amazing amount and
had a wonderful wilderness experience
as well.”

-Mary, Into the Northwest Passage 2009

© Michelle Valberg 2009 © Andrew Stewart, 2009

Our Intended Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq Day 9: Bellot Strait and Fort Ross • Explore the beautiful Greenlandic
Day 2: Sisimiut Coast Day 10: Pasley Bay communities of Ilulissat & Upernavik
Day 3: Ilulissat Day 11: Gjøa Haven • Marvel at the Ilulissat Icefjord, a
Day 4: Karrat Fjord Day 12: Jenny Lind Peninsula UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 5: Upernavik Day 13: Bathurst Inlet • Enjoy the breathaking experience
Day 6: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) Day 14: Coronation Gulf of sailing down Karrat Fjord as we
Day 7: Dundas Harbour & Croker Bay Day 15: Kugluktuk (Coppermine) approach the glacier
Day 8: Beechey and Prince Leopold Island • Experience throat singing and traditional
Inuit games at Pond Inlet
• Contemplate the historic graves of the
ill-fated Franklin Expedition
• Enjoy hikes on the open tundra at
Bathurst Inlet
• Visit the last trading post built by the
Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Ross
• Follow in the footsteps of Roald
Amundsen as we explore the town of
Gjøa Haven
• Sail the Northwest Passage
22 Our charter flight departs from Toronto and returns to Edmonton, priced at $1,879. Please call us for details.
Into the Northwest Passage: Staff
Jon Dudley
Geologist
Jon has been reading the
rocks and sharing their
stories both as a career and
as his passion for over 40
years. He first worked in
the Canadian Arctic while
still in high school and
became enthralled with
the land and its people.
Having obtained degrees
in geology in Toronto
and Calgary, he pursued
a career as a professional
geologist, which included
fieldwork and excursions
across Canada. Both
independently and as a
member of a number of
geological organizations,
Jon continues to be
very active in helping
youth, teachers, the
general public, and other
geologists appreciate some
of the marvels of our
planet and how all life is
connected to, and shaped
by, the ever-changing
geological landscape.
Ted Cowan, Ree Brennin, Matthew Nuquingaq, John Houston, Jack Seigel, Thomas Kovacs and David Reid will also be on this voyage.
Paul Prior
Ornithologist
Paul cannot recall a time
when he was not birding,
and his passion has always
been for migrant songbirds.
Paul’s passion for birds
has taken him to passerine
monitoring / banding
stations in Israel, Costa
Rica, northern Ontario
and northern British
Columbia. In more recent
years his attentions have
steered more to work with
Ontario’s endangered
breeding species, specifically
with Bald Eagles,
Loggerhead Shrikes and
Prothonotary Warblers.
However, he still finds time
to indulge in grass-roots
migration monitoring
with the Toronto Bird
Observatory, where as a
certified banding trainer
with the North American
Banding Council he
continues to pass on his
experience from 15 years of
banding on 3 continents.
Robert McGhee
Archaeologist
Bob is an archaeologist who
has carried out field research
in most of Arctic Canada, and
occasionally in other regions
of the northern world. He
has investigated questions
related to the earliest pre-lnuit
occupations of Arctic North
America: the development of
Inuit culture, and the nature
of relationships between the
Inuit and early European
travellers to Arctic regions.
His most recent work is
The Last Imaginary Place: A
Human History of the Arctic
World (2004). He is a Fellow
of the Royal Society of
Canada and of the Arctic
Institute of North America,
and past-president of the
Canadian Archaeological
Association. In 2000, he
was awarded the Massey
Medal of the Royal Canadian
Geographical Society. He
is Curator Emeritus at
the Canadian Museum of
Civilization.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Barry Lopez
Author
Barry Lopez is the author
of thirteen works of fiction
and nonfiction, including
Arctic Dreams, for which
he received the National
Book Award. 2011 marks
the 25th anniversary of the
publication of Arctic Dreams
- a milestone that we will
celebrate onboard.
His most recent collection of
stories is Resistance. In 2006
he edited Home Ground
with Debra Gwartney, a
dictionary of brief essays
defining 850 landscape
terms. He has travelled
extensively in populated
and remote parts of the
world and his work has
been widely translated.
He is an elected Fellow of
the Explorers Club and
was recently chosen by the
Association of American
Geographers as their
Honorary Geographer for
2011.
Michelle Valberg
Photographer
Michelle Valberg is an
award-winning Canadian
photographer, renowned
for her soulful portraiture
and stunning landscapes.
She possesses a magical
combination of artistic
creativity, entrepreneurial
spirit and community
commitment with a
diverse career and excellent
reputation. Valberg’s work
has appeared in numerous
magazines and has been
the subject of her two self-
published books—Look
Beyond: The Faces & Stories of
People with HIV/AIDS and
Dare to Dream: A Celebration
of Canadian Women, which
became a national bestseller.
Each of her book projects has
raised money for Ottawa-
based charities. Valberg is
currently at work on her
third book — The Land &
Life of the Inuit: Through
the Generations – due to be
released in 2011.
Aaju Peter
Culturalist
Born in Arkisserniaq,
a northern Greenland
community in 1960, Aaju has
lived up and down the west
coast of her native country as
a result of her father’s teaching
and preaching career. In
1981, Aaju moved to Iqaluit,
in Nunavut, Canada where
she has taken up residence.
Here, Aaju worked as an
interpreter, and she has done
volunteer work with various
women’s and interpretation
organizations. Aaju has a
homebased sealskin garment
business, translates, volunteers
for the music society, collects
traditional law from Nunavut’s
elders, raises her five children,
and is currently involved in
promoting the Inuit right
to make a living on hunting
seal. Inuit and others have
challenged the European
Parliament on their legislation
which bans the import of seal
products into Europe.
23
 © Daniel J. Catt, 2010

“This was a life-transforming

experience. I will never forget the
magic of the Arctic, and hope to be
able to return! Adventure Canada
did a marvellous job throughout.”

- Lisa, Into the Northwest Passage 2010

24
© Andre Gallant © Daniel J. Catt, 2010 © Robert Poulton, 2009
 Walking in Ancient Footsteps
As I move across the Arctic landscape in search of the past, one thought is forever in my mind—I am walking in
ancient footsteps. No matter where I tread in this majestic land, it is apparent that even its remotest corners contain
signs of life once lived, as well as the signs of ongoing life.

At times, evidence of by-gone days is difficult to detect. But sometimes, if we know where to look, we will find
ourselves almost overwhelmed by the evidence of ancient human effort, in the form of caribou drive lanes, polar
bear traps, or whalebone houses. With Adventure Canada, we’ll work to unravel the story of an ancient world, right
there, on site.
Like everyone, everywhere, past
northerners lived, loved, played and
struggled daily, but with the added
challenge of doing these things in one
of the most extreme environments on
earth. As we travel on this Arctic odyssey
through the Northwest Passage we will
witness the ingenuity of their survival
tactics, which reveal both the beauty and
the difficulty of life in the north.
© Michelle Valberg
Latonia Hartery
Archaeologist
Latonia has a PhD in circumpolar
archaeology from the University
of Calgary. Her exploration of
this topic has taken her to the
Canadian Arctic, Greenland
and Scandinavia. For the past
decade she has conducted
excavations on Paleoeskimo sites
in Bird Cove-Pond Cove, northern
Newfoundland. At this location
she integrates research, tourism

and public education. She is also

the president of AARA, a non-
When I reflect on the five thousand year
profit organization dedicated to
human history of the Arctic, I believe it
Arctic and sub-Arctic studies.
was characterized by miraculous journeys An emerging filmmaker, she
made over days, years, and generations, as has worked on independent and
people moved from Siberia or Alaska to Greenland. As we sail across the vast Arctic Archipelago, we pass through commercial projects for a wide
waterways that may well have seen these early journeys. I consider the ability to do this with Adventure Canada not range of broadcasters including
only a fantastic opportunity, but also a great gift. This epic experience of covering enormous distances in a relatively APTN and the CBC. For her
short period of time, while living life to the fullest, is nearly impossible to achieve on our own. community efforts, and for
preserving and promoting Arctic
In fact, I must tell you that this two week voyage through the Northwest Passage is the highlight of my year. What and sub-Arctic culture, she has been
makes it even better is travelling with people who are encountering archaeological sites for the first time and seeing nominated for the JCI’s national
Outstanding Young Person’s award.
their awe-struck faces. As we embrace the moments of silence that naturally settle upon us at these locations, we
absorb the spirit of past people, which magically remains long after they have moved on. In this moment of solitude,
Join Latonia on our Out of the
our lives, and our souls, are forever changed. Northwest Passage and our
Newfoundland Circumnavigation
– Latonia Hartery, Archaeologist
25
 Out of the Northwest Passage
September 1 - 17, 2011/ August 24 - September 9, 2012
aboard the Clipper Adventurer

26 © Dennis Minty
E
xperience the spirit of adventure and exploration as we sail Out of the
Northwest Passage! On this itinerary we’ll explore some of the least
travelled regions in the Canadian Arctic. The presence of ice will dictate
our precise route as we poke our way through the pack ice, exploring as we go.

Our journey begins in Kugluktuk (Coppermine) where we’ll board The Clipper
Adventurer and sail west to reach the waters of the Beaufort Sea. Entering
Canada’s Northwest Territories we will, ice conditions permitting, head through
Prince of Wales Strait, making expeditionary stops on both Banks and Victoria
Islands. We also plan to visit the community of Ulukhatok (Holman) on the
shores of the Amundsen Gulf.

As we continue to make our way North-east, we’ll visit Winter Harbour and Neil
Griffiths Point on Melville Island and delve into the rich waters of Lancaster
Sound, famous for its abundance of beluga whales and other marine mammals.
Then it’s on to Beechey Island, where History buffs will be struck by the eerie
shores that house the lonely graves of the ill-fated Franklin expedition. After
cruising among the icebergs and seeking out Walrus, we make our way to Ellesmere
Island, following the route to the North Pole. Here we pay a visit to Canada’s
northernmost community Grise Fiord or Aujuittuq “the place that never thaws”.
We will continue our journey into Smith Sound as far as time and ice conditions
permit, before crossing into Greenland.

There, as we arrive at the world’s largest island, we’ll marvel at the large icebergs
and vast fjords. Our journey along the Greenlandic coast will include stops at
historic Melville Bay, and time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kap York and the
quaint town of Upernavik.

A highlight will be our time spent in Ilulissat, the largest town in Disko Bay and
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll cruise among the massive icebergs, where
North America’s biggest bergs calve from the Greenland icecap as it tumbles
down to meet the sea. Heading south we’ll enjoy one more excursion, before
ending the voyage with a passage up the stunning Sondre Stromfjord, 185km to
Kangerlussuaq.

Onboard our team of resource staff will help us comprehend this vast land, its
geography, history, mythology and people. Daily lectures will complement our
onshore activities, preparing us for experiences and adventures on land and sea.

© Andrew Stewart, 2009 27

 “I loved the variety - something for
virtually every interest. I was most
impressed by the expertise and accessibility
of the resource staff. What multi-talented
people! It was refreshing to meet experts
who do not take themselves too seriously
and can have a roaring good time.”

-John, Out of the Northwest Passage 2009

©Daniel J. Catt, 2010 © Andrew Stewart, 2009

Our Intended Itinerary

Day 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine) Day 7: Bathurst Island Day 13: Kap York
Day 2: Ulukhatok (Holman) & Prince Albert Sound Day 8: Beechey Island & Radstock Bay Day 14: Upernavik
Day 3: Banks Island Day 9: Devon Island Day 15: Ilulissat
Day 4: Prince of Wales Strait Day 10: Grise Fiord Day 16: Itilleq
Day 5: Banks Island Day 11: Smith Sound Day 17: Kangerlussuaq

Highlights
Day 6: Winter Harbour, Melville Island Day 12: Kap Alexander

• Sail some of the most remote waterways and

least explored areas in Canada
• Marvel at the Ilulissat icefield, where 90% of
the north Atlantic’s icebergs are born
• Seek out Walrus at Croker Bay
• Enjoy a cultural presentation at Canada’s
northernmost community, in Grise Fiord
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir William Parry
at Winter Harbour
• Trace the route to the North Pole as we
venture up Smith Sound
28 Our charter flight departs from Edmonton and returns to Toronto, priced at $1,950. Please call us for details.
Out of the Northwest Passage: Staff
Pierre Richard
Marine Biologist
As a long-time Arctic
marine mammal
researcher, Pierre has
focused on the population
biology of belugas and
narwhals of the Canadian
Arctic, developing
recommendations for
the sustainable use and
conservation of their
populations. He is known
in Nunavut as “Pieri,
angutikutaq qilalugalerei”
(the tall man who knows
about belugas and
narwhals). Over the years
he has studied those species
in almost every corner of
the Canadian Arctic and
has collaborated in studies
with other whale scientists
from Greenland, Alaska and
Russia. He is the author
of a Nunavut school book
on Marine Mammals of
Nunavut and several french
language books on whales
and mammals of Eastern
Canada and the Arctic.
Aaju Peter, Latonia Hartery, Marc St-Onge, Ken McGoogan, Dennis Minty, Ian Tamblyn, Jim Halfpenny, Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson will also be on this voyage.
David Reid
Adventurer
The last Scottish recruit for
the Hudson’s Bay Company
- David moved from
Glasgow to the Canadian
Arctic in 1989 and made
the move to Pond Inlet
in 1991. For the past 15
years, he has been involved
in the adventure travel
business and has since led,
organized or participated
in more than 260 Arctic
and Antarctic expeditions,
trips and projects. In that
time, he has travelled
thousands of miles by dog
sled, ski, snowmobile and
on foot. Experienced and
comfortable exploring the
polar regions; from penguins
to polar bears, David’s
passion and enthusiasm for
sharing everything to
do with ice and snow
with clients from all over
the world, helps people
understand just how unique
and precious our polar
regions are.
Matthew Swan
Adventure Canada
Matthew’s parents emigrated
from Scotland to Canada
in 1959 and, to their son’s
good fortune, they decided to
bring Matthew with them.
Matthew has recognized
opportunities that present
themselves ever since that
big move. He graduated
with a degree in English
from the University of St.
Andrew’s, Scotland. He
encountered the outdoor
training and adventure field
while undertaking an outdoor
instructor’s apprenticeship
program at Strathcona Park
Lodge on Vancouver Island.
Returning east, Matthew
shifted focus and worked in
the emerging white water
rafting industry on the
Ottawa River. Strathcona and
the Ottawa were the catalysts
for Adventure Canada,
created in 1988 with his
brother Bill and friend David
Freeze.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Carolyn Mallory
Field Botanist
Carolyn Mallory is a
writer who is expecting
her current book about
insects in Nunavut to be
published in 2010. It is a
follow up to her popular
Common Plants of Nunavut,
co-written with Susan
Aiken. As well as writing,
Carolyn is a librarian and
chair of the French school
board. Carolyn can always
be recognized on activities
off of the ship, as she is
usually looking down at
the amazing Arctic world a
few centimetres above the
permafrost. She has three
children, two dogs, five cats,
and four birds and lives in
Iqaluit with her husband
Mark, in their house
overlooking Frobisher Bay.
She has always wanted to
live by the ocean but did not
expect the Arctic Ocean to
steal her heart.
Mark Mallory
Seabird Biologist
Since 1999, Mark has lived in
Iqaluit with his wife Carolyn,
three children, and a bevy of
pets. After spending more than
a decade studying the effects
of acid rain on waterfowl
and loons in Ontario, Mark
now studies Arctic seabirds,
particularly the effects of
climate change and pollution
on their ecology. Most of that
work takes place in the High
Arctic, where there are few
mosquitoes, little warmth, and
lots of pesky bears. He and
his colleagues recently found
dramatic declines in Ivory Gull
populations in Canada, which
led to the species being listed
as Endangered in 2006. As
penance for this sad finding,
Mark is Chair of two National
Recovery Teams for rare
species, Ross’s Gulls and Ivory
Gulls. However, if you ask him,
he will go on at length on how
the most remarkable Arctic
bird is the northern fulmar.
Bernadette Miqqusaaq Dean
Culturalist
Bernadette grew up in Coral
Harbour on Southampton
Island where the spring and
summer seasons were spent
on the land hunting, fishing
and harvesting. Bernadette
has lived in different
communities in Nunavut,
working very closely with
elders and youth on cultural
program development and
culture camps for Inuit
youth and women. Her
work on Inuktitut language
preservation produced
several albums consisting
of traditional Inuit and
contemporary songs, stories
and legends. She has been
a cultural advisor to various
museum exhibits in the
US and on documentary
films about Inuit and arctic
history. She produced and
co-directed Inuit Piqutingit:
What belongs to Inuit with
famed Inuk film maker
Zacharias Kunuk.
29
 Heart of the Arctic
September 12 - 24, 2011
aboard the Ocean Nova

© Robert Poulton
30
J oin us as we are welcomed into the land of the Inuit. Our friends in the North live a life that
is shaped from start to finish by the harsh climate and the unforgiving Arctic landscape.
Traditional knowledge of the thousands of years of Inuit history, along with knowledge of the
land, and the plants and the wildlife it supports, has been passed down through an oral tradition
that is just beginning to be recorded. We will celebrate this legacy through an enriching program
of exploration, cultural immersion, art and archaeology with a host of outstanding resource guides
and exceptional guests.

Our journey begins as we sail down Kangerlussuaq Fjord, West Greenland’s longest and most
captivating. We’ll no doubt marvel at the colourful houses that dot the tiny community of
Kangamiut before making our way to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. After crossing the Davis Strait
we enter the picturesque community of Pangnirtung or ‘Pang’. Pangnirtung is situated at the
foot of Mount Duval, one of the most spectacular backdrops in the Canadian Arctic. During
our time in this world-renowned printmaking community, we’ll visit both the printshop and
the tapestry studio at the Uqqurmiut Art Centre. As we continue south, we’ll seek out walrus
during our Zodiac cruise at Monumental Island before enjoying a hike on the tundra during our
expedition stop along Baffin Island’s coast. As we arrive at the tiny community of Kimmirut
(Lake Harbour) we’ll have the chance to purchase world-renowned carvings and to explore the
south Baffin coastal town.

Perhaps the highlight of this trip will be the next two days, which are spent in Kinngait (Cape
Dorset). We have allocated extra time here to allow us to experience the Inuit Art Capital of the
World to a fuller extent as we visit with local artists, enjoy a community welcome and of course,
have the chance to purchase some highly-coveted Inuit Art. From here we’ll indulge our sense
of adventure and exploration as we enjoy expeditionary stops at Markham Bay and the Savage
Islands. Our journey ends in Iqaluit, the Capital of Nunavut.

This itinerary has been specifically chosen to highlight the best of Inuit art and culture, but also
to provide us with the opportunity to compare and contrast Greenlandic communities with the
Canadian territories of Nunavut. Our Adventurers will be able to engage in onboard forums
focusing on the many challenges that face the North. The arts of the Inuit have informed southern
audiences for the last 60 years with visual imagery that has fired our imaginations. Even the very
best sculpted forms, prints and drawings and weavings, however, only allow us to glimpse this
spectacular landscape and culture. We now have the privilege of experiencing their reality first
hand.
© Andrew Stewart 2009

31
 “All the activities that were planned on the
ship so we could benefit from the amazing
group of people as part of the staff, learn more
about the communities where we were going
and the interaction with local people when we
were in the town visits.”

-Michelle, Heart of the Arctic 2009

©Dennis Minty ©Daniel J. Catt, 2010

Our Intended Itinerary

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq Day 5: Pangnirtung Day 9 & 10: Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Day 2: Kangamiut Day 6: Monumental Island Day 10: Markham Bay
Day 3: Nuuk Day 7: South Baffin Coast Day 11: Savage Islands
Day 4: At Sea Day 8: Kimmirut (Lake Harbour) Day 12: Iqaluit

Highlights
• Explore quaint Kangamiut, Greenland
• Visit the one of the smallest capitals in the world, Nuuk
• Explore the printshop and tapestry studio at the Uqqurmiut Art Centre in
Pangnirtung
• First Hudson Bay Company trading post in the Baffin Region at Kimmirut
• Spend time in the Inuit Art Capital of the World, Kinngait
• Seek out Walrus at Monumental Island
• Explore Nunavut’s Capital city, Iqaluit
• Take part in onboard printmaking workshops with Andrew Qappik
• Meet elders, artists and community leaders in each hamlet on our route

32 Our charter flight departs from Toronto and returns to Ottawa, priced at $1,612. Please call us for details.
Heart of the Arctic Resource Staff
Ree Brennin
Marine Biologist
Ree is a zoologist specializing
in marine life. She studied
beluga population genetics
across the Canadian
Arctic and in 2007 she
helped to organize an
international workshop on
belugas that brought together
Inuit hunters, wildlife
managers and aquarium
professionals to collaborate
on conservation initiatives.
Ree spent nine years
working at the Monterey
Bay Aquarium and taught
Environmental Science
and Policy at the Monterey
Institute of International
Studies. Since moving back
to Ontario in 2004, Ree
has worked as a consultant,
combining her expertise
in science, education and
public policy. She has worked
with Environment Canada
and also developed and
taught a course in Marine
Environmental Issues at
Queen’s University and the
University of Ottawa.
Annie Qappik, Jane Sproull-Thompson and others will also be on this voyage, find their biographies within this brochure or online.
John Houston
Filmmaker, Curator,Culturalist
A member of the well-
known Houston family, John
spent the first eight years
of his life in Cape Dorset.
He studied art in Paris
and graduated from Yale
University in 1975; that same
year, he took up the position
of Art Advisor to the
Pangnirtung Co-operative’s
printmaking project. In 1998,
John co-wrote and directed
his first film. His 2007 film:
Kiviuq, was recently awarded
‘Best Documentary Film’ at
Dreamspeakers 12th annual
International Aboriginal
Film & Television Festival in
Edmonton. His latest film,
The White Archer is based on
James Houston’s children’s
novel of the same name.
The novel is written from an
Inuit legend and deals with
revenge and the beginnings
of resolution Inuit and Innu,
who traditionally viewed
one another with fear and
mistrust.
Mike Beedell
Photographer & Adventurer
Mike is one of Canada’s
leading photographers and
explorers with over 30
years of journeys to his
credit. Mike has been part
of a number of fascinating
expeditions which have
been the subject of several
documentaries and books.
His photographic and
video work has illustrated
subjects ranging from
sovereignty, culture,
environment, youth,
conservation and tourism.
Mike has been compelled
to spend part of every year
for three decades in the
North to travel slowly and
thoughtfully “to feel the
pulse of the land” and live
with the unique cultures
of the Arctic realm. He is
the author of the book The
Magnetic North. Mike lives
with his wife, Bonnie and
their dog/child, Laird in
Chelsea, Quebec.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Gerald McMaster
Curator, Author, Artist
For the past 30 years, Dr.
Gerald McMaster has
worked as a visual artist,
curator, and scholar to
increase the knowledge
and understanding of First
Nation, Métis, and Inuit
art, both nationally and
internationally. He began
his career with the Canadian
Museum of Civilization,
in Ottawa; then with the
Smithsonian National
Museum of the American
Indian. He is currently the
Fredrik S. Eaton curator
of Canadian Art at the
Art Gallery of Ontario,
in Toronto. This past year
he edited Inuit Modern:
The Samuel and Esther
Sarick Collection along with
presenting the ground-
breaking exhibition at the
AGO. He is currently
co-Artistic Director of the
2012 Biennale of Sydney,
the prestigious international
festival of contemporary art.
Callum Thompson
Archaeologist
Callum was brought up in the
British Isles before emigrating
to Canada in 1968. He was
educated at the University of
Calgary, Memorial University of
Newfoundland and Bryn Mawr
College, obtaining degrees in
archaeology and anthropology.
His principal research focus
during more than thirty years
of fieldwork in the Canadian
Arctic has been on the history
and archaeological evidence
for maritime adaptations of
cultural groups living in extreme
and marginal environments,
including aboriginal people,
whalers, settlers and explorers.
He has spent the last 30
years as an archaeologist
with museums, government,
aboriginal groups and industry
undertaking environmental and
archaeological inventories and
assessments and conducting his
own field research projects.
Andrew Qappik
Artist & Culturalist
Andrew is a master print-
maker from Pangnirtung,
Baffin Island in Nunavut.
Originally inspired by images
in the comic books he read as
a child, Andrew now finds his
subjects in the stories, tradi-
tions and day-to-day events
of his world. His images
describe the local landscape,
the animals, the people as
well as family activities and
camp life. As a printmaker,
Andrew uses relief printing,
etching and lithography. He
is most widely recognized
for the subtle layering of
colours in his stencil prints.
As a designer, Andrew uses
symbolic colours and imagery
to communicate ideas. He is
best known for his contri-
bution to the design of the
Nunavut flag, logo and coat
of arms. He conducts work-
shops for people of all ages
and often travels to the south
to demonstrate and promote
Inuit printmaking.
33
 ©Andrew Stewart

© Daniel J. Catt, 2010

“The most memorable part of this trip

for me was waltzing with Kenojuak
at the Cape Dorset community hall.
People, you can’t beat that!”

- Paul, Heart the of the Arctic 2009

© Larry Frank, 2009

©Andre Gallant ©Andre Gallant

34 ©Michelle Valberg, 2009

©Matthew James Bradley-Swan. 2009
Some thoughts on Inuit Art
“Art can never be understood, but can only be seen as a kind of magic,
the most profound and mysterious of all human activities.” - Bill Reid
The phenomena that we know collectively as Inuit Art, has
enjoyed a presence in the art world for over 50 years. While
curators, dealers and government funding agencies struggle with
the definitions and parameters of these exciting visual forms,
those of us who encounter works by Inuit
artists are immediately touched by their
honesty, intimacy and power to communicate.
The art of any cultural group is a window of
opportunity for insight and understanding.
What better way to experience Canada’s last
frontier, and its most exotic landscape, than
through the artistic outpourings of it’s people.
The art of the Inuit, Canada’s Arctic people,
has a history of some 4,000 years. Its means of
expression took the form of highly decorated
material culture. Whether these objects were
used for hunting or personal adornment, their
significance is unquestionable. The aesthetic
appeal beyond western understanding
underlies the amazing collections to be found
in the world’s great museums and galleries. For
the Inuit, this rich artistic outpouring created
a spiritual bond, a means of communicating
with the world around them and the spiritual
forces that controlled that world. For a non-literate people, art
was a means by which they translated isumasi (our thoughts). That
they have a rich oral history which complements this tradition
has only come to light within the last century.
Today’s Inuit artist continues the role of communicator. This
voice honours the land and its people and initiates a dialogue with
those who encounter the works of art. To confront a stone carving
of a polar bear dancing to its own music or a mother nursing
her newborn is to experience a glimpse of the Arctic rich with
both the familiar and the exotic. Realizing the distance the artist
must travel just to quarry the stone and the dangers inherent in
this exercise raises the level of motivation beyond the challenges
of artists elsewhere. The raw materials of stone, bone and antler
emerge from the Arctic landscape. When we hold a beautifully
carved piece we are in touch with this landscape.
Paper for limited edition prints and drawings Carol Heppenstall
and textiles used for weaving and wall Arts & Culture
hangings are newer materials for these artists.
Carol has been leading tours
Both these mediums afford a narrative means
for Adventure Canada for
of sharing information. Prints that illustrate seventeen years. Her love of
life in the communities, often contrasting Inuit Art that she showcased
then and now, bring us closer to their way of in her Philadelphia
life. Sprinkled with humour and imagination, gallery first led her north
prints have become sought after by collectors. in 1992. Her continuing
The excellence with which they are produced passion for Inuit Art and
is a tribute both to the many artistic advisors her belief in the power of
who come north to share their expertise and communication through
the arts, has drawn her back
the talent of the artist to capture the idea
repeatedly to the Arctic.
on paper, translate it in the print medium
Designing smaller tours
and produce the print. Weavings and wall with an art/culture focus
hangings expand the traditional sewing skills and working as a Resource
of women and are a richly decorative and Guide on the Arctic cruises
highly personalized art form. has allowed her to keep
in touch with artists and
As the Inuit artist gains recognition, a more community leaders in an
personal vision may inform his or her work. We often see signature ever- changing artistic and
pieces that characterize the work of a particular artist. Personal cultural landscape that is
the Canadian north. She
thoughts and ideas are translated into stone or on paper, or an
graduated Cum Laude
artist may choose to work in a new medium such as film, video or
in Art History from the
precious metals. At times we are challenged by notions of what University of Pennsylvania
is traditional, what is art? These questions are not limited to art and earned a Masters
made by Inuit or anyone else. Suffice to say that as we encounter in Museum Education
the art of the Inuit we experience what Reid calls a kind of magic, while running her gallery,
a gift of seeing and knowing another. ArtSpace.

– Carol Heppenstall, Arts & Culture Join Carol on Heart of the

“Roaming Walruses” ©Andrew Qappik Arctic. 35
About Our Partnership with Canadian Geographic

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is dedicated to

imparting a broader knowledge and deeper appreciation of Canada
— its people and places, its natural and cultural heritage and its
environmental, social and economic challenges. The Society is one
of Canada’s largest non-profit educational organizations and is
funded primarily by its members and generous donations. The Society’s Board of Governors and its program
committees are comprised entirely of volunteers.

About the Society

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society was founded in 1929 with a mandate “to make Canada better
known to Canadians and to the world.” Celebrating its 82nd anniversary in 2011, its mandate is fulfilled
mainly through the publication of Canadian Geographic in English and Géographica in French, and through
the Society’s geographic education program, speaker series, research grants and expeditions programs.

About Canadian Geographic

Published by The Royal Canadian Geographical
Society, Canadian Geographic is one of the most
widely read magazines in Canada. Each issue of the magazine allows readers to
explore, discover and learn about their country. The Canadian Geographic Photo
Club, Canada’s largest online photographic community, is the home of the annual
Canadian Geographic Photo Contest and the Wildlife Photography of the Year
Contest.
This year, the Society and Canadian Geographic are proud to partner with
Adventure Canada to offer their Heart of the Arctic expedition.
Those on the Adventure Canada mailing lists are entitled to a one-year
subscription to Canadian Geographic magazine at the special price of $24.95.
Phone 1-800-267-0824 to subscribe. All 2011 travellers will receive a one-year
© Mike Beedell, 2009
subscription to Canadian Geographic, compliments of Adventure Canada.

36 Please visit www.rcgs.org or www.canadiangeographic.ca for more information

 ©Larry Frank, 2010 ©Mike Beedell,2009

“The combination of time for interacting

with nature and time for interaction
between resource staff and Inuit was a
great thing. Well done!”

- Julie, Heart of the Arctic 2009

© Daniel J. Catt, 2010

37
© Andre Gallant © Daniel J. Catt, 2010 © Mike Beedell
Greenland & Wild Labrador
September 17 - 30, 2011/ September 9 - 22, 2012
aboard the Clipper Adventurer

©Dennis Minty
38
J oin us as we discover the divine landscape and sublime natural wonders of
Southwest Greenland and the wild coast of Labrador.

Beginning in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland we cross the Arctic circle as we journey to

the Davis Strait. Heading south, we’ll enjoy a Zodiac cruise through the icebergs
at Evighshedfjord before visiting the community of Kangamiut. Here we’ll wander
past the pretty colourful houses that dot this tiny Greenlandic town. Before crossing
the Davis Strait into Canada, we’ll visit Nuuk, one of the smallest capitals in the
world and the political and cultural centre of Greenland. Here we can see the
famous mummies, explore the markets, and sample local cuisine.

Making our way to Canada we’ll watch for the whales known to frequent the
waters of Baffin Bay and we’ll seek out walrus during our Zodiac cruise around
Monumental Island. Our first port of call in Canada will be Kangiqsualujjuaq,
Nunavik nestled on the bank of the George River. We’ll explore the town on foot,
learning about the land and community from local residents.

Entering Nunatsiavut, the home of the Labrador Inuit, we’ll spend the next three
days sailing south, the view dominated by the awe-inspiring scenery of the Torngat
Mountains National Park. Towering peaks, immense fjords, fall foliage and grand
skies await us. Everything is on a massive scale, with even the modest crags that
overhang the fjords topping 3,000 ft. On our zodiac cruises and hikes we hope to
spot a number of species that call the area home; polar bear, black bear, caribou,
wolves, whales and more than a dozen bird species. We’ll visit the abandoned
settlements of Hebron and Okak, founded by the Moravian Church in 1776, as
well as the lively community of Hopedale.

From here we’ll call in at the proposed site of Labrador’s second national park, the
Mealy Mountains. Steeped in the traditional history of the first peoples of the land,
these mountains are also home to threatened woodland caribou herd, along with
moose, black bear, osprey, bald eagles and a species of special concern, the eastern
population of the harlequin duck.

Our first stop in Newfoundland is at L’Anse aux Meadows, the earliest known
European settlement in the New World, with Viking reminders everywhere. From
here we’ll visit the communities of Conche and Botwood, where we will have a
chance to partake in a traditional kitchen party! Our adventure ends in St. John’s,
North America’s oldest city, and an unforgettable end point to a remarkable trip.

© Andrew Stewart, 2009 39

 “This trip was a first for us but definitely
not a last. The breathtaking geography of
northern Labrador was wonderful enough
for any trip’s success, but it was only the
context for the community of fascinating
travel companions who made the trip
absolutely unique and unforgettable.”

-Carol, Atlantic Arts Float 2009

© Clayton Anderson, 2009 ©Dennis Minty

Our Intended Itinerary Highlights

• Visit Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq
• Purchase some highly prized qiviut product
Day 2: Evighshedfjord & Kangamiut
(muskox wool)
Day 3: Nuuk
• Seek out walrus at Monumental Island
Day 4: Monumental Island
• A chance to experience the Northern Lights
Day 5: Kangiqsualujjuaq
• Spend three memorable days among the
Day 6/7: Torngat Mountains National
spirits in the Torngat National Park as you
Park
sail down the Labrador Coast
Day 8: Torngat Mountains National
• Call in at the proposed site for the Mealy
Park & Hebron
Mountains National Park
Day 9: Okak
• Explore the community of Hopedale
Day 10: Hopedale
• Marvel at the magnificent fjords and inland
Day 11: Mealy Mountains
lakes at Saglek & Hebron
Day 12: L’Anse aux Meadows
• Take part in a traditional Newfoundland
& Conche
kitchen party
Day 13: Botwood
• Explore the earliest known European
Day 14: St. John’s
settlement in the New World at L’Anse aux
Meadows

40 Our charter flight departs from Toronto, priced at $958. Commercial airfare must be arranged from St. John’s. Please call us for details.
Greenland & Wild Labrador: Resource Staff
Zippora Nochasak
Culturalist
Zippora is a long-time
promoter of Inuktitut language
and Inuit culture. In her career,
she has been Minister of
Lands and Natural Resources
and Status of Women for the
Nunatsiavut Government,
Executive Board Member for
the Nunatsiavut Government
for Happy Valley-Goose Bay,
and Assembly Member for
Happy Valley-Goose Bay for
the Labrador Inuit Association.
In her travels as a volunteer and
civil servant over many years,
Zippora worked on issues of
shared concern with a range of
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
agencies, including other Inuit
regional governments, the
Inuit Circumpolar Conference
(ICC), and the Inuit Tapiritt
of Kanatami (ITK). She is an
accomplished Inuktitut speaker,
and possesses knowledge and
familiarity of all four Inuit
regions in Canada.
Others will also be on this voyage, find their biographies within this brochure or online.
Denis St-Onge
Geologist
Past President of the Royal Canadian
Geographical Society, Denis has
had a long and distinguished
career as a scientist and educator. A
geomorphologist who has worked
with the Geological Survey of
Canada and on the Polar Continental
Shelf Project, Denis has been
fascinated by the Arctic since
1959 when he started studying the
evolution of landforms of Ellef
Ringnes Island. He is an Officer of
the Order of Canada, a past Chair
of Geography at the University
of Ottawa, a fellow of the Arctic
Institute of North America and
recipient of the Scottish Geographical
Medal. The Canadian Association
of Geographers has presented Dr.
St-Onge its Award for Service and
the Geological Association of Canada
its Ambrose Medal for “sustained
distinguished service to the earth
sciences in Canada”. In 2002 he was
presented with Queen Elizabeth II
Golden Jubilee Medal.
Dennis Minty
Photographer & Naturalist
Born in Twillingate,
Newfoundland, Dennis has
followed a varied path to arrive
at his current profession as a
photographer. Through 30 years
of both local and international
work, Dennis has served as an
award winning wildlife biologist
and environmental educator. One
of his environmental education
projects, “Finding the Balance,
Environmental Issues on a Global
Scale” was officially endorsed by the
United Nations. Dennis has also
received the Canadian Governor
General’s Medal for his work in
environmental education. As a
photographer/biologist/educator,
he has travelled extensively to
the many countries of Africa,
the Seychelles, the Caribbean,
Europe and North America. But
his favourite place is his home,
Newfoundland and Labrador.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Hamilton White
Culturalist
Hamilton was born in North
West River, Labrador but moved
to Happy Valley, Labrador at a
very young age. After graduating
high school, Hamilton joined the
Canadian Army where he spent ten
years with the airborne Signal Corps.
Hamilton spend a great deal of his
career working with the department
of Natural Resources in Labrador, as
a Water Bomber Dispatcher. Over
the last five years, he has worked at
several locations on Baffin Island
as a Polar Bear Monitor. In the
summer of 2010 Hamilton worked
out of a tugboat refuelling over
twenty North Warning System sites
from Herschel Island in the Yukon
Territories to Shepherd Bay in the
Northwest Territories. Hamilton
is equally at home on land or sea
and can never get enough of the
beautiful scenery the North has
to offer and is looking forward to
seeing you in 2011.
Shelagh Rogers
CBC Host
Shelagh is a veteran broadcast-
journalist. She’s hosted flagship
programs with CBC Radio,
including This Morning and Sounds
Like Canada. In 2000, she won
the John Drainie Award, Canada’s
highest broadcasting honour.
Two years ago, she received a
Transforming Lives Award from
CAM-H for speaking publicly
about depression. In 2010, the
Mood Disorders Association of
Ontario gave her their Hero Award.
She has been honoured for her
work in reconciliation between
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people in Canada. Currently, she
is the host of The Next Chapter
on CBC Radio One, a program
devoted to Canadian writers and
songwriters. She is passionate about
the north and northerners and feels
Adventure Canada trips to the
north change you at a cellular level.
41
 ©Dennis Minty ©Michelle Valberg, 2009 © Michelle Valberg, 2009

“Meeting an incredible group of people,

both onboard the ship and ashore. I love
travelling with Canadians! We were in
some unbelievable scenery and I feel so
fortunate to have been able to see the
Torngat Mountains. The visit to Hopedale
was so special. The wildlife sightings were
amazing, especially the polar bears and
the whale who kept swimming round the
ship!”
-Joan, Atlantic Arts Float 2009 © Daniel J. Catt, 2009
© Michelle Valberg

42 ©Andrew Stewart, 2009

© Andre Gallant
The Land God Gave to Cain...
Torngats: They call this place the land of the spirits, the place
where Torngat, the spiritual entity of the Inuit people rests.
Along the shores you will see evidence of people before us,
spanning thousands of years, and you cannot help but feel their
presence. In Nachvak Fjord we tread lightly on the remains of a
five hundred year old village, where the remnants of sod houses
overlay the even older Paleo Eskimo settlement. Millennia of
human history lie here, outlasted only by the creatures that call
this land home, and by the ancient rocks that tower above it all.
To the south is Ramah, where the
beautiful translucent chert received
its name. This material was traded
throughout the eastern seaboard, down
into Maryland, to Ontario, and north
to Nunavut. Shaped into magnificent
tools used to hunt the animals and
seek out survival, the precious chert
accompanied the burials of our ancestors.
At Hebron, the history dates back
thousands of years, with the most
recent inhabitants being the Moravian
Missionaries in the early 1800’s. The
community thrived with the German
missionaries and Inuit living in harmony
until 1959. When the Newfoundland
Government made the decision to close the only store, the
missionaries decided to pull out of Hebron. That same year, the
Inuit were forced out of their homes and faced a devastating
relocation to the south. To this day, the atrocities endured
by the Inuit of Labrador are present in the lives they live.
Looking over the landscape, and visiting the memorable
graveyard with its German inscriptions, we will find the
Mission and Church buildings still standing, and the newly
erected Apology plaques recognizing and remembering those
who were removed from their home. Although there are no
©Mike Beedell
human inhabitants anymore, the Inuit of Nunatsiavut still
hunt and fish in this area. The spirits of our ancestors still
walk the land, watching over us, and will walk among us as
we embrace this beautiful place. This place is for the curious.
Okak is a beautiful abandoned village that thrived until the
arrival of the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918. Here, Lena Onalik
we are at the beginning of the tree line. All that remains of Archaeologist
this once thriving community are the foundation stones
of the Moravian Church, and the succulent tartness of the Lena Onalik grew up in Makkovik,
vast Rhubarb garden left behind, Labrador. She spent her summers
still frequented by descendants of during childhood fishing in
those who once occupied this land. Island Harbour with her father’s
family, the McNeill clan, who also
At Hopedale (Agvituk), we find the fished with Bob Bartlett’s family.
Lena is an archaeologist, the first
striking coastal community of about
Labrador Inuk to obtain this title.
600 people that serves as Nunatsiavut’s
She also held the position of Chief
capital. The original Moravian Mission
Archaeologist for the Nunatsiavut
Church and Museum still stand on
Government. Lena’s primary
the bare rocks of its rugged landscape.
interest is Inuit archaeology.
Upon arrival, we are likely to be
Through her knowledge and
greeted by the many smiling children
experience working in coastal
who bring life to this community. Labrador, she has strengthened
her interest in her own culture,
When asked to join the Adventure which includes preserving her
Canada team on the Greenland & Inuit language. Lena is also a
Wild Labrador expedition, my reaction descendent of the Hebron and
was nothing short of ecstatic. To visit the beautiful shores Nutak relocations that took place
of Greenland was thrilling enough, but to share the home is 1957-59. Lena shares her culture
of my ancestors with curious minds is a great honour. On through storytelling, crafts, singing
this journey of discovery I will share a special moment, and Inuit drum dancing and
travelling to the birth place of my dearest friend, my late throat singing. Lena still enjoys
grandmother (Kangidsualujjuak). The spiritual presence hunting and fishing when she can,
of the Torngat Mountain’s is one that beckons you back especially ice fishing. She is the
again and again. All along the beautiful coastline there mother to two rambunctious boys
is a story to tell. One such story is that of Jacques Cartier and her little sister.
who named this place, “the land God gave to Cain”.
Join Lena on Greenland & Wild
– Lena Onalik, Archaeologist Labrador.
 Greenland & Wild Labrador: Artistic Accompaniment
Tom Barlow
Musician
Tom has been a writer and
performer on the Canadian
music scene for 20 years.
During that time he has
garnered three Juno Award
nominations, a Canadian
Radio Music Award
nomination and won the
Canadian Independent Rising
Star Award. Tom has toured
across Canada and around the
world in such disparate places
as China, Europe, The United
States and Nicaragua. With a
new record deal Barlow is now
back working on his much
anticipated sophomore album.
The new album sees Barlow
reconnecting with co-writer/
producer Mladen and
producer Tawgs, the same
production team that helped
create his debut work. Once
again Barlow is singing songs
about the social realities of our
planet and our communities,
infusing pop melodies with
keen lyrical observations.
44
Washboard Hank
Musician
If you ever get a chance to
see him, Washboard Hank
is an entertainer you will
never forget. He started on
the streets of North America
where he developed his
unique blend of medicine
show/vaudeville/hillbilly style.
Folks of all ages from San
Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf
to the Edinburgh Fringe
Festival have given themselves
sore faces from laughing
at Hank’s show. Besides
his patented “Stradivarious
Washboard”, Hank plays a
wide variety of instruments,
including the “Perfected
Twin Membrane Kazoo”
the “Mark IV One Man
Band” and the “Kitchen Sink
Tuba”. Through the years
Hank has played many major
folk festivals, exhibitions and
concerts and in 1992 he was
awarded the Confederation
Medal for contributions to
Canadian culture.
Kevin Major
Author
Kevin Major has published
16 books, ranging from novels
to non-fiction, from poetry
and plays to works for young
people. He has won numerous
awards, including a Governor
General’s Award for his first
book (soon to be a film),
Hold Fast. The best-selling
As Near to Heaven by Sea: A
History of Newfoundland and
Labrador traces the story of his
homeland from continental
drift to modern political
upheaval. His novel (and long-
running stage play) No Man’s
Land tells a tragic tale of the
Newfoundland Regiment in
WWI. His most recent novel
New Under the Sun, dealing
with the myriad of cultures
to inhabit southern Labrador
and the northernmost tip of
Newfoundland, promises to
be one of his most acclaimed
works yet. All that and he
writes a wine blog, too.
Barney Bentall
Musician
During the 1990s, Barney’s
music was a staple on the
radio with hits that included
Life Could Be Worse. With
two platinum and four gold
CDs, a Juno Award and a
string of top ten singles to his
credit, Barney and his band
The Legendary Hearts were
renowned for their take-no-
prisoners standing-room-only
live shows. By 1997, seeking
a change in perspective, he
did a “one-eighty,” bought a
cattle ranch and walked away.
He continued playing but
felt the pull back to a simpler,
stripped-down acoustic
approach to songwriting.
Over time, Bentall assembled
the songs for a new CD,
Gift Horse, released in 2007.
September 2009 saw the
release of the much anticipated
CD The Inside Passage, a
country-folk-roots sound that
is resonating with listeners
from coast to coast to coast.
Kathleen Winter
Author
Kathleen Winter grew up in
Newfoundland and Labrador
after emigrating from the
northeast of England as
a child. She has written
dramatic and documentary
scripts for Sesame Street and
CBC Television. Her novel
Annabel, about a mysterious
child of a trapping family
in the beautiful, spare
environment of remote
coastal Labrador, has been
translated internationally
and was a finalist for the
2010 Governor General’s
Award, the Rogers Writer’s
Trust Award, and the
Scotiabank Giller Prize. Her
story collection boYs won
the Metcalf-Rooke Award
and the Winterset Award.
Kathleen fools around on
the concertina and has
learned the words to a few
Newfoundland and Labrador
songs, and has written a few
of her own.
Ian Tamblyn
Singer, Songwriter, Adventurer
A composer, songwriter,
singer, instrumentalist,
playwright, environmentalist,
explorer and producer, Ian
has captured the spirit of
many remote & beautiful
parts of the world, from
the Arctic to the Antarctic.
Through 32 albums of
original music, his work has
become known & respected
around the world & he has
played a significant role in the
folk music scene in Canada
& internationally. His newest
album, Gyre, is a collection
of 12 new songs. He is now
is working on the third of
his four coast project -The
Darkened Light about the
Arctic coast. He was recently
awarded 2010 Songwriter of
Year Award by the Canadian
Folk Music Awards for
his CD Gyre. Ian has been
travelling and guiding in the
Arctic and Antarctic since
1984.
About the Arts Float...
Adventure Canada’s educational programs have always been a combination of science and art, which has produced some really interesting and
rewarding collaborations. Take a group of bright, interested explorers, add days full of breathtaking first hand experiences in the natural world,
throw in a series of lectures by distinguished fellow-travellers who are becoming friends, and add to the mix the artistic expression of enthusiastic
songwriters, musicians, photographers, painters, sculptors, authors and poets. The recipe is unbeatable. It makes Adventure Canada what we are.

In 2009 we extended our collaborative vision of arts and science with the launch of our Arts Float series. A troupe of visual artists, musicians and
authors joined forces with our team of anthropologists, botanists and
naturalists to explore the landscape in a multi-disciplinary fashion. As
a result, through the collective experience, a great deal of fine artistic
work emerged, while songwriting, sketching, painting, sculpting and
creative writing workshops heightened the adventure for everyone.

In 2011 Adventure Canada is launching the second Arts Float on

a voyage to The Land God Gave To Cain – the wilds of Labrador.
Untamed and gigantic, Labrador is a land of inspiration. The team
of expert staff will not only help you to understand and experience
the land and people we visit. Our group of creative artists but help
you write your own soundtrack to what you see, and express your
reactions. We invite you to join us and participate in all elements of our

©Dennis Minty
program. Everyone is a learner here. Sample new creative techniques
and hone your skills. Seek new horizons. Have fun learning things you
never thought you could do. Surprise yourself. Penny whistle, anyone?

A gang of old and new faces join us on this fall’s adventure. Singer, songwriter and playwright Ian Tamblyn leads our award-winning
team of musicians in educating, challenging and entertaining you through song. Ian is joined by Newfoundland’s Daniel Payne, collector
of traditional jigs, reels and stories and esteemed fiddler and accordion player (and demon on the penny whistle!). Songwriter, cattle rancher
and founding member of the Legendary Hearts, Barney Bentall will delight guests and locals alike. Zany Wash-board Hank brings out
the fun with his entertaining showmanship, while Port Credit’s own singer & songwriter Tom Barlow will anchor our evening get-togethers
and keep you entertained well into the early hours of the morning. Bring your own instruments, sing along, and write your own score.

CBC’s own gracious host, Shelagh Rogers, will use all her skills as she helps us get to know the prized Newfoundland authors Kevin
Major and Kathleen Winter. In their much-praised work both authors deal extensively with the province, people and land we will travel
through. Last but not least we’ll be joined by members of the Canadian art sensation Drawnonward, today’s answer to the Group of
Seven (though they hate that line). Whether you’re looking for basic or advanced instruction, or just to set your canvass down with a group
of like-minded individuals, the opportunities for painting, drawing and sketching in memorable settings are available at every landing.

45
Newfoundland Circumnavigation
September 30 - October 10, 2011/September 22 - October 2, 2012
aboard the Clipper Adventurer

46 © Dennis Minty
W
hat better way to see a place so shaped by sea than by ship? In 2011, we are pleased
to once again be returning to one of our favourite destinations, Newfoundland
and Labrador. The warmth, wit and hospitality of her people, the soul stirring
music and the rough beauty of her shores draw us here year after year, each time with new
surprises and delights to greet us along the way.

Setting out from historic St. John’s, North America’s oldest port, we sail for Bonavista – home
of Newfoundland’s first school. Here we will meet the first of our community hosts. The next
three days will have an emphasis on archaeology beginning with L’Anse aux Meadows, at the
tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is
the only authenticated Viking site in North America, and is widely regarded as one of the
most important archaeological sites globally. At Red Bay, on the Labrador coast, we’ll explore
the remains of the ancient Basque whaling station, where three 16th century Basque whaling
galleons and four small chalupas haunt the deep waters, making it an important historical site
and earning it a well-deserved UNESCO nomination.

Continuing on to L’Anse-Amour, we visit the oldest burial mound in North America at about
7,500 years old. This important site, located on the Strait of Belle Isle, was occupied between
at least 5500 and 2000 BC by the Maritime Archaic people who used the area for fishing and
for hunting harp seals and walrus.

As for Gros Morne, mid-way down Newfoundland’s west coast, it has been said that, “Gros
Morne is to geology what the Galapagos are to biology.” Spectacular scenery including
Precambrian cliffs, deep inland fjords and volcanic “pillow” rocks formed as lava cooled
underwater — is just one of the reasons we stop here year after year, to see where the ancient
ocean bed lies on top of high hills, establishing the truth of the “Tectonic plate” theory.

For the next four days we will be the guests of countless Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,
all keen to welcome us to their homes with the kindness of a long lost friend. Our community
visits will allow for us to meet locals throughout the province, presenting a slice of regional
cultures. At Miawpukek (Conne River) we’ll be treated to a special cultural presentation,
including a performance by the world-renowned the Se’t A’newey Choir.

Before disembarking the Clipper Adventurer at St. John’s we’ll pay a visit to France during
our stop at Miquelon — the sole remaining vestige of France’s once vast North American
possessions.

Autumn is a delightful time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador, with warmer weather and
rich fall colours. Our fall itinerary is designed specifically to showcase Newfoundland’s great
natural wonders with a focus on archaeology, geology, history, music and culture.

Come, and discover Newfoundland the way it was meant to be seen – by sea.

© Dennis Minty 47

©Dennis Minty
Our Intended Itinerary
Day 1: St. John’s
Day 2: Bonavista
Day 3: L’Anse aux Meadows
Day 4: Red Bay & L’Anse Amour
Day 5: Gros Morne National Park
Day 6: St. George’s Bay
48
“I would like to thank Adventure
Canada and all those involved with the
circumnavigation of Newfoundland for
such a wonderful and unique cruise.
One I will never forget and will highly
recommend to my fellow Aussies and I
hope to be sailing with you again in the
not too distant future.”
-Diane, Newfoundland, 2010
Highlights
Day 7: Garria Bay & Ramea • Visit the earliest known European settlement
Day 8: Francois in the New World at L’Anse aux Meadows
Day 9: Miawpukek (Conne River) • Investigate the remains of a 16th century
Day 10: Miquelon, France Basque whaling station at Red Bay
Day 11: St. John’s • Visit the “Galapagos” of geology hiking the
tablelands in Gros Morne National Park
• Pay a visit to France during our stop at
Miquelon
• Experience a piece of the Miawpukek culture
during our community visit in Conne River
• Take part in a traditional Newfoundland
kitchen party and sample traditional
Newfoundland cuisine
• Enjoy the warm weather and rich fall colours
as we sail “round the rock”
• Roam the magical streets of St. John’s, the
oldest city in North America
Newfoundland Circumnavigation: Staff
Daniel Payne
Musician / Culturalist
Daniel Payne comes from a long
line of traditional accordion and
fiddle players from Cow Head on
the Great Northern Peninsula of
Newfoundland. He is a well-
known singer, actor and multi-
instrumentalist who teaches at the
Vinland Music Camp in Gros
Morne National Park. Daniel has
performed both as a musician and
actor throughout North America,
Australia and Europe. He is a
recipient of the Newfoundland and
Labrador Arts Council’s Emerging
Artist Award and played a leading
role in the Newfoundland-Ireland
production of the TV miniseries,
Random Passage, a portrayal of life
in early Newfoundland. In 2004
Daniel started DOP Productions,
which has since released four
titles, an album of accordion music
entitled The Four Stops, two button
accordion instructional DVDs,
and his first solo album, released in
spring 2008 entitled Chain.
Latonia Hartery and others will also be on this voyage, please find their biographies within this brochure or online.
Robert Poulton
Photographer
Robert Poulton is an award-
winning editorial and travel
photographer based in Toronto.
An obsessed traveller and
Anthropology keener, Robert’s
portfolio quickly developed
as a documentation of the
human condition and cultural
exploration. Multiple trips to
Morocco quickly built a vast
collection of images of the
iconic Berbers & west African
Muslim culture, which was
followed by another successful
series based on the Incas of
Peru and South America.
Robert’s newest series of
the Inuit in Canada’s North,
photographed on Adventure
Canada’s High Arctic 2009,
received an Applied Arts 2010
Photo Annual nod for “Best
Editorial Series”. Robert is
looking forward to capturing
Newfoundland with you.
This is just a sampling of the outstanding staff on this voyage.
Please visit our website for a full list of staff members.
Holly Hogan
Wildlife Biologist
Holly’s fascination with birds
began in her teens when she first
discovered that they could be
identified by sound. As a person
with strong musical affinities, she
found this particularly intriguing.
Putting this new-found interest
to work, she did her graduate
degree at Memorial University
of Newfoundland on songbird
community ecology. Ultimately
drawn to the marine environment,
she has worked primarily on
seabirds for the last 25 years, and
has worked on seabird colonies
on both sides of the continent,
including British Columbia,
Alaska, Newfoundland and
Labrador. Holly currently manages
two seabird ecological reserves for
the province of Newfoundland and
Labrador. When the birds leave
their breeding colonies for the
winter, Holly is singing the blues.
Her husband and three children
put up with it most of the time.
Matthew James Bradley-Swan
Assistant Expedition Leader
An adventurer at heart, Matthew
James grew up sailing Canada’s
beautiful coastlines. He returns
annually to Canada’s northern
territories and Maritime provinces
as assistant expedition leader aboard
Clipper Adventurer. With a passion
for the outdoors, wild places and
photography Matthew is thrilled to
share the treasures of the East coast
with you. When not in the field
leading hikes, driving zodiacs and
coordinating the onboard program
Matthew joins the Adventure
Canada team at brain central in
Port Credit, the place he calls home.
Matthew James has been involved
in the family business for longer
than he can remember and enjoys
the process of getting to know
Adventure Canada guests - right
from the time when you first call to
get your brochure to sending you
home after a fantastic expedition
in his favourite place in the world -
Canada.
Michael Crummey
Author / Culturalist
Michael was born in Buchans,
a mining town in central
Newfoundland. He was raised
there and in Labrador West. His
first book, Arguments with Gravity,
appeared in 1996. Since then he
has published half a dozen others,
including Hard Light and Salvage
(poetry), Flesh and Blood (short
stories) and three novels. His first
novel, River Thieves, was published
internationally and appeared on half
a dozen award shortlists, including
the Giller Prize. The Wreckage (2005),
was a national bestseller, short-
listed for the Rogers’ Writer’s Trust
Fiction Prize and long-listed for the
Dublin IMPAC Literary Award.
His latest novel, Galore, won the
Commonwealth Writers Prize, the
Canadian Authors’ Association
Fiction Award, and was shortlisted
for the Governor-General’s Award.
After 14 years in Kingston, ON he
came home to Newfoundland for
good in 2000. He lives in St. John’s
with his wife and three children.
49
©Andrew Stewart ©Dennis Minty

“Please extend our sincere thanks to the staff

and resource staff at Adventure Canada on the
2010 Newfoundland Circumnavigation. The
expedition was truly wonderful: well planned,
well organized and well executed. As we had
not previously had the opportunity for similar
travel, we did not know what to expect, but were
surprised and delighted at every turn. Many
many thanks! “
- Janet & Roger, Newfoundland Circumnavigation
2010 ©Dennis Minty

50
©Daniel J. Catt ©Dennis Minty
Exploring Rural Newfoundland...
They’d been coming to settle here for thousands of years; the Maritime Archaic Indians, the Paleoeskimo people, the Beothuk,
the Norse and finally the Europeans. The landscape is rugged and remote, the ocean is often furious and inhospitable; but the
abundance of cod made it all worthwhile. The settlements were not organized by proximity to services, transportation hubs, or
good soil conditions; they were built wherever there were good fishing grounds and shelter from the winds.
A lot has changed over the years, but a lot remains constant here. The fishing grounds no longer matter; the fish are gone. The Tony Oxford
sheltered harbours, fishing premises and drying flakes are no longer needed; technology has taken over. There’s no longer need to Musician & Culturalist
live in isolated villages because the employment opportunities are almost all centralized in urban areas. So are medical facilities.
Born in a tiny rural Newfoundland
But the people remain! They hold on to fishing village, Tony Oxford has
their rural roots and a way of life that’s lived and learned the charm and
endured for generations. I’ve visited nearly splendour of outport living.
all the outports, especially the tiniest and Although at the insistence of his
most isolated. It’s always a total delight. father he choose a career path
In the face of economic hardship and other than fishing, he has kept a
uncertainty the spirit and resiliency of our close eye on the fishery’s evolution
people is as strong and unwavering as ever. from the last days of drying cod
The two standard opening conversation to this the nineteenth year of a
questions invariably have to do with where cod moratorium. In many of
you’re from and if you’d like a lunch. We’ve his provincial, regional and local
got our own words and definitions for nearly volunteer roles he has been a
everything and “stranger” seems more to do strong and outspoken advocate
©Dennis Minty
with a good friend you didn’t know until for rural Newfoundland. Since
his retirement from educational
now.
administration Tony has dedicated
Stay a day or two and you’ll discover other layers of spirit. The social fabric is tight and woven around charity and a need to even more time to advocating
organize for the public good. We get together a lot to celebrate, usually in support of some social group or person who’s in for outport Newfoundland and
need. Feasting and music are at the core of most gatherings. The music is not mainstream Canadian but it’s hard for your feet immersing himself more and more
to stay still when it’s going good, and there’s no shortage of players and singers. I’ve been asked numerous times in the most in local folklore. Since 2005 he has
fervent of tones if everybody in Newfoundland can play and sing! enjoyed the opportunity to present
the music, language and culture
One of our provincial tourism ads suggests we’re about as far away from Disney World as one can get. Well, we’re about the of his province to the friends of
same distance from WalMart! It’s amazing how the skills of self-sufficiency have been so well preserved. It’s now referred to Adventure Canada who choose
as craftsmanship, but a lot of household and clothing items are made in the homes of rural Newfoundland and are adorned to visit. Delighted with AC’s
with artistic pride. Mittens and quilts are standard conversation pieces. And if there was a world record for Mason jars per preference for visiting tiny and
capita, we’d probably hold it!! sometimes remote communities,
Human warmth is a wonderful feeling and I consider myself blessed for being immersed in it around the tiny villages of he’s quite eager to help present
Newfoundland and Labrador. May children live in our outports forever and may the fresh ocean breeze absorb the sounds of “the essence of who we are”.
their laughter for just as long!
-Tony Oxford, Musician & Culturalist Join Tony on our Newfoundland
Circumnavigation.
51
 ©Dennis Minty

Art on the Rock With Kevin Major October 10-13, 2011

Literature, music, visual art, theatre—Newfoundland has it all, and in abundance far beyond anything you might expect of
Cost: $999 USD + HST
half a million people. Join celebrated Newfoundland writer Kevin Major for an insider’s look at the culture of his Island, three
art-filled days at the edge of the North Atlantic. Let him take you through the multi-hued streets and back lanes of St. John’s,
Single supplement please add $375 +
to his favourite galleries and music haunts. Meet artists and poets and musicians (sometimes all three in one). Spend time in HST
their studios. Hear them explain their art. Listen as they read from their award-winning books, and relax and chat with them
Max: 18 Adventurers
over wine. From the intimacy of an ornate nineteenth century reading room to the sweeping views of the city from the ultra-
modern galleries of The Rooms (what The Globe and Mail has called ‘one of the world’s great small museums’), you’ll know Tour cost includes:
you’re in the midst of a culture like no other in North America. Aesthetically, you might think yourself in Europe. Whether • All meals
walking the stage of the LSPU Hall (where Mary Walsh and Rick Mercer honed their skills) or enjoying a pint and a song at • Four nights accommodations
The Ship or The Crow’s Nest, you’ll know for sure you’ve fallen into the arms of a spirited arts scene. • All transportation
• Your guide, Kevin Major
Food? Of course. Whether your preference is fine international cuisine or fish ‘n chips at Chess’, St. John’s doesn’t • Special guest appearances
disappoint. Shopping? That, too. From books personally autographed, to paintings and prints, to fine and funky crafts. • Admission to galleries, museums
You’ll take the scenic route to the historic settlements of Cupids and Brigus, along Conception Bay, an hour outside the
and special events
city. In Cupids, discover the landscape that became home to the first English settlement in Canada, established by John Tour cost does not include:
Guy in 1610. Take lunch in what was once St. Augustine’s Church, now Cupid Haven’s Tearoom. That afternoon we’ll • Transportation to/from St. John’s
venture to Brigus, one of the most beautiful of Newfoundland’s outport communities, and one thoroughly steeped in • Alcoholic beverages
history. Here is to be found the home of the famous Arctic explorer Bob Bartlett, as well as a cottage that in 1914 was • Items of a personal nature
the residence of American artist Rockwell Kent (before he was forced out by locals who suspected he was a German • Any expenses incurred due to
itinerary changes beyond our
spy!). Through the centuries there have sailed from Brigus countless fishing vessels, often bringing salted codfish directly
control
to the markets of Europe and South America.
Fitness Level: Easy
Then it’s back to St. John’s for the evening meal together in one of the city’s finer restaurants. There’ll be chance to relive
the three delightful days, before offering a final rousing toast to Newfoundland’s culture and people.
52

Technical Specifications:
Registry Bahamas
Gross Tonnage 4,376
Built 1975 - Russia
Refurbished 2010 - Scandinavia
Ice Class A-1
The Clipper Adventurer
The 118-passenger Clipper Adventurer, is among the very few vessels in the world specifically constructed
for expedition voyages to the far reaches of remote lands. She has advanced communications and navigation
equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers.
With extensive renovations, the Clipper Adventurer is a handsome expedition vessel, done in the style of great
ocean liners. With lots of varnished wood, brass, and wooden decks, the ship has all new outside cabins, with
private showers & facilities. You will enjoy relaxing in the Main Lounge, Clipper Club, library/card room,
sauna or beauty salon, keeping trim in the gymnasium, or picking up souvenirs in the gift shop. Meals include
International and Continental cuisine. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs and a special loading platform. An ice
class rating of A-1 allows the Clipper Adventurer to go to places that larger cruise ships can only dream of, and
she does it in comfort and style unsurpassed by other vessels her size.
Category Amenities
1 Quad Lower Forward, 2 upper 2 lower berths, porthole window.
2 Triple Lower Deck, 1 upper 2 lower berths, porthole window.
3 Junior Double, two lower berths, porthole window
4 Double, two lower berths, midship, porthole window.
5 Main Double, two lower berths, porthole window.
Deluxe Double, two lower berths, midship, porthole or picture window.
Length 101m 6
Beam 16.5m 7 Superior Double, two lower berths, picture window.
Draft 4.72m 8 Junior Suite, two lower berths, sitting area, picture window.
Capacity 118 passengers Suite, two lower berths, sitting area, picture window.
9
Electricity 220 V.
10 Owner’s Suite, two lower berths, shower & bathtub, picture window.
53
 The Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova (formerly called Sarpik Ittuk) made its debut operating as an expedition ship in
Antarctic waters in 2006. Built in 1992 in Denmark, Ocean Nova was commissioned as one of
three “sister ships” to navigate Greenland’s icy waters as a coastal passenger ferry connecting the
isolated villages of West Greenland.

The ship’s captain and bridge crew have extensive experience in navigating polar waters, and the
Greenlandic hotel and dining room staff are first-rate. She is a very quiet ship, with bow and
stern thrusters providing excellent maneuverability, and a shallow draught that allows anchorage
closer to landing sites than ships with a deeper hull. Being positioned closer to shore, makes for
shorter transfer times during landings. Ocean Nova is fitted with sophisticated navigation and
communication equipment, and telephone and email access is available to passengers. All cabins
have private facilities and outside views.

Category Amenities
1 Lower Quad, 2 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, 2 wardrobes, porthole window.

2 Lower Triple, 1 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, 2 wardrobes, porthole window.

Technical Specifications: 3 Lower Double Bunks, 1 upper, 1 lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, wardrobe, porthole
window.
Registry Bahamas Length 73 m Lower Double, two lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, wardrobe, porthole window.
4
Gross Tonnage 2,183 Beam 11 m
Built 1992 - Denmark Draft 3.7 m 5 Main Double, two lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, wardrobe, picture window.
Refurbished 2006 Capacity 90 passengers Superior Double, two lower berths, private facilities, desk/chair, wardrobe, picture window
6
Ice Class A-1 Electricity 220 V.
54
 The Clipper Odyssey

The Clipper Odyssey is a small luxury ship, ideally suited for expedition cruising - equipped with
state-of-the-art navigational and communication equipment. While travelling in comfort and
style, this 110-passenger vessel allows us to reach remote corners of the map and offer an in-
depth look at the destinations we visit. All cabins are spacious and comfortable with an ocean
view (either portholes or windows) and en suite facilities that include a shower and small bath
tub. All cabins have a safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, in-room music
system, North American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts, and sitting area with sofa.

Category Amenities
1 A-Deck Triple, two lower berths, one sofa bed, private facilities, porthole windows.

2 A-Deck Double, two lower berths, private facilities, 2 porthole windows.

3 Main Deck Forward, two lower berths, private facilities, window.

4 Main Deck Double, two lower berths, midship, private facilities, window

5 Lido Deck Double, two lower berths, midship, private facilities, window.

Technical Specifications: 6 Superior, two lower berths, private facilities, large window.

Registry Bahamas Beam 15 m 7 Junior Suite, two lower berths, midship, private facilities, private veranda.
Gross Tonnage 5,218 Draft 4m
8 Suite, two lower berths, separate sitting area, private facilities, private veranda
Built 1989 Capacity 110 passengers
Refurbished 1998 Electricity 110 V.
Length 102 m
55
 The Trans-Siberian Express
July 1 – 13, 2011
aboard the Golden Eagle Train

Providing one of the world’s greatest railway journeys, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon connecting east and west
from Moscow, over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake
to Ulaan Bataar in Mongolia. The Imperial State Budget spent 1.455 billion rubles from 1891 to 1913 on the railway’s construction
all the way to the Pacific, an expenditure record which was surpassed only by the military budget in World War I. Opened in stages
between 1891 and 1916, this extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital national asset - and by far the best way to experience
the grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior. This is Russia as it was meant to be seen.

We travel aboard our private train - the luxurious Golden Eagle - on a voyage of over 5,000 kilometres, from Moscow to Ulaan
Baatar as we discover the mystery and majesty of Russia and Mongolia. Onboard, we’ll have a lecture series, meals inspired by
the regions we visit and world-class service. Almost everything is included, from gratuities to local beers and international wines.
Equally important, this journey offers plenty of time off the train to explore the many cities and towns along the way.

Along this monumental journey, we will have the chance to experience everything from the rich architecture of Moscow, the “Paris
of Siberia” at Irkutsk and the natural beauty of Lake Baikal. We will be treated to private concerts, and will be able to sample local
vodkas and caviar, besides delving into the fascinating history of the Czars. Entering into Mongolia, we arrive in the capital, Ulaan
Baatar just in time to be part of the spectacular Naadam Festival. We attend the festival, staying in traditional Mongolian yurts
before making our way home or onward to Beijing.

56
Our Intended Itinerary Highlights

Day 1-2: Moscow Day 8: Lake Baikal • Immerse yourself in Moscow’s rich
architectural heritage
Day 3: Kazan Day 9: Ulan Ude • Travel on one of the world’s most luxurious
Day 4: Yekaterinburg Day 10: Ulaan Baatar and exclusive trains
Day 5: Novosibirsk Day 11: Ulaan Baatar • Visit the Kremlin Fortress at Kazan
Day 6: On Board Day 12: Ulaan Baatar - Naadam Festival • Explore a stunning mosque and Russian
Day 7: Irkutsk Day 13: Ulaan Baatar - Naadam Festival Orthodox Cathedral at the UNESCO World
Heritage Site
• Visit Yekaterinburg and the spot where the
Russian Royal Family were executed by the
Bolsheviks
• Wander in Irkutsk – The Paris of Siberia
• Attend the vibrant Naadaam Festival in
Mongolia
• Stand on the shores of Lake Baikal, the
world’s largest freshwater lake.
• Experience the capital of Mongolia and the
home of Genghis Khan, Ulaan Baatar
• Stay two nights in a Mongolian Yurt

57
All photos © Dennis Minty, 2008

Explore Eastern Newfoundland: Photographic Adventure July 17 - 23, 2011

Listen to the explosive spout of a humpback whale as it breaks the surface of Cost: $2,995 USD + HST, Your Guides:
a clear blue ocean. See the comical flight of a full-bellied puffin as it tries to Single supplement please add
get airborne. Smell the salty landwash where the sea touches North America’s
Dennis Minty &
$495 USD + HST Antje Springmann
eastern-most land and where First Light really is first.
Max: 6 adventurers Dennis has a long
With camera in hand we will take you to the heart of the most easterly corner of history with
North America, still largely undiscovered by the vast majority of travellers. This Tour cost includes: Adventure Canada
• All accommodations
is a tour for photographers of all levels, their companions and the artistically- as naturalist and
• All meals
minded. Your particular needs and interests are addressed in a multi-dimensional • Ground transportation photographer. He is
tour that mixes group instruction, experiential learning and one-on-one coaching • Your instructor/guide(s) an award winning
in the midst of cultural and ecological wonders. Presentations are interactive, • All park/tour fees environmental
inspiring and informative; the hikes are filled with vistas and natural beauty educator, wildlife biologist, park
that invite hours of artistic contemplation; the traditional home-cooked meals Tour cost does not include: manager and author of several books. Antje
and accommodations celebrate the best of Newfoundland hospitality. We will • Insurance Springmann has called Newfoundland home
amble through charming historic communities like Brigus, Trinity and St. John’s; • Alcoholic beverages since coming there from Germany when she
experience gannets, puffins and whales closer than almost anywhere on earth, • Flights to/from St. John’s was twelve. She guided her first cultural tours
hike trails that take us along towering cliffs, and through gentle meadows and • Items of a personal nature of St. John’s 20 years ago. She has a varied
that explore Newfoundland’s famous rocky beaches. • Any expenses incurred background in educational design, arts
due to itinerary changes and culture, tourism, marketing, event
beyond our control
Your guides have deep roots here and will open doors to places and experiences organization and partnership development. A
undiscovered by the casual tourist. So pack your camera and join celebrated Fitness Level: Easy to budding photographer in her own right, she
nature photographer, Dennis Minty, and his partner Antje Springmann, Moderate recently joined her husband, Dennis Minty, in
for Explore Eastern Newfoundland: Photographic Adventure, an unforgettable developing workshops that bring people
experience that will leave you inspired and more adept at capturing the natural closer to the natural world.
world with your camera.
58
Newfoundland Close-Up: A Photographic Adventure June 26 - July 3, 2011

Join us on a photographic adventure featuring two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites and Cost: $3,495 USD + HST
many delightful gems along the path that connects them. This is a tour for photographers ready to move Single supplement please add
beyond the basics and immerse themselves in an inspiring, rugged landscape as they hone their skills. We $495 + HST
mix group instruction, experiential learning and professional one-on-one coaching for a custom tailored
experience in the midst of cultural and ecological wonders. Max: 6
Tour cost includes:
Gros Morne National Park is a spectacular natural phenomenon filled with sparkling bays, ancient fjords,
• All accommodations
and the awe-inspiring Tablelands. Rich in wildlife and magnificent vistas, it is also the place where geology
• All meals
commands centre stage. Our home base is the luxurious Neddies Harbour Inn, nestled in serene Bonne Bay
• Ground transportation
where the North Atlantic laps at the shore outside our window. From here we explore the heart of Gros • Your instructor/guide(s)
Morne with plenty of time to capture the landscape with our cameras. • All park/tour fees
From Gros Morne we travel north, traversing primal, barren landscapes dotted with tiny, isolated
communities where local Newfoundlanders still follow the traditional way of life. There are many hidden Tour cost does not include:
treasures along our way, from graveyards with stories to tell, to lighthouses and dune-strewn sandy beaches, • Insurance
even a glimpse of Labrador across the straight. Our destination is the very tip of Newfoundland’s Northern • Alcoholic beverages
• Flights to/from Deer Lake
Peninsula, a finger that reaches high into the North Atlantic. Here we walk in the footsteps of the Vikings
• Items of a personal nature
who wintered in this place over a thousand years ago in defiance of the barren land. On our return to Gros
• Any expenses incurred due to
Morne we keep a look-out for icebergs that are often plentiful here.
itinerary changes beyond our
So pack your camera and join celebrated nature photographer, Dennis Minty, and his partner Antje control
Springmann, in this ancient, rugged place. Your guides are Newfoundlanders who will open doors to places
and experiences undiscovered by the casual tourist. Don’t miss this extra-ordinary photographic journey Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
that will leave you inspired and refreshed, and your photography portfolio brimming.
59
 Both photos ©Mike Wigle

British Columbia’s Coast Mountains: Birding Sea to Summit June 4 – 10, 2011

Highlights
Join us for an adventure in BC’s dramatic coast Cost: $3,795 USD + HST
Single supplement available upon request
mountains! We explore this fascinating area
looking for the birds and other wildlife by boat, Max: 12 adventurers • Heli-hiking in the alpine amid
foot, van, and helicopter! We begin in the coastal
community of Bella Coola and base ourselves at stunning scenery
Fitness Level: Moderate: one full day hike and
the very comfortable Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. A • Drifting on the Atanarko River
several half day hikes
helicopter flight into the high alpine county will • A boat trip on Bella Coola inlet
give us chance to go for a hike and look for some Tour Price Includes: for birds and possibly whales
specialized alpine birds, including Gray-crowned • Your guide, Steve Ogle • The towering forests and fjords of
Rosy-Finches. A boat trip on the inlet should • Accommodation this very wild area
produce scoters, murrelets and, with luck, one or • All meals during the tour • Staying at the wonderful
more of the local cetaceans, perhaps even killer • Transportation during the tour Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
whales. During a river float we’ll enjoy watching • Helicopter flight • Flying over Mt. Waddington,
American Dippers foraging (they flit from branch to • River and inlet boat trips
rock then disappear under water,true to their name). BC’s highest peak
Heading east, we keep our eyes open for grizzly Tour Price Does Not include:
bears and moose. Then we hike into the Rainbow • Flights from your home to Bella Coola and
range, looking for both Willow and White-tailed home from Anahim Lake
Ptarmigan. This area also holds several other • Optional fixed wing flight over Mt. Waddington
surprises, including nesting Arctic Terns and Yellow • Personal expenses
Rail. We’ll finish with an optional flight over BC’s • Insurance
highest peak, Mt. Waddington.
60
 ©Daniel J. Catt

Haida Gwaii: The Queen Charlotte Islands July 15 - 24, 2011

Highlights
Join Carol Heppenstall on a journey to Haida Gwaii: the Queen Cost: $5,295 USD + HST
Charlotte Islands and home of the Haida - one of the most culturally rich
and developed groups of people to inhabit early North America. Among Max: 14 adventurers
the southern islands are many ancient villages - K’uuna (Skedans),
Cumshewa, T’annu and SGaang Gwaii (Ninstints). These sites contain Tour cost includes:
• Most meals • Visit to the Haida Gwaii Museum
the remains of the great longhouses and the best remaining examples
of original totem poles in the world. Now is a particularly good time to • Hotel night in Vancouver and new Qay’llnagaay Heritage
visit these islands, since every year nature ages and slowly deteriorates the • Accommodations Centre
magnificent totem poles which are slowly deteriorating. SGaang Gwaii is • Museum and park fees • A fabulous traditional Haida meal
recognized as a World Heritage Site, and though the old villages are now • Passage onboard Island Roamer hosted at the home of a Haida
uninhabited, the Haida have watchmen to protect their heritage and to • All ground transportation
elder
greet visitors appropriately. • Tips to the ship’s crew
• Village stops in old growth forests
The chance to listen to a Haida story, to learn about the traditional and Tour cost does not include: • Visit to Nan Sdins (Ninstints),
modern Haida life, is for many people a highlight of the trip. A unique • Flights: your home to the oldest recorded village on the
opportunity found almost nowhere else on the coast. We find that our Vancouver and Vancouver to
encounters with the Haida teach us about their art, legends, customs and Sandspit return island
food gathering methods. As a result, we gain an understanding of how the • Mandatory emergency medical • Refreshing outdoor pools of
Haida related intimately to their environment to produce a unique and and evacuation insurance healing waters
highly evolved art form. • Items of a personal nature • A chance to chat with Haida elders
• Any expenses incurred due to and watch age-old cedar bark craft
With over one hundred islands, forested creek walks, rugged headlands changes beyond our control
and towering mountains, our excursions will provide ample scenery. demonstrations
Bird watching is excellent, with puffins, auklets and eagles; hundreds of Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate • Quiet moorings afford the luxuries
thousands of seabirds nest on the islands. We hope to see Stellar sea lions to sketch or photograph.
and spot a variety of whales from our vessel, the Island Roamer. Bring your Please call us to receive additional
camera, journals and sketchpads and be seduced by one of Canada’s most
noble destinations. information on this departure.
61
All photos © Michelle Valberg
Pond Inlet: Floe Edge
Rugged mountains, stunning glaciers, flocks of
northern seabirds, the wonderful Narwhal, and
traditional Inuit culture – this is what awaits us on
a truly amazing tour to the wilderness of northern
Baffin Island. We experience this dramatic Arctic
landscape at a time of year when the sun never
sets and wildlife is returning to this very rich
area of the Arctic. There are northern birds in
abundance, including Thick-billed Murre, Black-
legged Kittiwake, and King and Common Eiders.
Other highlights include Sabine’s and Thayer’s
gulls, Red-throated Loon and we may even see
the all white Ivory Gull! In addition, the mixing
of ocean currents from Baffin Bay and Lancaster
Sound makes the marine life very rich! At this
time of year, the sea ice is melting back and marine
mammals are traveling north along the ice floe
edge where food is concentrated. As a result,this is
the perfect spot to see Arctic wildlife of all sorts,
including several species of seals and the amazing
spiral-tusked Narwhal. With luck we will also
see polar bear or the endangered bowhead whale.
Remote wilderness, striking Arctic landscapes, rich
northern wildlife, and fascinating culture – this
promises to be the experience of a lifetime!
62
Cost: $5,295 USD + HST
Max: 12 adventurers
Tour cost includes:
• 4 hotel nights, 5 nights camping
(equipment provided)
• Most meals
• Travel by komatik (sled) to floe
edge
• Services of guide(s)
Tour cost does not include:
• Roundtrip airfare to Pond Inlet
• Mandatory emergency medical
insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Any expenses incurred due to
itinerary changes beyond our
control
• Gratuities to local guides
Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
walking
Day 1: Arrival in Ottawa
The tour begins in the evening in Ottawa, Ontario. We meet over a
welcome dinner to discuss the coming adventure. Those arriving early
may enjoy a visit to the Canadian Museum of Nature before dinner.
Night at our hotel in Ottawa.
Day 2: Travel to Pond Inlet
We leave Ottawa in the morning for our flights to Pond Inlet at the
northern tip of Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. After a plane
change in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, we should arrive in Pond Inlet
in the afternoon. After dinner we will have plenty of time for a short
walk around town because the sun does not set at this time of year.
Hotel night in Pond Inlet.
Day 3: Travel to the floe edge
In the morning we will explore the shoreline, tundra and ponds close to
Pond Inlet. We will encounter some of the more common species such
as Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark and Snow Bunting, and we will be
looking for Common Ringed Plover here and elsewhere. This mostly
Palearctic species has a very small breeding range in North America,
restricted to the eastern Arctic of Canada. After lunch, we will depart
for the floe edge. We travel by komatik, which is a wooden sled lashed
together and pulled behind a snowmobile. This is the traditional means
of travel for the Inuit. The difference today is that snowmobiles have
replaced dog teams.

Enroute we may have the opportunity to get up close and personal with several icebergs that
have spent the winter frozen in place. These can be both beautiful and enormous as they await
break up of the ice before they continue to drift southward. The floe edge is where the winter
ice meets the open waters of Baffin Bay and it is where the wildlife is concentrated on their
northward migration. We should have wonderful opportunities to photograph and enjoy the
wildlife. The birding at the floe edge should be superb! Hundreds of Northern Fulmars, Brant,
Common and King Eiders, and all three species of Jaegers will be a treat. We will see hundreds or
even thousands of Thick-billed Murres, many Black Guillemots, and with luck, several Dovekie
in their very sharp breeding plumage! We will also see a collection of northern gulls: Glaucous,
Thayer’s, Sabine’s, Black-legged Kittiwake, and with much luck, Ivory Gull. You have to travel
very far north to find this beautiful all white arctic gull, but here we will be in the heart of its
range. Unfortunately, they have become quite scarce in the last several years and are now an
endangered species. We will have the opportunity to watch as these and possibly other species
move northward along the floe edge.
Days 4–7: Floe edge and Bylot Island
Our daily activities will depend on the location of the floe edge and weather conditions, but will
likely include these highlights. We will use a camp near the floe edge for these nights.
Bylot Island
Bylot Island is part of the recently declared Sirmilik National Park and is one of the largest
bird refuges in the world. We plan to go for a walk near our camp to see the remains of several
traditional sod and whalebone houses, used until recently by the Inuit. On the tundra, we look
for many of the common northern species that are returning from the south at this time of
year. Shorebirds are sparsely distributed, but we hope to find several species nesting including
American Golden-Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper and Red Phalarope. On
the cliffs, we will look closely for Gyrfalcon, including white-morph individuals, and Peregrine
Falcon. In the ponds on Bylot Island and around Pond Inlet, we will search for Red-throated
June 13 – 21, 2011
Loon, Greater Snow Goose, and Long-tailed Duck. It should be a spectacular setting on the
tundra surrounded by the rugged snow-covered mountains that rim the eastern Arctic.
Visit to Seabird Colony
From our camp, if ice conditions permit, we will travel to the seabird colony on Bylot Island.
North of Cape Graham Moore, cliffs rise thousands of feet and host over 40,000 Thick-billed
Murres and 6,500 Black-legged Kittiwakes. Hundreds of them will be coming and going from
their precarious ledges as they head east to feed at the floe edge, the region’s great buffet table.
At the Floe Edge
We will likely spend most of our time at the floe edge with the hope of seeing some of the more
elusive species that will be moving by, including the marine mammals. Waiting patiently right at
the floe edge should improve our chances of seeing that amazing northern whale, the Narwhal.
We will be watching for groups of these bizarre creatures, with their long spiraled tusks – the
male’s tusk can be up to 7 feet long! This will surely be a highlight! It is also possible to see
Bowhead Whales, Walrus, and that creature of legend, Nanook, the Polar Bear, but we will need
some luck for these. The floe edge will also give us the chance to see Ringed seals, and possibly
Bearded and Harp Seals as well.
Day 8: Return to Pond Inlet
After a final morning at the floe edge, we leave our camp to return to Pond Inlet. On our journey
we may view the towering hoodoos of Bylot Island plus the spectacular landscape of mountains
and massive glaciers. Hotel night in Pond Inlet.
Day 9: Travel to Ottawa and onward
We reluctantly leave this magical northern hamlet and fly south to Iqaluit and on to Ottawa,
arriving in the afternoon, usually with time to catch connecting flights home. We will head home
with many fond memories from this amazing adventure in the land of the midnight sun.
63
 2011 Rates All rates are in USD. Prices are cash/cheque discounted; please find credit card prices on the back cover.

Trans-Siberian Iceland & Into the Out of the Greenland & Wild Newfoundland
Voyage Celtic Quest Heart of the Arctic
Express Greenland Northwest Passage Northwest Passage Labrador Circumnavigation
Dates May 31 - June 10, 2011 July 1 - 13, 2011 Aug. 7 - 18, 2011 Aug. 18 - Sept. 1, 2011 Sept. 1 -17, 2011 Sept. 12- 24, 2011 Sept. 17 - 30, 2011 Sept. 30 - Oct. 10, 2011
Vessel Clipper Odyssey Golden Eagle Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer Ocean Nova Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer
Category 1 $3,895 Heritage - $8,695 $3,495 $6,595 $6,795 $3,995 $3,995 $3,495
2 $4,695 Silver - $12,295 $4,395 $7,895 $8,395 $4,955 $4,895 $4,195
3 $5,250 Gold - $15,295 $5,295 $8,895 $9,395 $6,795 $5,995 $4,795
4 $5,950 N/A $6,295 $9,895 $10,595 $7,995 $6,595 $5,295
5 $6,595 N/A $6,995 $11,395 $11,895 $9,295 $8,195 $6,195
6 $6,995 N/A $7,750 $12,395 $13,295 $9,995 $8,750 $6,795
7 $7,495 N/A $8,295 $13,295 $14,195 N/A $8,995 $7,595
8 $8,295 N/A $8,995 $13,895 $14,795 N/A $9,595 $8,195
9 N/A N/A $9,495 $14,695 $15,395 N/A $10,195 $8,595
10 N/A N/A $9,995 $15,295 $15,995 N/A $10,995 $8,995
Discovery Fund N/A N/A $250

Gardens Great & British Columbia’s Explore Eastern Haida Gwaii: The Queen
Voyage Newfoundland Close-Up Art on the Rock Pond Inlet: Floe Edge
Small Coast Mountains Newfoundland Charlotte Islands
Dates May 26 - 30, 2011 June 4 - 10. 2011 July 17 -23, 2011 June 26 - July 3, 2011 October 10 - 13, 2011 July 15 - 24, 2011 June 13 -21, 2011

Price $2,995 $3,795 + HST $2,995 + HST $3,495 + HST $999 + HST $5,295 + HST $5,295 + HST

Sailing Solo? 30 UNDER 30 SPECIAL! Already booked a trip

Single travellers not requiring private accommodation on
shipboard programs can be matched with another single
Family is important! In order to promote with someone else?
multi-generational travel, we are offering a No problem! We’ll cover your cancellation
traveller at no extra charge. Single-occupancy cabins are
30% discount to travellers under 30 years of age. fees with a credit of up to $500 if you chose
also available.
Please call us for details! to travel with us instead. Call us for details!
Please call us for pricing & availability

64
 2012 Rates All rates are in USD. Prices are cash/cheque discounted; please find credit card prices on the back cover.

Your Voyage Includes:

Into the Out of the Greenland & Wild Newfoundland • All entry & park fees
Voyage
Northwest Passage Northwest Passage Labrador Circumnavigation • Your complete itinerary
• Team of resource specialists
Dates Aug. 10 - 24, 2012 Aug. 24 - Sept. 9, 2012 Sept. 9 - 22, 2012 Sept. 22 - Oct. 2, 2012 • Educational program and pre-departure
Vessel Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer Clipper Adventurer materials
• All shipboard meals
Category 1 $6,995 $7,195 $3,995 $3,595 • All Zodiac excursions
• Service charges and port fees
2 $8,395 $8,995 $5,095 $4,395
3 $9,495 $9,995 $6,195 $4,995
4 $10,495 $11,295 $6,795 $5,495 Your Voyage Does Not Include:
• Commercial & charter flights
5 $12,195 $12,595 $8,495 $6,395 • Mandatory medical / evacuation
insurance
6 $13,195 $14,095 $8,995 $6,995 • Personal expenses
• Additional expenses in the event of delays
7 $14,195 $15,095 $9,295 $7,895 or itinerary changes
8 $14,795 $15,695 $9,895 $8,495 • Discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew
(approx. $10 - 14 per passenger per day)
9 $15,595 $16,295 $10,495 $8,895 • Visas, or inoculations, if required
10 $16,195 $16,995 $11,395 $9,295 • Physician’s fees confirming you are fit to
travel
Discovery Fund $250 • Possible fuel surcharges

About our Discovery Fund

Early Booking Bonus!
Book and pay in full on any 2011 shipboard
departure by January 31, 2011 and save 5%.
Each area we visit has rich cultural experiences and wild treasures to offer. As guests, we have made a point to source and *Our 2011 Northwest Passage expeditions
support local projects in the areas through which we travel. A contribution from each passenger represents a portion of the and Celtic Quest are excluded.
money we donate to ensure the longevity and success of educational, environmental and cultural initiatives in these regions.

In 2010 the following programs were supported: Amina Anthropological Resources Association, Amos Comenius We Love Bagpipers!
Memorial School, Atlantic Whales.com, Avanersuaq Cultural Qaannaaq, Greenland, Battle Harbour Historic If you can play the bagpipes,
Trust, Blueprint for Life, Hobbema RCMP Cadet Program, Killinik School Foundation, Kugluktuk Association, bring them along and ask about
MLC – making life count, National Inuit Youth Council, Nattinnak Centre Pond Inlet, Northern Youth Abroad our bagpiper’s rebate!
Living Works, Project North, Pulaarvik Kablu Spousal Abuse Counselling, ROM, Royal Canadian Geographical
Society, The Sibley Family of Ramea, Skills Canada, The Walrus Foundation, West Parry Sound Health Centre,
Woody Point Historical Theatre and Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention.
65
Coming Attractions
Kayak Trip in Baja California
This kayak trip is one of North America’s favourite
winter sea-kayaking trips. And deservedly so!
It offers the adventurer seven glorious days
voyaging around one of the most appealing islands
anywhere, in state of the art expedition sea-kayaks.
Dec. 11 - 19, 19 - 27, Dec. 26- Jan. 3,
Jan. 1 – 9, 8 - 16, 29 - Feb. 6, 12 - 20,
19 – 27, Mar. 5 - 13, 13 - 21, 19 – 27. 9 days from $990
Small Ship Cruise in the Sea of Cortez
By luxury yacht,kayak,motorized inflatable boat and on
foot, encounter flora and fauna that are found nowhere
else in the world. In this World Heritage biosphere
reserve, experience pods of dolphins numbering in
the thousands and view many whale species including
the largest living being on earth — the blue whale.
Departures from December to April 8 days from $3,995
Sail Northern Vancouver Island
See orcas, totems, wildlife, rich waters and
native culture along the British Columbia
Coastline. Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw in Alert
Bay, who preserve their heritage in wonderful
carvings, canoes and masks. Explore Johnstone
Strait by small ship and see how diverse the
wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island can be.
August 21 - 27 7 days from $3,225
Explore the BC Coast by Small Ship
These unique coastal adventures are the real
way to see the Inside Passage. Aboard our small
ships, we can take you to remote destinations
and get up close with ancient native culture,
wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
May 23 - June 1, October 7 – 15 9 or 10 days from $3,500
Please call or Visit us online for More information
Rock Art Riding Holiday in Baja California
This rock art riding holiday in Baja California
takes us to Rancho San Gregorio, Cueva La
Palma, Cueva El Borrego, plus Cueva Pintada
(Gardener Cave), Cueva de las Flechas, and
more in Santa Teresa canyon. Highlights include
World Heritage Sites of prime mural rock art,
cultural and natural history taught by local guides.
November 19 - 28, February 19 – 9-11 days from $1,495
28, April 16 - 26
North Coast/Khutzeymateen Valley
Starting and ending in Prince Rupert, BC
you will see amazing wildlife and get to spend
two days in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear
Sanctuary. A milestone conservation area for
grizzly bears and their habitat, its protects a major
undisturbed estuary along the north coast of BC.
June 11 – 14, 15 - 21 4 or 7 days from $2,185
Sail the Great Bear Rainforest....See the Kermode!
We will take you to the largest intact area of
temperate rainforest in the world. We will
explore remote islands and inlets, see magnificent
waterfalls, view ancient Petroglyphs, witness
whales as they frolic in the waters and watch
grizzly bears fish for salmon in the estuaries.
August 27 - September 3, 7 or 8 days from $3,650
7 – 14, 23 – 29
Sail Haida Gwaii: the Queen Charlotte Islands
Sail the Queen Charlotte Islands and tour the Gwaii
Haanas National Park Reserve. Now known as “Haida
Gwaii”, these islands are not to be missed. Sailing
Haida Gwaii was voted “One of the 50 things to do
before you die” in British Columbia Magazine in 2009.
May 23 – 31, June 1 – 9, 26 -
July 3, 17 – 24, August 1 – 8 8 or 9 days from $4,200
 Please call to confirm availability before sending in completed registration form.
Registration Form contact Us 306-791-4335 or 1-866-975-8687 Release
The undersigned hereby agrees with these terms and
conditions and further agrees that Adventure Canada
shall have no liability or responsibility whatsoever for
SELECT YOUR TRIP SELECT PREFERENCES CORRESPONDENCE damages to or loss of property, or injury which may be
sustained by reason of, or while engaged on, any Adven-
Trip: Double Email I/We have read, signed & I/We understand final ture Canada tour, whether due to (i) Adventure Canada
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To Share Non-Smoker Mail Conditions. before departure.
in carrying out the tour (including, without limitation,
Zodiac embarkations involving descending
Category: gangway stairs with double handrails and step-
ping into the Zodiac from a small platform at
water level); (ii) the use of transportation or other
services of owners, operators, or public carri-
Passenger 1 Passenger 2 ers for whom Adventure Canada acts only as
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(as on passport) ing the time that passengers are not aboard AC/
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Badge Name: insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military ac-

tion occurring in the countries of origin, destination or
passage, or changes caused by sickness, weather,
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City: Prov/St: City: Prov/St: tract between the transportation companies and the
purchaser of these tours and/or passage. Adventure
Canada of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Ontario
Registration No. 0400 1400) acts only as agent for all
Country: Postcode: Country: Postcode: services described herein. AC/EE and its sponsoring or-
ganizations do not assume any responsibility or liability

E-mail: whatsoever for any claims, damages, expenses or other

Telephone:
Occupation:
Emergency Medical & Evacuation
Insurance is mandatory for this
Home: ( ) Work: (
I require emergency medical insurance
) Home: (
I require Cancellation and Interruption insurance, please get me a quote condition or disability that would create a hazard for
) Work: (
financial loss related to the operation of this
tour. All legal questions and actions against
) Adventure Canada must be brought in Missis-
sauga, Ontario, Canada, and by its acceptance
hereof the passenger waives any right to bring an
action in any other forum. The passenger hereby certi-
fies that he/she does not have a mental, physical or other
him/herself or other passengers. The passenger agrees
to deliver the medical form provided by Adventure Can-

program. No, I do not require insurance, I will provide you with my policy information. ada, duly completed by the passenger’s certified physi-
cian, prior to departure.

Participant(s) Signatures: Passenger 1 Passenger 2 The undersigned passenger clearly

stands that the liability of AC/EE is definitively
under-

(indicates agreement to Release

and Terms and Conditions )
Where did you first hear
of this trip?
Method of Payment for
$1,000 USD deposit per
person to hold space
Please send this completed and signed registration form with payment to:
The Great Excursions Company 200 Albert St. N., Regina, SK, S4R 5E2 or by fax: (306) 791-4414.
SIGNATURE REQUIRED SIGNATURE REQUIRED limited as aforesaid. The undersigned passenger has
carefully read the terms and conditions set out herein
as well as the materials regarding the tour provided
by AC/EE and is aware that such tour involves the
risk of personal injury or death and damage or loss
of property. In consideration of the benefits to be
derived from participation in the tour, the undersigned
voluntarily accepts all risk of personal injury or death and
VISA property damage or other loss arising from participation
on the tour and hereby agrees that he/she and his/her
Card Number: Exp: dependents, heirs, executors and assigns, do re-
lease and hold harmless Adventure Canada and its
MASTERCARD employees, officers, directors, trustees and representa-
tives from any and all claims, including claims of negli-
gence, illness, personal injury, death or property dam-
Cheque Enclosed Signature: age or loss, however caused, arising from or related to
this tour. The undersigned has read carefully this agree-
ment, and will abide by the conditions set by AC/EE and
in the terms and conditions hereof or elsewhere pub-
lished. The undersigned affirms that he/she has not re-
ceived or relied on any oral or written representation of
Adventure Canada as a basis for executing this Release.
Please make cheques payable to The Great Excursions Company

Release, Terms and Conditions
Please read this important information carefully. The delivery by the passenger of the deposit together with a signed copy of this document to Adventure
Canada shall constitute the passenger’s consent and agreement to all of the provisions contained herein. Please note that fuel surcharges may be levied
to offset rising oil prices.
Payment Schedule and Rates
A deposit of $1,000 USD per passenger is required to reserve a position for a tour. The balance of payment for the tour must be received by Adventure
Canada at least 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Adventure Canada will only issue pre-departure boarding documents to a passenger
once it has received full payment together with all required documents duly completed by the passenger. Tour fees quoted are based on (i) prices in
effect at the time of printing (July 2010) and as such are subject to change without notice prior to departure and (ii) group participation. Prices are
cash/cheque discounted, and in US dollars. Credit Card pricing is as follows: 2011 Celtic Quest: C1 $5,051, C2 $4,883, C3 $5,461, C4 $6,188, C5
$6,859, C6 $7,275, C7 $7,795, C8 $8,627 - 2011 Trans-Siberian Express: Heritage $9,043, Silver $12,787, Gold $15,907 -2011 Iceland & Greenland:
C1 $3,635, C2 $4,570, C3 $5,507, C4 $6,547, C5 $7,275, C6 $8,060, C7 $8,627, C8 $9,355, C9 $9,875, C10 $10,395 -2011 Into the Northwest
Passage: C1 $6,859, C2 $8,211, C3 $9,250, C4 $10,291, C5 $11,851, C6 $12,891, C7 $13,827, C8 $14,451, C9 $15,283, C10 $15,907 – 2011
Out of the Northwest Passage: C1 $7,067, C2 $8,731, C3 $9,771, C4 $11,019, C5 $12,371, C6 $13,827, C7 $14,763, C8 $15,387, C9 $16,011,
C10 $16,635 – 2011 Heart of the Arctic: C1 $4,155, C2 $5,153, C3 $7,067, C4 $8,315, C5 $9,667, C6 $10,395 –2011 Greenland & Wild Labrador:
C1 $4,155, C2 $5,090, C3 $6,235, C4 $6,859, C5 $8,523, C6 $9,100, C7 $9,355, C8 $9,980, C9 10,603, C10 $11,435 –2011 Newfoundland
Circumnavigation: C1 $3,635, C2 $4,363, C3 $4,987, C4 $5,507, C5 $6,443, C6 $7,067, C7 $7,899, C8 $8,523, C9 $8,939, C10 $9,355 -Gardens
Great & Small $3,115 -British Columbia’s Coast Mountains $3,947 + HST, Explore Eastern Newfoundland $3,115 + HST, Newfoundland Close-Up
$3,635 + HST -Art on the Rock $1039 + HST, Haida Gwaii: The Queen Charlotte Islands $5,507 + HST, Pond Inlet: Floe Edge $5,507 + HST -2012
Into the Northwest Passage: C1 $7,275, C2 $8,731, C3 $9,875, C4 $10,915, C5 $12,683, C6 $13,723, C7 $14,763, C8 $15,387, C9 $16,219,
C10 $16,843 – 2011 Out of the Northwest Passage: C1 $7,483, C2 $9,355, C3 $10,395, C4 $11,747, C5 $13,099, C6 $14,659, C7 $15,699, C8
$16,323, C9 $16,947, C10 $17,675 –2012 Greenland & Wild Labrador: C1 $4,155, C2 $5,299, C3 $6,443, C4 $7,067, C5 $8,835, C6 $9,355, C7
$9,667, C8 $10,291, C9 10,915, C10 $11,851 – 2012 Newfoundland Circumnavigation: C1 $3,739, C2 $4,571, C3 $5,195, C4 $5,715, C5 $6,651,
C6 $7,275, C7 $8,211, C8 $8,835, C9 $9,251, C10 $9,667. For wire transfers, passengers should note that the transferring financial institution may
charge a service fee, which shall be at the passenger’s expense. Returned cheques, credit card changes and refunds are subject to a $25 USD fee.
Adventure Canada is a member in good standing of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (“TICO”) which administers the Ontario Travel Compensation
Fund, a fund established by registered travel agents and travel wholesalers in Ontario to insure payments such as those made to Adventure Canada in
connection herewith. For more information on TICO, visit www.tico.on.ca.
Cancellations and Refunds
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Upon Adventure Canada receiving a written notice of cancellation at least 120 days prior to
the scheduled date of departure, the passenger shall receive a full refund of its tour fees, less an administrative penalty of $500 per person. If a written
notice of cancellation is received by Adventure Canada between 91 and 120 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, the passenger shall receive
a refund of 35% of its tour fees. Please note that within the 90-day limit, all fees, deposits and tariffs received by Adventure Canada are forfeited.
For these and other reasons mentioned below, passengers are strongly advised to obtain trip cancellation insurance. No refunds shall be made to
passengers who do not participate in any part of, or otherwise do not complete, the tour for any reason whatsoever.
200 Albert St. N.
Regina, SK S4R 5E2
Tel: 306-791-4335
1-866-975-8687
www.greatexcursions.travel
info@greatexcursions.travel
Delays
In the event of a delay, passengers will be responsible for all costs and expenses associated therewith, including, without limitation, any additional food,
lodging or transportation costs resulting from such delay. We recommend you purchase refundable air tickets.
Baggage
Baggage is solely at the passenger’s risk and expense. Baggage is limited to a maximum weight of 20 KG in most cases. Also, airline luggage allowance is
typically two pieces per passenger and one piece of carry-on luggage, subject to weight restrictions, but please check with your airline for current standards.
Excess baggage is not permitted on charter flights. Any excess baggage charges for commercial flights are the responsibility of the passenger.
Land-Based Group Size and Trip Costs
In keeping with our philosophy of small group travel, most of our land based programs operate with 10 - 30 participants. If we do not get the
required number of people and cancel a tour, you will be notified as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, all deposits and tariffs paid will
be returned to the passenger in full with no further obligation on the part of Adventure Canada (AC), Eagle-Eye Tours (EE), and The Human Nature
Company (HNC). Single rooms, if available, will be provided on request for an additional fee as outlined in program literature. For participants
travelling alone, but wishing to share, AC will arrange for a room if possible. If a roommate is not available, a single supplement will be charged.
Insurance
Due to the nature of the tour in which the passenger will be participating, passengers must have in place prior to departure comprehensive insurance
coverage including without limitation medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, accident and baggage insurance. Emergency
medical and evacuation coverage is mandatory for trip participation and policy documentation will be required. Any losses sustained by the
undersigned passenger as a result of its failing to obtain proper insurance coverage shall be the sole responsibility of the passenger. For full coverage
passengers are recommended to obtain insurance at the time of deposit.
Images and Privacy
On these trips we take many photos, some of which we use for promotional purposes. If you would not like photos which include you to be used, please
let us know in advance. We may also celebrate your birthday onboard, let us know if you would like to abstain.
Itinerary
The itineraries/programs described are subject to change at the discretion of the ship’s master. These are expeditions to remote parts of the world. AC,
reserves the exclusive right, in its sole discretion, to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change any reservation, staff member, feature and/or means
of conveyance without notice and for any reason whatsoever including but not limited to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, force majeure,
political conditions and other factors beyond our control and without allowance or refund and with any and all extra costs resulting there from paid by
the passengers. AC, expressly reserves the right to cancel, without prior notice to the passengers, any tour prior to departure, in which case tour fees
will be refunded without further obligation on the part of AC, including, but not limited to the payment of interest accrued thereon. Decisions to alter the
itinerary/program as aforesaid shall be made in the best interest of all passengers aboard the vessel. AC, expressly reserves the right in its sole discretion
to cancel the reservation of, or remove from the tour, any passenger at any time.
Additional Documentation
Adventure Canada is a sub-charterer of the Clipper Adventurer, Clipper Odyssey and Ocean Nova. Prior to boarding the vessels, passengers will
receive a Passage Contract Ticket, which is the standard passenger contract and liability waiver of the vessels mentioned herein. Passengers are
encouraged to read this document upon receipt. In accepting this Passage Contract Ticket, passengers agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.