West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs

West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs

70 Views
10 Days From

$10190

$8152

West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs

10 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik

Visiting: Toronto, Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay, Qeqqata

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BQMO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 199

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Trip Styles:

Expedition Cruising

Activities:

Hiking, Mountain Biking

From: $10190 $8152 (USD) Operator discount: -$2038 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs" expedition. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, before whisking you away to the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland. Aboard the Ultramarine, explore the stunning Disko Bay and Eternity Fjords, where you'll have the chance to spot Arctic wildlife such as whales and seals. Experience the thrill of panoramic views from twin-engine helicopters, and immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture by visiting small towns like Itilleq. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sermeq Kujalleq and enjoy optional activities like mountain biking in Sisimiut. With luxurious amenities on board, including a gym, spa, and library, this expedition offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Conclude your journey back in Toronto, enriched by the awe-inspiring beauty and culture of Greenland.

Highlights

  • Travel deeper into Disko Bay and the Eternity Fjords, spotting Arctic wildlife like whales, seabirds, and seals.

  • Experience stunning panoramic views from above on twin-engine H145 helicopters.

  • Explore small Greenlandic towns like Itilleq, and engage with local culture, perhaps even joining a soccer game with villagers.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) and explore nearby hiking trails.

  • Discover the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or the Torsukatak Fjords with opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising.

  • Visit Qeqertarsuaq, one of Greenland's oldest settlements, known for its volcanic region and lush vegetation.

  • Participate in optional activities like mountain biking in Sisimiut or hiking to the basalt columns of Qeqertarsuaq.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Toronto, Canada

Location: Toronto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins in Toronto – one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the country. When you arrive at Pearson International Airport, make your way to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Maybe visit the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario or, if you’re staying a few extra days, you could take a daytrip to Niagara Falls. This city is also known for its brilliant nightlife – so perhaps end your evening at one of the trendy dining spots or hit the bars for some craft beer and cocktails.

Day 2: Fly To Kangerlussuaq And Embark

Location: Kangerlussuaq

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Dinner

This morning, you’ll catch a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small town in western Greenland. This is where you’ll board your vessel, the Ultramarine, and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! When aboard, you’ll have a welcome and safety briefing from your leader and meet your expedition team, as well as the other travellers in your group.

Day 3-5: Disko Bay

Location: Disko Bay

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship

Over the next couple of days, you’ll sail Disko Bay – a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as you navigate this iconic bay, where whales are often spotted in the deep sea. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations to explore, including the community of Illulissat, at the head of the outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is a sight to behold, and there are many optional marked hiking trails to explore further.

Discover the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or the Torsukatak Fjords, in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large, active glacial faces, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling and Zodiac cruising. This is where, if conditions allow, you might be treated to a ride in one of the twin-engine helicopters to appreciate the immensity of this region from above.

You may also get the chance to visit one of the oldest settlements in Greenland, Qeqertarsuaq, settled by whalers in 1773 (but archaeological evidence suggests that people lived here at least 6000 years earlier). The town and surrounding area are the island’s only volcanic region. The area offers unusual geology and colourful landscapes, with particularly lush vegetation. More than half of Greenland’s plant species are found here, tucked between columns of basalt rock and black sand beaches littered with ice fragments. In town, you don’t want to miss Qeqertarsuaq’s Vorherres Bleaekhus, which hosts musical performances by resident artists. Local guides will also lead walking tours to the church, shopping area and the local museum. If time and weather permit, there’s the chance to hike to the incredible basalt columns 10 km down the coast.

Day 6-8: Qeqqata

Location: Qeqqata

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship

During the next two days, your expedition team will work with the local partners to create a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities during your time in Qeqqata. This will likely include a visit to Sisimiut, where you can wander through the open-air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits along one of many incredible hiking trails on Sisimiut’s doorstep. If you’re keen, you can also opt to take on the mountain biking activity here.

Further south, your team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical, one-of-a-kind experiences, including in Eternity Fjord – home to the tallest mountains in all West Greenland. Another fascinating community in this region is Itilleq. Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is located about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle. Here, the locals will often invite the group to join in on a game of soccer or football.

Day 9: Kangerlussuaq Disembarkation - Fly To Toronto

Location: Kangerlussuaq

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Today, you’ll disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Sondre Stromfjord. Take a private transfer to your charter flight to Toronto, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, why not head out for a farewell dinner at one of the trendy restaurants?

Day 10: Toronto, Canada

Location: Toronto

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. Make your way to the airport to connect with your onward flight, or if you’d like to stay longer, get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Expedition Ship (7 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

  • Meals
    9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

  • Charter Flights

    Group charter flights to Kangerlussuaq return are included in this trip.

  • Pre and Post Expedition Hotel

    One night's pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto, Canada on day 1 and one night's post-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto on day 9 are included.

  • Expedition Ship

    The trip is onboard the Ultramarine, operated by Quark Expeditions.

  • Transfers

    All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Kayaking, mountain biking, paddling excursion, and Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience are optional activities that can be prebooked and incur an additional cost.

  • Booking Conditions

    A deposit of 25% of the total invoice amount is required at the time of booking, with balances due 120 days prior to departure.

Transport

Ship , Zodiac , plane

Accommodation

Expedition Ship (7 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

Important Information

This trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship.This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Reykjavik, Iceland on day 1 of this tripGroup Charter flights to Kangerlussuaq return are included in this trip.1 nights post expedition hotel accommodation is included in Reykjavik on day 9 of this trip. You are free to depart anytime after breakfast on the last day of this trip.Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditionsADVENTURE OPTIONSKayaking, Mountain biking, paddling excursion and Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience are all optional activities that can be prebooked and incurs an additional cost. Please speak to your sales consultant if you are interested in booking any of these optional activities.

Mode of Transport

Travel by ship, Zodiac, and plane, offering a diverse and exciting transportation experience as you explore the stunning landscapes of Greenland.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights aboard an expedition ship and 2 nights in a comfortable hotel, providing a blend of adventure and relaxation throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife might I see during the West Greenland Ice Odyssey tour?

    During the tour, you may encounter Arctic wildlife such as whales, seabirds, and seals, especially while navigating Disko Bay.

  • Are there any unique aerial experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, if conditions allow, you might have the opportunity to experience the stunning panoramic views from above using the twin-engine H145 helicopters aboard the Ultramarine.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes opportunities to immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture by exploring small towns like Itilleq, where you might even join a soccer game with the villagers.

  • What are some of the optional activities available during the tour?

    Optional activities include mountain biking in Sisimiut, hiking to the basalt columns of Qeqertarsuaq, kayaking, and participating in the Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.

  • What kind of landscapes and natural features will I see on this tour?

    You will see a variety of landscapes including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), the volcanic region of Qeqertarsuaq, and the majestic fjords like Eternity Fjord with the tallest mountains in West Greenland.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Toronto, Canada.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$10190 $8152 (USD)

Operator discount: -$2038 (USD)

Prices last published on 18-Jan-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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