Adventure Canada Small Trips 2015

8/12/2019 Adventure Canada Small Trips 2015

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Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 or email [email protected]

Visit www.adventurecanada.com for full prices and itinerary details.

ADVENTURE CANADA 14 Front St. S. Mississauga, ON L5H 2C4

SmallTrips 2015


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May 27 - 31, 2015

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



Alberta Birds& Dinosaurs


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YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival in Calgary

Participants will be arriving in Calgary throughout the day. For

those arriving early, there are opportunities for birding in and

around Calgary. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary along the BowRiver is an excellent area for foothills and riverine species,

and is easily accessible within the city of Calgary. Alternately,

there are some great museums worth visiting in the city.

Contact the tour leader for helpful suggestions. We meet in

the evening at our hotel for a get-together and a discussion of

the next days activities. Night in Calgary.

Days 2 - Prairie Sloughs and the Drumheller Badlands

After breakfast we head east along the Trans-Canada

Highway and onto the open short-grass plains characteristic

of southeastern Alberta. Along the drive we pass some very

rich wetlands that host up to 15 species of waterfowl including

Cinnamon Teal. Other targets in this area include Horned and

Eared grebes, foraging Black Terns, and several shorebirds

including Wilsons Phalarope, American Avocet, Willet and

a few Black-necked Stilt feeding along the shoreline. After

weve explored this rich birding area we will continue on our

way east to the town of Drumheller in the badlands of the

upper Red Deer River Valley.

After a picnic lunch, we spend the afternoon exploring the

valley with its canyons, hoodoos, and considerable geologic

history. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our hotel in

Drumheller, where we spend the next two nights.

HIGHLIGHTS

Fine selection of prairie birds and mammals

In-depth exploration of the unique geologic and palaeontological history of the Alberta badlands

Visits to Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

FEATURED BIRDS & MAMMALS:

Eared Grebe

Cinnamon Teal

Black-necked Stilt

Chestnut-collared Longspur

Spragues Pipit

Mountain Bluebird

Violet-green Swallow

Rock Wren

Says Phoebe

Loggerhead Shrike

Yellow-breasted Chat

Lark Sparrow

Spotted Towhee

Prairie Falcon

Long-billed Curlew

Pronghorn

Trip Details

Date:May 27 - 31, 2015

Duration:5 days

Price:$1,445 USD + GST,

single supplement $315 USD + GST

Limit:12 adventurers

Tour Starts & End:Calgary, Alberta

Fitness level: Easy to moderate walking

Guide:Jody Allair

Whats Included:

4 nights accommodation

Breakfasts and lunches

Transportation and entrance fees

Your guides

Whats Not Included:

Evening meals

Transportation to/from Calgary

Items of a personal nature

Alberta Birds & Dinosaurs

Amazing landscapes, great birds, and one of the richest

dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The bulk of our days will

be spent exploring the Red Deer River Valley badlands and

adjacent prairies around Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial

Park. Breeding season will be in full swing in this amazing

region of central Alberta, and birding will be the focus each

morning. We will explore several unique habitats including

Prairie sloughs, riparian Cottonwood forests, and the desert-

like conditions of the badlands. Our afternoons will be spent

learning about the unique geology and natural history of

the region at Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrrell

Museum of Palaeontology.


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Both images Ea

Day 3 - Grassland Birds and Dinosaur Provincial Park

After an early breakfast, we head southeast through short-

grass prairies toward picturesque Dinosaur Provincial Park.

En route to the park we will make several stops looking for

Spragues Pipits, Chesnut-collared Longspurs, Long-billed

Curlews, and Pronghorns. The extensive badlands within

the park are home to Says Phoebes, Rock Wrens, Lark

Sparrows, Prairie Falcons, Mountain Bluebirds, and a small

population of Violet-green Swallows. In the sagebrush at

Dinosaur PP there are Brewers Sparrows along with oodles

of Clay-colored Sparrows. Other goodies we might nd

today include Yellow-breasted Chat and Brown Thrasher in

the riparian scrub, along with Loggerhead Shrike and even

Eurasian Collared-Dove just outside the park.

After a picnic lunch, we will take time to explore the visitor

centre and learn more about the wealth of dinosaur fossils

within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will return to our

hotel in Drumheller late in the day.

Day 4 - Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of

Palaeontology

Today we spend the bulk of our day in and around

Drumheller. After breakfast we look for forest birds in the

riparian Cottonwoods of McMullen Island Provincial Park

where we should nd Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Wood-

Pewee, and perhaps some late migrants. From here we make

our way to the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of

Palaeontology, where we will spend several hours exploring

the exhibits. In the afternoon we will head west toward

Calgary, stopping at Horseshoe Canyon en route. Night in

Calgary.

Day 5 - Departure

Our tour ends after breakfast.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Easy to moderate walking

Warm to hot but potentially changeable summer weather,

cool at night

Good quality accommodation

Lots of photographic opportunities

4-8 participants with one leader, 9-12 with two

15 passenger van(s)

Evening meals not included

On our Alberta tour, we start our day with an early breakfast

and then head off for most of the day, having a picnic lunch

around noon. Days are long at this time of the year, and

we make the best use of our time accordingly. Our day in

Dinosaur Provincial Park will involve a fair bit of driving with

numerous birding stops there and back.

The Alberta badlands are likely to be warm or even hot during

the day, with a possibility of rain. It can be quite windy

at times. However, being the northern prairies, a cold

front could move through, so it is best to be prepared for

changeable weather. Evenings are likely to be cool, nights

can be quite chilly, and early mornings can likewise be cool

before it warms up.

It is unlikely to snow. Nevertheless, participants should layer

their clothing as conditions can change quickly while we are

in the eld. Mosquitoes are equally unpredictable in late May;

we may encounter just a few, or rather a lot. Participants

should include bug repellent and perhaps a head net in their

luggage, just in case! An umbrella would be useful.

Each evening we compile the days checklist, review the

days activities, birds, mammals and other observations,

and plan the next days activities.

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather,sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.


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June 13 - 20, 2015

NewfoundlandClose-Up




NotreDame Bay

Denn


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Trip Details

Date:June 13 - 20, 2015

Duration:8 days, 8 nights

Price:$3,495 CDN,

$645 single supplement (plus HST)

Limit:6 adventurers

Fitness level: Easy to moderate.

Includes hikes on mostly prepared

trails in hilly terrain. Footing can be

uneven.Leaders: Professional photographer,

author and biologist Dennis Minty with

his partner Antje Springmann

Whats Included:

All accommodations

All meals

Ground transportation

Your instructor/guide(s)

All park/tour fees

Whats Not Included:

Flights to and from St. Johns

Laundry, phone calls, items of

a personal nature

Alcoholic beverages

Travel/medical insurance

Newfoundland Close-Up: Notre Dame Bay

Come travel Newfoundlands Road to the Isles. The stars

are Twillingate, Change Islands and Fogo which lie among

dozens of islands in Notre Dame Bay. Here the Labrador

current, the famous Iceberg Alley, embraces the northeast

coast of Newfoundland carrying with it magnicent ice

castles that have traveled to these shores from the high

Arctic. Change Islands and Fogo remain accessible only

by ferry and thus retain the indelible mark of simpler times.

They embody the historic and cultural essence of Notre

Dame Bay. Boat builders, sher folk and crafters are the

heart of the communities here. Fishing stages, akes, and

even the greatly endangered Newfoundland ponies are

plentiful and make for endless photographic inspiration.

These islands are true treasures where the distinctive

character and charm of Newfoundland is alive and well.

Rocky, rugged and windswept, the land- and seascapes

have an elemental quality that helped forge the people

whose spirits are quick to incite laughter sure to warm

your soul. Join Dennis Minty and Antje Springmann on this

photographic feast of a tour, the islands of Notre Dame Bay.

This is a tour for photographers of all levels, their

companions and the artistically-minded. Your particular

needs and interests are addressed in a multi-dimensional

tour that mixes experiential learning with one-on-one

coaching in an inspiring setting.

Twillingate is Dennis Mintys birthplace and he has deep

roots here. He and Antje will open doors to places and

experiences undiscovered by the casual tourist. So pack

your camera and join us to explore the photographic gem

that is Newfoundlands Notre Dame Bay, an unforgettable

experience that will leave you inspired and more adept at

capturing the natural world with your camera.

ITINERARY

Day 1 to 3: Twillingate

Your trip begins in Gander, made famous by the hospitality it

showed to thousands of stranded travelers on 9/11. Here you

will meet your guides. Our drive to Twillingate on the Road to

the Isles will give us a rst glimpse of Notre Dame Bay. Our

home base is directly in the picturesque town of Twillingateand its historic harbor, which still hold an important place in

the Newfoundland shery. From here we explore not only the

town but many delightful hidden coves and tiny communities

nearby. We will have the opportunity to experience the rugged

scenery on pleasant coastal hikes and spend some time on

the water getting a close up view of nearby icebergs.

Day 4: Change Islands

A short drive and ferry ride takes us to Change Islands,

thought to be so called because early settlers once occupied

one island in the summer and moved to another for the

winter. We overnight in a stately and beautifully restored

sh merchants house dating to the early 1900s. Directly

from our accommodations we can take leisurely strolls to

explore the little community. You will also be introduced to the

Newfoundland pony, a rare breed in Canada when we visit thesanctuary where local people are working hard to maintain

this strong, resilient yet critically endangered pony that was

central to life and survival in outport Newfoundland.

Day 5 to 7: Fogo

Another ferry ride takes us to the larger island of Fogo. The

people of Fogo are well-known for their independent spirit and

their pride in preserving traditional way of life. It has one of

Newfoundlands most thriving wooden boat building traditions

where the little boats called punts are still made by hand.

Fogo is dotted with numerous picturesque communities for


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us to explore and we plan to see them all. This is also a great

place for rambling so we will take advantage of the coastal

trails and aim to come across the plentiful caribou that roam

the island.

Day 8: Gander

Today the ferry takes us from Fogo to Farewell and theroad back to Gander. Along the way we take time to visit

and explore sights like the ancient Beothuk settlement in

Boyds Cove and a visit to the Spirit Garden erected there by

Newfoundlands First Nations in honour of the now extinct

Beothuk people, the original inhabitants of the island. We end

our trip in Gander and celebrate with a farewell dinner before

parting the next morning.


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JUNE 15 - 22, 2015

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



Bafn IslandFloe Edge:Narwhals & Polar Bears


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YOUR ITINERARY

Day 0 - Arrival in Ottawa

Participants will need to be in Ottawa the night prior to our

ight to Pond Inlet. We are happy to help arrange this night

in Ottawa. If schedules allow, we can meet for an evening

meal in Ottawa. Those arriving early may enjoy a visit theCanadian Museum of Nature before dinner. Night in Ottawa.

Day 1 - Travel to Pond Inlet

We leave Ottawa in the morning for our ights to Pond Inlet

at the northern tip of Bafn 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 2 - Travel to the foe 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, with possible American Pipit

and Northern Wheatear. 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 oe 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 only difference 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

HIGHLIGHTS

Travel by komatik (sled) on the sea ice with Inuit guides

Unique arctic birds and mammals

Spectacular scenery

Comfortable camping near the oe edge

Close views of Narwhal

Polar Bear

Cultural experience of traveling with and learning from local

Inuit guides

Trip Details

Date:June 16 - 23, 2014

Duration:8 days

Price:$5,225 USD + GST based ondouble occupancy


Tour Starts & End:Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Fitness level: Easy to moderate walking

Guide:Cam Gillies

*Single rooms cannot be guaranteed in the

Pond Inlet hotel. Single tents are available.

Whats Included:

Your guides

Accommodation: 2 nights in hotels, 5 nights

camping (equipment provided) All meals during the tour

Transportation during the tour

Whats Not Included:

Price does not include

round-trip airfare from Ottawa t

Pond Inlet (approx. $2,450 US Personal expenses

Mandatory Medical Insurance

Rugged mountains, stunning glaciers, ocks 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 Bafn 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 Sabines and

Thayers gulls, Red-throated Loon and with much luck, we

may see the all white Ivory Gull! In addition, the mixing of

ocean currents from Bafn 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 oe edge where food is concentrated. We hope

to see 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!


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as they await break up of the ice before they continue

to drift southward. The oe edge is where the winter ice

meets the open waters of Bafn 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 oe 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, Thayers, Sabines, Black-legged Kittiwake,

and with much luck, Ivory Gull and even Rosss Gull is

possible. You have to travel very far north to nd 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 anendangered species. We will have the opportunity

to watch as these and possibly other species move

northward along the oe edge.

Days 36 - Floe edge and Bylot Island

Our daily activities will depend on the location of the oe

edge and weather conditions, but will likely include these

highlights. We will use a camp near the oe edge for

these nights.

Bylot Island

Bylot Island is part of the recently declared SirmilikNational 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 nd several species nesting including

American Golden-Plover, Bairds 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 Loon, Cackling Goose, Greater Snow Goose,

and Long-tailed Duck. It should be a spectacular setting

being 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 travelto the seabird colony on Bylot Island. North of Cape

Graham Moore, these 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 oe edge.


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PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable

conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will

dictate our itinerary.

At the Floe Edge

We will likely spend most of our time at the oe edge with

the hope of seeing some of the more elusive species that

will be moving by, including marine mammals. Waiting

patiently at the oe 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 males 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 oe edge will also give us the chance to

see Ringed, and possibly Bearded and Harp Seals.

Day 7 - Return to Pond Inlet

After a nal morning at the oe edge, we leave our camp

for our 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 8 - Travel to Ottawa and onward

We reluctantly leave this magical northern hamlet and y

south to Iqaluit and on to Ottawa, arriving in the afternoon,

usually with time to catch connecting ights home. We will

head home with many fond memories from this amazing

adventure in the land of the midnight sun.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Early June is still cold in the Arctic. Temperatures may

not be much above freezing and it could snow, but warm

layered clothing along with the waterproof boots should

keep you warm. It is usually sunny though and the sun is

up 24 hours, so bring sunscreen. We will provide all of the

necessary camping equipment including a warm sleeping

bag for the nights camping.

Our daily activities will be focused on looking for and

watching birds and other wildlife at the oe edge or on the

tundra, but we wont hesitate to enjoy other aspects of the

natural and cultural history of this area.

While we have outlined the detailed itinerary, this schedule

and our daily activities will be very dependent on the

daily weather and ice conditions. In addition, we cannot

guarantee single occupancy in our hotel in Pond Inlet.


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Art onthe Rock

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



June 21 - 24, 2015

Literature, music, visual art, theatre: Newfoundland has it all,

and lots of it. Join celebrated Newfoundland writer Kevin Major

for an insiders look at the culture of his Island, three art-lled

days at the edge of the North Atlantic. Let him take you through

the multi-hued streets and back lanes of St. Johns, to his

favourite galleries and music haunts. Meet artists and poets and

musicians. Spend time in their studios. Hear them explain their

art. Listen as they read from their award-winning books, and

relax and chat with them over wine and spirits.

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, youll know youre in the midst of a culture like no

other in North America. Whether walking the stage of the LSPU

Hall (where Rick Mercer honed his skills) or enjoying a pint and

a song at The Ship, youll know youve fallen into the arms of

a spirited arts scene.

This program can be taken independently or as an extension to

our Newfoundland Circumnavigation.


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Your Itinerary

Day 1 June 21 - Arrival

Early afternoon meet celebrated local author Kevin Major for a

tour through his St. Johns, followed by our rst evening meal

together.

Day 2 June 22 - St. Johns & Beyond, through an Artists Eyes

Well spend the rst full day exploring St. Johns, meeting artists,

poets and musicians in their studios and learning rst-hand

what makes them tick. Well feast on traditional fare like Cod &

Chips or even dip into St. Johns modern fare, which is making a

splash in the international food scene. Well shop for personally

autographed books, paintings and prints, ne arts and crafts.

Day 3 June 23 - St. Johns & Beyond, through an Artists Eyes

After breakfast, well take a scenic trek south of St. Johns,

part way down the Southern Shore, an hour outside the city.

In Ferryland well explore an on-going archaeological dig

the Colony of Avalon, where in 1621 the future Lord and Lady

Baltimore and an intrepid group of colonists established one of

the earliest permanent settlements in North America. Lunch is

at The Captains Table, where fresh Newfoundland seafood ll

the menu. All along the route are outport communities steepe

in their Irish ancestry, as interesting as their names suggest

Bay Bulls, Witless Bay, Cape Broyle. And it is in these place

that an array of artists and craftspeople have settled. Well vis

them in their homes and studios, the full Atlantic seascape jus

outside their doorsteps. You might even be lucky enough to spo

a whale or, if your eyesight is really good, a pufn.

Then its back to St. Johns for our last evening meal together i

one of the citys ner restaurants. Therell be chances to reliv

the three delightful days, before offering a nal rousing toast t

Newfoundlands culture and people.

Day 4 June 24 - Departure

After breakfast, independent transfers to the airport for our igh

back home or stay in St. Johns and join our Newfoundlan

Circumnavigation program.

Your Guide: Kevin Major Kevin has published 16 books, ranging from novels, non-ction, poetry and plays to works for youths. He has received numerous awards, including a Governor

Generals Award for his rst book, Hold Fast. As Near to Heaven by Sea: A History of Newfoundland

and Labradortraces the story of his homeland from continental drift to modern political upheaval. His

most recent novel New Under the Sun deals with the cultures that inhabit southern Labrador and the

northernmost tip of Newfoundland.

Highlights

A personal tour of St. Johns and area with celebrated local author Kevin Major

Relax and chat with artists, poets and musicians in their studios while they explain their art forms and inspirations

Enjoy a pint and a song at The Ship or the Crows Nest

Explore an on-going archaeological dig at the Colony of Avalon

Walk the stage of the LSPU and visit the celebrated modern museum The Rooms

A chance to try some traditional Newfoundland cuisine

Whats Included:

Dinner June 21 to Breakfast

June 24

Three nights accommodations

All transportation

Your guide, Kevin Major Special guest appearances

Admission to galleries, museums

and special events

Whats Not Included:

Independent ights

to/from St. Johns

Alcoholic beverages


Any expenses incurred due toitinerary changes beyond our

control

Travel/Medical Insurance

Trip Details

Price:$1,195 USD + HST.

Single supplement: $395 USD + HST

Flights:Independent ights to/from St. Johns, NL

Min Group #: 6 Max Group #:18

Fitness Level:EasyTour Starts & Ends:St. Johns

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions.

As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.


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3 trips in 2015

June 23 - 27

June 30 - July 4

July 4 - 8

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



Natural

highlights of theAvalon Peninsula


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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in St. Johns

Our tour commences upon arrival in St. Johns. If

time permits, we visit Signal Hill for a rst sampling of

Newfoundland birds, such as Fox Sparrow, and tundra-like

vegetation. Alternatively, we may do a little sightseeing in St.

Johns along Marine Drive. Signal Hill derives its name from

the rst wireless Trans-Atlantic message, received in 1901 atthis location by Marconi; a museum in Cabot Tower on the hill

commemorates the event. Geologically, the Avalon Peninsula

is a noted region for Precambrian fossils. Night in St. Johns.

Days 2 & 3: Avalon Peninsula and Witless Bay

Our activities during the next two days are weather

dependent. One day we take a boat trip to the fabulous

multi-island seabird sanctuary at Witless Bay where there are

spectacular nesting colonies of Atlantic Pufns, Common

Murres, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Northern

Fulmars. Great Island, one of three large islands in Witless

Bay, is itself home to over half-a-million birds, including over

two hundred thousand Atlantic Pufns and fty thousand

Black-legged Kittiwakes. Several hundred thousand Leachs

Storm-petrels nest in burrows on top of the island, but they

are rarely visible during the day, as they return to their

burrows at night to avoid predators such as Herring and GreatBlack-backed Gulls. We also have a good chance of seeing

whales, most likely Humpbacks and Minke. On our return

to St. Johns, we take in Cape Spear National Historic Site,

the easternmost point of land in North America and where

a lighthouse has operated since 1836. This is an excellent

vantage point for scanning the ocean for seabirds, whales

and icebergs!

The other day, we drive the loop around the Southern Avalon

Peninsula. We head south from St. Johns, stopping at

several promising sites to bird the scrubby woodland typical

HIGHLIGHTS

Unique blend of marvelous natural history in a land steeped in history and culture

Boat trip to massive and impressive seabird colonies

Gannet colony at Cape St. Marys

Prominent vantage points for looking for whales, seabirds and possible icebergs

Interesting plantlife, including the provincial ower, the insectivorous Pitcher Plant Excellent seafood!

Trip Details

Date:3 trips in 2015

June 23 - 27

June 30 - July 4

July 4 - 8

Duration:5 daysPrice:US$1595 + HST

in double occupancy.

Single supplement US$365 + HST.

Guides:Jared Clarke and Anne Hughes

Whats Included:

4 nights accommodation in St. Johns

4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, and dinner on the

rst night


Local guides

Whats Not Included:

Evening meals on nights 2 - 4

Transportation to/from St. John


Natural highlights of the Avalon Peninsula

Newfoundland offers a unique blend of marvelous birds and

other wildlife amidst spectacular scenery in a land steeped in

history and culture! Nature abounds.

Fabulous seabird colonies dot the Avalon Peninsula -

thousands of Northern Gannets, Atlantic Pufns, Black-

legged Kittiwakes, Common Murres and more. Cape St.

Marys hosts a spectacular Northern Gannet colony with

glorious photo opportunities. We take a boat trip to the

fabulous multi-island seabird sanctuary at Witless Bay

where there are amazing nesting colonies of seabirds and

excellent chances to see Humpback and Minke whales.

Add in wildowers, interesting landbirds, moose and other

mammals, fascinating geology and even the range restricted

Short-tailed Swallowtail buttery and you have a remarkable

natural history experience!

Extend your East coast adventure with an in-depth

exploration of the Avalon Peninsula.


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of the peninsula and the numerous inlets and bays. We

visit Renews for Arctic Tern and Chance Cove for seals and

landbirds, such as Gray-cheeked Thrush, Fox Sparrow and

Blackpoll Warbler. We should encounter Boreal Chickadee,

Northern Waterthrush and Wilsons Warbler, and with luck

Common Redpoll, a local population which nests here. Bogs

and wetlands throughout the Avalon support numerous

interesting plants, including Pitcher Plants the provincial

ower of Newfoundland and Labrador and sundews, both

insectivorous, and orchids such as Pink Ladys Slippers.

The Avalon Peninsula caribou herd occurs near Cape Pine,

and we have a chance of seeing it. Cape Pine also has nesting

Pufns and Razorbills, and there is always the possibility of

nding Willow Ptarmigan along the road. At our next stop,

Point Lehaye, we look for Arctic Terns, in case we missed

them at Renews. We will also keep an eye out for Short-tailed

Swallowtail, a buttery that occurs on grassy hills, and we will

always be on the lookout for Moose! Nights in St. Johns.

Day 4: Cape St. Marys

Today we start early and head out along the Trans Canada

Highway across the Avalon Peninsula toward Cape St.

Marys, for the spectacular Northern Gannet colony at Bird

Rock. Bird Rock is reached by a 1-km footpath through the

open meadows that top steep cliffs, where wild iris grow and

sheep sometimes graze. Cape St. Marys is one of the worlds

most southerly expanses of sub-Arctic tundra. Mosses,

lichens, alpine wildowers, and low-growing shrubs carpet the

seemingly treeless plateau over which we walk. The area has

ponds, bogs, brooks, and sheer cliffs plunging down to the

sea. Offshore, during the summer, spouts of whales can often

be spotted. At Bird Rock are glorious opportunities for taking

photographs; the colony of gannets numbers in the thousands

and nesting pairs are easily visible. Flying individuals

often hang in the air on updrafts in front of the viewing

locations, and the colony site itself, the stack (a huge rock

separated from the mainland by a narrow steep drop) is most

photogenic. Great Cormorant, Black-legged Kittiwake, both

species of Murres and Black Guillemots are also present,

American Pipits and Horned Larks occur on the open barrens

between the parking lot and the colony, and Leachs Storm-

petrels are sometimes visible by spotting scope offshore.

If time permits, we follow the coast to Castle Hill National

Historic Site for passerines, such as Pine Grosbeak. Castle

Hill is so named for the French and English fortications

dating back to the mid-1600s, and the top of the hill overlooks

the superb harbour of Placentia Bayindeed, Basque

shermen had used the harbour from the early sixteenth

century. Night in St. Johns.

Day 5: Departure

We may have time in the morning for some sight-seeing in St.

Johns, before connecting with your departure to the airport.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Easy to moderate walking Unpredictable warm/cool weather

Cool to cold breezes off the ocean at times


Boat trip to seabird colonies

3 to 5 with one leader, 6 to 14 with two leaders

One or two minivans or one larger bus with driver

Early morning birding will be the usual beginning to the day,

depending upon the days activities. Weather can be variable;

warm cloudless days can alternate with cool foggy days,

especially along the coast, and we will plan our daily itinerary

accordingly. It is a good idea to have footwear that is

waterproof. There is a trip into Witless Bay, which can be coolso appropriate layered clothing is recommended. The boat is

comfortable, with shelter and lots of seating space, and the

captains are usually very entertaining!

Most trails and paths are easy to moderate. Bring mosquito

repellent - mosquitoes are not usually a problem anywhere

except perhaps in sheltered trails. We will have the expertise

of a local guide who is completely familiar with the area. Each

evening, the list of birds and other wildlife will be reviewed,

and plans for the next day discussed.

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather,

sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.


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June 30 - July 8, 2015

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



High ArcticPhoto Tour


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Trip Details

Date:June 30 - July 8, 2015

Duration:9 days

Price:$5,795 USD + GST;


(2.5% for non-residents of Canada,

5% for Canadian residents)

Optional photography instructional day

$485 USD + GST,



Tour Starts & End:Edmonton, Alberta

Guide:Brad Hill

HIGHLIGHTS

Long hours of beautiful golden light for photography

Excellent photographic opportunities

Unique Arctic ora and fauna

Professional photography instruction during the optional

instructional day


Yellow-billed Loon

King Eider

Sabines Gull

American Golden-Plover

Long-tailed Jaeger

Snowy Owl

Thayers Gull

Pacic Loon

Muskox

Arctic Fox

Whats Included:

8 nights accommodation

Breakfasts and lunches


Flights from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay

and on to Kugluktuk plus return

Your guide

Whats Not Included:

Evening meals

Transportation to/from Edmont

Personal expenses

High Arctic Photo Tour

In mid-summer Canadas HIgh Arctic region provides a

rare mix of elements that combine to provide a superb and

unique photographic experience sure to appeal to any nature

photographer. This tour mixes never-ending, strikingly-clear

light with unsurpassed opportunities to photograph many

avian and mammalian subjects in settings that are only rarely

- if ever - encountered in more southerly latitudes.

Well spend time in two locations during this trip. First, well

visit the Cambridge Bay area on Victoria Island. This large

arctic island is home to many species of birds and provides

opportunities to photograph a large number of avian species

- on land, water and while in ight. Well also spend time on

the northern edge of Nunavuts mainland exploring some

major rivers in the Kugluktuk region. These rivers and their

basins are home to abundant wildlife and well have the

chance of encountering and photographing some of the

large mammals of the High Arctic - such as caribou, wolves,brown bears, arctic foxes, and possibly even wolverines.

Our full list of potential subjects during this tour is varied

and includes several species of shorebirds in rarely-seen

breeding plumage, such as the regal American Golden-

Plover; both Common and King Eiders; Snowy Owls; striking

Sabines and Glaucous Gulls; Arctic Terns; Cackling and

Greater White-Fronted Geese; Long-tailed Jaegers; Snow

Buntings; Lapland Longspurs; Long-tailed Ducks and more.

Muskox, Arctic Foxes, Gray Wolves, Brown Bears and other

mammals are found in the regions well be visiting. The

tundra itself is covered in wildowers at this time of year and

well be presented with expansive landscapes just waiting to

be photographed!

Lead by award-winning photographer Brad Hill, this tour will

focus on nding and exploiting the high-quality photographic

opportunities presented on the tundra of the Canadian Arctic

- the fauna, the ora, and the very land itself.

An optional day of professional-level photography instruction

by Brad Hill covering essential image-capture skills,

techniques, tips, and tricks is offered at the beginning of the

trip. Well touch on a wide array of topics - from capturing

compelling landscape images through to the nuances of

getting that jaw-dropping ight shot!

Photographers of all levels are welcomed on this tour, but

it is assumed that participants will be coming equipped with

digital SLR cameras.


19/44Both images Ea

YOUR ITINERARY

Please note that those participating in the optional day

of photography instruction at the beginning of the tour

must arrive in Edmonton one day earlier than those

opting out of the instructional day.

Day 0 - Arrival in Edmonton(Photography instruction participants only)

Those attending the optional day of photography instruction

will be arriving throughout the day. For those arriving

early enough, there are opportunities for birding and/

or photography on your own in and around Edmonton.

Alternately, there are some great attractions worth visiting in

the city, including the world-renowned West Edmonton Mall.

We meet in the evening at our hotel for a get-together. Night

in Edmonton.

Days 1 - Photography Instruction or Arrival in Edmonton

Photography instruction participants: Following breakfastin our hotel, we will spend the morning in a classroom-style

instructional session on wildlife and bird photography led

by Brad Hill. Well cover a range of technical and creative

topics related to capturing top-notch images, as well as

discussing some of the unique photographic challenges well

face on this tour. If past experience holds true, well have

ample opportunity to capture bird-in-ight shots on this tour.

Consequently, well spend considerable time discussing

techniques used to capture compelling ight shots. Well

leave ample time after lunch for photography questions and

hands-on sessions with our equipment, including how to

set up a modern digital SLR for maximum effectiveness for

wildlife photography.

Photographers NOT attending the instructional session:

Arrival in Edmonton. For those arriving early enough,

there are opportunities for birding and/or

photography on your own in and around Edmonton.

Alternately, there are some great attractions worth visiting in

the city.

Both groups will meet in the evening at our hotel to meet one

another, and to discuss possible last-minute changes in the

itinerary that could be caused by inclement weather. Night in

Edmonton.

Days 2 - Travel to Cambridge Bay

After an early breakfast well depart Edmonton en route to

Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island, Nunavut. After settling

into our accommodations early in the afternoon, well have

ample time to explore the area in and around the town. Some

species - such as Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings -

are very abundant, approachable and easiest to photograph

within the town limits.

Night in Cambridge Bay.

Day 3-5 - In the Pursuit of Great Photo Ops!

We will spend days 3 through 5 pursuing the best

photographic opportunities for Arctic wildlife found in the

tundra surrounding Cambridge Bay. Well travel and explore

both by van and by foot (so come equipped to carry your

photographic gear!). While Victoria Island harbours a

number of mammal species - including Arctic Foxes,

caribou and muskox - its likely most good

photographic opportunities here will be

of avian subjects. At this time ofyear were likely


20/44



to encounter many species of shorebirds in full breeding

plumage (e.g., American Golden-Plovers), numerous

duck and goose species (including Long-tailed Ducks,

Greater White-fronted Geese, Cackling Geese), a number of

rarely seen gull species (e.g., Glaucous and Sabines Gull),

seabirds such as Long-tailed Jaegers, and even nesting

Rough-legged Hawks and Snowy Owls. And, there will be

expansive landscapes covered in a blanket of wildowers

just waiting to be photographed each day.

Well have 24-hour sunlight at this time of year, including

long periods of golden light in the early morning and

late evenings. Were likely to take breaks mid-day to allow

participants to download and/or sort their images. Therell

also be sufcient time then for impromptu photography

questions, instruction, and discussions.

Nights 3, 4, and 5 plus morning of Day 6 in Cambridge Bay.

Day 6 - Travel to Kugluktuk

Mid-day well take the short ight from Cambridge Bay to

Kugluktuk (on the northern coast of the Nunavut mainland).

After settling in well have time to explore the area in and

around the town - including the new museum.

Night in Kugluktuk.

Day 7 - More Exploration Around Kugluktuk

After an early breakfast well board jet boats and spend

the bulk of the day exploring two rivers close to Kugluktuk.

During the expedition well stop to photograph any wildlife

we encounter, which could include caribou, wolves, grizzly

bears, Arctic Foxes, and more. There is even a possibility

we could encounter the rarely photographed wolverine! Our

priority will be, as always, seeking out the best photographic

opportunities and exploiting them to the maximum (this

will take precedence over maximizing the total number of

species recorded).

Night in Kugluktuk.

Day 8 - Exploration of Coppermine River; Flight to

Edmonton

After breakfast well take a jet boat to travel up yet one more

river - the famous Coppermine. Well head up as far as

Bloody Falls, the site of a massacre of unsuspecting Inuit by

Dene warriors in 1771. The steep walls along portions of the

river are home to Bald Eagles, Gyrfalcons, and more. Wellstop to photograph any wildlife we encounter, which again

could include caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, Arctic Foxes,

and more.

Mid-afternoon well board our ight to Edmonton.

Night in Edmonton.

Day 9 - Departure

Our time together draws to an end following breakfast. Our

hope is that your photographs and memories will keep the

trip alive for long after we go our separate ways!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

An emphasis on photography and capitalizing on quality photo opportunities rather than maximizing the number of wildlife

species seen

Professional-quality photography instruction (for those opting in to the instructional component)

Extremely long (24-hour) daylight hours, and very long early morning and evening golden light periods

A wide variety of weather conditions

Easy to moderate (and perhaps slightly beyond) walking and/or hiking conditions (while carrying your camera gear)

Good quality accommodation 3-7 participants with one leader, 8-11 with two

Weather conditions can be variable - expect overnight lows close to freezing and daytime highs that can reach 25C (80 f). It

is best to dress in layers with differing weights of insulating layers (e.g., eece and/or merino wool) with a wind and waterproof

(or water-resistant) outer protective layer. Water-resistant or waterproof lightweight hiking boots recommended. Bugs can be

an issue effective insect repellent and/or insect netting (e.g., integrated netting on hats) could enhance your enjoyment on

this trip.


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June 30 - July 10, 2015

Birding

the High Arctic &Northwest Territories

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566




22/442

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival and Orientation

The tour begins in the evening in Leduc, just south of

Edmonton, Alberta, and close to the airport. We meet for

dinner at 6:30 pm for a meet-and-greet and for a brief

introduction and orientation. Night in Leduc

Day 2 - Elk Island National Park

We leave early and head towards Toeld in the aspen parkland.

Small wetlands in this area are very productive and hold

breeding populations of Red-necked, Eared and Pied-billed

Grebes, Black Terns, Ruddy Ducks and several other species

of waterfowl, American Avocets, Wilsons Phalaropes and

Franklins Gulls. Swainsons and Red-tailed Hawks hunt over

pastures that are occupied by Richardsons ground-squirrels.

We then head to Elk Island National Park; over 200 species of

birds have been identied in the park.

Year-round residents include Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers

and Boreal Chickadees. Migrant and nesting passerines

include Gray Catbird, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Le

Contes, Nelsons (Sharp-tailed) and Clay-colored Sparrows,

Northern Waterthrush and Mourning Warbler. Marshes and

ponds support a diverse array of waterbirds including WhitePelican, Trumpeter Swan and Ring-necked Duck. The park is

also home to 44 different species of mammals, including wapiti

(elk), moose, white-tailed deer, coyote, muskrat and porcupine.

The most noticeable of the parks mammalsand we are likely

to see themare the two different sub-species of Bison. North

of the park we are likely to nd Mountain Bluebirds and Vesper

Sparrows. In mid-afternoon, we head north of Edmonton to the

edge of the boreal forest. Our target species are boreal forest

owls such as Great Gray, Northern Saw-whet and Northern

Hawk-owl. We have the possibility of Northern Goshawk. We

HIGHLIGHTS

Amazing wildlife, amid fascinating tundra and taiga habitats

Great breeding bird and ower photography opportunities


Yellow-billed Loon King Eider Sabines Gull Red Phalarope Long-tailed Jaeger Snowy Owl

Great Gray Owl Thayers Gull Pacic Loon Muskox Arctic Fox

This very special tour takes in three different areas; exquisite

high Arctic tundra above the Arctic Circle and far north of the

treeline on the south shore of Victoria Island at Cambridge

Bay (Ikaluktutiak), where the sun never actually sets; boreal

forest and lakes around Yellowknife, NWT, on the north arm

of Great Slave Lake; and aspen parkland and potholes of

Central Alberta where Beaverhill Lake and Elk Island National

Park lie, and where we may nd northern owls such as

Northern Hawk-Owl and Great Gray Owl.

We encounter a diverse array of birds and other wildlife on

our tour; nesting King Eiders, Sabines Gulls, Greater White-

fronted Geese, Pacic and Yellow-billed Loons and Long-

tailed Ducks in arctic pools, breeding shorebirds such as Red

and Red-necked Phalaropes, Semipalmated, Bairds and

Stilt Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, and American Golden-

Plovers on the tundra, and Long-tailed and Pomarine Jaegers

and Snowy Owls may be nesting, provided that lemmings

are in good numbers. The sight of several herds of Muskox

out on the open tundra will not be long forgotten! The area is

steeped in history and culture, from explorers searching for

the Northwest Passage, Amundsens Maud, to the Inuit of the

western Arctic. The high quality and exciting wildlife viewing

make for a long-remembered tour!

Whats Included:

Your guide

Accommodation

Breakfast and lunches during the tour


Flights from Edmonton to Yellowknife and

to Victoria Island plus return

A two hour boat trip in Yellowknife Bay

Whats Not Included:

Return ights from your home

to Edmonton

Personal expenses

Evening meals

Mandatory Medical Insurance

Trip Details

Date:June 30 - July 10, 2015

Duration:11 days

Price:$5,595 USD + GST,



Tour Starts & End:Edmonton, Alberta

Guides:Richard Knapton


23/44

could also add to our tally of mammals with beaver and red

fox. Night in Leduc.

Days 3, 4 and 5 - Yellowknife

We leave Leduc, head to the airport and board our plane

to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. In the Yellowknife

region we explore boreal habitats in the Great Slave

Lake area, looking for specialties such as Red-necked

Grebe, Mew and Bonapartes Gulls, Rusty Blackbird,

Sandhill Crane, Northern Shrike and Bohemian Waxwing.

We should encounter several boreal forest species

such as Tennessee, Wilsons, Blackpoll and Orange-

crowned Warblers, Alder and Olive-sided Flycatchers,

Gray Jay, Lincolns and White-crowned Sparrows, and

possibly White-winged Crossbill. Lesser Yellowlegs and

Bonapartes Gulls perch on the tops of trees, and Northern

Goshawk is possible. A highlight will be a boat ride in

Yellowknife Bay, an arm of Great Slave Lake, the second

largest in Canada; weather permitting we take a boat tour

among the house boats and islands of the bay and up

the Yellowknife River, and have a chance at lake species

such as Surf Scoters, Pacic and Common Loons, and

Common, Caspian and Arctic Terns. Nights in Yellowknife.

Day 6 - Flight to Cambridge Bay

We spend the morning birding around the Yellowknife area

before taking an afternoon ight to Cambridge Bay. We

spend the rest of the day getting our bearings about town,

noticing that the common town birds are Snow Buntings

and Lapland Longspurs - quite a change from House

Sparrows and Starlings! Night in Cambridge Bay.

Days 7-10 - Cambridge Bay

From Cambridge Bay we make daily excursions to various

birding locations around town. One day we travel by vehicle

on one of the few roads in the area to the base of Mount

Pelly, (providing the road is passable) where we should see

common bird species such as American Golden Plover,

Semipalmated, Bairds and Stilt Sandpipers, Red-necked

Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, Arctic Tern, Horned Lark,

Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting. American Pipits

breed on the slopes of the mountain. The impressive

Yellow-billed Loon breeds in this area so we will look for

nesting pairs. We should also nd several groups of musk

ox and see Arctic foxes and Arctic hares.

On another day, we travel along the West Arm to Dease and

Simpson Straits which overlook the Northwest Passage.

Throughout the trip we hike out onto the tundra looking

for signs of those famous arctic rodents: lemmings. If their

numbers are high, we should see many of the predators

that depend on lemming populations, such as all three

species of jaegers, Snowy Owl and Rough-legged Hawk.

As well, we will enjoy the abundant waterfowl, loons and

shorebirds, perhaps with their broods. Greater White-fronted

Geese, King and Common Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks

might have otillas of young, Pacic Loons will be on just

about every medium-sized pond, and many shorebirds that

may include Ruddy Turnstone, Pectoral and Buff-breasted

Sandpipers will be scattered over the tundra. Our eyes

will be constantly searching the chilly frozen waters of the

Northwest Passage for ringed seals hauled up on the ice.

We drive along an inlet of Dease Strait to view the remains

of Roald Amundsens ship, the Maude. We also visit an

ancient traditional Inuit hunting site marked by stone tent

rings and seal caches on the tundra. Nearby is an area with

nesting birds such as Sabines Gull and Tundra Swans.

We will experience the beautiful ora and butteries of the

tundra and revisit areas for a second try as well. Some

species, such as White-rumped Sandpiper and Rock

Ptarmigan, will require persistence, luck and patience. We

also visit the town dump, where Glaucous and ThayersGulls gather and in the past we have found Slaty-backed

and Glaucous-winged Gulls. We will have the opportunity to

get in some souvenir shopping in town. Nights in Cambridge

Bay. On Day 10, we board our plane for Yellowknife and on

to Edmonton. Last night in Leduc.

Day 11 - Departure

The tour concludes after breakfast.

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities

depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road

conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.


24/444

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable

conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate

our itinerary.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Warm and possibly cold weather

Wonderful mammals including Muskox right outside of town

Flights from Edmonton to Yellowknife and to Victoria Island plus return included

Easy to moderate walking, short drives, comfortable vehicles

4 to 8 participants with one leader; 9 to 12 with two leaders A two hour boat trip in Yellowknife Bay

Because Victoria Island has a relatively small road network, meals will be slotted in around bird activity and weather patterns.

We are never more than an hour s drive from the Hotel. There will be no need for early morning risings as we will witness 24

hours of daylight! Bird activity often peaks at mid-day! Polar Bears are unlikely to be encountered; however we should see

Musk-Ox, Arctic Fox, Ringed Seal, Arctic Hare and lemmings. We can expect a high diversity of land and water birds during

our visit to central Alberta and the Yellowknife area.

Our daily itinerary will be responsive to weather conditions. Driving will be limited to either small or moderate stretches. Lunch

will be variable in time and location depending on the day and the level of birding. The weather can vary from a sweltering

25C to around freezing in the day, with frequent night-time frosts. It may snow, and participants should layer their clothing as

conditions can change quickly while we are in the eld. Participants should include bug repellent and perhaps a head net in

their luggage, as there will be some mosquitoes, especially in Yellowknife! Sturdy footwear that will keep your feet dry is

recommended, as we will be doing some tundra hiking. Each evening a log-call follows the evening meal. We review

the days events, birds, mammals and other observations and look forward to the next days activity.


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1

JULY 12 - 19, 2015

and the Great Northern Peninsula




Gros Morne

National Park Denn


26/44

Join us on a photographic adventure featuring two magnicent

UNESCO World Heritage sites and many delightful gems along

the path that connects them. This is a tour for photographers

who want to submerge themselves in an inspiring, rugged

landscape as they hone their skills. We mix group instruction,

experiential learning and professional one-on-one coaching

for a custom-tailored experience in the midst of cultural and

ecological wonders.

Gros Morne National Park is a spectacular naturalphenomenon lled with sparkling bays, ancient fjords, and

the awe-inspiring Tablelands. Rich in wildlife and magnicent

vistas, it is also the place where geology commands centre

stage. We settle ourselves at a central location in Gros

Morne and explore its heart with plenty of time to capture the

landscape with our cameras.

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 treasures along our way, from graveyards

with stories to tell, to lighthouses and dune-strewn sandy

beaches, even a glimpse of Labrador across the strait.

Our destination is the very tip of Newfoundlands Northern

Peninsula, a nger that reaches high into the North Atlantic.

Here we walk in the footsteps of the Vikings who wintered

in this place over a thousand years ago in deance of the

barren land. The tip of the Peninsula pushes into Iceberg Alley,

the berg-laden current that sweeps down from the coast of

Labrador. Here we explore one of the best places on earth tosee these giant ice castles.

So pack your camera and join celebrated nature photographer,

Dennis Minty, and his partner Antje Springmann, in this ancient

rugged place. Your guides are Newfoundlanders who will open

doors to places and experiences undiscovered by the casual

tourist. Dont miss this extra-ordinary photographic journey that

will leave you inspired and refreshed, and your photography

portfolio brimming.

Your ItineraryDay 1 to 3

Our trip begins in Deer Lake where you will meet your guides

and start your journey to Gros Morne National Park. Once

settled in our accommodations, we will brief you on whats in

store and introduce you to Gros Morne National Park, where

we will immerse ourselves for the next 3 days. Our outings

will include:

Hiking at the base of the majestic Table Mountain where

the earths mantle projects through the continental crust

A boat trip on the stunning and unique Western Brook Pond

gorge(new bullet) exploring the beach and sand dunes of

Shallow Bay

A visit to Green Point where 15 million years of the

earths history can be read like a book

Day 4 to 6

We journey to the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Here

and along the way we will:

Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings and see the earliest

evidence of European settlement in North America at

LAnse aux Meadows

Explore Port aux Choix where Newfoundlands rst

peoples lived more than 4000 years ago

See the magnicent Arches, a natural geological

formation that inspires the imagination

Come face to face with Atlantic salmon as they push

up the Torrent River sh ladder on their way to their

spawning grounds

Visit charming communities like Onion Cove and St.

Anthony to get a taste of the everyday lives of

Newfoundlanders in isolated part of the province where

tradition is alive and strong.

Day 7

We travel south again to Gros Morne National Park for

another overnight, stopping along the way to take in more of

what the Northern Peninsula has to offer.

Day 8

We make our way to Corner Brook, a vibrant milling town at the

mouth of the great Humber River for a nal evening together.

Whats Included:

All accommodations

All meals

Ground transportation

Your instructor/guide(s)

All park/tour fees

Whats Not Included:

Flights to and from Deer Lake

Laundry, phone calls, items of a

personal nature

Alcoholic beverages

Travel/medical insurance

Trip Details

Price:

$3,495 CAD + HST

single supplement $645

Max Group #: 6

Fitness Level:Moderate. Includes

hikes on mostly prepared trails in hilly

terrain. Footing can be uneven.

Tour Starts & Ends:Deer Lake, NL

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions.

As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.


27/44

Beluga,Bears &

Blooms

Call Sheryl at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 Ext 224 or email [email protected]



July 22 - 27 and August 12-17, 2015

During the summer months of July and August, the Churchill

River is home to thousands of beluga whales that migrate into

the river to give birth and feed on small sh. Theyre known as the

canaries of the sea, and you can experience the beauty of beluga

whale songs by boat, kayak or for the more adventurous, get up

close and personal on a snorkeling adventure. This unique whale-

watching experience will leave you in awe as you are surrounded

by dozens of whales at a time while out on the water.

Travel by air to Churchill where you will have time to explore th

unique charming town and visit its many cultural attractions.

You even have the opportunity to see the rst of the summer pol

bears as they begin their migration into the area!


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Your Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival in Winnipeg

After arriving into Winnipeg (by own arrangement), meet

the group for an afternoon tour of Winnipeg. Well learn

about the citys unique and vibrant history, beginning with a

tour of the historic Exchange District, and then head to the

Forks National Historic Site. Well visit Winnipegs French

Quarter with its beautiful St. Boniface Cathedral, the oldest

cathedral in Western Canada. View Upper Fort Garry Gate,

the Legislative Building, and Winnipegs 393-acre Assiniboine

Park where well have the opportunity to walk through the

unique Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Overnight in Winnipeg.

DAY 2 Tour of historical places

Morning ight from Winnipeg to Churchill. This afternoon

well enjoy a guided bus tour of local and historical points of

interest surrounding Churchill, including Cape Merry, Port of

Churchill and the Manitoba Conservations Polar Bear Holding

Facility. Well visit the Eskimo museum which contains oneof Canadas nest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and

artifacts dating from pre- Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern

Inuit times. Well also visit the Parks Canada Interpretive

Centre and walk back in time viewing detailed and exciting

wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits, leaving chock-full of

natural and historical information from the Churchill region.

Overnight in Churchill.

DAY 3 ZodiacExcursion

In the morning well enjoy one of Churchills summer highlights:

A guided Zodiac excursion into the beluga whale estuary th

largest beluga whale population in the world at surface level!

After this exhilarating wildlife tour, well lunch and prepare fo

our afternoon dog-cart excursion, hosted by a local residen

and dog sledding expert. Well meet the team of friendly dogs

hear stories and learn dog- handling philosophy. Enjoy a 1.

kilometre long dog- cart ride through the northern borea

forest. Overnight in Churchill.

DAY 4 Summer Wildlife

Today well be out on the tundra all day! The best way t

experience magnicent summer wildlife including caribou

arctic fox and ptarmigan, is on an authentic Tundra Buggy. Th

Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stoppin

at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and tak

photos of the lush ora of the Arctic. Overnight in Churchill.

DAY 5 Boating Expedition

This morning well get back on the water for a boating

expedition to see the belugas in the mouth of the Churchi

River, then, across the river well tour the Prince of Wales Fo

National Historic Site of Canada, the oldest most northerl

stone fort in the country. Well depart Churchill by air in th

afternoon. Overnight in Winnipeg.

DAY 6 Departure

Depart Winnipeg at leisure.

Whats Included:

Meals from breakfast on Day 2 to Dinner on plane day 5

Return ight from Winnipeg to Churchill 2 nights at

Winnipeg Hotel

3 nights in Churchill Hotel

All tours as outlined in the itinerary

Whats Not Included:

Independent ights to and from

Winnipeg

Travel insurance (Mandatory

Medical & Evacuation Insuran

Items of person nature Alcoholic Beverages

Optional helicopter tour

Gratuities

Trip Details

Price:

$4,099 USD + HST per person

Shared room, comfortable hotel

Single supplement $500 USD

PLEASE NOTE:This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and someactivities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures,

weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor

and will dictate our itinerary.


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August 7-8 and August 18-19, 2015Inuit Art of Toronto




Northby South


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Details

Cost: $717 USD + HST. Single supplement $235

Min Group:10 adventurers

Fitness Level:Easy

Date:August 7-8 / August 18-19, 2015

Tour starts & Ends - Toronto, Ontario

Tour cost includes: Led and guided by local expert Heather Beecroft

Transportation from Sheraton Gateway return

Dinner x 1, Lunch x 2 and Breakfast x 1

Accommodation at Sheraton Gateway for one night

Tour cost does not include: Items of a personal nature

Alcoholic beverages

Travel/ medical insurance

Day 1:

At 0930h we will meet our local guide at our hotel, theexcellent Sheraton Gateway Toronto. From there well

embark on an exploration of some of Ontarios artworks,

examining the northern connection and inuence in painting,

sculpture and Inuit work. The world-famous McMichael

Gallery in Kleinburg features a magnicent collection of

works from the Group of Seven, Canadas art changing force.

Our day program includes an introduction to the gallerys

world-class collection of Inuit works of the gallery, and a

visit to the sculptures installed in the surrounding parkland.

Well have time to visit the nearby village of Kleinburg with

its charming shops and historic architecture.

Overnight at Sheraton Gateway, Toronto Pearson Airport.

Day 2:

Today we are in downtown Toronto, in the heart of thecity at the Museum of Inuit Art. Located within the historic

Queens Quay Terminal, on Torontos waterfront, the MIA, as

it is aectionately known, is devoted exclusively to historic

and contemporary Inuit Art.

Well share lunch in one of Torontos amazing array of

dining destinations.

We return to the Sheraton Gateway in time for the evening

Meet and Greet at the commencement of your Adventure

Canada voyage program.

Artworks will be available for purchase in both venues.

Itinerary

Your Guide: Heather Beecroft

A champion of culture, Heather has worked to promote Inuit artists and their work during her

teaching career and within the Cooperative system. For the past 15 years she has marketed

directly to her clients via lectures and art shows. Travelling into the Arctic is her passion which

she shares with fun and vigorous enthusiasm in her connections with all adventurers! Heathers

work with Adventure Canada includes developing innovative programming and partnerships.

Southern Ontario may seem a world away from the Canadian Arctic but Arctic art and the inuence are

abundantly represented in Toronto and area. Galleries here house spectacular collections of historic, and

contemporary works by Inuit artists and reveal the lasting impression of The North on Canadian art itself.

North by South:Inuit Art


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Trip Details

Date:August 15 - 24, 2015

Duration:10 days

Price:$2,885 USD + HST in double

occupancy,

single supplement $530 USD + HST


Tour Starts & End:Saint John, New

Brunswick

Guide:Jared Clarke

HIGHLIGHTS

Easy and enjoyable birding in ne weather among very

pleasant and attractive scenery

Ferry rides and pelagic trip for seabirds and marine

mammals, including the endangered North Atlantic RightWhale

Globally signicant concentrations of migrant Semipalmate

Sandpipers along the shores of Bay of Fundy

Grand Manan is simply a delightful island to explore!


Razorbill

Wilsons Storm-Petrel

Greater Shearwater

Red Phalarope

Atlantic Pufn

Boreal Chickadee

Nelsons Sparrow

White-winged Crossbill

Thousands of migrating

Semipalmated Sandpipers

Plus cetaceans including the

endangered North Atlantic Right

Whale

Whats Included:

Your guide(s)

Accommodation

Breakfasts and lunches during the tour


One whale watching excursion

Whats Not Included:

Return ight from your home to

Saint John

Evening meals

Personal expenses

Medical Insurance

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival in Saint John

Our trip begins at 6:30 pm in our hotel lobby where we will

meet and head off to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Night in

Saint John.

Day 2 - Fundy National Park and Marys Point - Shepody

National Wildlife Area

We depart early from Saint John and visit Fundy National

Park, where well take in a couple of nature trails, looking for

boreal forest species such as Boreal Chickadee, Gray

Jay and White-winged Crossbill, and keeping a watch out

for Moose. We then head along the coastline to Marys

Point Shepody National Wildlife Area, where, during early

August, Semipalmated Sandpipers gather in the hundreds

of thousands. Even though we will be past this peak, there

will still be large numbers present. The sight of all these birds

twisting and turning in unison is an awesome spectacle. There

will almost certainly be Peregrines and Merlins attracted by

the shorebirds here. Nearby is a collection of freshwater

Birding New Brunswick & Grand Manan

This tour combines diverse bird life with beautiful panoramas

of wildowers, picturesque shing villages and fabulous

views of whales, including the endangered North Atlantic

Right Whale. We visit Grand Manan Island when fall

migration peaks for several groups of birds, and we could

see well over 20 species of warblers, including a good

chance for rarities like Prairie Warbler. The interior forests

support breeding populations of Black-backed Woodpecker,

Spruce Grouse, White-winged Crossbill and

Boreal Chickadee. Seabirds are diverse; along with Black

Guillemots and Northern Gannets, we are quite likely to see

Greater and Sooty Shearwaters, Razorbills, Atlantic Pufns,

Common and Arctic Terns, and Northern Fulmars, and there

is always a good chance of seeing jaegers, storm-petrels

and Black-legged Kittiwakes. We also take in the amazing

shorebird concentrations of the Bay of Fundy, renowned

for the highest tides on earth, and the sand dunes of

Kouchibouguac National Park.


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WHAT TO EXPECT

Easy to moderate walking including several boardwalks

Warm days, cool nights Cool breezes off the ocean at times


Excellent meals

Ferry ride to/from Grand Manan

Boat trip into Bay of Fundy

Includes all breakfasts and lunches

4 to 8 participants with one leader, 9 - 12 with two leaders

Our trip will involve two 3-4 hour drives on separate days

to reach prime birding destinations. Most days begin with

breakfast at 6:30 - 7:00 a.m., followed at mid-day by a

picnic lunch. When on Grand Manan Island we return to ourhotel in the afternoon to have time to relax. Our schedule

is exible as it depends on driving times involved each day,

and it allows participants time to explore historical aspects of

the island on their own if they wish.

We explore a good portion of Grand Manan island during our

stay. On one day we take a 4-6 h pelagic trip off the south

end of the island into the Bay of Fundy. Because the island is

small and traveling distances are not great, driving times are

relatively short.

Weather in August is usually very pleasant, with warm days

and cool nights, but there is always the chance of fog. It

is a good idea to bring footwear that is waterproof. The

pelagic boat trip can be quite cool, so appropriate layered

clothing, gloves and hat are recommended. The ferries

are comfortable, with shelter and lots of seating space.

The pelagic boat trip is conducted using local shermens

vessels, which comply with Canadian Safety Standards.

These vessels can comfortably hold 30 people with bench

seating.

Most trails and paths that we follow are moderately easy

to navigate. Participants in good health should experience

no problems with the terrain, as our pace will be leisurely.

We recommend that you bring mosquito repellent, although

mosquitoes are not usually a problem anywhere except

perhaps in sheltered trails. Each evening, the list of birds and

other wildlife will be reviewed during dinner, and plans for the

next day will be discussed.

seeing marine mammals and seabirds off the headland.

Night on Grand Manan island.

Days 7-8 - Exploring Grand Manan Island

Exploration of the islands various birding hotspots. We travel

to the northern tip of the island to visit several excellent sites.

We stop at the Whistle and Long Eddy Point, considered the

best location on the island for landbirds, before they take

off for the mainland and seabirds which forage along the rip

tides just offshore. We visit Castalia Marsh, a salt marsh that

can be very good for shorebirds, especially at high tide; 40

species of shorebirds have been reported here! We also visit

Ingalls head, Miller Pond near the islands tiny airstrip, and

Southwest Head for passerines and other boreal residents.

On one or both days we take a pelagic trip out into the

Bay of Fundy to look for seabirds and marine mammals.

These trips last 4-6 hours and are very exciting! On our

way out past the barrier islands we will hopefully encounter

Razorbills, Great Cormorants that sit amongst numerousDouble-crested Cormorants, and nesting Bald Eagles. Once

we hit the deeper waters, small ocks of Red and Red-

necked Phalaropes dot the surface of the ocean, while the

rst tubenoses begin to appear as we get further out from

the barrier island.

If the weather is calm, the spray of Humpback and Fin

Whales can be seen at great distances. The large rafts of

shearwaters consisting of Greater and Sooties may contain

a few Manx Shearwaters. The occasional Northern Gannet

aps by and Atlantic Pufns appear out of nowhere with

a beak full of sh. If we are lucky, a migrant Pomarine or

Parasitic Jaeger will be attracted to large foraging groups

of shearwaters. Graceful Wilsons Storm-Petrels dart in

and out amongst the waves, as we try to pick out a Leachs

Storm-Petrel. Arctic Terns y by in small groups, and the rst

groups of Northern Fulmars and Black-legged Kittiwakes

coming south appear here and there. Further out in the Bay,

the largest concentrations of the endangered Northern Right

Whale in the world are in the midst of courtship displays, and

we will try to locate some of these magnicent mammals.

Every trip nds something different on the Bay of Fundy!

Nights on Grand Manan island.

Day 9 - Ferry Ride to Blacks Harbour and return to

Saint JohnAfter spending the morning birding, we catch the ferry back

to the mainland (again, watching for wildlife on the crossing),

arriving in Saint John by mid-afternoon. Night in Saint John.

Day 10 - Departure

Our tour concludes after breakfast.


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September 24 - October 3, 2015

Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566



Quebecin Fall:Birds & Whales


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Trip Details

Date:September 24 - October 3, 2015Duration:10 days

Price:$3,075 USD + GST in double

occupancy,



Tour Starts & End:Quebec City, Quebec

Guide:Pierre Richard

HIGHLIGHTS

Several splendid wildlife spectacles - from thousands of Snow Geese to impressive encounters with big whales Charm of Quebec City

Spectacular autumnal colours


Greater Snow Goose

Black-legged Kittiwake

Boreal Chickadee

Common Eider

Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow

Beluga Whale

Fin Whale

Other baleen whales possibly including

Blue Whale, dolphins and porpoises

Whats Included:

Your guide(s) Accommodation

Breakfasts and lunches during the tour


Two whale watching excursions

Whats Not Included:

Return ight from your hometo Quebec City

Evening meals

Personal expenses

Medical Insurance

Quebec in Fall: Birds & Whales

Good birding and whale-watching at a ne time of the year,

the fall, when autumnal colours cover the countryside, in la

Belle Province, Quebec! Starting in historic Quebec City,

we rst visit Jacques-Cartier Park, renowned for its vistas

and beautiful fall foliage displays. The park is an area of

outstanding beauty, even more so at this season because

of the brilliant fall foliage, a photographers dream! Here

we will be introduced to birds of the boreal forest - Boreal

Chickadee, Gray Jay, kinglets with possibilites of Ruffed and

even Spruce Grouse,. Next we head down along the mighty

St Lawrence River rst to Cap-Tourmente where thousands

of Greater Snow Geese and other waterfowl have gathered

at the national wildlife area, next to the remarkable Grands-

Jardins park for boreal and tundra species. The following

day we travel along the spectacular Charlevoix landscape

on to Tadoussac and the mouth of the Saguenay River for

scoters, shorebirds and whale-watching. Whale-watching

boat rides should put us close to many whales of several

different species - Fin Whale, Minke Whale, dolphins

and porpoises, possibly Blue and Humpback Whales,

and especially Belugas. We take the ferry across the St.

Lawrence, looking for sea birds such as Common Eiders,

Northern Gannet and kittiwakes to Rivire-du-Loup, where

we make an effort to nd Nelsons Sparrow. We make our

way back along the St Lawrence, taking in several choice

spots, and end in Quebec City.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival in Qubec City

Qubec City, a World Heritage City, is the beautiful capital of

the province of Qubec, situated on the St. Lawrence River.

It will be our base for the start of our adventure, and if time

permits well visit the historic walled Old City, rst founded

almost 400 years ago.

Night in Quebec City.

Day 2 - Parc de la Jacques-Cartier and Marais

Lon-Provancher

Our rst stop is Jacques-Cartier Provincial Park, a region of

steep-sided valleys and forested Laurentide uplands. The

autumn foliage should be peaking at this time. Well explor

Documents

Adventure Canada Small Trips 2015