ARCTIC SAfARI - Loblaw Companies Limited - Home see for yourself how WWF-Canada is building a future where nature and people thrive. 6© Scott Sporleder WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017

ARCTIC SAfARIExperience the majesty of the Arctic with a team of WWf conservation expertsJuly 30 – August 10, 201750

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© Danny Catt

WWf-CAnAdA’S ARCTIC SAfARI

Since 1967, WWF-Canada has played a signifi cant role in conserving vital land, freshwater and coastal ecosystems. WWF-Canada has chosen award-winning Canadian tour operator Adventure Canada to present our 2017 Arctic Safari in celebration of WWF’s 50th anniversary and Canada’s 150th anniversary.

About Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada is a family-run travel company that has been offering small group and small-ship adventures to some of the Canada – and the world’s – most unique and wild destinations since 1987. Their pioneering approach to expedition cruising and top-notch resource staffs emphasize wildlife, art, culture, learning, and fun.

© Andrew Stewart

WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017 5

AdvEnTuRE AWAITS

The vast Arctic is a place of desolate beauty, where majestic icebergs drift on icy blue seas, where stars from distant galaxies gleam in clear night skies, where magnificent creatures roam free – polar bears, narwhal, belugas, musk ox and dozens of bird species. Unchanged for thousands of years, the Arctic is now one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time, and WWF-Canada is playing a key role in securing a healthy future for this unique region.

Join WWF-Canada wildlife conservation experts Paul Crowley, Vice President of Arctic Programs, and Pete Ewins, Lead Species Specialist on a journey deep into the home of iconic wildlife and the remote communities of Inuit. Your journey is further enhanced by our guest experts, acclaimed National Geographic husband-and-wife photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes; award-winning writer Alanna Mitchell, author of Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis and co-author of Franklin’s Lost Ship.

You will visit Lancaster Sound, at the southern edge of the Last Ice Area, the only Arctic region expected to retain its summer sea ice until 2050 as the world warms, making it a critically important zone for the future of ice-dependent life. The Sound is where over 70,000 narwhals, at least half the global population, return each year. On June 8, 2016, Shell Canada decided to relinquish offshore oil exploration permits within the Inuit preferred boundary for the Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area. Working in tandem with Inuit groups, WWF-Canada’s many years of effort to create marine protected areas and expand protection for Lancaster Sound led to a focus on eliminating offshore oil exploration permits and ending the risk of a spill. Now you have the opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Sound.

JoIn uSand see for yourself how WWF-Canada is building a future where nature and people thrive.

6 WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017© Scott Sporleder


ThE JouRnEyOur classic Arctic expedition begins by exploring Greenland’s fjords and communities.

The great icefjord at Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and source of the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic, is one of many Greenlandic highlights. Across the Davis Strait, the Canadian Arctic experience begins in the picturesque community of Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet), as we head north, opportunities for polar bear, whales, and musk ox abound on Devon Island and throughout Lancaster Sound, while Prince Leopold Island is one of Canada’s best birding areas. Abandoned RCMP and HBC posts offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history; at Beechey Island, we’ll pay our respects at the graves of three of Sir John Franklin’s men. Resolute Bay memorializes the courage of the Inuit of Canada’s Arctic.

On this trip, will live and breathe the natural history of some of the planet’s most striking features as we search for the cultures and wildlife of the vast and beautiful north.

Highlights

• Visit Beechey Island, where Sir John Franklin and his men stayed in the winter of 1845-46, as part of their ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves of three of Franklin’s crew are here.

• Search for polar bears, whales and walruses in their Arctic feeding grounds

• Voyage along the magnificent fjords of Greenland and Nunavut

• Marvel at the Arctic in summer bloom

• Cruise the seabird colony at Prince Leopold Island by Zodiac

• Cross the Arctic Circle by sea

• Explore Lancaster Sound in search of wildlife

• Travel with WWF experts and enjoy on board lectures and workshops

8 WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017

ARCHTIC CIRCLE 66˚ 33'

Lancaster Sound

GREENLAND

Karrat Fjord

Uummannaq Fjord

Ilulissat

Kangerlussuaq

Sisimiut Coast

Baffin Bay

N 80˚

Hudson Bay

Labrador Sea

Gulf of St. Lawrence

NUNAVUT

ONTARIO

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

ALBERTA

BRITISHCOLUMBIA

YUKONTERRITORY

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NEWFOUNDLAND

NEW BRUNSWICK

NOVA SCOTIA

PRINCEEDWARDISLAND

QUEBEC

Baffin IslandDavis Strait

Mittimatalik(Pond Inlet)

Prince Leopold Island

BeecheyIsland

DevonIsland

Qausuittuq(Resolute)

CANADA

USA

This is our proposed itinerary. It is highly probable that weather, sea, and ice conditions will not allow us to travel this exact route. Our Expedition Leader and the Ocean Endeavour’s captain will determine our exact route day by day.


PRoPoSEd ITInERARy

Northbound Charter Flight: Toronto to KangerlussuaqSouthbound Charter Flight: Qausuittuq (Resolute) to Ottawa

dAy dESTInATIon

1 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

2 Sisimiut Coast

3 Ilulissat

4 Uummannaq Fjord

5 Karrat Fjord

6 At Sea

7 Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut, Canada

8 North Baffin

9 Devon Island

10 Lancaster Sound

11 Prince Leopold and Beechey Islands

12 Quasuittuq (Resolute)

10 WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017© Michelle Valberg


dETAILEd ITInERARy

dAy 1 KAngERLuSSuAq, gREEnLAnd Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord.’ We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord as the sun sets before us.

dAy 2 SISImIuT CoASTPeople have lived in the Sisimiut area for 4,500 years. The first 2,000 years, the people of the Saqqaq culture occupied the area. Approx. 2,500 years ago, new people brought the Dorset culture to the Sisimiut area. They lived here for 1,500 years and were followed by the people of the Thule culture – the ancestors of the current population. All these cultures came from Canada. The people primarily lived on fish, birds, and mammals such as whales and seals. These ice-free conditions in the sea around Sisimiut, including some of Greenland’s deepest fjords, allow us to sail in waters that are home to many whales and seals.

dAy 3 ILuLISSATVenturing 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle we find the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat. Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, and there couldn’t be a more fitting name. Our visit will include time in the colourful town and a chance to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where we can observe the great fields of ice.

We will also cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at nineteen metres per day – calving more than thirty-five square kilometres of ice annually. Because of its relative ease of accessibility, the glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years, and has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.


dETAILEd ITInERARy Con’T

dAy 4 uummAnnAq fJoRdUummannaq Fjord in northwest Greenland is the country’s second-largest system of fjords. It empties into Baffin Bay and is characterized by its developed coastline and various bays, islands, and peninsulas. It is considered to be the sunniest spot in Greenland, and favourable weather – coupled with proximity to coastal travel routes – has made the fjord system a popular destination for Greenlandic Inuit. It has been settled and re-settled continually for the last 4,500 years.

dAy 5 KARRAT fJoRdToday we will cruise one of Greenland’s most spectacular fjords, known for plentiful marine life and awe-inspiring landscapes. Seals use the long leads created by high winds in this region to hunt the rich waters of the fjord. The cliffs and talus slopes within the fjord should give us good opportunities to see colonies of dovekies. Time spent on deck today should result in some good wildlife sightings, not to mention unbeatable photographic opportunities of icebergs against the majestic rock faces.

dAy 6 AT SEAOur presentation series will continue as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Canada. While out on deck, keep your eyes peeled for possible minke and humpback whales amid potential pack ice, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

© Mike Beedell

© Michelle Valberg © Steve Gorman

© Michelle Valberg

© Michelle Valberg

© Lee Narraway © Michelle Valberg

© Michelle Valberg © Michelle Valberg © Michelle Valberg


dAy 7 mITTImATILIK (Pond InLET)Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) is a bustling Arctic community surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern Arctic. We will have a chance to explore the town and meet many local citizens who will gladly share their culture. We will be treated to a cultural presentation at the Community Hall. Mittimatalik is a famous region for viewing marine mammals, including the elusive narwhal.

dAy 8 noRTh BAffIn Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the fjords of northeast Baffin Island. Baffin’s fjords are striking, affording stunning perspectives on geological processes. The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for exploring these hidden treasures of the north, as her manoeuvrability and shallow draft allows her to access regions that would be impassable to larger vessels. We will be on alert for changing weather and ice conditions and use our judgement as to which route along the coast will be the most spectacular. As ever, our team will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.

dAy 9 dEvon ISLAnd Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on earth and comprises over fifty thousand square kilometres. It was first sighted by Europeans in 1616, though it was not inhabited for another three hundred years with the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The island’s geology consists of reddish Precambrian gneiss and Paeleozoic siltstones and shales; these, combined with its harsh climate, have drawn comparisons with the planet Mars.

dAy 10 LAnCASTER SoundWe will spend the day exploring Lancaster Sound, famous for its marine mammals, including beluga whales. There is a great selection of landing sites available. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today.



dAy 11 PRInCE LEoPoLd And BEEChEy ISLAndSThe tall cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are one of the top bird sites in the high Arctic both during the breeding/summering seasons. It is a breeding site for thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, glaucous gulls, and black guillemots. In 1845, Sir John Franklin took his expedition of 129 men and two ships into the Wellington Channel to overwinter at Beechey Island. Then they headed SSW towards the Canadian mainland. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition, and it was two years before search parties were launched. Aside from the bodies of the three souls buried here, only relics were found as clues to the disappearance. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party—until recently. In the autumn of 2014, Canadian archaeologists discovered remnants of the HMS Erebus in the frozen waters of the Northwest Passage, a discovery that has re-galvanized interest in the fabled region.

dAy 12 qAuSuITTuq (RESoLuTE), nuQausuittuq, or “place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun – daylight persists around the clock from about April 29 to August 13 each year. Located on the south coast of Cornwallis Island, Resolute Bay is the “jumping off place” for expeditions to the North Pole. From archaeological excavations, it has been concluded that there have been at least three stages of occupation at Resolute Bay.

The Dorset culture was the first, followed by an early phase of the Thule culture, in which the artefacts found show strong Alaskan affinities. These were probably both short periods of occupation, possibly by only a few families. A late or developed phase of the Thule culture was of longer duration, with a considerably larger population. Qausuittuq (Resolute) was named after HMS Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. An airfield was established at Resolute Bay in 1947 during construction of a joint US-Canadian weather station. In 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec, and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) were relocated to Qausuittuq (Resolute) by the Canadian government.

Today, we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return flights.


© Sonya Kwiatkowski

© Dennis Minty

© Michelle Valberg


guEST hoSTS

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are internationally-acclaimed, award-winning National Geographic photographers who specialize in making underwater imagery from the warm equatorial waters to the poles. David is currently working on his 70th story for the National Geographic and is considered the most prolific living photographer at the magazine. Jennifer is a zoologist/marine biologist specializing in primitive fishes and sharks. The pair have descended beneath Africa’s dark waters to photograph elephants and Nile crocodiles, explored beneath the polar ice and the shrinking world of sharks, photographed real time sinking ships and are documenting the impacts of climate change on coral reef systems around the globe.

As journalists who enter the sea, David and Jennifer know very well that we are all on the front lines of a battle to save the oceans and to raise awareness of the acute state of our oceans that predominantly cover our planet. Their goal is to use photography as a universal visual language to expose the fragile beauty of the seas and to convince the unconvinced that the seas are fragile and finite. Their favorite place to be on the planet is home on the St Lawrence River.

david doubilet and Jennifer hayes Photographers, National Geographic

© Kelly Stremmel


Alanna Mitchell is an award-winning Canadian journalist, playwright and author who writes about science and social trends. She is a global thinker who likes to think of herself as a detective assembling clues about the fate of the planet.

Her book, Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis, is an international best seller that won the prestigious U.S.-based Grantham Prize for excellence in environmental journalism. She wrote a one-woman play based on the book that she performs internationally in conjunction with Toronto’s The Theatre Centre.

In 2015, Alanna and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s John Geiger co-authored Franklin’s Lost Ship: The Historic Discovery of HMS Erebus, a project that stemmed from her twin loves of mystery and the Arctic.

Alanna also writes magazine articles, researches television documentaries and makes radio documentaries for CBC. She occasionally writes for the New York Times science section, and is a regular contributor to CBC’s Quirks and Quarks and Canadian Geographic Magazine.

Her latest book is tentatively called The Spinning Magnet, about the Earth’s magnetic field, to be published by Dutton. Her next play is tentatively called The Cure, about the cultural metaphors of cancer, and she is working on it this year as playwright in residence at The Theatre Centre.

Alanna mitchell Journalist, Author

© Chloe Ellingson


guEST hoSTS Con’T

Paul is a long-time resident of Nunavut, has worked on many aspects of sustainable development in the Arctic and internationally for over 20 years. He served as Principal Secretary to the Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak. A lawyer, Paul has provided counsel through the years on a wide array of Arctic matters, such as climate change, natural resource management, as well as economic and social development.

Previously, he closely supported Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, to introduce human rights into UN climate negotiations and give a human face to climate change. As part of this work he conceived and helped create Many Strong Voices – a coalition between Arctic Peoples and Small Island States. Paul assisted many Inuit organizations, including as Special Counsel to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, which looked at Inuit-government relations in the Baffin region from 1950 to the 1970s, and as Executive Director of the Nunavut Social Development Council, which is charged with tabling an annual report on the state of Inuit culture and society.

Paul Crowley Vice-president, Arctic WWF-Canada


Born in Worksop, England, Pete earned an honours degree in Zoology from Edinburgh University and went on to complete his doctorate in marine ornithology at Oxford University in 1986. He spent 12 years in Shetland, including a post as Assistant Warden for three years at the world famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory. His introduction to applied conservation was provided during six years working for the UK government as Nature Conservancy Council officer for Shetland. In 1990, he moved to Canada and worked until 1996 on the Great Lakes wildlife toxicology programs of the federal government’s Canadian Wildlife Service, documenting levels and impacts of toxic pollutants on wildlife at the top of aquatic foodwebs.

He joined WWF-Canada, as Director of Canada’s Endangered Species Program in 1996 and then built and directed WWF’s Arctic conservation work from 2000 – 2006, focusing heavily on shifting the industrial development paradigm to one that provides adequately for conservation of intact ecosystems, and ecological and cultural diversity, while the opportunity still remains. Pete now leads WWF’s species conservation work in Canada, focusing on flagship species such as polar bear, whales, monarchs and other priority regional wildlife, in these times of unprecedented ecosystem change.

Peter Ewins Lead Specialist, Species Conservation WWF-Canada


ExPEdITIon & BERTh PRICESAll prices are in U.S. dollars and are cash/cheque discounted

July 30 – August 10, 2017

12 daysCharter flight$2,195 uSd

Credit card rates in uSdC10 $17,883 C9 $16,531 C8 $15,179 C7 $13,827 C6 $12,579 C5 $11,331 C4 $10,083 C3 $8,731 C2 $7,275 C1 $6,235

CABIn CLASS CATEgoRy fEE dISCovERy fEE

C10 Suite $17,195 $250

C9 Junior Suite $15,895 $250

C8 Superior Twin $14,595 $250

C7 Select Twin $13,295 $250

C6 Comfort Twin $12,095 $250

C5 Main Twin $10,895 $250

C4 Exterior Twin $9,695 $250

C3 Interior Twin $8,395 $250

C2 Triple $6,995 $250

C1 Quad $5,995 $250

WWF-Canada has chosen award-winning Canadian tour operator Adventure Canada to present our 2017 Arctic Safari in celebration of WWF-Canada’s 50th anniversary and Canada’s 150th anniversary.

For further information regarding this Arctic expedition, contact Adventure Canada at:1.800.363.7566 | [email protected]

A D V E N T U R EC A N A D A

Expedition Costs Include:

• Passageaboardthe Ocean Endeavour

• Pre-departurematerials• Specialaccesspermits,

entry and park fees• Teamofexpeditionstaff• Applicabletaxes• Educationalprogram• Interactiveworkshops• Eveningentertainment• Guidedactivities• Sightseeingandcommunityvisits• Allshipboardmeals• AllZodiacexcursions• Portfees

Expedition Costs Do Not Include:

• $250DiscoveryFee• Commercial&Charterflights• Gratuities(suggested$15uSD

per passenger, per day) • Bicyclerentals• Personalexpenses• Mandatorymedical

evacuation insurance • Additionalexpensesintheevent

of delays or itinerary changes • Possiblefuelsurcharges• Pre&posthotelaccommodation• Optionalexcursions• Additionalcostsassociated

with payments made by credit card

Save 30% for 30 & Under

Call us to inquire about our 30% discount on berth costs for travellers under 30! This discount cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Discovery Fee

Each area we visit has rich cultural experiences and wild treasures to offer. As guests, we have made a point of sourcing and supporting local projects in the areas through which we travel. A contribution from each passenger, billed separately astheDiscoveryFee,representsaportion of the money we donate to ensure the longevity and success of educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives in these regions. OurDiscoveryFeeis$250uSD per person for all shipboard expeditions and on this voyage will be donated to WWF-Canada.

Free Single Supplement!

For those travelling solo, we have a limited quantity of single cabins in category 3 through to category 7. There is no single supplement fee for these cabins. Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost. This promotion is available on certain cabin categories – call for details and availability.

Family-Friendly

Kids four years and younger only pay for charter airfare – and kids two years and younger travel for free! Pleasenotethatchildcareisnotprovided on board the Ocean Endeavour.

WWF-Canada245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410Toronto,Ontario,CanadaM4P3J1Tel: 416-489-8800Toll-free:1-800-26-PANDA(1-800-267-2632) wwf.ca

©1986PandaSymbolWWF–WorldWideFundForNature(FormerlyWorldWildlifeFund) ® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark

0Cert no. XXX-XXX-000FPO

Join WWF-Canada in planning for an Arctic future that conserves wildlife, respects local communities and promotes responsible development.

What’s more, as a Friend, enjoy a VIP experience on the Arctic Safari:

• Invitationstoexclusive“Friends-only”receptionon-boardtheship

• Dinnereacheveningwithadifferentresourcestaffhostingyourtable

• ReceivealimitededitionprintasamementooftheArcticSafari2017,held to celebrate WWF-Canada’s 50th anniversary

For further information: friendsof.wwf.ca

BEComE A fRIEndof CAnAdA’S ARCTICFor a tax-deductible gift of $10,000 or more

Documents

ARCTIC SAfARI - Loblaw Companies Limited - Home see for yourself how WWF-Canada is building a future where nature and people thrive. 6© Scott Sporleder WWF-Canada Arctic Safari 2017