Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Arctic Expedition: Baffin Island and Greenland by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Day 1 Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Ottawa

Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Program Registration: At 5:30 PM meet your group leader in the hotel lobby. Orientation: 6:00 PM. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The schedule that follows is tentative and a representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage options including coffee, tea, water, and a glass of beer or wine; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Explore Ottawa Ottawa

Walking up to 2 miles; paved surfaces.

We will set out on foot to explore Canada's capital city. With a local expert, we will explore some of Ottawa's iconic landmarks, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and Byward Market. We’ll learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the area.

We’ll have independent time to explore Canada’s capital city before meeting back at the hotel for a pre-embarkation briefing.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Hotel plated meal.

Day 3 Charter Flight to Resolute, Embark Ocean Endeavour Resolute

Embarkation via zodiac; staff available to assist. Flight times are subject to the unpredictable Arctic weather and the vagaries of flight servicing in remote destinations. Delays can, and often do occur. Should you require medication during the day please ensure you keep this with you.

Transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Resolute on board a 737 aircraft.

Arrive in Resolute, NU. Qausuittuq, or “place with no dawn” is truly the land of the midnight sun — daylight persists constantly from about April 29 to August 13 each year. The community’s English name, Resolute Bay, honors the HMS Resolute, one of the ships in the Franklin search expedition commanded by Captain H.T. Austin. “Resolute” also describes locals who survived being relocated, in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Quebec, and Mittimatalik by the Canadian government. Upon arrival we'll board a bus and transfer to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation.

At leisure. Rotating members of the ship’s staff will offer fun educational activities and presentations.

Aboard the charter flight to Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU.

Aboard the charter flight.

Aboard ship, we’ll have a 3-course a la carte plated meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus water, coffee, tea; other beverages available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible. Each night, we’ll be joined by fellow participants and various members of the ship’s staff.

Day 4 Beechey Island Beechey Island

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

A field trip to Beechey Island led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England on an attempt to sail through the Northwest Passage for the first time. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party. With the discovery of Franklin’s flagship, HMS Erebus in 2014, and Terror in 2016, the graves at Beechey Island and nearby ruins of Northumberland House are bound to be a haunting highlight.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with both hot and cold choices and beverage choices of milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Aboard ship, we’ll have a buffet meal with both hot and cold choices and beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.

Aboard ship.

Day 5 Devon Island Devon Island

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

We’ll set out on an expert-led walking field trip to Devon Island to observe and learn about its unique geology. Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on earth comprising over fifty thousand square kilometers. The island's geology consists of reddish Precambrian gneiss and Paleozoic siltstones and shale; these, combined with its harsh climate, have led NASA to test its Mars rovers on Devon Island!

We’ll continue to explore Devon Island. Its finest features include massive landforms, shining glaciers, long-abandoned ruins, and undisturbed habitats for Arctic wildlife.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 6 Lancaster Sound Lancaster Sound

Zodiac sailing/landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet. Getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

We will spend the day exploring the ocean wilderness of Lancaster Sound via zodiac with our onboard expert, which is a proposed Marine Protected Area. Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll learn about this area’s fascinating marine life. There is a great selection of landing sites available. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.

We’ll continue to explore Lancaster Sound via zodiac (weather dependent). We’ll return to the ship with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 7 North Baffin North Baffin

Zodiac sailing/landing dependent on conditions; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet. Getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.

Today will be an expedition day in the truest sense as we navigate the waterways surrounding Northern Baffin Island on an expert-led field trip. We’ll learn about the local wildlife as we take in the beauty of this remote island. This region is a habitat for thick-billed murres and kittiwakes, among other seabirds. Baffin’s mountains are striking, and provide experts with stunning insights on geological processes. After enjoying the views, we’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

On board, we’ll enjoy a Road Scholar exclusive cocktail party with complimentary snacks and drinks. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 8 Lancaster Sound Mittimatalik

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Possibility of walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

We will continue exploring Lancaster Sound. Once home to Inuit and their ancestors, we will visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll also catch a glimpse of recent human history as we visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbor. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.

We’ll continue to explore Lancaster Sound. We’ll return to the ship with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 9 Mittimatilik (Pond Inlet) Davis Strait

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

We’ll journey to Mittimatalik. This bustling Arctic community is surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern Arctic. We will have independent time to explore the town, including its excellent library and other facilities. Next, we will gather in the Community Hall for a cultural presentation from local citizens that will include traditional throat singing and arctic games. We’ll return to the ship with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 10 At Sea, Davis Strait Uummannaq

Minimal walking; ample seating available; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet.

While crossing Davis Strait towards Canada, we'll relax and enjoy onboard lectures and opportunities to watch for wildlife from the ship's decks. Resource staff will be on deck for the duration, searching for wildlife and contextualizing the mighty landscape through which we travel.

Relax aboard the Ocean Endeavour as you enjoy onboard lectures from the knowledgeable resource staff.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 11 Western Greenland Uummannaq

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

A field trip to explore Greenland’s west coast led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. From mighty mountains to the tiniest tundra flowers, Greenland’s west coast offers a stunning array of wildlife.

We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 12 Ilulissat Ilulissat

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, and there couldn’t be a more fitting name for this remarkable place. With an onboard expert, we will sail in our fleet of Zodiacs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier and is one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at nineteen meters per day. Calving more than thirty-five square kilometers of ice annually, it creates the majority of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Free time in Illulissat. Explore the bustling town, with museums, cafes, craft shops, and a busy fishing harbor, or use this time to hike out to an elevated viewpoint to observe the great fields of ice.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 13 Sisimiut Sisimiut

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get we; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain.

Today we will visit the small town of Sisimiut. People have lived in the area for 4,500 years. With a local expert, we’ll set out on a field trip to explore the fish market and folk museum. We’ll experience modern and historic Greenland, side by side.

We’ll continue to explore Sisimiut via Zodiac with an onboard expert. Warmed by the West Greenland current, the waters around Sisimiut are free of sea ice, making the area an important fishing and shipping center as well as a habitat for marine mammals. We’ll learn about the local wildlife.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard the ship, join the ship's crew and our fellow participants for a lively dinner that will include song and dance.

Day 14 Kangerlussuaq, Disembarkation, Charter Flight to Toronto Toronto

Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven and hilly terrain. Flight times are subject to the unpredictable Arctic weather and the vagaries of flight servicing in remote destinations. Delays can, and often do occur. Should you require medication during the day please ensure you keep this with you.

Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometers of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s only international flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight to Toronto.

In flight to Toronto.

Evening arrival to Toronto. We'll gather our baggage and check-in at the hotel as a group. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

Aboard ship.

Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.

Served onboard en route to Toronto.

Day 15 Program Concludes Toronto

Hotel check out 12:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel. This concludes our program.