The largest island in the Canadian Arctic, Baffin is
sparsely populated. The majority of human activity is centred around
Iqaluit, capital of the recently created territory of Nunavut. The island
can be circumnavigated in approximately two weeks. The coastline is rugged
with many fjords, glaciers and expansive bays. Inland much of the mountainous
terrain has been granted national park status. Caribou and Polar Bears
roam the colourful tundra. Narwhals and Beluga Whales swim amongst the
nutrient rich waters and nestling amongst the towering cliffs, seabirds
such as Atlantic Puffins, kittiwakes and Arctic Turns are often seen.
Vessels
Kapitan Khlebnikov
The Icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov was built in Finland in
1981; it is a robust and powerful vessel. Accommodating a maximum of 112 passengers,
all cabins have private facilities and outside views. The Khlebnikov operates
a number of cruises, starting at Russia’s Far East the vessel sails through
the Bering Straits and follows the Northwest Passage through to the high Arctic.
If you like to be surrounded by wildlife in amazing scenery then
head to the unspoilt wilderness of the Arctic. Polar Bears and
walruses idle their days away on the blue ice, puffins and terns
fill the skies, whales and narwhals swim along the currents below.
