Photo Story

Highlights from 2022 Arctic Expeditions

By Olivia Clancy | October 18, 2022

From Greenland to Nunavut, the Arctic is teeming with life-changing experiences. In this photo story, check out some of our favourite moments from Arctic expeditions in 2022. Iconic Arctic wildlife, spectacular scenery, and incredible ice left us with memories to last a lifetime.

High Arctic Explorer Expedition

August 3, 2022

Qeqqata, Greenland

A warm welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat was given by Inuit cultural educators, Berda “Birdie” Larsen and Nancy “Niap” Saunders with the lighting of the qulliq. Traditionally the woman’s responsibility to tend to the flame, it provides heat, warmth, and light to cook food; it provides life. Niap invited a guest to participate in this sacred and spiritual ceremony.

August 4, 2022

Ilulissat, Greenland

Ilulissat is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier (Jakobshavn Glacier), one of the most active and fastest moving glaciers in the world, and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site fed by the glacier. We were able to get a closer look at the icefjord with a Zodiac cruise. The grey backdrop made the beautiful bluish hues of the iceberg stand out.

August 5, 2022

Disko Island, Greenland

Disko Island, or Qeqertarsuaq in Greenlandic, means “the big island”. With plenty of land to explore, we all went our separate ways to discover its treasures. Scaling up the tundra you got a full view of the lush Arctic vista. Many stayed as long as they could to savour the magic of this island.

August 10, 2022

Baffin Bay

Lying between Baffin Island and the west coast of Greenland is Baffin Bay. Here, we navigated through a wonderland of sea ice and icebergs. The clear, blue-tinted ice was in harmony with the sky. As we drifted along the bay, a mother and two cubs were spotted cuddling on a bed of sea ice.

©Steven Rose

August 12, 2022

Sisimiut, Greenland 

The sun shined bright in Sisimiut illuminating the lovely colours of the houses sitting atop its rocky shore. We enjoyed the beautiful views of this picturesque community as we walked through its small roads, mountainous backdrops, and rainbow-coloured houses.

©Dennis Minty

August 19, 2022

Dundas Harbour, Nunavut

Dundas Harbour, located on Devon Island, is the largest uninhabited island in the world. We visited the long-ago deserted RCMP station wandering around the buildings and grave sites of the RCMP officers who were stationed here so many years ago.

Into the Northwest Passage Expedition

©Steven Rose

August 30, 2022

Baffin Island, Nunavut

Just off the waters of Baffin Island, sperm whales were spotted logging and blowing. In this icy habitat where marine life flourishes, a variety of seabirds were spotted circling the ship, and on the water, a couple of bearded seals loafing on the last of the season’s ice heading out to sea.

©Steven Rose

September 1, 2022

Croker Bay, Nunavut

In Croker Bay, fog rolled over shadowing the morning sun making for an eerie Zodiac cruise. The foggy mist quietly took over the Ocean Endeavour giving the impression of a science fiction scene – alone in the Arctic without a vessel in sight.

Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition

Polar bear spoting while zodiac cruising

©Dennis Minty

September 13, 2022

Coningham Bay, Nunavut

A chilly Zodiac cruise in Coningham Bay was well worth the bundle up. At least seven polar bears and many Arctic foxes were spotted here along the shoreline.  

September 15, 2022

Beechey Island, Nunavut

Beechey Island, where Sir John Franklin and his crews overwintered twice before disappearing off the face of the earth… almost forever (at least until his two ships, the Erebus and the Terror were found just in the last few years). Here we visited the graves of Franklin’s men and Northumberland House.

September 16, 2022

Devon Island Inlets, Nunavut

Nothing beats sailing through a fjord with a 360 view of towering mountains. The slopes of Devon Island were covered in snow. We enjoyed the stunning scenery of serene tart rock covered in a light dusting of snow, harp seals, walrus, and the plentiful species of birds as we cruised the Devon Island inlets.

Some photos in this article were taken with a telephoto (zoom) lens and may appear closer to wildlife, ice, or archaeological artefacts than we really were. We always keep a safe distance and follow mandated regulations.

About the Author

Olivia Clancy

Email Marketer and Copywriter

Olivia is a passionate marketer and avid adventurer who is always seeking out new experiences to broaden her horizons.

A communications graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University, Olivia's love for travel and the environment drew her to Adventure Canada, where she's immersed in the world of exploration and conservation.