glacier

Sarfaq Ittuk ferry – gap year Arctic trips (VIII)

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Instead of flying, we decided to travel from Ilulissat back to Nuuk aboard the Sarfaq Ittuk, a ferry operated by the Arctic Umiaq Line. In Greenlandic, “Sarfaq” refers to a current or tide, while “Ittuk” means old or great. The Sarfaq Ittuk route is the most vital transport link in Greenland. As the country’s only … Read more

Kangerlussuaq by the ice sheet – gap year Arctic trips (VI)

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In the afternoon of our third day in Greenland, we departed Nuuk aboard a small Air Greenland plane heading for the tiny settlement of Kangerlussuaq. This village sits quietly just inside the Arctic Circle, right next to the massive Greenland Ice Sheet. A bird’s-eye view of the ice sheet and glaciers Nuuk was overcast, but … Read more

Glaciers and narwhals of northern Baffin – gap year Arctic trips (III)

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My last post covered first impressions of Nunavut’s capital Iqaluit, and this one will continue our journey further up north to the Inuit village of Pond Inlet in Northern Baffin, as well as the adjacent Sirmilik National Park. Pond Inlet: “the place of Mittima’s grave” Pond Inlet is a traditional Inuit village on the northern … Read more

First impressions of Baffin permafrost tundra – gap year Arctic trips (II)

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We took a trip to Baffin Island (i.e. “Qikiqtaaluk” in Inuktitut, meaning “very big island“) in August 2025, exploring lively permafrost, ancient rock formations, and spectacular Arctic fjords, while also getting a glimpse of the unique lifestyle of Inuit people today. This trip was overflowing with fascinating and thrilling experiences, far too many to capture … Read more