Akpatok Island, Nunavut

Akpatok Island stands out as a port of call because it is a remote Arctic wilderness where every sight feels like a discovery. As the largest island in the middle of Ungava Bay, its sheer limestone cliffs—rising 490 to 820 feet from the sea to a flat plateau—frame pristine waters where Thick-billed Murre colonies blanket the ledges, earning the island its local name and designation as a Canadian Important Bird Area. On a single voyage you can witness vast seabird rookeries, watch polar bears, seals, and walruses from safe vantage points, and step ashore to explore the southern Dorset-era settlement ruins that whisper of ancient Arctic life. Signature experiences include intimate zodiac excursions along the cliff face, guided shore walks to vantage points for photography, and birding and wildlife encounters that emphasize conservation-rich immersion. Destinations here emphasize wilderness immersion—dramatic coastlines, sheltered bays, and remote beaches teeming with life—complemented by chances to observe the island’s natural rhythms and occasional ice-associated activity. The fleet features Arctic-capable expedition vessels equipped with reinforced hulls, a buoyant array of Zodiacs for close-up viewing, and outdoor decks designed for panoramic wildlife watching. Onboard services are geared to comfort after rugged days: seasoned naturalists offering interpretive briefings, immersive lectures on Arctic geology and Inuit history, gourmet Arctic-inspired cuisine, warm lounge spaces, and gear fitting for cold-weather excursions, ensuring guests leave Akpatok with lasting memories of one of the most distinctive stops in Canada’s Arctic coast.