Reasons to Visit the Arctic in 2017 as Canada Celebrates its 150th Anniversary

26 September, London – As Canada prepares to celebrate its 150^th anniversary next year, specialist adventure cruise operator, One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), reflects on the successes of the 2016 cruise season, highlighting why 2017 will be a great time to travel to the Canadian High Arctic.

RECORD-BREAKING WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS & NATURAL PHENOMENa

During 2016 OOE’s guests enjoyed record-breaking numbers of polar bear encounters – with no less than 91 separate sightings on one voyage alone!

In addition, there were frequent sightings of humpback, beluga, grey, pilot and bottlenose whales, as well as rare fin whales and the mythical narwhal.

Bird lovers were treated to staggering numbers of thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots to name but a few.

Plus, passengers on late season voyages witnessed the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky on several occasions.

FULFILLING CULTURAL EXCHANGES & INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Visits to remote Inuit communities are among the highlights of a voyage with OOE, giving passengers a fascinating insight in to an ancient culture and providing the opportunity to experience the warmth of the people who inhabit Canada’s north.

Inuit guides also travel on board the ship, adding their insider knowledge and cultural interpretation during each voyage.

NEW CRUISES ADDED DURING CANADA’S 150^TH YEAR

Four new, exclusive Canadian Arctic voyages – departing during July and August – will be added to OOE’s cruise programme for 2017, in recognition of this historic anniversary year.

Among them is the nine-night Pathways to Franklin – A Voyage of History (14-23 August 2017) departure, focusing on early Arctic exploration and the ill-fated Franklin expedition of the 1840s, in which 129 men perished and two ships vanished for almost 170 years.

OOE played a significant role in the discovery of one of these ships, HMS Erebus, in 2014, while the second, HMS Terror, was discovered by a research ship just two weeks ago.

Passengers will explore the vast breadth of the Northwest Passage and visit key landing sights in remote areas, which would otherwise be inaccessible.

ON BOARD EXPERTS

Several departures during 2016 hosted historians and curators from the Vancouver Maritime Museum.  Scientists and researchers from the prestigious Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Vancouver Aquarium and Parks Canada joined other voyages.

During 2017, an impressive roster of some of the world’s leading Arctic experts, guest speakers and Canadian icons will join OOE’s experienced team.  They are committed to providing fascinating presentations, hosting lively discussions and accompanying off-ship excursions, ensuring that a wealth of knowledge is always available to interested passengers.

OOE offers northern charter flights to these remote destinations at competitive prices, starting from just US $1995pp return from Edmonton or Ottawa to the point of embarkation / disembarkation.

Prices for Canadian Arctic cruises start from US$5495pp based on nine nights’ triple share, including the US$1000 early booking incentive, use of polar clothing, meals onboard and daily excursions.

For more information on One Ocean Expeditions’ Arctic 2017 cruises, visit:

http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/arctic/dates_and_prices.php

For pictures please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6sarx4gopmp82om/AAByo_KZSAmFzZFXqQwIujZka?dl=0

UK Media Enquiries:

Debra Taylor, tel: 01308 485668, mob: 07956 852197, email:  debra@toucanmoon.com

About One Ocean Expeditions

One Ocean Expeditions is a Canadian expedition vessel operator founded in 2007. The company operates two purpose-built ships, each with a high ice-class and carrying less than 98 guests.  The vessels are specifically designed for polar exploration and combine modern comforts and superb amenities with first-class safety features.  Offering a range of innovative expedition cruise itineraries in Antarctica, Spitsbergen and the Canadian Arctic, OOE has developed a reputation for exceptional quality, customer service and great value.