Project Title: Adventure Canada 2026 Expeditions – Ocean NovaProject Summary Who:Adventure Canada is a proud Canadian-owned expedition cruise operator with over 30 years of Arctic experience. Our expeditions are guided by highly trained and certified staff, including Nunavummiut Beneficiaries and Inuit from across Inuit Nunangat, who bring cultural knowledge and lived experience to our programs.What:The project involves seasonal, small-ship expedition cruises in the Canadian Arctic aboard the Ocean Nova. Originally designed as a Greenlandic ferry, Ocean Nova is a sturdy, ice-strengthened vessel well-suited for responsible Arctic travel. Each voyage carries up to 74 guests and 13 staff. Guests travel ashore using Zodiacs, with a maximum of 8 boats in the water at any time (10 passengers per Mark V Zodiac). Zodiac cruises are the primary method for wildlife observation. Onshore visits are conducted in small, guided groups (max. 25 guests) to limit impact and ensure safety. Activities include wildlife observation, guided hikes, cultural exchanges in Nunavut communities, and onboard educational programming led by Inuit Nunavummiut.Prior to landings, guests receive mandatory briefings on conservation, bear safety, local guidelines, and respect for the land. During landings, trained staff—including armed bear monitors where necessary—supervise all guest activities.Why:The project’s purpose is to educate and inspire Adventure Canada guests about Arctic wildlife, ecosystems, and Inuit cultural heritage. By fostering cross-cultural understanding and encouraging conservation-minded travel, the project contributes to sustainable tourism development in Nunavut. Adventure Canada’s approach emphasizes minimal environmental disturbance, close engagement with HTOs and community boards, and direct economic and cultural benefits to the communities we visit.Where:Operations will occur in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani region, in South and Southeast Baffin Island area, in consultation with affected communities and Inuit organizations. Visits may take place near protected areas such as seabird colonies or marine mammal habitats, always under applicable territorial, federal, and Inuit guidelines. All itineraries are planned in partnership with local stakeholders to ensure cultural sensitivity and community readiness.When:The proposed expeditions will operate seasonally between July and October 2026. Each voyage follows a fixed itinerary within this window. No permanent infrastructure will be constructed, and all activities are temporary, reversible, and conducted within existing permit frameworks.Commitments to Regulation and Best Practice:Adventure Canada will obtain and comply with all required permits, including Inuit Owned Land access, Canadian Wildlife Service guidelines for seabird colonies, and federal whale-watching regulations. As a member of AECO, we adhere to its operational guidelines for expedition cruising in the Arctic. We also follow community-specific recommendations from Hunters and Trappers Organizations and local boards. Sustainability practices include:•Careful wildlife viewing protocols.•Fuel efficiency and waste reduction efforts.•Ongoing engagement with Inuit communities to incorporate local knowledge, create opportunities, and ensure operations respect sovereignty and local priorities.We have been active participants in the Nunavut regulatory regime for the past 30 years and will continue to exceed requirements wherever possible.For more information on our Arctic expeditions, see: www.adventurecanada.com/trips/arctic-expedition-cruises.