Quest Nature Tours Breaks the Ice in Eastern Arctic

Quest Nature Tours is a Canadian tour operator who has just expanded its programs in the Canadian Arctic. Wildlife, and natural history

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) November 6, 2004 ---- Quest Nature Tours announced today that they will be adding 3 new departures to their Arctic Expedition Cruise program. The cruises will operate between Canadas Baffin Island and Greenland from July 2005 until early September, the best months to travel in the Arctic. The move comes as Quests shipping partner has made the premier expedition cruise vessel, the R/V Akademik Ioffe, available to them for the entire season.

Quest President Barry Griffiths cites his companys strong position as the reason for making the move, With the [Akademik] Ioffe now available to us the entire Arctic season it was a natural move to increase our business there. We have been a major presence in the Arctic for more than 10 years, and this is a great opportunity." Quest is best known in the Arctic for its use of outstanding expedition staff and dedication to the study, viewing, conservation and understanding of the wildlife and delicate landscape of the North. Every year a mere few hundred people are lucky enough to travel to this incredible arctic desert. Towering icebergs over 300 feet (100 metres) tall, Walrus, Polar Bears, whales and vast landscapes that seem to go on for ever are the order of the day on an Arctic cruise.

Expedition cruises do away with lavish accommodations, focusing on the destination, wildlife and culture, rather than the ship. Griffith says, We like to focus on more of a learning approach to travel. I feel Ive done my job as a naturalist [leader] if the passengers come away from their vacation with a better understanding of the places theyve experienced." Expedition cruise vessels, while not luxurious, are clean, comfortable and most still operate part-time doing real science when they not taking curious passengers to Canadas High Arctic and the Antarctic.

Quest will offer 10, 11 and 12 night voyages beginning July 22, 2005, including the feature departure Journey to the sea of Ice", a tradition at Quest, which operates between Greenland and Baffin Island August 13 -- 23, 2005. This special departure will feature award winning television producers and cinematographers John and Janet Foster, who will be on hand to share their remarkable footage, slides, insight and experiences in the area.

Worldwide Quest International is a TICO and IATA registered tour operator based in Toronto, Ontario. They currently operate 3 unique brands: Quest Nature Tours, Worldwide Adventures and Distinctive Cultural Journeys. The company has been offering active and learning vacations since 1987.

Media Contact:   
Audrey Nowicki, Manager, Sales
1170 Sheppard Ave. West, Suite 45, Toronto, ON M3K 2A3
Phone: (416) 633 -- 5666 Toll Free: (800) 387 -- 1483
Web: www.questnaturetours.com Email: audrey@worldwidequest.com

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