TORONTO — New to selling expedition travel? So was Brad Novak from AMA Travel Calgary Willowpark. Then he won a spot on Quark Expeditions’ next Arctic Sweepstakes prize trip.
Needless to say, he’s now fully onboard.
Travel advisor Brad Novak with AMA Travel in Calgary
Developing new niches can take a lot of time and effort, and the temptation to stick to selling the tried-and-true is real. Novak specializes in Hawaii, Disney vacations, and scenic train journeys like the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail – but dipping his toe in selling polar expeditions paid off. And no one was more shocked than he was to win a spot on Quark’s prize trip, as he told Travelweek.
“I was very much surprised when I found out that I had won a spot on their 2025 prize voyage. At first I didn’t believe it was true!” he said. “I’ve never won anything this big before and I am super excited to be able to go on this once in a lifetime adventure to Svalbard.”
This year’s annual Arctic Sweepstakes ran April 7-June 30. Every eligible Arctic booking earned entries: each Arctic 2026 booking earned one entry, while each Arctic 2025 booking earned three entries. Entries were counted per passenger, not per cabin, so a single booking with two guests equalled two entries. Group bookings were also eligible.
From all those bookings, the 2025 Arctic Sweepstakes awarded six travel advisors from around the world a free cabin for Quark’s ‘Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway’ expedition. The trip is set for May 29 – June 8, 2026, and winners can bring a guest along for the adventure. Novak was one of two winners from North America, along with a U.S.-based agent.
“I am relatively new to selling expedition tours and Quark is my go-to company for all things Arctic and Antarctic,” Novak told Travelweek. Asked what he likes about booking with Quark, he said: “They are super easy to deal with and their online quoting tool makes it easy to price out and hold space. I love that their ships are small with only 150-200 people and that they can sail into some unique destinations.”
He added that he has booked clients to both Antarctica as well as on Greenland / Iceland expeditions. “Typically I find their Antarctica expeditions are the most popular with clients.”
Quark takes travellers to the ends of the earth (photo credit David Merron)
As Novak looks forward to his 2026 prize trip, last year’s Arctic Sweepstakes trip just wrapped.
Hosted by Quark BDM Chris Catanzariti, the trip sailed as far north as 82° latitude on the Ultimate Arctic Voyage, the furthest north Ultramarine has ever ventured.
Onboard, highlights included a seminar at sea focused on Antarctica and onboard credit at the Tundra Spa and wellness facilities.
“Our FAM voyages are designed to expand horizons, both literally and professionally,” said Catanzariti. “Standing on the deck at 82° North or witnessing wildlife few ever encounter gives advisors a perspective no brochure can capture. They return with a depth of understanding that allows them to guide clients with authenticity and passion, shaped by their own firsthand polar experiences.”
More information about traveling to the polar regions with Quark Expeditions can be found via Quark’s Partner Portal.
Wildlife expeditions with Quark (photo credit David Merron)
