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15 Nights Northwest Passage
  • 15 Nights Northwest Passage

    $18,336.00Price

    The icy and labyrinthine channels of the legendary Northwest Passage have enchanted explorers and adventurers for centuries. Get a glimpse into the world that captivated early explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen by exploring a portion of the fabled Northwest Passage. Visit the final resting places of some of the heroic explorers to have ventured here and experience the archipelago of islands and channels that form Canada’s High Arctic region. Along the way, we hope to meet local indigenous people who call this remote wilderness home, and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga whale, polar bear, musk ox and the elusive narwhal. Pack ice always threatens to halt our voyage through the passage, adding a compelling element of adventure that is integral to any genuine expedition.

    Early Bird Specials -

     

    • Up to 20% Off + Air Credit of $1,500 pp by Sep 30 2024

     

    Please click on 'Prices and Departures' above to see departure dates, cabin types and price details.

     

     

    Day 1 Toronto

    Arrive in cosmopolitan Toronto and transfer to our group hotel. At this evening’s voyage briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and meet your fellow expeditioners.

     

    Day 2 Kangerlussuaq

    Transfer to the airport to board our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, for embarkation. 

     

    Day 3 Sisimiut

    Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.  

     

    Day 4 Ilulissat

    Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and kayak through sea ice and icebergs. An optional 90-minute helicopter flight over the icefjord is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

     

    Day 5 Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

    This compelling island seems to have more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hot springs and dramatic lava formations. On a guided hike, enjoy a diversity of arctic flora. Zodiac cruise in Disko Bay, a hotspot for marine life including humpback, fin, minke and bowhead whales.

     

    Day 6 At sea, Qikiqtarjuaq, Baffin Island

    Our team of experts entertain us with informative talks about wildlife, geology and epic tales of early explorers. Reaching the coast of Baffin Island, we may encounter Greenland’s famous icebergs. 

     

    Days 7-9 Baffin Island

    The east coast of Baffin Island features hidden bays that are feeding grounds for bowhead whales and where glaciers calve into the sea. Sail along inlets and fjords surrounded by towering mountains that feature impressive geology. Conditions permitting, we hope to go ashore at Pond Inlet and be treated to a warm welcome from the local community.

     

    Day 9 Lancaster Sound

    At a latitude almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker ‘wildlife super highway’ of the Arctic. Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. We may explore Croker Bay or Maxwell Bay, both offering great opportunities for Zodiac cruising. Dundas Harbour offers walks on undulating tundra and the area is great for birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present.

     

    Days 10 -11 Devon Island, Lancaster Sound

    At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Lancaster Sound - located between Devon Island and Baffin Island - forms the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage. It also forms part of the newly formed Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, where nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife. 

     

    Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving it its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay. 

     

    At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island, where we hope to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is one of Canada’s most important arctic sites and is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results – three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

     

    Days 12–15 Expedition cruising

    Note: In true expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on unpredictable sea ice. The following places are where we hope to visit.

     

    Prince Leopold Island

    On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island, a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. 

    Cunningham Inlet

    On the north coast of Somerset Island, the local scenery makes for excellent guided walks, where waterway trails lead to waterfalls and higher ground. 

    Port Leopold

    In 1848, the English explorer James Clark Ross wintered here during his search for the missing Franklin expedition.

    Coningham Bay

    Across from Victoria Strait, Coningham Bay lies on the shores of Prince of Wales Island. This is a polar bear hotspot where the majestic creatures come to feast on beluga whales who enter the bay each summer to shed their skin on shallow sandy banks. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and very healthy-looking polar bears!

    King William Island

    Remains attributed to the Franklin expedition have been found at 35 locations on King William Island and on nearby Adelaide Peninsula. South of Cape Felix, in Victoria Strait, we hope to get close to where the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were abandoned in 1848.

     

    Day 16 Cambridge Bay-Iqaluktuuttiaq

    In Cambridge Bay-Iqaluktuuttiaq, farewell the crew, expedition team and fellow travellers before a Zodiac shuttle whisks you ashore. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Calgary, where you will stay overnight.

     

    Accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown / Beltline District (or similar)

     

    Day 17 Depart Calgary

    Check out of your room and continue your journey.

     

    Note: Aug 25 2025 departure is one day shorter.  Aug 3 2024 & Sep 7 2025 departures are reverse itineraries. Please reach out for details.

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