The Northwest Passage is one of the world’s greatest voyages. Our fleet of Zodiacs guarantees excitement with every excursion.
The Arctic is calling. Pristine fjords. Looming glaciers. Jagged icebergs. Grand vistas, historic sites, graves, and abandoned outposts. Marine mammals, bears and birds… wonders await. You will find a warm welcome in Nunavut’s communities, and Greenland offers geology, geography, and culture with a European flair.
Every day is a new adventure when sailing the Northwest Passage; hiking, photography, birding.
Exploring archaeology and spotting bears. Visiting villages perched on mighty mountains. Learning with our experts. Meeting the people who call the Arctic home. And sailing the passage at the top of the world!
Photo: ©Andrew Stewart
Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, southwest of Victoria Island on the Coronation Gulf, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Coppermine reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—Kugluktuk, meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996. The Coppermine River itself is designated a Canadian Heritage River for the important role it played as an exploration and fur trade route. Copper deposits along the river attracted the first explorers to the area.
Upon arrival on our charter flight to Kugluktuk, we embark the Ocean Endeavour.
The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Its regional seat is Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), though it also contains five other hamlets (including Uqsuqtuuq and Kugluktuk). Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land.
© Scott Sporleder
The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Its regional seat is Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), though it also contains five other hamlets (including Uqsuqtuuq and Kugluktuk). Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land.
© Andrew Stewart
The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Its regional seat is Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), though it also contains five other hamlets (including Uqsuqtuuq and Kugluktuk). Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land.
© Michelle Valberg
The ‘obvious’ route through the Northwest Passage, Parry Channel seldom provides a full transit because of ice. It is named after Arctic explorer William Edward Parry, who got as far as Melville Island in 1819 before being blocked by ice at McClure Strait.
Peel Sound was the Franklin expedition’s route south. It presents numerous wildlife and expedition opportunities. The setting is optimal for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area.
© Andrew Stewart
The ‘obvious’ route through the Northwest Passage, Parry Channel seldom provides a full transit because of ice. It is named after Arctic explorer William Edward Parry, who got as far as Melville Island in 1819 before being blocked by ice at McClure Strait.
Peel Sound was the Franklin expedition’s route south. It presents numerous wildlife and expedition opportunities. The setting is optimal for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area.
© Martin Lipman
The ‘obvious’ route through the Northwest Passage, Parry Channel seldom provides a full transit because of ice. It is named after Arctic explorer William Edward Parry, who got as far as Melville Island in 1819 before being blocked by ice at McClure Strait.
Peel Sound was the Franklin expedition’s route south. It presents numerous wildlife and expedition opportunities. The setting is optimal for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area.
© Matthew Swan
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s party overwintered at Beechey Island where three of his men died.
Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.
We will spend the day exploring the ocean wilderness of Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound). In August of 2017, this enormous body of water was declared a National Marine Conservation Area.
Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.
© Danny Catt
Aujuittuq means ‘place that never thaws.’ 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost “civilian” community originated in the Cold War; in 1953, residents were relocated to Aujuittuq to boost Canadian sovereignty. In 2016, the census placed the population at 129.
Our activities will centre in the village where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.
© Rob Poulton
Smith Sound served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.
Between forty-eight and seventy-two kilometres wide and eighty-eight kilometres long, Smith Sound divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland. Here, the sea ice provided an ancient Inuit travel route. Optimal sea ice conditions in Smith Sound can also make for excellent wildlife viewing.
© Andrew Stewart
We will explore the stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
© Rob Poulton
We will explore the stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
© Dennis Minty
We will explore the stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
© Sonya Kwiatkowski
Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. And we’ll visit the bustling town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.
© Andrew Stewart
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, many islands and complex coastal waterways. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland current and the more southerly location. This makes for lusher vegetation.
As we enter the Arctic autumn, the tundra foliage will be in gorgeous colour. We will be making an expedition stop here to explore the landscape of wild Greenland.
© Robert Poulton
Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us.
Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight.
Free time; board ship. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Excursion. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Exploratory cruise. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Excursion. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Excursion. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Final stop; disembark ship. Meals: All shipboard meals, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Dates | Adventure | Price |
---|---|---|
Sep 1-17, 2021 Tour Code: Out of NWP- Cat 3 Twin | Out of the Northwest Passage Lodging: Cat 3 Twin Maximum 198 people | $14,895 CAD |
Sep 1-17, 2021 Tour Code: Out of NWP- Cat 4 Twin | Out of the Northwest Passage Lodging: Cat 4 Twin Maximum 198 people | $16,395 CAD |
Sep 1-17, 2021 Tour Code: Out of NWP- Cat 5 Twin | Out of the Northwest Passage Lodging: Cat 5 Twin Maximum 198 people | $17,895 CAD |
Sep 1-17, 2021 Tour Code: Out of NWP- Cat 6 Twin | Out of the Northwest Passage Lodging: Cat 6 Twin Maximum 198 people | $19,395 CAD |
1 800 663 9832 (toll free)
1 204 949 2050 (international)
All prices CAD, plus applicable taxes.
All prices, inclusions, and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
All prices based on double occupancy. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.