When to go
August
Price
From £16,150 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
7hrs 37mins
Introduction
The Northwest Passage is a sea route that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through the Canadian Archipelago. Throughout much of its history, the route has been inaccessible due to the presence of dense, immoveable frost structures. However, due to the increased warming effects of climate change, the sea route is now accessible to commercial vessels. This means that the general public can now appreciate the beauty of this magnificent region.
At a Glance
Duration
17 days & 16 nights
Guide price
Group: £16,150pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Toronto – Kangerlussuaq – West Greenland – Canada’s High Arctic – Resolute – Calgary
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
18+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Private ship
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
199 group size
Start/Finish
Toronto, Canada – Calgary
Extensions
Highlights
Enjoy the Highlights of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic
Traverse through the icy cold waters of the Northwest Passage, where you will travel through several iconic landmarks, including Baffin Island, Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbour, and Beechey Island.
Explore the Many Villages and Shops in Greenland
With the help of expert tour guides, you will have the chance to explore West Greenland. These include places like Maniitsoq, otherwise known as the ‘Venice of Greenland’, which has a wealth of local restaurants, shops, and marketplaces. Here you can mingle with the locals, admire the scenery, and learn about Greenlandic culture.
Marvel at the Arctic Wildlife
The Canadian Arctic is home to many unique types of wildlife. Along the way you may encounter arctic wolves, polar bears, ringed seals, narwhals, and beluga whales. The polar bears are the main attraction, where, if you visit during August, you may see them on the tundra waiting for the seal-hunting season to begin.
Recommended Hotels
Private ship
Sample Itinerary
Boat Cruise Through the Northwest Passage
Previously inaccessible to commercial vessels, with the advent of climate change, the Northwest Passage is now accessible to the general public. On this memorable 17-day ship-only expedition, you will traverse through the Canadian Arctic waters; watching polar bears, and other wildlife, thrive in their natural habitat, marveling at the tremendous glaciers, and learning about Greenlandic culture.
Day 1: Start in Toronto, Canada
Begin your journey in Toronto, Canada, and stay overnight in your chosen hotel.
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Day 2: Kangerlussuaq – Private Ship
After breakfast, head to the airport and fly to Kangerlussuqa. From there, you will enjoy your first ride on a Zodiac, a small motorboat, where you will be transferred to your private ship. Then set sail on your Arctic adventure.
(B, D)
Days 3 – 4: West Greenland
For the next 2 days, travel around the remote region of Greenland aboard the Ultramarine, a luxurious modern boat with two twin-engine helicopters, spacious suites, and plenty of wildlife viewing vantage points.
With the assistance of an expert Expedition Team, you will see the best that the Canadian Arctic has to offer. You will also travel past Maniitsoq, a small community-owned village, and various snow-capped mountains. You will also visit the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk, being able to stroll down the waterfront, visit the Hans Egede statue and Hans Egede Church, and marvel at the remains of 500-year-old fully dressed mummies.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: At Sea
Leave the Greenland shores and traverse through the Davis Strait, towards the Canadian Arctic. Enjoy on-board presentations by the Expedition Experts.
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Days 6 – 15: Canadian Arctic
For the next 9 days, explore the best that the Canadian Arctic has to offer. Here you will follow in the footsteps of past famous explorers, including Jacques Cartier, James Cook, Sir Martin Frobisher, and Sir Francis Drake.
Your journey will take you to Pangnirtung. Located 31 miles south of the Arctic Circle, this artistic community is famous for its handwoven crafts, such as woven tapestries and lithographic prints. It is also situated on beautiful fjords, surrounded by scenic mountains, and it contains many popular trails for skiers, hikers, and climbers.
From there, you’ll travel to Cape Mercy, located in southern Cumberland Sound. This is followed by the Davis Strait, which is home to many arctic wildlife, including beluga and right whales, ringed seals, and even narwhals. You will then hike to the hilltop of inukshuk, which provides tremendous views of your surroundings.
Proceed north to Baffin Island and Isabella Bay, which has a large population of Bowhead whales. Then sail past the Sam Ford Fjord. It is considered one of the most isolated places in the world and features large rock wall structures that often attract adventurous climbers. North of Baffin Island is the Pond Inlet, a small Inuit community located in Nunavut. Here you will enjoy stunning views of dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and various archaeological sites.
Situated west of Devon Island, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site and marked by the graves of three crew members who died during the 1845-46 expedition, which was at the helm of Sir John Franklin. Then sail down to the east coast of Somerset Island, where you can spot more narwhals and beluga whales. The region also attracts a large number of bird species, including white-rumped sandpipers and black-bellied plovers. You can also visit Fort Ross, which was once the site of a now-abandoned trading post.
(B, L, D)
Day 16: Resolute – Calgary
Disembark in Resolute and take a chartered flight to Calgary. Spend a night in your chosen hotel.
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Day 17: Calgary
Head to the airport and catch your flight home.
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