Into the Northwest Passage

Your journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, a broad glacial valley on Greenland’s western coast, once home to a U.S. Air Force base. After a charter flight from Toronto, Zodiacs carry you toward your ice-class expedition vessel—your floating home for the weeks ahead. 

As we sail southwest through Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world, the scenery unfolds in layers of blue, white, and stone. Glacial tongues slide slowly down the valleys, their meltwater turning the shallows a milky turquoise. Mountains rise from still waters as we cross the Arctic Circle, marking the start of our passage toward the open sea. 

Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include small communities, glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.

Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.

The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold! Visit the town, with its captivating museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Exploring by ship and Zodiac along the west coast of Greenland, we have numerous options for expedition stops, to make the most of weather and wildlife conditions.

Whether you're setting foot on land, cruising by Zodiac, or out on the ship's deck, you'll have plenty of chances to learn alongside expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists. With Inuit expedition team members at your side, you'll gain an intimate perspective on the abundant flora and fauna you encounter.

Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.

Departing Greenland, we cross Baffin Bay toward Nunavut.

As we sail toward Nunavut, our expedition team will deepen your understanding of the Arctic. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Take the unique opportunity to learn from Inuit in their homeland, gaining a better understanding of the daily lives of the regions we visit. Enjoy cultural performances and maybe even participate in Inuit games, or sample country food.

Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Enjoy the warmth of an Inuit welcome as drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors share their stories, songs, and connections to the land.

Explore the beautiful surroundings of an Arctic hamlet, get to know local residents and learn about their ways of life, and have the opportunity to purchase carvings and handicrafts to bring back home.

We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area.

Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. Learn more about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways and the enduring connection between the ocean and Inuit.

On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and on shore.

Visit archaeological sites and the remains of an RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew 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 the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Peel Sound, once traversed by the Franklin expedition on its route south, presents numerous wildlife and exploratory opportunities. As we sail through this region, we'll enter prime polar bear territory where we’ll be on the lookout for good spotting opportunities. The area is also home to muskoxen, belugas, and other wildlife, making every moment a potential discovery.

Depending on ice conditions, we may make expedition stops along the way among the spectacular landscapes, a perfect setting for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area.

Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America.

Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals.

Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.

Navigate the ice-strewn waters of this fabled waterway in search of wildlife. Although this is Nunavut’s least-populated region, this area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, both in the sea and on land.

Visit a local community where Inuit hosts will share their knowledge of their home and the area's history.

Discover the legacy of this important waterway and the captivating story of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Learn more about the triumphs of explorers like Amundsen and the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in successful crossings.

Today marks the completion of your incredible journey through the Northwest Passage—an achievement few can claim. Arriving in Kugluktuk, take pride in having traversed one of the world’s most historic and storied waterways, following in the wake of legendary explorers while forging your own unforgettable path through the Arctic.

Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996.

Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate disembarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions.

Today we will disembark and make our way to the airport to meet our charter flights to Yellowknife, NT.