Into the Northwest Passage

DAY 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Cross the Arctic Circle
Your journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. Air Force base. After our charter flight from Toronto, we will transfer to the ship by Zodiac.
With 190 kilometres of superb scenery, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle as we go.

DAYS 2–3: Sisimiut
Explore Vibrant Sisimiut
Colourful Sisimiut is Greenland’s second largest city. Access the museum through a towering whalebone archway and be sure to stop in at the artisan’s studio for the chance to purchase outstanding handicrafts. Traditional qajaq (kayaking) is in resurgence here, and there are plenty of other fun outdoor activities for the adventurous to enjoy.
Enjoy exploring West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.

DAY 4: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs
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.

DAY 5: Western Greenland
Hike the Tundra
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.

DAY 6: At Sea — Davis Strait
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland
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.

DAY 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, Canada
Experience Inuit Culture
Attend a cultural performance put on by the talented Tununiq Arsarniit Theatre Group, featuring drum dancing, throat singing, and storytelling. Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting—the views of nearby Bylot Island are stunning!
Enjoy exploring the town and take the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted mementos when available, too.

DAYS 8–9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears
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.

DAY 10: Beechey Island
Visit a Franklin Expedition Historical Site
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.

DAY 11: Prince Regent Inlet
Enjoy Birdwatching and Zodiac Cruising
This passage marks an area rich in marine and avian life. Thick-billed murres, ivory gulls, beluga whales, narwhals, and bowhead whales reside in the ice-strewn waters. In addition to wildlife, we’ll delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company.

DAY 12: Bellot Strait
Witness the Most Northerly Point of Continental North America
Discover the famed 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 belugas and narwhals to seals and muskoxen. 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.

DAYS 13–16: Kitikmeot Region
Sail the Northwest Passage
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.

DAY 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
Wave a Fond Farewell
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.