Into the Northwest Passage Expedition

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.

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.

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. Visit the town, with its captivating museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre to 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, making the most of weather and wildlife conditions. 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, deepening 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. Enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as seabirds. 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, participate in Inuit games, or sample country food. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture.

Attend a cultural performance by the 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! Explore the town and take the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted mementos when available.

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 about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth. Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and onshore. 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 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. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial to this tragic expedition.

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 abundant wildlife, delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company.

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, including beluga whales, narwhals, and seals. Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, the French naval officer and Arctic explorer 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, wildlife abounds here 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 about the triumphs of explorers like Amundsen and the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in successful crossings.

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