Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage 14% Advantage

This 20 day expedition voyage links Greenland with the landscapes of the Canadian High Arctic and travels through fjords, sounds, and the inner parts of the legendary Northwest Passage. Between the Davis Strait, Baffin Island, and Lancaster Sound, ice, weather, and local conditions set the rhythm, keeping the route and landings flexible. Zodiac cruises open up views of fjords, glacier fronts, and tundra, while helicopter sightseeing flights may provide additional insights depending on conditions. In these waters there are good chances to see whales, walruses, and seals, and with luck also narwhals. On land you may encounter musk oxen and Arctic foxes, and polar bears are occasionally spotted. Encounters with Inuit and Greenlandic communities add cultural context to the wilderness experience.

Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage: the itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
You will make your own way to the group hotel in Reykjavik included in the package. After that, there is time to explore the city yourself, from modern architecture to traces of Viking history.

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Day 2: Flight to Nuuk and Embarkation
After breakfast, you head to the airport and take a charter flight to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. There, you will be transferred to the ship and board it. Now your expedition to the Canadian Arctic is finally about to begin.

Day 3: At Sea Across the Davis Strait
During the crossing of the Davis Strait, lectures on board deepen your understanding of the wildlife, history, geology and ecology of the Arctic. At the same time, it is well worth spending time on deck, as seabirds accompany the ship and whales are repeatedly sighted in these waters.

Days 4 to 6: Exploring Baffin Island
Along the east coast of Baffin Island, ice and weather conditions determine the daily schedule, giving each landing its own character. Possible destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq with wide views over the Davis Strait, as well as Sam Ford Fjord, where granite walls rise steeply from the sea. Depending on conditions, Zodiac cruises, sea kayaking (optional for a surcharge) and explorations on land are possible, with chances to spot Arctic foxes and occasional sightings of polar bears during excursions away from the ship.

Days 7 to 10: Gateway to Lancaster Sound
From Pond Inlet, the view opens across Eclipse Sound to the glaciated peaks of Bylot Island, before the route leads northwest into Lancaster Sound. In this marine habitat, whales, walruses and seals are regularly sighted, and with a bit of luck a narwhal may also appear. On Coburg Island, high coastal cliffs shape the scenery, and at their breeding sites large numbers of Brünnich's guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, and black guillemots nest. At Cape Norton Shaw, off the east coast of Ellesmere Island, combined helicopter and Zodiac operations are planned to explore a rarely visited coast with calving tidewater glaciers. If flight conditions are unsuitable, the plan can be adjusted toward Grise Fjord and Craig Harbour.

Days 11 to 13: In the Heart of the Northwest Passage
Continuing further west, the geography narrows, and the remoteness of the inner passages becomes more palpable. Prince Leopold Island is an important seabird sanctuary, where large flocks of birds circle above the limestone cliffs. At the southern end of Somerset Island, Fort Ross marks the entrance to the current rich Bellot Strait and, as a former trading post, recalls a time when trade, survival, and discovery were closely intertwined. An attempt to land on Beechey Island leads into the history of the Franklin Expedition, and in Radstock Bay a significant Thule site can provide insights into the past of the Paleo-Inuit.

Days 14 to 15: Admiralty Inlet and Arctic Bay
Admiralty Inlet is one of the longest fjords in the Arctic and is characterised by ice edges and calm stretches of water where the blows of whales break the silence. The area is considered an important summer habitat for narwhals, so zodiac cruises here come with good chances of impressive sightings. In the Arctic Bay area, which has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, a meeting with the community may be planned, with art, cultural activities and possibly tastings of local cuisine, hosted by elders and community members.

Days 16 to 17: At Sea Across Baffin Bay
On the return journey across Baffin Bay, the changing ice conditions can open up new opportunities for wildlife sightings, including polar bears as well as whales and seabirds. On board, further presentations provide context, while the days at sea allow time to put what you have seen into perspective and experience the dynamics of an expedition under Arctic conditions.

Day 18: Encounters in Sisimiut
Back in Greenland, a visit to Sisimiut is planned, where locally guided city tours are possible, including a tasting of traditional dishes. From the deck, you can also watch a traditional kayak demonstration on the water, which showcases the maritime traditions of the region.

Day 19: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq
Today, you will disembark in Kangerlussuaq and then transfer to the charter flight to Reykjavik, where a hotel overnight stay is scheduled.

Day 20: Departure from Reykjavik
After breakfast, you will continue your journey individually from Reykjavik, either by return flight or as part of your own onward plans.

Accommodation & Catering:
Accommodation is on board and includes full board throughout the expedition. In addition, one hotel night in Reykjavik, near Keflavik Airport, before the voyage and one after it are included, both with breakfast.

Important information:
The expedition itinerary depends on weather, ice, and local regulations. The expedition team will decide on landings, Zodiac operations, and any helicopter use based on conditions. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed and are conducted from a responsible distance. This trip includes charter flights with a baggage limit of one checked bag and one carry on bag, additional bags are not permitted. Arrival and departure transfers in Reykjavik are not included and can be arranged independently if needed.
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