Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic 9% Advantage

The Northwest Passage winds through the remote waters of Canada and Greenland, combining striking Arctic landscapes with historic sites and vibrant Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Aboard the Ocean Explorer, an expedition ship equipped for polar conditions, you can explore the coasts of the Canadian High Arctic, visit historic sites such as Beechey Island, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The journey also reaches notable glaciers and fjords, including the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comfortable accommodation and an onboard information programme provide in-depth insights into the region and its people. The expedition offers a carefully planned and authentic discovery of the Arctic’s nature, history, and culture.
 

Itinerary: Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

 
Day 1: Arrival in Calgary, Canada
The journey begins in Calgary, Alberta, located near expansive prairies and the Rocky Mountains. You will spend the night in a hotel included in the charter flight and hotel package, allowing time to rest from your journey and prepare for the expedition ahead.
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Day 2: Flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and Embarkation
In the morning, you take a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by Zodiac to the ship, marking the start of your northward journey through Arctic waters.

Day 3: Sea Day – Crossing Davis Strait
Your ship crosses the Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island. Onboard, informative presentations cover Arctic history, wildlife, and geography, with opportunities to observe the surrounding marine environment.

Day 4 & 5: Exploring Baffin Island, Canada
You explore coastal areas of Baffin Island (Inuktitut: Qikiqtaaluk), where traditional Inuit communities and dramatic fjord and mountain landscapes await. Possible destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and the Sam Ford Fjord with its steep cliffs. Activities may include landings, Zodiac cruises, and small boat excursions, depending on weather and ice conditions.

Day 6: Sea Day Heading North
Another day at sea provides the chance to deepen your understanding of the region through lectures and to enjoy the surrounding scenery from the ship.

Day 7–9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
The eastern section of Lancaster Sound, a waterscape with open areas, serves as a habitat for Arctic wildlife. In this area, you will visit historic sites and potential landing spots, including Radstock Bay with a Thule culture archaeological site. A planned landing on Beechey Island, a Canadian National Historic Site with the graves of three members of Franklin’s 1845–46 expedition, may also be included.

Day 10: Exploring Smith Sound
Before leaving Canada, you may traverse Smith Sound, the uninhabited waters between Ellesmere Island and Greenland. The actual route depends on ice and weather conditions.

Day 11: Qaanaaq, Greenland
The first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, one of the northernmost settlements in the world. Here, the local Inuit community provides insight into their culture, traditions, and way of life. A visit to the local museum offers further understanding of the region.

Day 12: Sea Day Along Greenland’s West Coast
While sailing south along Greenland’s west coast, onboard experts offer lectures on geographical, historical, and ecological topics to prepare for the coming days.

Day 13–15: West Greenland
West Greenland is characterised by glaciers, fjords, and settlements. Stops may include Nuussuaq and Uummannaq, featuring expansive landscapes and local communities. Near the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will experience the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. In Sisimiut, the long tradition of kayaking, developed in the region, is demonstrated. The small community of Itilleq marks the northern range of traditional Greenlandic sled dogs and offers opportunities to meet locals.

Day 16: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq and Flight to Reykjavik
On the final day in Greenland, you disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly by charter to Reykjavik, Iceland, where a transfer to your hotel is included in the charter flight and hotel package.

Day 17: Departure from Reykjavik, Iceland
After breakfast, you either begin your journey home or take time to explore Reykjavik, a city blending contemporary culture, museums, and geothermal baths.

Accommodation: The journey begins with a night in Calgary at a comfortable hotel, included in the charter flight and hotel package, providing time to rest and prepare for the expedition. During the voyage, you stay in a cabin of the booked category aboard the Ocean Explorer. After disembarking in Kangerlussuaq, a charter flight takes you to Reykjavik, where a further hotel night is included, offering a quiet place to relax before departing.

Further Information:
The Ocean Explorer is designed for polar conditions, enabling landings on remote coasts and flexible Zodiac operations. Full board is provided, including water, tea, and coffee around the clock. The onboard programme features lectures, presentations, and group activities, providing insights into Arctic geography, history, wildlife, and culture. Visits to historic sites such as Beechey Island and Thule archaeological locations, as well as encounters with Inuit and Greenlandic communities and museum visits, are part of the itinerary. Wildlife observation is included as part of the experience.


Spaces are limited and demand is high, so we recommend enquiring now to reserve your personal Arctic experience. Our team is happy to answer any questions and assist you with planning your trip.
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