Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic 11% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure through the legendary Northwest Passage, starting in the vibrant city of Calgary. This exclusive expedition offers you the opportunity to discover the pristine beauty of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. On board the Ocean Explorer, a state-of-the-art expedition ship, you will experience impressive landscapes and fascinating wildlife. Observe majestic whales, walruses, and musk oxen in their natural habitat and visit traditional Inuit and Greenlandic communities. The journey takes you to impressive glaciers and fjords, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and culinary delights on board as you explore the wonders of the Arctic. This remarkable journey promises you a unique experience full of discoveries and adventures.
 

Itinerary: Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

 
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, Canada
Your Arctic expedition begins in the lively and dynamic city of Calgary, a place where urban sophistication meets natural beauty. As you arrive, take the opportunity to explore this vibrant city at your own pace, immersing yourself in its unique blend of modern attractions and stunning landscapes. Whether you choose to wander through its bustling streets, visit its renowned museums, or simply enjoy the local cuisine, Calgary offers a wealth of experiences to discover. After a day of exploration, retreat to your well-appointed hotel, where comfort and relaxation await, providing the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
 
Day 2: Fly to Resolute and Embark
This morning, embark on an exciting journey as you board your charter flight to the remote and intriguing town of Resolute. Nestled in the heart of the Arctic, Resolute offers a unique glimpse into life in one of the northernmost communities in the world. Upon arrival, take some time to explore the quaint streets and absorb the serene atmosphere of this small Arctic town. The crisp air and stunning landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for your adventure. After your exploration, prepare for the next phase of your journey as you enjoy your first of many exhilarating Zodiac cruises. This thrilling experience will serve as your transfer to the ship, marking the beginning of a remarkable voyage through the Arctic waters. As you glide across the icy seas, take in the impressive views and anticipate the adventures that lie ahead on this exceptional expedition.
 
Day 3 to 6: Exploring Canada’s High Arctic
Navigating the remote and captivating regions of the Canadian Arctic aboard the Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, you will traverse the same icy inlets, channels, and bays that once captivated legendary explorers of the past. As you journey through this stunning landscape, your dedicated Expedition Team will focus on immersing you in the unparalleled beauty and wonder that the Arctic, perched at the top of the world, has to offer. One of the highlights of this voyage is Beechey Island, named after the esteemed explorer Frederick William Beechey of the Royal Navy. This island holds the designation of a Canadian National Historic Site and serves as a poignant stop on our expedition. It is here that the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to discover the Northwest Passage can be found. These graves, located on a remote, windswept raised beach, were uncovered in 1851 by the crew of British and American vessels searching for any trace of Franklin’s lost expedition. Another fascinating location on our itinerary is Radstock Bay, a favored research site for observing polar bears, which are frequently spotted here during the summer months. The area also boasts an impressive Thule archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the lives of these pre-Inuit people who once inhabited the Far North. For nearly 5,000 years, the hamlet of Arctic Bay and its surrounding region have been home to Inuit people, who were once nomadic, migrating from the west. Encircled by towering cliffs brimming with seabirds, this is an ideal location to disembark and delve into the traditional way of life of the Inuit community. The eastern end of Lancaster Sound presents opportunities for hiking and cruising on Devon Island. At Dundas Harbour, you can embark on a trek along a beach to explore a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost. We will anchor at Croker Bay, where you can cruise close enough to marvel at the majestic glacial textures and calving ice, all while maintaining a safe distance. The waters here are frequented by walrus, so be sure to have your camera ready to capture these magnificent creatures. Your final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic will be to Grise Fiord, Canada’s northernmost settlement. Now home to approximately 150 residents, this predominantly Inuit community was established in 1953 when the federal government forcibly relocated eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing remain integral to their way of life. During your visit, you can pay homage to the monument dedicated to the first Inuit settlers and explore the remnants of the “old camp” where they once lived.
 
Day 7 & 8: Exploring Smith Sound
Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll embark on an adventurous journey, attempting to cruise as far north as possible. Our exploration will take us through the intriguing and remote Smith Sound, a fascinating and uninhabited passage that lies between the rugged landscapes of Ellesmere Island and the icy expanses of Greenland. This unique area, untouched by human habitation, offers a rare glimpse into the pristine beauty of the Arctic environment. As we navigate through this passage, we will have the opportunity to witness the stark and stunning natural scenery that characterizes this part of the world. The journey promises to be a memorable experience, providing a fitting conclusion to our time in Canada before we continue on our travels.
 
Day 9: Qaanaaq, Greenland
Your first stop in Greenland is the remarkable town of Qaanaaq, which was formerly known as Thule. This destination is one of the northernmost towns in the world, offering a unique glimpse into life at the edge of the Arctic. In Qaanaaq, you will have the opportunity to engage with the local Inuit community, who are eager to share their rich culture and time-honored traditions with visitors. Their stories and customs provide a fascinating insight into their way of life, deeply connected to the harsh yet beautiful environment that surrounds them. Additionally, the local museum serves as a valuable resource, offering further illumination on what it’s like to live near the top of the world. Through its exhibits, you can explore the history, challenges, and resilience of the people who call this remote part of the planet home.
 
Day 10: Cruising
As we sail south along the west coast of Greenland, our onboard experts offer exciting presentations to prepare you for the adventures ahead. These lectures are designed to provide you with deeper insights into the fascinating region we will explore. You will have the opportunity to learn more about Greenland's unique geography, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Our experts are committed to giving you a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and natural treasures of this impressive landscape. Take this opportunity to ask questions and engage with the experts as you gear up for the upcoming experiences. The journey along the coast not only offers impressive views but also the chance to expand your knowledge and prepare for the discoveries to come.
 
Day 11 to 15: Exploring West Greenland
With spectacular glaciers, towering fjords, and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you in awe. Nuussuaq (formerly Kraulshavn) is the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading post, it is one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland. Every visit to a Greenlandic community is a unique experience, and Uummannaq might capture your heart. It is no surprise that the red-colored, heart-shaped mountain rising behind it gave this traditional village its name (Uummannaq means "heart-like" in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the coast, be sure to be on deck to enjoy the impressive sight of the twin peaks towering over the brightly painted wooden houses lining the rocky terrain below. The settlement was founded in 1758 as a Danish colony on the mainland but was relocated five years later due to more abundant seal hunting here. At the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also spelled Qilakitsoq), you will visit the ruins of an ancient settlement where the remains of eight fully clothed mummies were discovered by a pair of hunters under an overhang in 1972. The famous Greenlandic mummies, dating back to 1475 AD, are on display at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk. Further south, a spectacular view of Eqip Sermia awaits. The jagged, bluish glacier rising from the icy waters is one of Greenland's most beautiful sights, and we hope to cruise along its massive front at a safe distance with the Zodiac. We may also go ashore to explore the surroundings. South of Ilulissat, which means "iceberg" in Greenlandic, lies the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. As we cruise at the mouth of the fjord with the Zodiac, you may be lucky enough to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud calls as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which has more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: It was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, who was the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dog sled in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead to breathtaking views of the young icebergs drifting from the fjord into Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, a traditional kayak demonstration awaits you. The kayak (an Inuit word adopted by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several colonial buildings from the 18th century, including Greenland's oldest preserved church, so take your time to stroll through the historic area. Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is located about a mile (2 km) north of the Arctic Circle in a picturesque hollow on a small island. It is the southern boundary of the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, dogs are not allowed south of this community, and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. It is also known as a hospitable community, where you might experience "Kaffemik," a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors for coffee, cake, and conversation. Explore the charming wooden houses of the town, painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals, whose main occupation is fishing, and perhaps challenge them to a soccer game – it won't take long for you to experience the famous friendly atmosphere of Itilleq.
 
Day 16: Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and Fly to Reykjavik
Begin your day with a final exhilarating Zodiac ride to the shore, a fitting farewell to the stunning landscapes that have accompanied you on this journey. As you disembark, take a moment to soak in the crisp air and the impressive views one last time before boarding your charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. The flight offers a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during your travels. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, a seamless transfer awaits to take you to your included hotel, where you can unwind and relax after your journey. This transition marks the end of one adventure and the beginning of another as you prepare to explore the vibrant city of Reykjavik.
 
Day 17: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Today, you can leisurely begin your journey home or spend some more time exploring this fascinating city. Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, offers a unique blend of modern urban life and impressive natural scenery. If you decide to linger a little longer, you might take the opportunity to stroll through the charming streets with their colorful houses or visit one of the many interesting museums that offer insights into Icelandic culture and history. Perhaps you are also drawn to the geothermal pools scattered throughout the city to immerse yourself one last time in the soothing warmth. No matter how you choose to spend your last day, Reykjavik is sure to leave a lasting impression.
 
Accommodation: Your journey begins in Calgary, where you will be accommodated in a comfortable hotel that offers a relaxed atmosphere to prepare for the upcoming adventure. Enjoy the amenities and central location that make it easy to explore this vibrant city. After an exciting day, you can retreat to your stylish room and look forward to the upcoming experiences in the Arctic.
 
Further Information: The expedition to the Northwest Passage spans a period of 17 days and begins in Calgary, Canada. The journey takes place aboard the ship Ocean Explorer. It is important to note that departures occur between August and September 2026.
 
Discover the pristine beauty of the Arctic on a remarkable journey through the Northwest Passage. This extraordinary expedition offers you the opportunity to experience fascinating cultures and impressive landscapes. Secure your place now and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the high north!
Show all dates