Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route 15% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure along the legendary Northwest Passage, starting in the vibrant city of Reykjavík. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore the majestic beauty of the Arctic while traveling aboard the Ultramarine or Ocean Explorer. Discover the fascinating landscapes of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic as you glide through impressive fjords and past imposing glaciers. Experience the unique culture of the Inuit in colorful villages and observe the iconic wildlife of the Arctic, including whales, walruses, and musk oxen. Enjoy the opportunity to hike the colorful tundra and get up close to the impressive icebergs with a Zodiac. This journey promises a remarkable experience full of discoveries and adventures.
 

Itinerary: Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

 
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. Once you have settled in, you will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Reykjavik, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers a myriad of opportunities for discovery. Whether you choose to wander through the charming streets, visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, or perhaps indulge in some local cuisine at one of the many delightful eateries, the city is yours to explore at your leisure. Take this time to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Reykjavik, where modernity meets tradition, and every corner holds a new adventure waiting to be uncovered.
 
Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Embark
After breakfast, board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small community nestled deep in a 190 km long fjord. This remote and picturesque location offers a fascinating introduction to your journey. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you are brought from the shore to the ship. This exciting crossing gives you the opportunity to breathe in the fresh Arctic air and admire the impressive landscape. Once on deck, you can take in your new surroundings at your leisure before embarking on your Arctic adventure. The vastness and beauty of the landscape promise impressive impressions and experiences that will accompany you on your journey.
 
Day 3 & 4: Exploring West Greenland
Cruising around the remote regions of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic aboard the Ultramarine, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels, and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. This remarkable vessel is designed to give polar adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest-to-reach places on the planet, and it is equipped with two onboard twin-engine helicopters for unparalleled access to areas only Quark Expeditions can bring you. This one-of-a-kind ship will take you beyond the familiar in polar exploration, offering a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic. Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer at the top of the world. Locals call Maniitsoq the Venice of Greenland, as it’s situated in an archipelago intersected by natural canals. Soaring, snow-capped mountains surround the small, rocky town, whose name means “the uneven place.” Playful humpback whales spend summer in the waters around here, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The Greenlandic capital of Nuuk is a haven for history and culture lovers. See for yourself the unique and thriving culture of contemporary Greenland that mingles the ancient with the modern in surprising and wonderful ways. Stroll down to the waterfront to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. Marvel at the famous remains of 500-year-old fully dressed mummies, discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers out hunting, at the Greenland National Museum. The Nuuk Art Museum and Katuaq Culture Centre are also worth visiting, offering further insights into the rich cultural tapestry of this fascinating region.
 
Day 5: Cruising
As you bid farewell to the rugged and captivating shores of Greenland, your journey takes you across the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, setting your course towards the enigmatic Canadian Arctic. This day at sea offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the knowledge and insights shared by our on-board experts, who will deliver engaging presentations designed to prepare you for the thrilling adventures that await. These sessions are crafted to enrich your understanding of the region's unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, ensuring that you are well-equipped to fully appreciate the experiences that lie ahead. As you sail through the strait, take a moment to reflect on the natural beauty that surrounds you and the exciting journey that continues to unfold.
 
Day 6 to 15: Exploring Canada's High Arctic
Embark on a remarkable journey through the Canadian High Arctic, where the echoes of history and the beauty of nature intertwine. As you traverse this remote region, you'll have the opportunity to visit towering fjords, historical sites, and vibrant Inuit communities, retracing the paths of legendary explorers from centuries past. Begin your adventure at the southern tip of the Cumberland Sound, where Cape Mercy awaits. This site, named by the British explorer John Davis in 1585, holds the remnants of a Cold War-era Distant Early Warning Line installation, once part of a network designed to detect Soviet bombers. It's a fascinating spot to disembark and explore on foot. As you continue, you'll witness the majestic icebergs that drift down the Davis Strait, becoming naturally ensnared at Qikiqtarjuaq, formerly known as Broughton Island. The frigid waters here are a haven for ring and harp seals. A hike to the hilltop inuksuk offers breathtaking views of the community below. These stone figures, or cairns, have long served as navigational aids, markers of abundant resources, or sites of spiritual significance. As your journey progresses northward along the rugged east coast of Baffin Island, you'll approach Isabella Bay, a crucial feeding ground for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada. These magnificent creatures, known to live over 200 years, are a testament to the resilience of Arctic life. At the northern tip of Baffin Island, near the entrance to the Northwest Passage, lies the Inuit hamlet of Pond Inlet, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, fjords, glaciers, and icebergs. Here, many residents maintain a traditional nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting for sustenance. Further along, Lancaster Sound emerges as a true Arctic oasis, rich in wildlife and steeped in both indigenous and European history. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities, including a visit to Dundas Harbour on Devon Island, where you'll find an abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost by the beach. At nearby Croker Bay, a Zodiac cruise along the face of an actively calving glacier provides a thrilling experience, with the possibility of spotting walrus in the vicinity. Continuing westward, you'll encounter some of the best-preserved ancient Thule remains in the Arctic at Radstock Bay, nestled beside the towering Caswell Towers. At the western end of Devon Island, Beechey Island stands as a poignant reminder of the past. Named after the renowned British explorer Frederick William Beechey, it is a Canadian National Historic Site. Here, you'll visit the marked graves of three crew members who perished during Sir John Franklin's ill-fated 1845–46 expedition. Over a century later, Roald Amundsen made landfall here in 1903 during the first successful ship voyage through the Northwest Passage. As you sail down the east coast of Somerset Island, keep an eye out for beluga whales and, if fortune smiles upon you, the elusive narwhals feeding at Creswell Bay. This Important Bird Area also attracts species such as black-bellied plovers, king eiders, and white-rumped sandpipers. Your exploration continues at Fort Ross, where the Hudson's Bay Company established a now-abandoned trading post in 1937. Finally, at the midpoint of the Bellot Strait, the narrow channel separating Somerset Island from mainland North America, you'll reach Zenith Point, the northernmost area of the continental landmass.
 
Day 16: Disembark in Resolute, Canada and Fly to Calgary
After disembarking in Resolute, you will be taken to your charter flight to Calgary. Upon arrival, an overnight stay at your included hotel awaits you. This final leg of your journey offers you the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past days and prepare for the return to everyday life. In Calgary, a city known for its hospitality and charm, you can let the evening come to a peaceful close. Take advantage of the amenities of your hotel to relax and process the impressions of your journey.
 
Day 17: Depart Calgary
Today is the day you make your way to the airport to catch your flights home. Alternatively, you can use the day to further explore this unique western Canadian city. Calgary offers a fascinating blend of modern city life and impressive natural scenery to discover. Whether you choose to take a stroll through the lively streets of downtown or enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary has something for everyone. Take the opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality before concluding your journey.
 
Accommodation: Your accommodation during this extraordinary journey is the impressive ship Ultramarine, specially designed for exploring polar regions. Enjoy the comfort and amenities on board as you navigate through the stunning landscapes of the Arctic. With two powerful helicopters on board, you have the opportunity to reach remote areas and experience the spectacular nature from the air. The cabins offer you a cozy retreat after an exciting day full of adventures.
 
Further Information: The expedition to the Northwest Passage spans a duration of 17 days and starts from Reykjavík, Iceland. Two ships are available: Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer. Two departures are planned between August 2025 and September 2026.
 
Discover the fascinating expanses of the Arctic on a remarkable journey through the legendary Northwest Passage. Spaces are limited and demand is high, so we recommend you inquire now without obligation and secure your adventure!
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