Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife 21% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure through the legendary Northwest Passage to Newfoundland. This exclusive expedition offers you the opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of the Arctic while traveling aboard the Ultramarine. Your journey begins in Calgary, taking you to impressive glaciers, majestic mountains, and fascinating wildlife. Discover historical sites like the Viking ruins of L’Anse Aux Meadows and experience the pristine wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park. Enjoy the onboard amenities and exciting activities such as helicopter flights and Zodiac excursions. This journey promises remarkable experiences and breathtaking views of the Arctic wilderness.
 

Itinerary: Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife

 
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, Alberta
Upon your arrival at Calgary International Airport, you'll begin your journey in the vibrant city of Calgary, Alberta. After collecting your luggage, make your way to the hotel that has been arranged for you, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to discover the many facets of this intriguing Western Canadian city. Known for hosting the world-renowned Calgary Stampede, Calgary offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and cowboy charm. Whether you're drawn to its modern skyline, cultural attractions, or the welcoming spirit of its residents, Calgary promises an engaging experience. Take this opportunity to wander through its bustling streets, perhaps visiting local shops, cafes, or parks, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere that defines this remarkable city.
 
Day 2: Fly to Qausuittuq (Resolute) and embark
This morning, we’ll embark on an exciting journey as we catch our flight to the northern gateway of Qausuittuq, also known as Resolute, located in the vast and remote region of Nunavut. Here, in the heart of the legendary Northwest Passage, our adventure truly begins. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your awaiting ship, either by Zodiac or helicopter, depending on the ship's location and the prevailing weather conditions. Qausuittuq, situated on the southern shores of Cornwallis Island, carries the evocative meaning of “the place with no dawn” in the Inuktitut language, a nod to the 24-hour winter nights that envelop this northern expanse. However, our expedition is strategically timed to coincide with the late summer and early fall, when ice conditions are favorable, allowing us to access Quasuittuq while also experiencing the unique beauty of the setting sun high above the Arctic Circle. As we depart from Qausuittuq, our ship will chart a course through the storied waters of Tallurutiup-Imanga, also known as Lancaster Sound. This 320-kilometer waterway, along with its surrounding lands, is a treasure trove of wildlife and history, rich with the stories of both indigenous peoples and European explorers. The Inuit and their ancestors have called this remarkable domain home for thousands of years, adding layers of cultural depth to our journey.
 
Day 3: Tallurutiup-Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and the myth of the Franklin
Today we head to the western end of Devon Island, on the north side of Tallurutiup-Imanga, and land on the wind-swept Beechey Island, home to the Beechey Island Sites National Historic Sites. These sites, maintained by Parks Canada, tell the story—or at least the part that remains in the dark—of Sir John Franklin's much-discussed 1845-46 expedition to explore the Northwest Passage. The island is small, only 2.5 kilometers at its widest point, but its shores are steep and rise to a flat plateau of 244 meters. There, Franklin and his crew of 128 men spent the winter after departing England with their two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The ill-fated 1845-46 expedition—to navigate and map the Northwest Passage—ended in tragedy for all 129 men and their two ships. What happened to Franklin and his men is legendary—but also the focus of several search expeditions over the years, which discovered bodies, personal belongings of the crew members, and handwritten notes indicating starvation, deaths from hypothermia, scurvy, and lead poisoning from canned supplies. Inuit reports suggest that the crew split into small groups and subsequently perished. What is known for certain is that no one survived. The graves of three officers of HMS Erebus—John Hartnell, William Braine, and John Torrington—were discovered in 1851. You will have the opportunity to visit their graves and honor the memory of the entire Franklin crew who faced massive challenges to explore the Northwest Passage. Franklin's story is an essential part of Arctic exploration history. The wrecks of the Erebus and Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
 
Day 4: At Sea: Exploring the largest marine-protected area in Canada
Today we continue our exploration of Tallurutiup-Imanga, which was declared the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area) in 2017. Covering an area of 109,000 square kilometers, it is the largest marine protected area in Canada. We always remind our guests to keep their binoculars handy when traveling above the Arctic Circle, especially when on deck, to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits these waters. After leaving Tallurutiup-Imanga, the Ultramarine heads into the Davis Strait, which separates Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea and is part of the historic Northwest Passage. Clear skies later in the evening promise a spectacular display of the Northern Lights. Prepare to be impressed.
 
Day 5: Baffin Island Fjords and Heli-flightseeking
This is an especially exciting day as you become one of the very few travelers to explore the stunningly majestic Icy Arm Fjord, which cuts almost 80 kilometres deep into northern Baffin Island. Accessible only by water in summer months when the sea ice recedes, this rarely-visited fjord is known for its unrivalled landscape of towering cliffs and stunning glaciers, and is valued as much for its sheer remoteness as it is for its singularly pristine environment. Icy Arm Fjord is the epitome of unspoiled Arctic wilderness. We may observe polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, as well as guillemots, kittiwakes and other Arctic-dwelling birds. Excitement grows on Day 5 as Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters are made ready for Heli Flightseeing excursions. Prepare to view the remote Arctic terrain from the seat of a helicopter-camera at the ready. It’s also an excellent day for Zodiac cruises, which offer guests a sea-level intimacy with the surrounding lands and waters.
 
Day 6: At Sea: Get acquainted with the on-board features of Ultramarine!
As you cruise along the east coast of Baffin Island, particularly from the middle of the island to the southern tip, the sheer vastness of Canada's largest island and the fifth largest in the world becomes impressively apparent. Day 6 offers an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the amenities of your ship, including the fitness center, spa, and library. Every free minute between expert-led polar lectures and delicious meals is perfect for editing your digital photos. We are sure you have taken hundreds by now!
 
Day 7: Life in Qikiqtarjuaq
Qikiqtarjuaq, affectionately referred to as Qik, is a quaint hamlet predominantly inhabited by the Inuit people. It is situated north of the Arctic Circle on Broughton Island, just off the eastern coast of Baffin Island. This charming locale is renowned as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, offering a unique and captivating landscape. Qikiqtarjuaq serves as the northern gateway to the majestic Auyuittuq National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including the elusive narwhals, majestic bowhead and orca whales, formidable polar bears, playful seals, and a variety of migratory birds. Our thoughtfully arranged community visits, in collaboration with our esteemed local partners, provide guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich local culture. Visitors can engage with the community, gaining insights into their way of life, and have the chance to purchase exquisite art and traditional handicrafts. These include beautifully crafted parkas, sturdy boots, and unique local art pieces, available when in stock, offering a tangible connection to the vibrant culture of Qikiqtarjuaq.
 
Day 8: Cape Mercy: Fascinating history in the remote wilderness
History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Cape Mercy, a remote bay at the southern tip of Cumberland Sound in Nunavut. Cape Mercy was named by the British explorer John Davis, who sailed through this part of the Arctic in 1585. A few centuries later, in the 1950s, Cape Mercy was chosen as a site for a Distant Early Warning Line (DEW) installation, part of a system of radar stations set up during the Cold War to detect nuclear attacks. Today, Cape Mercy, accessible only by water, offers modern travelers the opportunity to experience the magnificent isolation of the Arctic—without a sign of civilization in sight. You can participate in a guided hike to a glacier-formed freshwater lake on Cape Mercy. Don't forget to bring your camera for this shore excursion.
 
Day 9: At Sea: Enjoying the on-ship amenities and learning opportunities
During your days at sea aboard the Ultramarine, there is an abundance of activities waiting to be discovered by you. You have the opportunity to relax and recharge in the sauna area with its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. If you crave even more pampering, you can book a soothing treatment at the Tundra Spa, which revitalizes both body and mind. For those who do not want to neglect their fitness even at sea, the fitness center is ready to provide you with a comprehensive workout. Alternatively, you can find your inner peace with yoga while keeping the vastness of the sea in view. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Arctic, our experts offer exciting lectures on a variety of topics. Whether geology, wildlife, history, glaciology, or botany—the presentations are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the fascinating polar regions.
 
Day 10: Torngat Mountain National Park – "The land of the spirits"
Today’s wilderness adventure into Torngat Mountains National Park will undoubtedly leave you inspired. Within the expansive 10,000 square-kilometer national park, which was established in 2008, lie Canada’s highest mountains east of the venerable Rockies. The park is akin to a wilderness landscape painting brought to life, featuring impressive fjords, dramatic glacial formations, stunning landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. For those with an interest in Indigenous history, Torngat Mountain National Park holds special significance: it is situated at the northern edge of the autonomous Nunatsiavut territory, recognized as the homeland of the Labrador Inuit in 2005, complete with its own constitution and administration. Remarkably, these lands have been home to the Nunatsiavut and their predecessors for over 7,500 years. We are truly honored to explore this majestic wilderness territory with you. The name Torngat, in Inuktitut, translates to “place of the spirits,” reflecting the profound spiritual significance of the region to the Inuit communities. As a national park, this wilderness domain offers protection to a variety of species, including boreal woodland caribou, black bears, Labrador wolves, red and Arctic foxes, polar bears, and peregrine falcons, among others. You will have incredible opportunities to explore this national wilderness area through helicopter, Zodiac, and kayaking excursions, as well as guided hikes.
 
Day 11 & 12: At Sea: Observing the ever-changing terrain
As we continue to sail, you should closely observe the ever-changing landscapes and scenery during your 2,500 nautical mile journey. We have moved from a pristine tundra environment in the Arctic, then along the rocky, wall-lined coast of Baffin Island, to the wind-swept coastal forests of Newfoundland and Labrador. This journey offers an impressive variety of natural backdrops that unfold before your eyes. The rugged beauty of the Arctic gives way to the dramatic cliffs and majestic coastline of Baffin Island before the lush, wind-and-weather-shaped forests of Newfoundland and Labrador take over the scenery. Each section of this journey tells its own story and offers unique perspectives on the untouched nature that surrounds you. Take the opportunity to observe the subtle changes in the landscape as you sail through these fascinating regions.
 
Day 13: L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site: Viking and Norse history
As we sail toward L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site on the northern tip of Newfoundland, take a moment to reflect on the stark contrasts between modern and ancient marine vessels. Today, you find yourself comfortably ensconced on the state-of-the-art Ultramarine, a beautifully designed ship equipped with helicopters, quick-launch Zodiacs, a sauna and spa, dining areas surrounded by glass, high-tech presentation spaces, and cabins offering the best of amenities. The ship also provides a wide array of exciting off-ship adventure options. In contrast, imagine the wooden longboats that transported the Vikings an incredible 2,180 kilometres from Greenland to Newfoundland in 1000 AD. Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological remains of where they landed in their hand-hewn vessels. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, which is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the only confirmed Norse or Viking settlement in North America. Enjoy a guided tour to see where Norseman Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have founded “Vinland” (the East Coast area including what would later be known as Newfoundland) around 1000 AD. As you explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins throughout the historic site, you will find proof that Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus’s much-chronicled arrival.
 
Day 14: At Sea: The music continues
Enjoy another evening of kitchen party music performed by our guest artists, as the melodies and rhythms fill the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. If you haven’t already, seize the opportunity when the musicians take a break to inquire about the various musical traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly the origins of kitchen party music, which is steeped in history and cultural significance. This is a chance to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of local music and its evolution over the years. Also, try to spend time with the expedition team, all of whom are polar experts with vast expertise they’re always eager to share. Their knowledge and stories about the polar regions can provide fascinating insights and enhance your understanding of these unique environments.
 
Day 15: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Experience the traditional culture of France during our visit to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. This small archipelago, only 20 kilometers from Newfoundland, is the only French territory on the North American continent. We’ll disembark in the colorful and vibrant port town of Saint-Pierre, where we can stroll along the seaside, sample French patisseries and enjoy the café scene. Get a taste of Europe where you least expect it. While Europeans have had a presence on the tiny archipelago since the early 17th-century, the islands are traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq, the Indigenous people who first appeared in Atlantic Canada 10,000 years ago. The Mi’kmaq culture thrives throughout Eastern Canada.
 
Day 16: Onward Flights
Your ship arrives at the pier in St. John’s for a morning disembarkation, marking the end of your journey on the water. As the sun rises, casting a gentle glow over the harbor, you will enjoy a final breakfast on board, savoring the last moments of this memorable voyage. Once you have finished your meal, you may choose to make your way to St. John’s International Airport, where you will connect with your homeward flight, carrying with you the memories of your travels. Alternatively, if you have planned to extend your stay, you can explore more of what St. John’s has to offer, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Whether you are heading home or continuing your adventure, this day marks a transition, offering a moment to reflect on the experiences and discoveries of your journey.
 
Accommodation: Your accommodation during this exciting expedition is the modern ship Ultramarine, offering you the highest level of comfort and amenities. Enjoy the stylish cabins equipped with modern conveniences, as well as the spacious communal areas surrounded by large windows offering impressive views of the surrounding nature. The ship features a fitness center, a spa, and various dining options to cater to your well-being. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities such as helicopter flights and Zodiac tours to experience the untouched beauty of the Arctic up close.
 
Further Information: The expedition to the Northwest Passage to Newfoundland lasts 16 days and starts from Calgary, Canada. The journey takes place on the ship Ultramarine. There is a departure between September 2025 and October 2025. Please note that the spots are already sold out.
 
Discover the untouched beauty of the Arctic on a remarkable journey through the legendary Northwest Passage. Demand is high, and spots are limited, so we recommend that you inquire now without obligation and secure your adventure in this fascinating region!
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