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Highlights
Cruise the Northwest Passage from Canada to Greenland’s west coast
Visit the haunting memorial site of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition at the Beechey Island, where the graves of crew members and the ruins of Northumberland House offer a glimpse into Arctic exploration history.
Explore one of Nunavut’s newest National Marine Conservation Areas at Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), where you can spot whales, polar bears, and other Arctic wildlife while learning about the vital role Inuit play in preserving this region’s biodiversity.
Marvel at the towering icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord (the UNESCO World Heritage Site), where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier produces some of the largest ice formations in the world.
Experience life in Canada’s northernmost civilian community of the Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), meeting locals and hearing their stories of resilience and adaptation in this remote and harsh environment.
Cruising the Northwest Passage is one of the great bucket list polar journeys, typically a journey you can only read about. The "Out of the Northwest Passage" allows you to experience cruising the Northwest Passage yourself!
This Arctic Cruise offers an unparalleled exploration of Arctic history, culture, and wildlife as you journey from the icy landscapes of Nunavut to the dramatic fjords of Greenland. Highlights include visiting key historical sites like Beechey Island and experiencing Inuit culture in remote communities such as Ausuittuq. Along the way, witness the breathtaking beauty of the Ilulissat Icefjord, cruise through wildlife-rich waters, and hike the rugged tundra with expert guides. This expedition is perfect for those seeking a deep connection to the Arctic’s landscapes, stories, and enduring spirit.
If the dates on this Northwest Passage Cruise don't work, please check out this other Northwest Passage Cruise.
Cruising the Northwest Passage is one of the great bucket list polar journeys, typically a journey you can only read about. The "Out of the Northwest Passage" allows you to experience cruising the Northwest Passage yourself!
This Arctic Cruise offers an unparalleled exploration of Arctic history, culture, and wildlife as you journey from the icy landscapes of Nunavut to the dramatic fjords of Greenland. Highlights include visiting key historical sites like Beechey Island and experiencing Inuit culture in remote communities such as Ausuittuq. Along the way, witness the breathtaking beauty of the Ilulissat Icefjord, cruise through wildlife-rich waters, and hike the rugged tundra with expert guides. This expedition is perfect for those seeking a deep connection to the Arctic’s landscapes, stories, and enduring spirit.
If the dates on this Northwest Passage Cruise don't work, please check out this other Northwest Passage Cruise.
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Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 Begin Your Adventure in Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada
Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996. Our charter flight will land in Kugluktuk, and we will embark the ship by Zodiac.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2-5 Sail the Northwest Passage in the Kitikmeot Region
Navigate the ice-strewn waters of this fabled waterway in search of wildlife. Although this is Nunavut’s least-populated region, wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land. Visit a local community where Inuit hosts will share their knowledge of their home and the area’s history. Discover the legacy of this important waterway and the captivating story of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Witness the Most Northerly Point of Continental North America at Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Discover the famed Bellot Strait, a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America. Keep watch for marine mammals, including beluga whales, narwhals, and seals. Delve into the region’s fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, the French naval officer and Arctic explorer who inspired the strait’s namesake.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Visit a Franklin Expedition Historical Site on Beechey Island
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial to this tragic expedition.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Explore Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth. Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and explore archaeological sites at Dundas Harbour.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Experience Inuit Culture in Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), NU
Ausuittuq means “place that never thaws.” Located 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost civilian community was established during the Cold War. Meet community members, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories of resilience in one of the most remote places on Earth.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Reach Your Furthest North in Smith Sound
Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland and served as the main route for explorers searching for the North Pole. Discover the history of legendary Arctic adventurers while keeping watch for polar bears, walruses, and other Arctic wildlife.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland While at Sea
On this exploration day, we’ll make the most of the wind, weather, and wildlife. Scan for polar bears, walruses, whales, and seabirds. Participate in workshops, watch documentaries, or learn from Inuit cultural educators about life in the Arctic.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12-13 Hike the Tundra in Northwest Greenland
Explore stunning fjords along the coast, surrounded by glaciers and icebergs. In true expedition style, we’ll hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow. Learn from expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists while gaining insights from Inuit cultural educators about the region’s abundant flora and fauna.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs in Ilulissat
Marvel at the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Stroll along the boardwalk and take in the awe-inspiring ice formations. Visit the town’s museums, cafes, and craft shops, and explore the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre for a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15-16 Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords Along the Sisimiut Coast
Explore West Greenland’s coastal waterways, which include glaciers, islands, and fjords set against towering mountains. Learn about the cultures that have thrived in this region for over 4,500 years and enjoy hiking and Zodiac cruising in this scenic landscape.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17 Cross the Arctic Circle in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord. Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. Air Force base, for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.
Overnight Location: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation on Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition
This tour is based in staying onboard a spacious cruise vessel that features twenty Zodiacs, and advanced navigation equipment. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.
There are 10 different cabin types varying in size, number of bets, deck levels and views. Please contact us to find out more.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. There is a limited number of cabins without single supplement charge (from category 3 to 7), however, any other categories or once the free-upgrade single cabins are sold, the single supplement fee will be 1.5-2 times the berth cost.
Night 1-16
Quadruple cabin (Category 1)
These cabins are approx 240 sqf, located on deck no. 4 and are interior. They consist of four lower berths. Enjoy a private bath with amenities such as a hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products. The cabin will also have an intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night Nights 1-16
Triple Cabin (Category 2)
These cabins are approx 200 sqf, located on deck no. 4 and are interior. They consist of three lower berths. Enjoy a two private baths with amenities such as a hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products. The cabin will also have an intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night Nights 1-16
Double / Twin Cabin (Categories 3, 4 and 5)
These cabins vary by size (from 100 to 120 sqf) and consist of two lower berths. The standard ones are interior, however, for a supplement you can upgrade to a cabin with an exterior view (via pothole) or a main view (with a picture window and unobstructed view). All cabins have ensuite baths, intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night Nights 1-16
Upgraded Double / Twin Cabin (Categories 6, 7 and 8)
Choose an upgraded double or twin room based on your preferred size, type of berths (double or twin), deck level and types of windows and views. Cabin view options vary from pothole windows, to picture windows with unobstructed views. These cabins vary in size from 135 to 190 square feet and have numerous amenities.
Night Nights 1-16
Junior Suite / Suite Cabin (Category 9 and 10)
These cabins are 270 - 310 square feet., have matrimonial beds (bigger than double, but smaller than a queen size) and have sitting areas in addition to numerous other amenities. Junior suites have picture windows with unobstructed views while suites have forward-facing picture windows with unobstructed views and are a little bigger. Suites also have a full tub and refrigerator.
What’s Included in the Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition?
Meals
The itinerary includes a total of 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 16 dinners.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 16 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
The tour package includes all the transportation necessary for the activities listed.
Also included
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
Not included
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Cabin upgrades
- Charter flight from Toronto to Greenland
- Carter flight from Kugluktuk to Yellowknife
- How hard is the Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition ?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Greenland or Canada?
- Are meals included on the Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition ?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get Kugluktuk, NU (Canada) to start this tour?
- Is the Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition in English?
- Where does the Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition?
We rate the difficulty level of this tour as a 3 / 5. The tour involves activities like hiking on uneven tundra, exploring remote Arctic regions by Zodiac, and dealing with potentially cold and unpredictable weather conditions. While the ship provides a comfortable base, participants should be prepared for physical activity and the adventurous nature of the Arctic environment. This tour is best suited for travelers who are in good health, enjoy active exploration, and can handle moderate physical exertion in rugged and remote settings.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
The itinerary includes a total of 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 16 dinners.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the activities listed in the itinerary. Get your travel insurance.
Kugluktuk is a remote community, so planning and coordinating your flights well ahead of time is essential. The standard route takes two steps: Firstly flying to Yellowknife, NT which is the nearest major airport with connections to Kugluktuk is Yellowknife Airport (YZF). You can reach Yellowknife by taking a flight from major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver. From there, you can take a regional flight to Kugluktuk (YCO) operated by airlines like Canadian North or Air Tindi. These flights are limited, so booking in advance is recommended. You can also join a chartered flight before the tour.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. You can join a chartered flight to Toronto (optional extra) for some more convenient flight connection options.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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