Northwest Passage, Ellesmere & West Greenland - 17 Days - $14,495
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 15 days off-ship exploring: Canadian High Arctic (10) and Greenland (5)
- Travel aboard a comfortable 144- or 199-passenger expeditionary ship
- Arctic operational experience since 1994
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:10 for a high level of personalisation
- Kayaking is an option that we'd highly recommend (additional cost)
- Complimentary parka jacket helps with packing
Start from Kugluktuk and end at Kangerlussuaq
Landmarks potentially visited on Northwest Passage, Ellesmere & West Greenland
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine)
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 Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac.
Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), is an alternate embarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice and weather conditions.
Days 2-5: Kitikmeot Region
The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island.
Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters.
It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land. We'll explore by Zodiac and on foot.
Day 6: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
The Bellot Strait is a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, we'll get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America.
Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals.
Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.
Day 7: 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. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey.
Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.
Days 8 & 9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
We will spend the day exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas.
Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available to choose from, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.
Day 10: Aujuittuq (Grise Ford)
Aujuittuq means 'place that never thaws'. 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost 'civilian' community originated in the Cold War; in 1953, Inuit were relocated to Aujuittuq to boost Canadian sovereignty.
We’ll be welcomed into the hamlet, where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.
Day 11: Smith Sound
Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland, and served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.
Day 12: At Sea
On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer.
Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.
Days 13 & 14: Northwest Greenland
We will explore stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
Day 15: Ilulissat
Ilulissat translates literally into 'iceberg', an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Here, we will cruise in Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. And we’ll visit the bustling town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.
Day 16: Sisimiut Coast
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of islands and complex coastal waterways. As we enter the Arctic autumn, the tundra foliage will be in gorgeous colour. We will be making an expedition stop here to explore the landscape of wild Greenland.
Day 17: Kangerlussuaq
Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub.
Here we will disembark our vessel for the return charter flight to Toronto.
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programmes may vary depending on ice, weather and wildlife conditions. The Captain and onboard expedition leader determines the final itinerary.
About The Ship
- A middle-sized 4* ship suitable for up to 199 guests
- Well-appointed, offering comfort & stability
- Recently refurbished in 2015
- 1B ice class rating
- Loan of rubber boots
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $14495
Additional Notes
Charter flights
Pre-embarkation charter flight from Yellowknife to Kugluktuk (early-morning departure) costs an additional US$1,000 (2025), or US$1,100 (2026).
Post-disembarkation charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto (evening arrival) costs an additional US$1,450 (2025), US$1,595 (2026).
Discovery Fund Fee
The Discovery Fee is a contribution of $250 per person that is included in the cost of your trip. It is used to support local projects in the areas you will be travelling through, helping to ensure the longevity and success of educational, environmental and cultural initiatives in the regions we visit.
Mountain biking
Mountain Biking is available typically only during community visits and not on expedition stops, due to polar bears. CDN$40 per rental paid onboard.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo there are dedicated single cabins available. The single supplement for your own Twin cabin is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth.
Young travellers are very welcome with no minimum age requirement. Children under 2 years old travel for free, ages 3 & 4 only pay the cost of the charter flight and ages 5 to 30 receive a 30% discount off the cost of the berth.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
Includes
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
- Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
Excludes
- Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional services before and after your voyage
- Transfers not specific to the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Optional adventure activities
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges