Northwest Passage: In Franklin's Footsteps

Day 1: Nuuk

Begin your expedition in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital city and home to the country’s newest airport. As the cultural and economic hub of Greenland, Nuuk is a mix of rich history, stunning natural beauty and busy modern life.

With a population of under 20,000 people, it's one of the smallest capital cities in the world, but still offers a fascinating mix of contemporary architecture and traditional Inuit culture.

Days 2 & 3: Sisimiut

West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland current and the sub-Arctic location. Abundant fauna and marine life have supported human habitation here as far back as 4,500 years.

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second largest city. Access the museum through a towering whalebone archway and be sure to stop in at the artisan’s studio for the chance to purchase outstanding handicrafts.

Day 4: Ilulissat

Ilulissat means 'iceberg', an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. 

We will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs, and visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.

Day 5: Western Greenland

Exploring by ship and Zodiac along the west coast of Greenland, we have numerous options for expedition stops, to make the most of weather and wildlife conditions. Departing Greenland, we cross Baffin Bay toward Nunavut. 

Day 6: At Sea - Davis Strait

As we steam toward Nunavut, our resource staff will deepen your understanding of the Arctic. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck.

Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Day 7: High Arctic - Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)

Enjoy the warmth of Mittimatalik - a busy Arctic hamlet in a beautiful setting, and fascinating place to wander.

Experience an Inuit welcome at a cultural presentation as drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors share their stories, songs, and connections to the land. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase carvings and handicrafts to bring back home.

Days 8 & 9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island

We will spend two days exploring 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. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife.

On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over fifty thousand square kilometres. Flat topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character.

We hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from ship and by shore. Archaeological sites with expert interpretation allow us to learn about the Inuit history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll visit the remains of a RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

Day 10: 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 the HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Day 11: Peel Sound

Peel Sound, once traversed by the Franklin expedition on its route south, presents us with numerous wildlife and exploratory opportunities. As we sail through this region, we'll be entering prime polar bear territory so will be on the lookout for good sighting opportunities. This area is also home to muskoxen, belugas, and other wildlife, making every moment a potential discovery.

Depending on ice conditions, we may make expedition stops along the way among the spectacular landscapes - perfect for zodiac trips for hiking to explore the geological diversity of the area.

Day 12: 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.

Days 13 to 16: Kitikmeot Region

The traditional territory of the Netsilik Inuit, 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 will spend our time navigating the ice-strewn waters in search of wildlife.

We’ll also call in at Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven) home of the Guardians of Terror Bay. The European name, Gjoa Haven, honours Roald Amundsen who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage.

Amundsen became the first European to cross the Northwest Passage, thanks to the knowledge and largesse of Inuit. The community has an excellent cultural centre and is well known for carvings and wall hangings.

Day 17: Kugluktuk

Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), is an alternate disembarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice and weather conditions.

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.