Northwest Passage Cruises
This labyrinthine waterway was long sought by early adventurers as a sea route linking the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Canada's Arctic archipelago is therefore no …
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Five things to know about the Northwest Passage
- Previously inaccessible to all but the hardiest explorers, you can now discover a wealth of extraordinary wildlife, fascinating history and rich Inuit culture
- There are seven main routes through the Northwest Passage, which thread their ways through Canada’s Arctic archipelago of 36,500 islands
- This is true expedition, sea ice covers the archipelago for much of the year, but by late summer many of the waterways become ice-free offering chance for exploration
- Lancaster Sound is a major migratory route for many marine and terrestrial species, making it ideal for polar bear, walrus, narwhal and beluga whale sightings
- It’s one of the least populated regions on the planet with 0.05 people per square mile
Swoop says
The Northwest Passage is a stunning, sparsely inhabited island maze. With massive distances and minimal transport, an expedition cruise is realistically the only way to travel here.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Our most popular Northwest Passage voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
The big ice and small towns of West Greenland provide a stunning start to this trip before you sail across the Davis Straight to Baffin Island and enter the Northwest Passage. Blend history, scenery and wildlife; pay your respects at…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
Visits to Canadian and Greenlandic communities Inuit history and culture are at the core of this journey, among those stops both Kinngait, the centre of Inuit Art and Nuuk, Greenland's capital are included. There's plenty of wildlife opportunities too with…
- 14 Days
- $6,747
Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…
- 17 Days
- $23,790
Embark on an epic voyage through the fabled Northwest Passage, sailing from Nome to Nuuk. Alongside your expert Expedition Team, you will encounter spectacular wildlife, UNESCO-listed treasures, and vibrant Inuit settlements. From the thrill of remote exploration to the stunning,…
- 25 Days
- $26,039
Set sail on this in-depth, luxury 20-day cruise of west Greenland and the legendary Northwest Passage. Travelling deep into the icy labyrinth of the Northwest Passage, encounter Inuit culture, retrace Franklin’s footsteps and witness Arctic wildlife – musk ox, polar…
- 20 Days
- $25,762
This is a fabulous introduction to the best of the Canadian High Arctic, incorporating an in-depth exploration of Baffin Island and the mythical Northwest Passage – with time also in West Greenland. From dramatic glacier-carved scenery and wildlife encounters, to…
- 20 Days
- $17,751
Guide to the Northwest Passage
What is the Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage is the sea route across the northern Canadian Archipelago joining the Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic. For centuries European explorers had sought a way through the ice in search of a shorter route to the East. Many lives were sacrificed in the search until Roald Amundsen succeeded between 1903-1906 on board the Gjoa.
The shrinking of Arctic sea ice and advances in modern vessels has made the route increasingly accessible. Alongside the expedition ships carrying adventurers are a handful of commercial vessels cutting 2,500 miles off their journey, saving precious time and fuel, and serving the remote communities dotted through the region.
Navigate the ice of the High Arctic
History
Humans first entered this region some 12,000 years ago, following big game across a land bridge that is now the Bering Strait. The first archaeological remains of a Paleoeskimo culture date to 5,000 years ago, followed by the Dorset culture 2,500 years later who developed marine hunting techniques.
Between 1,200 and 500 years ago the Thule began building whalebone and sod houses, the remains of which you can still see.
The Thule period also saw the first impact of an alien culture on the region. As Vikings expanded their territory, artefacts suggest trade links were established with the Norsemen who settled in Greenland.
More recently the Northwest Passage became infamous as explorers tried and failed for centuries to find a way through the ice.
Graves of explorers on Beechey Island
Wildlife
The waterways and islands of the Northwest Passage are home to the famous Arctic Big Five - polar bear, musk ox, walrus, narwhal and beluga whales - alongside reindeer (caribou), seal, arctic fox and lemmings. In addition, the summer sees an influx of migratory visitors who are making the most of the short breeding season.
Lancaster Sound is a wildlife superhighway for many marine and terrestrial species, forming a unique ecosystem. In August 2017, a momentous step was taken to protect it with the formation of a national marine conservation area twice the size of Nova Scotia.
Bears on ice in Lancaster Sound
Swoop says
The Northwest Passage offers so much variety. There is wildlife, often in spades, there is definitely scenery and there will be ice. And it's the ice that rules all. It's density will determine the route of your journey and what you see along the way.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
What our customers think of the Northwest Passage
The trip was good, the light gorgeous, the icebergs fantastical, and the wildlife wonderful with more polar bears than expected. The traditional villages made us think about their future, and we met new friends. Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Carol & Gerard Yorke - USA
Swoop says
In the absence of any hotels or infrastructure outside the handful and very isolated communities, the best way to explore is on board an expedition ship. Your ship operates as both your floating hotel, mode of transportation and basecamp for daily off ship excursions.
Plan your trip to the Northwest Passage
Northwest Passage Ship Guide
Exploring by expedition ship provides unparalleled access to the remote coastlines, icy channels and scattered communities of the Northwest Passage. Given the distances and typical…
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When to visit the Northwest Passage
There’s very good reason why the Northwest Passage is only open to visitors in August and September: it's the only time average temperatures are above freezing, and the ice has …
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Arctic Cruises FAQs
Our expert team are ready and waiting to answer your questions. Whether it's about a specific ship, the best time to travel, or even what clothing is best for the Arctic, we're …
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