When to visit the Northwest Passage

July marks the height of summer. It’s the warmest month of the year and these peak temperatures start to unlock the bays and waterways from their icy prison. The tundra is a profusion of wild flowers, while throughout the region there’s a frenzy of wildlife activity as all species are making the most of the summer breeding season.

Hordes of migratory birds have returned to nest congregate on Prince Leopold and Bylot Islands, while both belugas and narwhals are starting to migrate deeper into the heart of the Northwest Passage as the receding ice allows, making for spectacular encounters at Cunningham Inlet on Somerset island, and along the ice floe edge.

The excitement of August is that the receding ice allows the arrival of a small number of expedition ships, which provide the best means to explore the Northwest Passage on a cruise. Days are still long - helping to maximise wildlife sightings - and temperatures comparatively warm, however the weather can change rapidly and it can snow anytime.

Opportunistic polar bears by August - who have been following the migrating narwhal and beluga - can be found around Somerset and Prince of Wales Islands. Plus, remaining pockets of ice can assist bear sightings.

Shorter days, slightly cooler weather and higher chances of snow mark a step change in the seasons and the onset of autumn. However, as the ice continues to melt through September it becomes easier to get to ice strewn locations, which were inaccessible earlier in the season. Plus, the longer nights increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Wildlife is still very much in the area, even though the majority of birds have now migrated south. September can provide excellent sightings - for example, 5 polar bears, 25 belugas and 12 feeding bowheads were recently sighted all on a single day.

While these are the most benign months of the year weather-wise, it’s well worth being prepared with a range of clothing so you don’t get caught off guard. This is the High Arctic after all.

The weather and temperatures can change rapidly and it can snow anytime. Heavy rain is quite rare but light showers and mist are common, and when the wind is from the north it can send temperatures plummeting.