Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

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Days

17

Price from

26000^AUD

Become a modern-day explorer on remote Arctic seas

Heed the call of the wild, like legendary adventurers before you, and set sail on the waters of the Canadian High Arctic, encountering Inuit history and culture, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer as you spend 17 days experiencing the best of the Arctic, with an expert expedition crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable journey.

Dates & availability

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Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Become a modern-day explorer on remote Arctic seas

Heed the call of the wild, like legendary adventurers before you, and set sail on the waters of the Canadian High Arctic, encountering Inuit history and culture, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer as you spend 17 days experiencing the best of the Arctic, with an expert expedition crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable journey.

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Start

Toronto, Canada

Finish

Toronto, Canada

Destinations

Canada, Greenland

Style

Peregrine

Theme

Polar

Code

PPNWW

Physical rating

Ages

Min 8

Group size

Min 1, Max 200

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Why you'll love this trip

• Discover highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic on a polar expedition that focuses on remote natural landscapes, ancient Inuit cultures and unique wildlife sightings.

• See the colourful villages of Greenland’s western shores, framed by natural canals and jagged peaks, stopping in to learn about Inuit and Thule histories and shop for traditional crafts.

• Take to the water – and the skies – on a series of included Zodiac cruises and helicopter experiences, taking you to places otherwise inaccessible to large cruising ships.

• After full days of exploring the Arctic wilderness, retire to your ultra-modern vessel, with comfortable staterooms, multiple dining, bar and lounge areas, and health and wellness facilities.

• Enjoy encounters with the Arctic’s impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and musk oxen, and appreciate the sweeping vistas of colourful tundra, striking fjords and calving glaciers.

Is this trip right for you?

• You will be supplied with an expedition parka and waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for a detailed guide on what to bring with you.

• On this journey, you will climb in and out of small Zodiac boats quite regularly to explore and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac.

• Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings by Zodiac, and you will be hiking on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.

• The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and an openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Toronto

Welcome to Toronto – the gateway to your Arctic expedition. You are free to arrive at any time today and independently transfer to your included pre-trip accommodation. On arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s charter flight to Greenland. An expedition representative will be available in the lobby this evening to answer any questions you may have.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2: Kangerlussuaq – Embarkation Day

After breakfast, transfer to Toronto Airport and board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small seaside community on Greenland’s west coast. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you transfer from shore to ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and take in your new surroundings.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Days 3-4: West Greenland

For the next couple of days, your vessel will hug the coastline and you will begin exploring. Cruise around remote settlements of Greenland including Maniitsoq – an archipelago broken by natural canals, and Nuuk – the Greenlandic capital. Here, explore the Hans Egede church and statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. You may also enjoy visits to the Greenland National Museum, Nuuk Art Museum or Katuaq Cultural Centre. Marvel in your picturesque surroundings as you explore one of the world’s most remote capital cities.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Destinations mentioned here should be used as a guide only.

Day 5: At Sea

Cruise away from Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait in pursuit of the Canadian Arctic. During this time, consider attending a series of onboard lectures and programs presented by your expert crew, preparing you for the Arctic adventures that lie ahead. You may also like to take advantage of the ship’s fully equipped fitness centre and spa facilities.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Days 6-15: Canadian High Arctic

Today, commence almost ten days of exploration in Canada’s High Arctic, following in the footsteps of explorers past. Your expedition crew will have a tentative itinerary set; however, they will take into account weather, sea and ice conditions to maximise the voyage’s shore landings and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Your course is set for the picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nestled beneath the peaks of Mt Duval. Here, you can learn about traditional lithographs and tapestries from local craftspeople. Your vessel will traverse the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay north along the east coast of Baffin Island, making use of the ship’s Zodiac and helicopter fleet for cruising, sightseeing and shore visits. Continue onwards to the Northwest Passage, stopping via Inuit communities, ancient Thule remains, reminders of past voyages, and a dazzling array of natural wonders. Expect to cruise pass pods of bowhead and narwhal whales and the soaring mountains of the region’s fjords, as well as glaciers, icebergs, and majestic mountain sites. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird and polar bear sightings. Your journey will be enhanced with hiking and kayaking opportunities, plus time to simply relax on deck and soak in the purity of the landscape.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Please speak to a booking agent when you confirm your expedition for more information on helicopter excursions.

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Destinations mentioned here should be used as a guide only.

Day 16: Resolute – Disembarkation Day – Toronto

This morning, your ship will cruise towards Resolute, where you will disembark. On land, transfer to the airport and take your included charter flight back to Toronto, then take a group transfer to your accommodation for the evening.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 17: Toronto

Your Greenland and Canadian High Arctic adventure comes to an end this morning, with no other activities planned. You are free to make your way to Toronto Airport for onward connections or continue to explore Toronto independently.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Want to tailor this itinerary?

Inclusions

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship 14 nights, hotel 2 nights

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship 14 nights, hotel 2 nights

Days

17

Price from

26000^AUD

Become a modern-day explorer on remote Arctic seas

Heed the call of the wild, like legendary adventurers before you, and set sail on the waters of the Canadian High Arctic, encountering Inuit history and culture, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer as you spend 17 days experiencing the best of the Arctic, with an expert expedition crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable journey.

Dates & availability

Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

A full kayaking program and single session paddles are available to book on this voyage. They his must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in the full kayaking program, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, the Ultramarine offers included activities using the 2 on board helicopters such as flight seeing and landings from the helicopter.

Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representative

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information