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Days
17
Price from
20525USD
Map of Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic including Canada, Greenland and Arctic

Follow in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers

Take flight from Toronto and journey to the High Arctic in 17 days. Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked, taking in incredible untouched scenery, searching for wildlife, and passing by fjords, glaciers and icebergs. Follow the coastline past rugged islands to see the graves of lost explorers, polar bear research stations, traditional Inuit communities and archaeological ruins. Cross Baffin Bay to west Greenland – a region ruled by ice – and see mountains towering over colourful settlements, soaring glaciers, and huge ice shards becoming icebergs. On board a comfortable expedition vessel with a team of expert leaders, head into the world’s icy wilderness.

Up to 15% OFF 2021 Arctic Cruises

Book now to take advantage of up to 15% OFF* 2021 Arctic Cruises departing between May 1st and October 31st, 2021.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Toronto, Canada
Finish
Toronto, Canada
Destinations
Canada, Greenland
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Code
PPNWE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • Embark on an immersive land, sea and air adventure with a range of Zodiac cruises, shore excursions and helicopter expeditions, taking you to places once out of reach.

  • Encounter the Arctic’s rare and unique wildlife on multiple sightseeing opportunities, in search of musk oxen, walruses, caribou and narwhal whales.

  • Have the opportunity to meet with local Inuit communities as you travel through parts of the Northwest Passage and the waters of western Greenland, learning of their traditional culture and hunting and fishing ways.

  • Discover the best of the Canadian High Arctic islands and Greenland, journeying past remote village outposts and archaeological sites, and cruising the fjords to hear the deafening crash of shards falling from icebergs.

  • Enjoy a well-equipped vessel with modern staterooms, a number of bar and lounge areas and health and wellness facilities. And on your sailing days, join experts for an onboard lecture program.

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 hike 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 openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.

An iceberg in the Canadian High Arctic
Passengers walking across ice in Lancaster Sound, Canadian Arctic
Icebergs in the water off Scoresbysund Fjord, Greenland
A polar bear in the snow in Greenland
Colourful houses bordering an Arctic lake in Greenland
Passengers look out over Isabella Bay from an expedition vessel

Boats

Ocean Adventurer boat on adventure cruising tours

Ocean Adventurer

This sturdy expedition ship was built in 1975 and underwent an $8 million refurbishment in 2017 which included new engines and refurbished cabins...

Boat type
Expedition Ship
Passengers
128
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to Toronto, Canada. You are free to arrive at any time today and make your way to the pre-expedition accommodation. There, you will receive a welcome letter outlining times and further details about your charter flight to the High Arctic tomorrow morning. Tonight, you may like to meet with an expedition representative in the hotel lobby, who can answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Until then, enjoy the sights of Toronto or simply relax in your accommodation.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you may have the chance to walk around this small arctic hamlet before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your expedition vessel. Meet your crew and settle into your cabin.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Begin your polar voyage in the Northwest Passage as you pass by the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago and has been home to Inuit communities for even longer. Although no strict itinerary is set, your expedition could include cruising to Beechey Island – the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition, learning the local way of life in Arctic Bay, setting foot on Devon Island for a number of hiking opportunities, cruising along the face of an active glacier in Croker Bay spotting walruses in the waters, searching for musk oxen in Dundas Harbour and learning of hunting and fishing traditions in Grise Fjord. As you travel through sections of the Passage, let your expert polar crew take you on unforgettable Zodiac and helicopter sightseeing and landing trips to visit areas that otherwise may not be accessible. In between shore visits, scenic cruising and optional adventure activities, appreciate the onboard amenities of your polar vessel and enjoy a series of lectures presented by Arctic experts.
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.

Before saying goodbye to Canada, you will cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of the spectacular Smith Sound – the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today, stop in Qaanaaq, Greenland. Formerly known as Thule – in ancient philosophy, it was Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’ – this is the main town in north-western Greenland. On shore, you will spend time learning about local Inuit culture and traditions, perhaps visiting the town’s museum.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Back on board, journey south along the coast of Greenland with time spent at sea. During the day, there will be a number of presentations and lectures from your onboard experts to explain some of the incredible geography, wildlife and histories you have experienced, plus prepare you for the adventures and locations that lie ahead. In your leisure time, perhaps get to know your fellow voyagers over a drink in the onboard lounge, or make use of the spa and wellness facilities.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Over the next four days, continue to explore Greenland’s west, with a flexible itinerary to account for the varying weather and ice conditions. You may have the chance to admire the twin peaks of the mountain that towers over Uummannaq, visit the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, and cruise towards the impressive blue-hued Eqip Sermia glacier. Take a Zodiac past icebergs such as Sermeq Kujalleq, listening out for breaking ice crashing into the waters below. Air, land and sea excursions are all a possibility here, and your expert team will be monitoring the conditions to ensure wildlife and sightseeing opportunities are maximised.
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.

This morning, journey towards Kangerlussuaq and farewell your expedition crew as you take a Zodiac ride to shore. Here, you will board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, transfer as a group to your post-expedition accommodation. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity to visit Toronto at your leisure this evening.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at anytime as your tour comes to an end.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship 14 nights, hotel 2 nights

Dates & availability

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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 is 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

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