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Northwest Passage

from £9400 excluding flights

  • 8-29 nights
  • Jul-Sep
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Northwest Passage

Highlights

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Navigate the Northwest Passage and visit historic sites

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Search for whales including humpbacks and narwhals

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Land on Beechey Island, a Canadian National Historic Site

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Watch out for wildlife in abundance including polar bears

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Learn about Arctic history and ecology from expert guides

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Spend time ashore and see how the Inuit live

Why this trip...

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Culture

Experience local culture and heritage as part of this holiday

Overview

Join an adventurous cruise following one of the Arctic’s most iconic routes; this voyage provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas within the Northwest Passage, taking in both western Greenland and the Canadian Arctic islands in the Baffin Bay area.

The epic quest to find the Northwest Passage occupied some of the best minds of European civilisation for half a millennium. Today this elusive route offers a fascinating history, spectacular icebergs and the chance to see wildlife including polar bears and narwhals.

In addition to its long history of exploration, this region also offers a chance to visit local communities to experience the isolated way of life faced by the Inuits of the Canadian Arctic. The Northwest Passage may now be an established sailing route, but it remains a legendary voyage of discovery to this day!

Itinerary

Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto where an overnight stay is included. You may wish to visit one of the city’s many museums and galleries, or take in the sights from the top of the CN Tower.

This morning, board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, from where you will make your way to the ship. Your voyage begins with a cruise down one of the world’s longest fjords, Sondre Stromfjord, crossing the Arctic Circle as you go.

Follow the coast past the spectacular glaciers, deep fjords and remote communities of West Greenland. Highlights may include the capital Nuuk, a haven for history and culture lovers, or Maniitsoq, known as the Venice of Greenland by the locals due to its location in an archipelago intersected by natural canals.

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Male walrus hauled out on beach
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Explore the highlights of the Canadian Arctic as you navigate the Northwest Passage. Many factors play a role in shaping the expedition’s itinerary, including sea, ice and weather conditions, but your Expedition Team will ensure you see as much as possible with regular shore landings and Zodiac cruises. Travellers on board the Ultramarine may also take an included sightseeing flight by helicopter.

Possible highlights may include the picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nicknamed the Switzerland of the Arctic, which is nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Duval. Spot for icebergs in the Davis Strait, which are naturally trapped at Qikiqtarjuak, the iceberg capital of the world. The dozens of soaring cliffs of the Sam Ford Fjord make for a majestic sight as you sail by. There could be the chance to spot narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales as you cruise through the protected waters of Lancaster Sound, designated a National Marine Conservation Area in 2017. Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer. An impressive Thule archaeological site provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the Far North. You may also get the opportunity to go ashore on Beechey Island, home to the lonely graves of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition team.

Along the way enjoy dramatic landscapes, wildlife sightings and informative presentations from your knowledgeable Expedition Team.

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Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to Resolute airport for your flight back to Toronto. Enjoy a final night’s stay in Toronto.

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your Arctic expedition comes to an end.

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 17-day voyage on the Ultramarine. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, including alternative start and end cities. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

  • Passengers: 199
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Helicopter: on board
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Tundra to Table Dining

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Exclusive Inuit Culinary Experience

The innovative Tundra to Table dining experience showcases the culinary traditions of the Inuit of Greenland and Nunavut, offering the chance to enjoy dishes specially prepared by Inuit chefs, and to learn more about local Inuit culture.

A modern Inuit fusion-style cuisine reflects the influences of the region, featuring freshly caught seafood straight from the Arctic Ocean and free-roaming game. Dishes may include beer-braised muskox, South Greenlandic lamb, honey-glazed ptarmigan or pickled halibut, accompanied by wild herbs and locally grown vegetables.

During your four course meal, local Inuit chefs will share the story of their people through food, and explain the origins of the menu and the traditional methods of Inuit cooking.

This unique experience is available on board the Ultramarine on selected departures only. Limited places are available so pre-booking is essential.  

Departures:
13, 19 & 28 August 2023
15, 24 August & 02 September 2024

Price: £100 per person

Prices and Departures

Price from £9400 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

★ Voyage prices shown are standard for twin cabins but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Contribution to the Discovery Fund, supporting local community projects
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
20 Jul 2024 17 days Sylvia Earle £18,095
01 Aug 2024 17 days Ultramarine £20,500
03 Aug 2024 17 days Sylvia Earle £18,095
15 Aug 2024 12 days Ultramarine £15,000
17 Aug 2024 30 days Sylvia Earle £30,795
24 Aug 2024 12 days Ultramarine £15,000
02 Sep 2024 9 days Ultramarine £9,400

2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Price from (pp)
25 Aug 2025 16 days Greg Mortimer £19,895
26 Aug 2025 17 days Ultramarine £21,200
27 Aug 2025 29 days Sylvia Earle £37,695
07 Aug 2025 16 days Greg Mortimer £19,895
09 Sep 2025 12 days Ultramarine £15,700

Activity Icon Key

  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking

NOTES

  • On voyages aboard the Ultramarine, helicopter flight-seeing and helicopter hiking excursions are also included (weather permitting).
  • The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen.

Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.

How To Book BG Large

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As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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