Northwest Passage

Day 1: Ottawa, Canada

Explore Canada’s charming capital city at leisure before spending the night at a well-appointed hotel.

Day 2: Ottawa – Resolute, Embarkation

This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. There should be time to walk around this remote Arctic town before taking a Zodiac transfer to board your ship.

Days 3-6: Canadian High Arctic & the Northwest Passage

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. Possible landings may include Beechey Island, home to the lonely graves of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer, as well as an impressive Thule archaeological site which provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the High Arctic. You may visit the hamlet of Arctic Bay, used by migrating Inuit nomads for thousands of years. Perhaps hike on Devon Island or take a Zodiac cruise along the face of an active glacier at Croker Bay. Search for walrus and musk oxen, and meet the locals at Canada’s most northern settlement, Grise Fjord – home to just 150 residents.

Days 7-8: Smith Sound

Before departing Canadian waters, head north to explore both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.

Day 9: Qaanaaq, Greenland

Your first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world (ancient philosophers called it Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’). Here, local Inuit will share their culture and traditions.

Day 10: at sea

Sail south along the rugged west coast of Greenland, taking in the scenery and learning more about your surroundings during informative presentations by on-board experts.

Days 11-15: West Greenland

With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland is breathtaking. You may visit Nuussuaq, the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland. Other highlights may include Uummannaq, a coastal settlement of vibrantly painted wooden houses backed by an impressive red-hued, heart-shaped mountain, or the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rocky outcrop in 1972. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 AD, are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.

Continuing south enjoy spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. This jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the crystal-clear water is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland. The Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. Take a Zodiac cruise to witness the wonders of calving ice or a hike for stunning views over the icebergs as they float out into Disko Bay. Learn about the history of the kayak at Sisimiut and hike around Itilleq Fjord as you make your way to Kangerlussuaq.

Day 16: Disembarkation, Kangerlussuaq – Ottawa

Transfer ashore by Zodiac to board your charter flight from Kangerlussuaq back to Ottawa, Canada. Upon arrival in Ottawa, you will be transferred to your hotel for a final night stay.

Day 17: Ottawa

Bid farewell to your fellow adventurers today as your expedition comes to an end.

Notes

• 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 Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.