View from ship deck in Northwest Passage

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Into the Northwest Passage

Nuuk (Godthaab) - Kugluktuk, Nunavut

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Exploris One

144 Guests

17 Days

This incredible journey takes you through one of the world’s most famous and challenging waterways, from Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital, to Kugluktuk, Nunavut. You’ll have unparalleled access to remote Arctic communities, stunning glacial landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including polar bears, whales, and Arctic seabirds. You’ll be guided by Inuit cultural educators, marine biologists and expedition specialists who know the region’s natural and cultural history inside out.

The itinerary includes some of the Arctic’s most spectacular destinations: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord with its towering icebergs, the wildlife-rich waters of Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and the historically significant Beechey Island, where Franklin expedition members are buried. You’ll experience authentic cultural exchanges with Inuit communities through drum dancing, throat singing and traditional storytelling, and explore the rugged landscapes of Devon Island—the largest uninhabited island on Earth. You’ll visit archaeological sites, go tundra hiking and take Zodiac excursions among glaciers and ice-strewn waters that have challenged explorers for centuries.

The cruise includes special permits, Zodiac excursions, cultural performances and 24/7 beverages, with charter flights from Toronto to Nuuk and from the Arctic back to Yellowknife. Follow in the wake of legendary explorers like Roald Amundsen and benefit from modern expedition expertise on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to traverse the Northwest Passage—a feat few can claim—while gaining a deep appreciation for Arctic wilderness and Inuit culture.

Activities

Hiking

Lectures

Polar Plunge

Wildlife Watching

Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary

Day 1

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Your journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital city and home to the country’s newest airport. As Greenland's cultural and economic hub, Nuuk blends modern life with rich history and stunning natural beauty. With a population of under 20,000 people, it's one of the smallest capital cities in the world, offering a unique mix of contemporary architecture and traditional Inuit culture.

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Days 2-3

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that include small communities, glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Day 4

Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)

Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold! Visit the town, with its captivating museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Day 5

Exploring West Greenland

Exploring by ship and Zodiac along the west coast of Greenland, we have numerous options for expedition stops, to make the most of weather and wildlife conditions.Whether you're setting foot on land, cruising by Zodiac, or out on the ship's deck, you'll have plenty of chances to learn alongside expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists. With Inuit expedition team members at your side, you'll gain an intimate perspective on the abundant flora and fauna you encounter.Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.Departing Greenland, we cross Baffin Bay toward Nunavut.

Day 6

Cruising Davis Strait

As we sail toward Nunavut, our expedition team will deepen your understanding of the Arctic. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.Take the unique opportunity to learn from Inuit in their homeland, gaining a better understanding of the daily lives of the regions we visit. Enjoy cultural performances and maybe even participate in Inuit games, or sample country food.Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Days 8-9

Devon Island, Nunavut

We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area.Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. Learn more about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways and the enduring connection between the ocean and Inuit.On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and on shore.Visit archaeological sites and the remains of an RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

Devon Island, located in Baffin Bay, is only slightly smaller than Croatia. The eastern side is frosted by the Devon Ice Cap, while on the western half of the island lays the 14 mile wide Haughton impact crater. It was created around 39 million years ago when a meteorite crashed into the land. The landscape surrounding this site resembles the surface of Mars. In fact, for the past decade scientists have conducted research here to determine how humans might live one day on Mars. British Arctic explorers Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight the island in 1616. In 1819-1820, William Parry charted the island, naming it North Devon after Devon in England. Despite repeated attempts at trading settlements, the strong wind conditions and cold climate eventually drove everyone away leaving Devon Island as a likely candidate for being the world’s largest uninhabited island.

Day 10

Beechey Island, Nunavut

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died.Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Beechey Island is a small island off the southwest coast of Devon Island, separated by a narrow waterway called the Barrow Strait. Captain William Edward Parry was the first European to visit the island in 1819. His lieutenant, Frederick William Beechey, named the island after his father, the artist William Beechey (1753–1839). Beechey Island played a significant role in the history of Arctic Exploration. During the winter of 1845-46, Sir John Franklin and his men camped on the island as part of their ill-fated quest to find the Northwest Passage. Mummified remains of three of Franklin’s crew were discovered, giving a better understanding of what happened before the disappearance of the expedition. In 1850 Edward Belcher used the island as a base while surveying the area. Later, in 1903, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen stopped at the island at the beginning of his successful voyage in search for the Northwest Passage. Subsequently, Beechey Island has been declared a "Territorial Historic Site" since 1975 by the Northwest Territories government

Day 11

Peel

Peel Sound, once traversed by the Franklin expedition on its route south, presents numerous wildlife and exploratory opportunities. As we sail through this region, we'll enter prime polar bear territory where we’ll be on the lookout for good spotting opportunities. The area is also home to muskoxen, belugas, and other wildlife, making every moment a potential discovery.Depending on ice conditions, we may make expedition stops along the way among the spectacular landscapes, a perfect setting for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area.

Day 12

Bellot Strait, Nunavut

Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America.Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals.Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.

Days 13-16

Exploring the Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut

Navigate the ice-strewn waters of this fabled waterway in search of wildlife. Although this is Nunavut’s least-populated region, this area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, both in the sea and on land.Visit a local community where Inuit hosts will share their knowledge of their home and the area's history.Discover the legacy of this important waterway and the captivating story of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Learn more about the triumphs of explorers like Amundsen and the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in successful crossings.

Day 17

Kugluktuk, Nunavut

Today marks the completion of your incredible journey through the Northwest Passage—an achievement few can claim. Arriving in Kugluktuk, take pride in having traversed one of the world’s most historic and storied waterways, following in the wake of legendary explorers while forging your own unforgettable path through the Arctic.Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996.Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate disembarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions.Today we will disembark and make our way to the airport to meet our charter flights to Yellowknife, NT.

Map

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The Ship

Introducing

Exploris One

Intimate small expedition ship taking 144 guests on exciting explorations of the polar regions. One of the smallest ships to offer Northwest Passage cruises.

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