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Following in the footsteps of early explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, this small-ship expedition offers a modern-day odyssey through the historic Northwest Passage.

This small-ship expedition navigates the icy waters and rugged coastlines that have captivated explorers for centuries. As you journey through the wild and remote Arctic landscape, you can witness breathtaking natural wonders, meet local indigenous people, and observe the wildlife that inhabit this spectacular region. 

After an overnight stay in Toronto, you board a charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland where your vessel, Sylvia Earle awaits. You explore the west coast of Greenland, stopping at Sisimiut, Ililissat, and Qeqertarsuaq, before making your way to Baffin Island. From here, you traverse Lancaster Sound to Devon Island and enjoy several days of expedition cruising, visiting locations such as Prince Leopold Island, Cunningham Inlet and King William Island. 

The archipelago of islands and channels that make up Canada’s High Arctic region offer excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters. Polar bears roam the ice floes, whales breach gracefully in the frigid waters, and colonies of seabirds soar above rugged cliffs. As you explore, you're likely to encounter powerful musk oxen, and with luck, possibly even the Arctic fox. 

The sea ice adds a compelling element of adventure to this expedition, and in the water you may encounter species such as beluga and bowhead whale, walrus, and possibly even the elusive narwhal. 

After disembarking in Cambridge Bay, you fly to Calgary for a final overnight stay. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or first-time expeditioner, this Northwest Passage voyage offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the last frontiers on Earth in unparalleled comfort and style. 

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Toronto

    Arrive in Toronto, where you meet your fellow expeditioners and stay overnight near the airport.

    Accommodation: Airport hotel, 1-night

  2. Day 2: Fly to Nuuk

    Today, board your charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland, where your vessel awaits. Set sail on your Northwest Passage expedition! 

    Accommodation: Sylvia Earle, 14-nights

  3. Day 3: Sisimiut

    Spend the day exploring Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. There are various hiking trails to choose from, some offering excellent views. 
  4. Day 4: Ililissat

    Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere in the Arctic. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through the sea ice and icebergs to the mouth of the fjord.

    Should you wish to take an optional 90-minute helicopter flight (additional cost), you can to fly above the glacier, offering breathtaking views of the gigantic icebergs drifting in the fjord.

  5. Day 5: Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

    Uncover the delights of Disko Bay on a Zodiac cruise. This area is a hotspot for marine life including, humpback, fin, minke and bowhead whales. 
  6. Day 6: At sea

    Today you sail into Canadian waters, looking out for whales and seabirds, or spending time relaxing on the ship.
  7. Days 7-9 : Baffin Island

    Baffin Island is little visited and a complete gem, offering unrivalled opportunities to search for some of the Arctic's most sought-after wildlife, namely polar bear, narwhal, bowhead, and beluga whale, plus large numbers of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes. Over the next few days, some of the places you may visit include: Home Bay, Sillem Island, John Ford Fjord, Sam Ford Fjord and Scott Inlet.
  8. Days 10-11 : Devon Island

    Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, glacial valleys, and nutrient-rich waters supporting an abundance of wildlife. During your days here, the plan is to visit Dundas Harbour, where walrus are often present, and Beechey Island, one of Canada’s most important historic sites. 
  9. Days 12-14 : Expedition Cruising

    In true expedition style, your itinerary is flexible over the coming days. The plan is to visit the following places: Prince Leopold Island, Cunningham Inlet, Bellot Strait, Coningham Bay, and King William Island. You spend your days exploring on guided hikes or Zodiac cruises, discovering towering bird cliffs, historic sites, and with luck, observing wildlife such as polar bear. 
  10. Day 15: Disembark in Cambridge Bay and fly to Calgary

    Disembark in Cambridge Bay and transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Calgary. 

    Accommodation: Downtown hotel, 1-night

  11. Day 16: Calgary

    Your expedition ends today. After breakfast, check-out and continue your onward journey.

Key info

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 15-16 days from £18,095 pp
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • Group size: 132
  • Group Departures:
    Make a booking request.
    1. , Ship: Sylvia Earle Book
    2. , Ship: Sylvia Earle Book
    3. , Ship: Greg Mortimer Book
    4. , Ship: Greg Mortimer Book
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Accommodation in twin-share cabin
    • All meals on board ship
    • Guided shore excursions
  • Activities available:
    • Boat trip
    • Culture
    • Walking
    • Zodiac cruising
Featured locations:

Calgary

One of the main international gateways to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the city of Calgary has a young, vibrant feel alongside its cattle-ranching ‘Old West’ cowboy history of which it is fiercely proud and which is showcased in July during the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Alberta
  • Excellent for: Activity & adventure, City stopover, History & culture

Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and Canada’s most populous city. The skyline of Downtown Toronto is filled with soaring skyscrapers and the iconic CN Tower, which reaches 553 metres. This cosmopolitan hub offers world-class theatre, superb restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Ontario
  • Excellent for: Activity & adventure, City stopover, History & culture

Canadian Arctic

The Canadian Arctic is a mesmerising expanse of icy wonder where wildlife thrives amidst breathtaking scenery. Polar bears roam the landscape, while whales glide through the crystal-like waters. Caribou and musk oxen navigate the stark terrain alongside resilient Inuit communities. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Canadian Arctic
  • Ideal for viewing: polar bear, beluga whale, walrus, bowhead whale, black-legged kittiwake
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Whale watching, Polar bear watching, Birdwatching
This itinerary is available on the following cruise vessels:

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer

Sylvia Earle

Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer. Find Out More about Sylvia Earle