Northwest Passage - Franklin's High Arctic

Arrive at anytime. Spend time enjoying the sights of this vibrant capital city.

Overnight accommodation provided as part of mandatory transfer package.

This morning you will board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival in Resolute, you will have time to take a walk around this small Arctic town before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your ship. Settle in to the comfortable surroundings of your home for the next 14 nights and prepare for the epic adventures that lie ahead.

Canada’s High Arctic is an area rich with historic associations and our first stop will be a visit to the Canadian National Historic Site of Beechey Island. Beechey Island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage, and we will take the time to pay our respects to these men and learn more about their journey.

Cruising east we will visit Radstock Bay, 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.

On the north of Baffin Island is the ancient Inuit settlement of Arctic Bay which will be our next stop. For almost 5,000 years, this hamlet and its surrounding area has been occupied by Inuit nomads migrating from the west. Surrounded by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, this is a great spot to go ashore and learn about the Inuit community’s traditional way of life. At the eastern end of Lancaster Sound we will find Devon Island and Dundas Harbour where there are excellent hiking opportunities. We will anchor at Croker Bay and take a Zodiac cruise along the face of an active glacier. We’ll try to keep a safe distance, but still hope to get close enough to appreciate the splendour of calving ice. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have your camera handy.

Our final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic will be Grise Fjord which is Canada’s northernmost settlement which is home to about 150 residents. In this traditional, mostly Inuit community hunting and fishing are a significant part of their way of life. Visit the monument to the first Inuit settlers, as well as the remnants of the “old camp” where they lived.

Cruising through the uninhabited passage which separates Canada's Ellesmere Island from Greenland we will, weather conditions permitting, attempt to cruise as far north as possible to explore both sides of Smith Sound. We say goodbye to Canada and head towards Greenland.

The first stop in Greenland will be Qaanaaq. Formerly known as Thule, Qaanaaq is one of the northernmost towns in the world. We will come ashore and visit the local Inuit community to learn more about their culture and traditions. We will also visit the interesting museum here which will help to shed more light on what it’s really like to live near the top of the world.

Sailing along the west coast of Greenland keep an eye out on deck for wildlife, join one of the informative lectures and presentations from your on-board experts, or take the time to collate the many pictures you will have taken in the Canadian High Arctic.

Sailing south down Greenland's west coast, we encounter spectacular glaciers, deep fjords and colourful, local communities, such as Nuussuaq and Uummannaq. The latter is overlooked by a spectacular red heart-shaped mountain. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier at Eqip Sermia is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland, which we visit on the way to the World Heritage Site of Ilulisaat. Here, at the mouth of the fjord, sit and watch as glacial ice flows into the sea, a truly memorable experience.

At Sisimiut, we watch a traditional kayak demonstartion as well as spending time in the town with its surviving 18th century buildings, which includes the oldest surviving church in Greenland. Our last excursion may be a hike around the Itilleq Fjord.

Arrival into Kangerlussuaq fjord marks the end of our adventurous North West Passage cruise. Disembark by Zodiac and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ottawa. Overnight accommodation in Ottawa is included as part of your transfer package.

After breakfast, you are free to explore the city or head to the airport for return or onward travel.