Northwest Passage - In Franklin's Footsteps

Northwest Passage - In the Footsteps of Franklin 17 days

Prices From £14,295pp
August to September | 16 nights

Up To 18% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Northwest Passage - In the Footsteps of Franklin 17 days

Aboard: Ultramarine Ocean Explorer

This immersive and unforgettable itinerary will take you through the maze-like, icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage on a voyage of discovery, where spectacular landscapes, intriguing wildlife and historically rich sites await. Travelling through this fabled sea route in the path of legendary explorers who were so mesmerised by this astounding region, you will visit traditional Inuit communities, historical areas and wildlife hotspots by land and sea. Hike across the colourful Arctic landscapes, Zodiac cruise around the wild coastlines, search for wildlife sightings including Polar bears, musk oxen, walrus and whales, explore colourful villages and learn all about the cultures, wildlife and geography of life this far north. And if that wasn’t enough adventure, you will be sailing aboard a new state-of-the-art Polar vessel that allows for explorations even deeper into seldom-visited waters.

Various departures available. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. 2027 departures will conclude in Reykjavik instead of Calgary. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the fabled Northwest Passage, learning all about the legendary explorers of the past
  • Included Zodiac excursions, hiking experiences and shore excursions
  • Visit Greenland and Canada in one expedition
  • Visit colourful Greenlandic villages and traditional Inuit communities
  • Spectacular scenery and Arctic wildlife
  • Exciting helicopter flightseeing excursion (2027 Ultramarine departures only)
  • Optional kayaking excursions (additional cost)

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation including all meals, snacks & hot drinks on board ship
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • One night hotel stay in Reykjavik pre-voyage
  • One night hotel stay in Calgary post-voyage
  • Charter flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk
  • Charter flight from Resolute to Calgary
  • Transfers between hotel, ship and airports
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Guided Zodiac excursions and hikes
  • Expedition parka
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary Basic Wi-Fi
  • Helicopter flightseeing excursion (2027 Ultramarine departures only)

Up To 18% Discount!

Book 2026 departure now and receive a 15% discount!
Or book 2027 departures and receive a 15% discount, plus a further 5% discount if you pay in full at the time of booking!

Price shown includes discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 4th August 2026

Applies to new bookings on select departure dates and is subject to availability. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Reykjavik to Nuuk
1 - 2Days

Reykjavik to Nuuk

Your itinerary begins in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, where after arriving independently you can make your way to the hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure and you may wish to spend some time seeing the sights of this vibrant city.

After breakfast the following morning your transfer will take you to the airport for your charter flight to Nuuk in Greenland, the island's charming capital city. Here your state-of-the-art expedition ship will be waiting for you, and you will transfer from the shore via Zodiac boat for your first taste of sea exploration. After boarding and settling into your comfortable cabin we will set sail out of the fjord with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background, where some time on deck or in an observation lounge will reward in some exceptionally scenic shots as our expedition truly begins.

West Greenland
3 - 4Days

West Greenland

As we explore along some of Greenland’s enchanting west coast, our first stop is likely to be Maniitsoq, affectionately named “the Venice of Greenland” thanks to its situation in an archipelago intersected by meandering natural canals. Here we can enjoy a walk around the small town set scenically amongst a backdrop of imposing snow-capped mountains, and maybe take a Zodiac cruise in the surrounding waters searching for sightings of humpback whales.

Throughout your journey, you will enjoy memorable guided shore visits and Zodiac cruises.

At Sea
5Day

At Sea

Today we bid farewell the Greenland coastline and begin our sail across the Davis Strait towards the Canadian Arctic. As we sail you can enjoy the fantastic lecture and presentation programme delivered by your team of experts on Arctic history, geology and wildlife, spend some time on deck looking for seabirds and whales, or simply relax in the modern comforts of your brand-new expedition vessel.



Canadian High Arctic
6 - 15Days

Canadian High Arctic

Over the course of the next 10 days we will fully immerse ourselves in the enchanting Canadian High Arctic and the Northwest Passage. Exploring each day either by land, sea or air, you can look forward to fascinating shore visits and exciting Zodiac cruises as we make our way up the east coast of Baffin Island. In true expedition style, your landings and visits will be determined by weather, ice and sea conditions, with your experienced crew charting a course each day for optimal adventures and experiences. Our first stop is likely to take us to the picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Duval. Nicknamed the Switzerland of the Arctic, Pangnirtung is renowned for its traditional Inuit arts and crafts and we will enjoy a visit here to meet the locals and learn all about their craft-making skills before visiting the nearby uninhabited island of Kekerten.

For fans of hiking there will be excellent opportunities in Cape Mercy at the southern tip of the Cumberland Sound, and if you’re looking for that perfect iceberg photo then Qikiqtarjuak could be just the spot. Known as the iceberg capital of the world, we will hope to take a Zodiac cruise for some fantastic views and to look out for the seals, whales and narwhals that are often spotted here in the icy waters. You may also wish to take an enjoyable hike to the top of the hill to see an Inuit inukshuk and gain some memorable views.

As we sail further north up Baffin Island’s east coast our next stops will bring us to the whale hotspot of Isabella Bay and the soaring cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord. We will then reach scenic Pond Inlet to visit its traditional Inuit community and learn about life here surrounded by beautiful glaciers, fjords and icebergs. Over the course of the next few days we will be making our way into the “Arctic Wildlife Highway” of the Lancaster Sound, the gateway to the fabled Northwest Passage and one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. Throughout our time in this area, multiple landing sites will bring us up-close to nature, culture and history, but the delights are not confined to shore excursions. Times on deck and on Zodiac cruises will hopefully offer up some tremendous wildlife viewing, with likely sightings of numerous whales, walrus, seals, musk oxen and maybe even the iconic Polar bears and elusive narwhals! On land we will hope to visit one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic as we go ashore at Radstock Bay to see the well-preserved remains of buildings that offer a fascinating insight into how the pre-Inuit people thrived in the Far North, plus a notable Polar bear observation site. We will also visit the Canadian National Historic Site of Beechey Island to pay our respects at the graves of the members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. We will also have great hiking opportunities at Dundas Harbour and see an actively calving glacier in Croker Bay.

Our final visits will bring us to Somerset Island where we can enjoy some whale watching and birding in Creswell Bay, as well as Fort Ross, the site of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s now-abandoned trading post, and Zenith Point which is the northernmost area of the continental landmass.

Resolute to Calgary
16 - 17Days

Resolute to Calgary

As our Northwest Passage voyage comes to an end, you will disembark in Resolute and transfer to the airport for your flight to Calgary. Upon arrival in Calgary you will be transferred to the hotel for your overnight stay. The following morning it will be time to say goodbye to your fellow expeditioners as you check out and make your way homewards or onwards.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ultramarine
First class vessel

Ultramarine

The stylish, brand-new (2021) Ultramarine Polar vessel redefines what is possible in polar expeditions, with two twin-engine helicopters allowing for the ship to offer an unrivalled portfolio of adventure activities and allowing guests to delve deeper into the Polar regions than on any other ship. Featuring sublime onboard comfort, more outdoor wildlife viewing vantage points than rival ships, cutting-edge technology and advanced safety systems, the Ultramarine is simply ahead of its game. An innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards and the most spacious suites in its category add even further to the reasons why this pristine vessel will be sure to delight intrepid Polar adventurers.

Allowing for more activities than any other vessel in its category, guests can immerse themselves in their unforgettable Polar surroundings on a huge range of optional adventures including helicopter flightseeing, camping on ice, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, alpine hiking, cross-country skiing and mountaineering to name just a few. Onboard, guests can enjoy 2 dining areas, 4 bars, a spa and fitness centre, ocean view sauna, a panorama lounge, walkaround deck, library and a lecture theatre.

7 categories of stylish cabins and suites are available, ranging from solo panorama cabins to exclusive suites with private balconies and luxurious fittings. Features of the cabins and suites include spa-inspired private bathrooms with heated floors, premium beds and linens, picture windows or private balconies and HD flatscreen TVs.

Please note: Helicopter flights are not permitted in Spitsbergen.

Ocean Explorer
vessel

Ocean Explorer

Launched in 2024, the modern and elegant Ocean Explorer has been purpose-built for polar exploration and accommodates up to 138 passengers within a range of stylish and superbly equipped cabins and suites. Each cabin or suite features a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and, unlike most expedition vessels, almost every cabin offers a veranda.

The ship has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, with features including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience, and an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

With stunning interior design throughout, adventurers can enjoy an array of high-class amenities including two outdoor jacuzzis, a dry sauna and a fitness centre. Delicious meals are served within the wonderful main dining room or Compass restaurant, and the welcoming, beautifully-lit Latitude Bar with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables is the perfect spot in which to socialise or relax after a long day of exploring. Enjoy a cocktail and a chat in the stylish observation lounge and observation deck, join an expert talk in the presentation lounge, or relax with a book in the wonderful two-story, light-filled library located at the bow as you explore the pristine wilderness of the polar regions.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic, Canada adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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