Heart of the Northwest Passage in Luxury

The Heart of the Northwest Passage in Luxury 20 Days

Prices From £16,810pp
August to September | 19 nights

Free Single Supplement!

The Heart of the Northwest Passage in Luxury 20 Days

Aboard: Le Boreal L'Austral

Set sail on a thrilling expedition cruise to explore Baffin Bay and the legendary Northwest Passage. Departing from Kangerlussuaq, you’ll discover Greenland’s majestic icebergs in Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit remote Inuit villages, immersing yourself in the Arctic’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As you journey toward the Northwest Passage, retrace the steps of legendary explorers like Franklin and Amundsen, experiencing the wild beauty of glaciers, fjords, and towering mountains.

Throughout the journey, encounter incredible wildlife including polar bears, belugas, narwhals, and seabirds, with expert naturalists guiding shore excursions, zodiac outings, and hikes. Highlights include a visit to Beechey Island, wildlife sightings on Prescott Island, and a stop at the historic Fort Ross. This unforgettable voyage combines Arctic history, nature, and adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking regions on Earth.

Various departures available aboard two different vessels. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Sail in the wake of legendary explorers as you traverse through part of the iconic Northwest Passage
  • Visit Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with majestic icebergs and remote Greenlandic villages
  • Sail through spectacular fjords, bays and glaciers, encountering wildlife like polar bears, belugas, and narwhals
  • Pay your respects on Beechey Island and visit historic locations such as Prescott Island and Fort Ross, a former whaling and fur trading post
  • Meet Inuit communities and experience Greenlandic and Canadian Arctic cultures
  • Enjoy exciting Zodiac outings, hikes and shore excursions accompanied by onboard naturalists and wildlife experts
  • Kayaking opportunities available (select departures – fees apply)

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board, including bar/beverage service
  • Return flights between Paris and Kangerlussuaq
  • Transfers in Kangerlussuaq
  • Zodiac cruises and shore excursions
  • Entertainment and expert lecture programme
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Expedition parka


Free Single Supplement!

Free Single Supplement! Book select departures now and the supplement for single usage of a double cabin will be waived!

Offer applicable when booked before 31st October 2026

Offer applies to new bookings, according to availability and staterooms categories. May be withdrawn at any time. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Paris to Kangerlussuaq - Embark
1Day

Paris to Kangerlussuaq - Embark

Your Northwest Passage expedition begins with an included flight from Paris to enchanting Kangerlussuaq on Greenland’s wild and remote west coast. Upon arrival you will transfer to the port to board your luxury expedition vessel. Settle into your comfortable cabin and watch from deck as we sail into the wilderness past superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, home to Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles.

Sisimiut
2Day

Sisimiut

Your first stop along western Greenland will take you to beautiful Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest town. Founded in 1756 this charming town is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops. With enchanting panoramas, colourful stilt houses dotting the undulating landscape and a small fishing port, this is archetypal Greenland, and a visit here to meet the locals and enjoy a gentle meander around the town to savour its unique Arctic atmosphere will be the perfect introduction to your voyage.

Kitsissuarsuit (Dog's Island)
3Day

Kitsissuarsuit (Dog's Island)

During your visit to Kitissuarsuit, once known to the Dutch as the "Isle of Dogs," you'll step ashore to explore this historically significant island. Learn about its deep-rooted whaling history and the seasonal movements of the Inuit people. Experience the island’s enduring traditions as you meet the locals who continue to live self-sufficiently, relying on the rich marine resources. Take in the breathtaking coastal scenery and gain insight into the community’s efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.

Disko Bay
4Day

Disko Bay

East of Baffin Bay, we’ll arrive in the breathtaking Disko Bay, where countless icebergs calved from the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord drift across the dark Arctic waters. From the deck of your ship, witness the mesmerising spectacle of these towering ice formations as they shift and shimmer in the changing light. Keep your eyes on the horizon for the region’s abundant humpback whales, often spotted breaching and tail-slapping in these nutrient-rich waters. This unforgettable experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Greenland’s raw and fragile beauty, where encounters with wildlife and dramatic landscapes will leave you in awe.

At Sea
5Day

At Sea

Today will be spent at sea sailing across Baffin Bay towards Nunavut and Arctic Canada. Enjoy some time to relax and savour the ship’s impressive amenities. Take a trip to the spa, enjoy a cocktail in the bar, or spend time on deck spotting marine wildlife and seabirds, and soaking up the enchantment of the surrounding wilderness.

Pond Inlet
6Day

Pond Inlet

As we cross the Arctic Circle and approach Baffin Island, you’ll arrive at Pond Inlet, a remote Inuit community at the gateway to the legendary Northwest Passage. Set against a backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks, deep fjords, and ancient glaciers, this breathtaking landscape creates a sense of vastness and timelessness. While exploring this northern outpost, gain insight into Inuit traditions and daily life in one of the Arctic’s most stunning and isolated regions. Some places leave a lasting impression…Pond Inlet is one of them.

Queen Harbour, Dundas Harbour & Croker Bay
7 - 8Days

Queen Harbour, Dundas Harbour & Croker Bay

East of Devon Island, our stop on day 6 will see us explore the remote area of Queen Harbour. On day 7 we will arrive at Dundas Harbour on the southern coast of Devon Island, where you’ll step into a place rich with history and Arctic beauty. Once home to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost in the early 20th century, this remote site has been visited for centuries by the Inuit, who call it Talluruti - meaning "woman’s chin with tattoos" in Inuktitut - after the striking patterns in the landscape. Wander among the rolling hills, where the tundra shifts in hues of green, brown, and gold, contrasting with the deep navy waters of the bay. Gaze out at the ice floes, glistening white and turquoise under the Arctic sun, and experience the breathtaking serenity of this isolated yet storied place. Later that day we will explore Croker Bay for some photographic opportunities of the wide face of the island’s glacier and will hope for sightings of the fulmars, kittiwakes, seals and walruses which are frequently sighted here.

Port Leopold
9Day

Port Leopold

Continuing our journey into the heart of the Canadian Arctic Circle, today we will explore Somerset Island, one of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas on the planet. This vast Arctic desert, bathed in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, is a land of sweeping tundra and dramatic landscapes. As you venture across its remote terrain, keep watch for musk oxen roaming the open expanses and Peary caribou grazing in sheltered lowlands. Covering nearly 25,000 square kilometres, Somerset Island offers a rare glimpse into the raw and rugged beauty of the Arctic, where nature reigns in its purest form.

Fort Ross & Bellot Strait
10Day

Fort Ross & Bellot Strait

Your first stop on day 10 will see you step back in time as you explore Fort Ross, the final trading post established by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Built in 1937, this remote outpost once served as both a fur and whaling trading station. Situated on a small island at the entrance to the Bellot Strait, the site still holds remnants of its past, including the former store and staff housing - though time and wandering polar bears have left their mark on the interiors. After exploring the historic buildings, take a short hike to the island’s higher ground, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bellot Strait and the vast Arctic wilderness beyond.

We will then sail into the legendary Bellot Strait itself, a key passage in the Northwest Passage which promises an unforgettable Arctic experience. This narrow, 2kms wide channel, where powerful currents carve a path between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula, was first charted in 1852 by Captain William Kennedy and the French explorer Joseph-René Bellot during their search for Sir John Franklin. As you navigate these icy waters, take in the striking snow-covered landscape, dotted with massive ice floes. Keep watch from the deck as polar bears are often spotted along the shoreline or even swimming between the drifting ice. Near the entrance, you’ll also glimpse the historic Ross Cairn.

Coningham Bay
11Day

Coningham Bay

As we navigate deeper into the legendary Northwest Passage, you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore Coningham Bay, a secluded haven on the southeast coast of Prince of Wales Island. These nutrient-rich waters, shaped by the tides and currents, attract an array of Arctic wildlife, including pods of beluga whales gliding gracefully through the sea. This remote bay is also prime hunting territory for the King of the Arctic - the polar bear. If conditions allow, you may witness these majestic creatures patrolling the shoreline or prowling the ice in search of prey, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the wild beauty of this untouched northern frontier.

Prescott Island
12Day

Prescott Island

Nestled between Somerset Island and Prince of Wales Island in the heart of Peel Sound, Prescott Island offers a spectacular setting for wildlife enthusiasts. The shorelines here are a favourite playground for beluga whales, often referred to as "sea canaries" for their distinctive calls. As you watch and listen to these charming creatures, keep an eye on the horizon, as the surrounding icebergs and dramatic landscapes are also home to polar bears. This historic location is rich with exploration history. Sir John Franklin was the first to cross Peel Sound in 1846 during his quest for the Northwest Passage, followed by Roald Amundsen in 1903, who was the first to successfully navigate the passage.

Beechey Island & Devon Island
13Day

Beechey Island & Devon Island

At the eastern end of Resolute Bay lies Beechey Island, a site that echoes with the pivotal moments of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition. In 1845, Franklin set out in search of the elusive Northwest Passage, only to be forced to take refuge in Erebus Harbour for two harsh years as the ice trapped his ships. Here, amidst this stunning, windswept landscape, you’ll visit the iconic wooden grave markers, bleached by the Arctic sun, which mark the final resting places of at least three of Franklin’s men. A visit to the memorial dedicated to Franklin and his crew will deepen the profound sense of history in this remote corner of the world. Surrounded by the vast wilderness, the ochre and yellow hues of the rocky desert soften the landscape, adding to the serenity and reverence of this historic site.

We will then sail back to explore Devon Island itself. Anchored on the Arctic Cordillera, its rocky surface, similar to that of Mars, is of great interest to scientists, and we will make land here to discover just why. We will also take a walk around to discover the island’s fascinating history, of which only a few buildings in ruins remain.

Arctic Bay & At Sea
14 - 15Days

Arctic Bay & At Sea

Located on the small island of Aulitiving, just 15 km long and 5 km wide, Arctic Harbour sits at the entrance to Isabella Bay. This once-thriving whale hunting site still bears traces of its past, including the poignant remains of whaler graves. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Arctic tundra on a scenic hike, with the chance to ascend to the island’s highest point at 410 meters. From this vantage, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, offering a perfect blend of history and natural beauty in this remote corner of the world.

The following day will be spent at sea enjoying some well-earned relaxation.

North Arm Fjord
16Day

North Arm Fjord

The east coast of Baffin Island is home to a breathtaking maze of fjords, with the North Arm Fjord standing out as a highlight. As your ship navigates deeper into the fjord, you’ll be treated to dramatic geological formations that plunge steeply into the emerald-green waters of Baffin Bay. When the temperature rises and the ice begins to melt, Nunavut becomes one of the premier locations in the world to witness Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for polar bears, often hidden among the rocky scree as they seek refuge in the cool permafrost. The waters may offer a glimpse of a narwhal’s tusk or the silhouette of an orca or bowhead whale. Above, the sky is often graced by a colony of Arctic fulmars, their impressive wingspans soaring gracefully near the ship, completing this extraordinary wildlife encounter.

Icy Arm Fjord
17Day

Icy Arm Fjord

Next, you’ll venture into the stunning Icy Arm Fjord, where the towering cliffs - some reaching over 1,000 meters high - create an awe-inspiring backdrop. Known for its appeal to base jumpers, this area offers an exhilarating setting for parachute jumps. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to hike at the base of these majestic mountains and explore the serene glacial valleys. As you return to your ship, keep your eyes peeled as you may be treated to sightings of marine mammals such as whales, orcas, and even the elusive narwhal, making for an unforgettable experience in this remote, wild landscape.

At Sea & Evighedsfjorden
18 - 19Days

At Sea & Evighedsfjorden

Following a day at sea gently cruising back toward the west coast of Greenland, you’ll enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kms south of Kangerlussuaq. Translated as “the Fjord of Eternity,” this remarkable stretch of sea, over 100 kms long, seems to stretch on forever, offering endless beauty for those who venture into its waters. The landscape is a stunning mix of glaciers, tundra with vibrant flora, and rugged cliffs that are home to a variety of bird species. Take the opportunity to observe the majestic white-tailed eagles soaring overhead, and watch as colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes glide through the skies, adding to the natural grandeur of this pristine fjord. A fitting conclusion to our Arctic adventures.

Kangerlussuaq to Paris
20Day

Kangerlussuaq to Paris

Your unforgettable luxury Northwest Passage expedition cruise concludes back in Kangerlussuaq where you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Paris.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Le Boreal
Luxury vessel

Le Boreal

Le Boreal is a purpose built, luxury expedition vessel which combines a private yacht style ambiance with gastronomic French cuisine and high standards of service. All suites are and staterooms are twin or double and have private balconies and bathrooms along with minibar, satellite TV, DVD, Ipod docks, wifi and direct dial satellite telephone. Public areas and amenities include passenger lifts fore and aft, restaurant, lounge with dance floor and bar, reception desk, shop, leisure area with Wii ans slot machines, clinic, theatre, hairdresser, fitness room, spa with massage, hamman and balneo treatments, grill and buffet restaurant, outdoor pool, panorama lounge and terrace with bar, library and internet room and plenty of deck space. The ship has a 1C ice classification for cruising in polar waters.

L'Austral
Luxury vessel

L'Austral

L'Austral is a purpose built, luxury expedition vessel which combines a private yacht style ambience with gastronomic French cuisine and high standards of service. All suites and staterooms are twin or double and have private balconies and bathrooms along with minibar, satellite TV, DVD, I-pod docks, WiFi and direct dial satellite telephone. Public areas and amenities include passenger lifts fore and aft, restaurant, lounge with dance floor and bar, reception desk, shop, leisure area with Wii and slot machines, clinic, theatre, hairdresser, fitness room, spa with massage, hammam and balneo treatments, grill and buffet restaurant, outdoor pool, panorama lounge and terrace with bar, library and internet room and plenty of deck space. The ship has a 1C ice classification for cruising in polar waters.

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 adventure for you.

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

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
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

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callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

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