Into The Northwest Passage - Small Ship

Into The Northwest Passage Small Ship Adventure 17 Days

Prices From £10,838pp
August to September | 16 nights

25% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Into The Northwest Passage Small Ship Adventure 17 Days

Aboard: Ocean Victory

Embark on an extraordinary expedition through the Northwest Passage, beginning in Greenland’s lively capital, Nuuk. From here, journey along the stunning West Greenland coast, where glaciers, fjords, and welcoming communities await. Marvel at the towering icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cruise the fjords by Zodiac while learning from Inuit cultural educators and expert naturalists who share stories of life and nature in the Arctic.

Crossing Baffin Bay into Nunavut, the adventure deepens as you explore remote Inuit hamlets, dramatic Arctic landscapes, and historic sites like Beechey Island, linked to the ill-fated Franklin Expedition. Following in the wake of legendary explorers, witness breathtaking wildlife in Tallurutiup Imanga and Peel Sound, sail through the narrow Bellot Strait, and connect with Inuit communities in the Kitikmeot Region. As your journey ends in Kugluktuk, you'll carry with you a profound appreciation for the land, its people, and the legacy of Arctic exploration.

This itinerary is also available in reverse, charting a similar, but not identical, course.

Highlights

  • Navigate through the iconic Northwest Passage, in the wake of legendary explorers
  • Cruise along the dramatic West Greenland coastline and witness the massive icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sail through the breathtaking Davis Strait, Lancaster Sound, Peel Sound and Bellot Strait
  • Visit historic Beechey Island, the site of the Franklin expedition graves
  • Call on remote Inuit communities to learn all about their way of life and enjoy traditional cultural performances
  • Enjoy thrilling Zodiac cruises, hikes and land excursions in the company of a team of Arctic experts including Inuit expedition team members
  • Sail aboard an intimate expedition ship carrying a maximum of just 144 passengers

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation aboard ship, including all meals and 24/7 free beverages
  • Expert expedition team
  • Guided activities, sightseeing and community visits, and all Zodiac excursions
  • Educational program, interactive workshops and evening entertainment
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Special access permits, entry, park fees, and port fees
  • Internet access
  • Pre-departure materials

25% Discount!

Book select departures now and receive a 25% discount off the voyage cost! Price shown includes discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 1st July 2026

Offer may be withdrawn at any time and is subject to availability. 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

Nuuk - Embark
1Day

Nuuk - Embark

Your adventure begins in Nuuk, one of the smallest capitals in the world, where modern life blends with rich history and stunning natural beauty. Embark, settle into your comfortable cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship as we set sail along Greenland’s enchanting west coast.

Group flights from Toronto to Nuuk are available at an additional cost. Please enquire for full details and alternative departure airports.

Sisimiut Coast
2 - 3Days

Sisimiut Coast

Over the next 2 days we will explore through some of West Greenland’s stunning coastal landscapes. We’ll navigate intricate waterways, pass charming communities, glaciers, islands, and dramatic fjords, all set against the backdrop of towering mountains. There will be excellent opportunities for hiking and Zodiac excursions, allowing you to explore the region up close.

You will also have chance to discover the rich history and culture of the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit peoples who have lived in the Sisimiut region for over 4,500 years. With the West Greenland Current keeping the waters relatively warm for its subarctic location, your journey will be both comfortable and awe-inspiring.

 Ilulissat
4Day

Ilulissat

Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, famous for its colossal icebergs. The name Ilulissat translates to "iceberg," which perfectly reflects this awe-inspiring location at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Icefjord is the source of many of the icebergs that drift into the North Atlantic.

Take in the majestic ice formations as you walk along the scenic boardwalk, a truly unforgettable sight. Explore the town's vibrant museums, quaint cafes, unique craft shops, and lively fishing harbour. Don’t miss a visit to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and stories of the ice, gaining a deeper understanding of this extraordinary natural marvel.

Western Greenland
5Day

Western Greenland

Today, enjoy a captivating exploration of Greenland's west coast by ship and Zodiac, with numerous opportunities for expedition stops tailored to the weather and wildlife conditions. Whether you're stepping ashore, cruising by Zodiac, or enjoying the view from the ship's deck, you'll have the chance to learn from expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists.

Accompanied by Inuit expedition team members, you'll gain a unique, intimate insight into the region's rich flora and fauna. Take time to appreciate the peace of the surroundings and the stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, deepening your connection to this extraordinary landscape. As we depart Greenland, we set course across Baffin Bay toward Nunavut, continuing our journey into the heart of the Arctic.

 At Sea - Davis Strait
6Day

At Sea - Davis Strait

We now spend a day at sea sailing towards Nunavut. As we sail, your expert expedition team will keep you entertained with fascinating talks and presentations designed to deepen your understanding of the Arctic and its inhabitants past and present. Throughout your voyage you will have the unique opportunity to learn from the Inuit in their homeland, gaining insight into their daily lives. Enjoy cultural performances, try Inuit games, and sample traditional country food. Through these interactions, deepen your appreciation for the vibrant culture and the breathtaking landscapes we explore.

We also recommend spending some time on deck, binoculars in hand, waiting for sightings of the minke and humpback whales and bountiful seabirds that are regularly spotted along this route.

High Arctic
7Day

High Arctic

As we arrive in the Nunavut region, today you will visit a small Arctic hamlet, likely to be Pond Inlet, where you will experience a warm Inuit welcome with drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors sharing their stories and connections to the land. Interact with the locals to learn about their way of life, and discover unique carvings and handicrafts to purchase to take home.

Lancaster Sound & Devon Island
8 - 9Days

Lancaster Sound & Devon Island

Over the next two days, we'll explore Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), a newly designated National Marine Conservation Area, known for its rich wildlife, including narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales. Cruise by ship and Zodiac with expert biologists and ecologists, learning about the vital role Inuit play in preserving the area's biodiversity and their deep connection to the ocean.

At the northern edge of Tallurutiup Imanga, discover Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island. Hike across the tundra, explore glacier faces, and observe wildlife from both the ship and shore. Visit historical sites, including archaeological remnants and the abandoned RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company station at Dundas Harbour.

Beechey Island
10Day

Beechey Island

Today will be an important day for the history enthusiasts amongst us as we arrive at Beechey Island, where the crew of Sir John Franklin’s HMS Erebus and HMS Terror expedition overwintered during their ill-fated attempt to sail the Northwest Passage, and where three of the crew sadly died. The island also served as a rendezvous point and depot for the search parties led by Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen who attempted to find out what had become of Franklin and his men. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men, and you will have chance to visit the graves and ruins of Northumberland House which serve as a haunting memorial to them.

Peel Sound & Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
11 - 12Days

Peel Sound & Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)

As we sail into historic Peel Sound, once navigated by the Franklin expedition, we enter a region rich with wildlife and exploration opportunities. This is prime polar bear territory, and we’ll be on the lookout for sightings, along with chances to spot muskoxen, belugas, and more.

If ice conditions allow, we’ll make expedition stops to hike and explore the area's dramatic landscapes, offering a closer look at its striking geological features and Arctic beauty.

The following day, we'll sail through the legendary Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow waterway between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula. This passage offers a rare chance to reach the northernmost point of mainland North America.

Watch for belugas, narwhals, and seals as we sail, and delve into the rich history of the region—learning about Joseph René Bellot, the French explorer who gave the strait its name during his search for Sir John Franklin in the 1850s.

Kitikmeot Region
13 - 16Days

Kitikmeot Region

Over the next four days, we'll sail through the heart of the legendary Northwest Passage, navigating ice-strewn waters in search of Arctic wildlife. Though sparsely populated, this remote region of Nunavut teems with life both on land and at sea.

Visit a local Inuit community to hear stories of the land and its history firsthand. Explore the legacy of famed explorer Roald Amundsen, who overwintered here during his quest to navigate the passage, and discover how Inuit knowledge was key to the success of historic Arctic expeditions.

Kugluktuk, NU - Disembark
17Day

Kugluktuk, NU - Disembark

Your unforgettable journey through the Northwest Passage concludes in Kugluktuk where you will disembark knowing that you have become one of the few people to have ever traversed one of the world’s most historic and storied waterways. Should ice and weather conditions dictate that we cannot disembark in Kugluktuk, then Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay) will provide an alternative disembarkation point.

A charter flight to Yellowknife, NT is available today at an additional cost. Please enquire for full details and alternative arrangements.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Victory
Luxury  first class vessel

Ocean Victory

The luxury, brand-new (November 2021) Ocean Victory expedition vessel is one of the most modern and stylish small ship vessels on the market. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, this sturdy vessel features X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves. Designed to surpass environmentally friendly standards, the Ocean Victory is part of the Green Initiative Program and is a low-energy vessel with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. The vessel also features a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

The 93 very comfortable and stylishly furnished staterooms and suites, which are split into 9 different categories with varying features, all offer unobstructed sea views and the majority of these also offer a private balcony. Dedicated solo travel cabins are also available without a single supplement. The communal areas on board this high-end vessel include several restaurants, a Nordic Bar, a BBQ deck, open-air swimming pool with lounging deck and jacuzzi, wellness area with gym and Polar spa, an observation lounge, library, boutique giftshop and a modern lecture theatre.

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.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

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?

Call us
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

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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