Out Of The Northwest Passage - Small Ship

Out Of The Northwest Passage Small Ship Adventure 17 Days

Prices From £11,010pp
September Only | 16 nights

25% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Out Of The Northwest Passage Small Ship Adventure 17 Days

Aboard: Ocean Victory

Follow in the wake of legendary explorers on this once in a lifetime adventure. Your expedition begins in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, and unfolds across the heart of the Arctic. Travel through the fabled Northwest Passage, navigating ice-strewn waters, spotting iconic wildlife, and learning from Inuit cultural educators. Trace the paths of early explorers through Bellot Strait, visit historic sites like Beechey Island, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and enduring traditions that define the Canadian High Arctic.

Then, explore the majestic West Greenland coast, cruising through glacier-carved fjords, visiting welcoming communities, and witnessing the awe-inspiring icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your unforgettable journey through the Northwest Passage in the Greenlandic settlement of Kangerlussuaq at the end of one of the world's longest fjords.

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 Lancaster Sound and Bellot Strait
  • Traverse far north into the ancient Inuit travel route of Smith Sound
  • 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 4th August 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

Kugluktuk, NU - Embark
1Day

Kugluktuk, NU - Embark

Your Northwest Passage expedition cruise begins in Kugluktuk at the mouth of the Coppermine River in Nunavut. Embark, settle into your comfortable cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship as we set sail for adventure.

A charter flight from Yellowknife to Kugluktuk is available at an additional cost. Please enquire for full details and alternative departure airports. Should ice and weather conditions dictate that we cannot embark in Kugluktuk, then Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay) will provide an alternative embarkation point.

Kitikmeot Region
2 - 5Days

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.

Explore the striking beauty of the subarctic tundra as you venture to Port Epworth, home to ancient stromatolite formations - fossilised evidence of some of Earth’s earliest life. Sailing through the historic waters of the Coronation Gulf, you'll follow in the wake of Roald Amundsen’s groundbreaking 1905 Northwest Passage expedition, gaining a deeper appreciation for the crucial role Inuit knowledge played in Arctic exploration.

Experience the warm hospitality of an Inuit community in one of Nunavut’s most remote regions, where powerful stories of resilience and connection to the land are shared. At Conningham Bay, set out by Zodiac to witness the stark drama of the Arctic unfold, with the possibility of spotting polar bears and belugas in their natural environment - a living testament to survival in one of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
6Day

Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)

Today, 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.

Beechey Island
7Day

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.

Lancaster Sound & Devon Island
8Day

Lancaster Sound & Devon Island

We now explore Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), a newly designated National Marine Conservation Area, known for its rich wildlife, including polar bears, 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.

Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord)
9Day

Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord)

Above the Arctic Circle, today we visit the hamlet of Ausuittuq. The "place that never thaws," Ausuittuq is Canada's northernmost civilian community. Founded during the Cold War when Inuit families were forcibly relocated under false pretences to strengthen Canadian sovereignty, this resilient community now welcomes visitors with warmth and openness. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet residents, learn about their way of life, and hear powerful stories of endurance and strength in one of the world’s most remote regions.

Smith Sound
10Day

Smith Sound

We now reach the northernmost point of our journey as we sail into Smith Sound, a historic Inuit travel route that separates Ellesmere Island from Greenland and was once the primary path for explorers and adventurers in search of the North Pole. Renowned figures like Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares, and Elisha Kent Kane navigated these waters, each leaving their mark on Arctic exploration with varying degrees of success, and we will learn all about their quests as we sail.

 At Sea
11Day

At Sea

We now spend a day at sea sailing towards Greenland. 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.

Northwest Greenland
12 - 13Days

Northwest Greenland

Over the next two days, enjoy a captivating exploration of Greenland's northwest coast by ship and Zodiac, with numerous opportunities for expedition stops tailored to the weather and wildlife conditions. Whether you're stepping ashore for energetic hikes across the tundra, 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.

 Ilulissat
14Day

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.

Sisimiut Coast
15 - 16Days

Sisimiut Coast

The final adventure of our Northwest Passage and Greenland cruise will see us spend 2 days exploring through some more 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.

Kangerlussuaq - Disembark
17Day

Kangerlussuaq - Disembark

Having sailed through the dramatic Kangerlussuaq Fjord, flanked by 190 kilometres of spectacular scenery, you will arrive in the picturesque town of Kangerlussuaq. You will disembark here knowing that you have become one of the few people to have ever traversed one of the world’s most historic and storied waterways.

A charter flight to Toronto 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.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

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 lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

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

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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