3 polar travelers stand in yellow jackets on a grassy knoll, overlooking a glacier during The Northwest Passage Canadian High Arctic voyage.
Beechey Island with 3 graves of explorers on a misty day with turquoise water along the brown, rocky shoreline, seen during The Northwest Passage Canadian High Arctic voyage.
A muskox standing in the snow beside dark cliffs above, seen during The Northwest Passage Canadian High Arctic voyage.
5 tandem paddlers travel on icy blue waters with snowy mountains in the background during The Northwest Passage Canadian High Arctic voyage.
Hikers on a Northwest Passage small ship cruise stand at an overlook of tundra & rock looking onto an ice sheet in the sun.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

Winding your way through the icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage is history brought to life during this expedition in the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. On this compelling 17-day journey, retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound. Its discovery more than a century and a half later by Norwegian Roald Amundsen was a much celebrated moment in polar history.

Explore colorful Inuit villages, and shop for traditional Inuit handicrafts. Hike the endless Arctic backdrop and marvel at the vast, colorful tundra. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures that make their home in this wilderness, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears. Follow in the footsteps of Franklin’s legendary Arctic voyage, and return home with memories permanently etched in your heart.

An alternative 16-day itinerary cruises south from Resolute, traveling below the Arctic Circle to explore Canada’s Labrador and Newfoundland, and the French territory of Saint Pierre & Miquelon, before disembarking in St. John’s. This itinerary adds an activity-filled day at the roadless and stunning Torngat Mountain National Park, plus history-rich visits to Norse and Viking-era sites such as L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site. Onboard musicians highlight the region’s kitchen party music and added-cost paddling (plus included helicopter flightseeing) round out this lengthy route—longer than a trip from New York City to the Panama Canal!

Aboard the technologically-advanced, 199-guest Ultramarine, take advantage of two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel comes equipped with specialized, cutting-edge safety features to provide added security in remote environments like the Northwest Passage.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, cruises to Greenland and Canada adventure travel.



Itinerary

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route Itinerary

The Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route cruise begins with a charter flight from Toronto, Canada and ends with a charter flight to Calgary, Canada. Embark the ship in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, cruise north along eastern Baffin Island and disembark in Resolute, Canada.

Route map of the Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route cruise, operating via charter flights from Toronto and to Calgary, with embarkation in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and disembarkation in Resolute, Canada, and visits along eastern Baffin Island.
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Day 1
Arrive Toronto, Canada

Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night enjoying the comfort and amenities of your designated hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Embark

After breakfast, board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small community nestled deep inside a 118 mile (190 km) long fjord. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you’re transferred from shore to ship. Out on deck, take in your new surroundings before you set sail on your Arctic adventure.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Exploring West Greenland

Cruising around the remote regions of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Throughout your journey, your expedition team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer at the top of the world. Locals call Maniitsoq the Venice of Greenland, as it’s situated in an archipelago intersected by natural canals. Soaring, snow-capped mountains surround the small, rocky town, whose name means “the uneven place.” Playful humpback whales spend summer in the waters around here.

The Greenlandic capital of Nuuk is a haven for history and culture lovers. See for yourself the unique and thriving culture of contemporary Greenland that mingles the ancient with the modern in surprising and wonderful ways. Stroll down to the waterfront to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. At the Greenland National Museum, marvel at the famous remains of 500-year-old fully dressed mummies, discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers out hunting. The Nuuk Art Museum and Katuaq Culture Centre are also worth visiting.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
At Sea

Say goodbye to Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait in pursuit of the Canadian Arctic. Presentations by onboard experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 15
Exploring Canada's High Arctic

Visit towering fjords, historical sites and Inuit communities as you follow in the footsteps of famous explorers from long ago in the Canadian High Arctic.

At the southern tip of the Cumberland Sound, visit Cape Mercy, which was named by British explorer John Davis (yes, he of the Davis Strait), who sailed through it in 1585. This is the site of an old Distant Early Warning Line installation, dating back to the Cold War. These and many other stations were set up to detect Soviet bombers. It’s an ideal spot to go ashore for a hike.

As icebergs travel down the Davis Strait, they’re naturally trapped at Qikiqtarjuaq (formerly known as Broughton Island). The icy waters here are also home to ring and harp seals. A hike up to the hilltop inuksuk rewards with spectacular views of the community. Inuksuks are stone figures or cairns that traditionally call attention to the location for navigation, abundant harvesting or spiritual significance.

Cruising further north along the mountainous east shore of Baffin Island, approach Isabella Bay, an important summer and fall feeding area for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada. Bowheads are a truly a remarkable arctic leviathan that research has revealed may live more than 200 years of agethe oldest mammal.

At the northern tip of Baffin Island, near the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, is the Inuit hamlet of Pond Inlet, surrounded by scenic mountains, fjords, glaciers and icebergs. Many in the community still follow a nomadic lifestyle and hunt for their food.

At the top of Baffin Island sits Lancaster Sound, a true arctic oasis. Known by the Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years, this channel and the surrounding lands are extremely rich in wildlife and history, both indigenous and European.

The area around Lancaster Sound affords several hiking opportunities. At Dundas Harbor, on Devon Island, you’ll visit an abandoned beachside outpost of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. At nearby Croker Bay, cruise in a Zodiac (at a safe distance) along the face of an actively calving glacier. Your expedition team will also keep its eyes peeled for walrus that are known to visit the bay. Farther west, some of the best ancient Thule remains in the Arctic are at Radstock Bay, beside the soaring Caswell Towers.

At the western end of Devon Island, the windswept Beechey Island is steeped in history. Named after famed British explorer Frederick William Beechey, it’s a Canadian National Historic Site. You’ll visit the small marked graves of three crew members who died during Sir John Franklin’s tragic 1845–46 expedition. Over 150 years later, Roald Amundsen landed here in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship through the Northwest Passage.

Sailing down the east coast of Somerset Island, you may be fortunate to spot beluga whales and if you’re very fortunate, narwhals, as they feed at Creswell Bay. An Important Bird Area, the bay also attracts such species as black-bellied plovers, king eiders and white-rumped sandpipers. You’ll also have time to explore Fort Ross, where the Hudson’s Bay Company established a now-abandoned trading post in 1937. At the midpoint of the Bellot Strait, the narrow channel that separates Somerset Island from mainland North America, you’ll reach the northernmost area of the continental landmass, Zenith Point.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Resolute, Canada & Fly to Calgary

After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Calgary, where you’ll spend the night at your included hotel.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Depart Calgary, Canada

Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend the day exploring this unique Western Canadian city.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price in 2025 is $1,995 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto, group transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2, charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, group transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day, group transfer from the ship to the Resolute airport on disembarkation day, charter flight from Resolute to Calgary, group transfer from the airport to the hotel in Calgary, and one night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route cruise begins in Toronto, Canada (YYZ), and ends in Calgary, Canada (YYC). Plan to arrive any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. Check in time for the included group hotel is 3:00pm on Day 1. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An included group flight (with airport transfer) to Kangerlussuaq is on Day 2 of the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your final documents.

On Day 16 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Calgary. Plan flights to depart Calgary anytime on Day 17. Airport transfers in Toronto and Calgary are not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq, and Resolute and Calgary are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Kangerlussuaq is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit which will be detailed in your final documents. There is no option to leave or pay for additional luggage. On Day 16 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Calgary.

Activities

Included is a weather-dependent, small-group, 10-15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion; additional helicopter activities may be available for purchase on board. Various optional activities may be available on your Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. The sea kayaking program must be reserved in advance. One-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. Sea kayaking is $795; one-time paddling excursion is $295; the culinary Tundra to Table experience is $125; and flightseeing, hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains & Wildlife Itinerary

The Northwest Passage to Newfoundland cruise begins with a charter flight from Calgary to Resolute, Canada. Embark the ship in Resolute, cruise south along eastern Baffin Island, cross the Arctic Circle, explore Newfoundland and Labrador, and disembark in St. John’s, Canada.

Route map of Northwest Passage to Newfoundland cruise from Resolute to St. John's with a pre-cruise overnight in Calgary & flight to Resolute.
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Day 1
Arrive Calgary, Canada

Arrive at Calgary International Airport and make your way to your included hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this fascinating Western Canadian city—home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede—which mixes cosmopolitan flair with cowboy charm.

Accommodations

Included Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Qausuittuq (Resolute, Canada) & Embark

This morning, catch your flight to the northern gateway of Qausuittuq (Resolute) in Nunavut, where you start your adventure in the middle of the legendary Northwest Passage. You will be transferred to your ship by Zodiac or helicopter depending on ship location and weather conditions.

Qausuittuq (Resolute), located on the southern shores of Cornwallis Island, means “the place with no dawn” in Inuktitut. This name, unsurprisingly, refers to the 24-hour winter nights that occur in this remote northern region.

Timing of this expedition, however, is aptly positioned to take advantage of the late summer and early fall ice conditions, which make Quasuittuq accessible, while at the same time welcoming the setting sun high above the Arctic Circle. Upon departing Qausuittuq, your ship will navigate through Tallurutiup-Imanga (Lancaster Sound). This roughly 200-mile (320km) waterway and the surrounding lands are extremely rich in wildlife and history, both indigenous and European. The Inuit and their predecessors have made their home in this domain for thousands of years.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Tallurutiup-Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & the Myth of the Franklin

Today, head to the western end of Devon Island, on the north side of Tallurutiup-Imanga, and go ashore at wind-swept Beechey Island, which is home to Beechey Island Sites National Historic Sites. These sites, maintained by Parks Canada, tell the story-or at least the part that’s not still shrouded in mystery-of Sir John Franklin’s much-chronicled 1845-46 expedition to explore the Northwest Passage.

The island is small, only 1.5 miles (2.5km) at its widest point, but its shores are steep and rise to a flat plateau 800 feet (244m) high. That’s where Franklin and his crew of 128 men spent the winter after embarking from England aboard their two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The ill-fated 1845-46 expedition—to navigate and chart the Northwest Passage—ended in tragedy for all 129 men and their two vessels.

What happened to Franklin and his men is the stuff of legend—but also the focus for several search expeditions over the years, which discovered bodies, personal belongings of crew members, and handwritten notes that suggested starvation, deaths from hypothermia, scurvy and lead poisoning from the tinned food supplies. Accounts by Inuit suggest the crew split up into small groups and subsequently perished. What is known for certain is that no one survived.

The graves of three officers from HMS Erebus—John Hartnell, William Braine and John Torrington—were discovered in 1851. You will have an opportunity to visit their graves and honor the memory of the entire Franklin crew who braved massive challenges to explore the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s story is an integral part of the history of Arctic exploration. The wrecks of Erebus and Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
At Sea: Exploring the Largest Marine-Protected Area in Canada

Continue your exploration of Tallurutiup-Imanga which, in 2017, became the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area). At 42,085 square miles (109,000 square km), it’s the largest marine-protected area in Canada. Heed your guide’s advice for this voyage above the Arctic Circle: keep your binoculars ready—especially when out on deck—to view the diverse wildlife that inhabit these waters. Upon leaving Tallurutiup-Imanga, the ship heads into the Davis Strait, which separates Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea and forms part of the historic Northwest Passage. Clear skies later in the evening herald the possibility of a spectacular display of the Northern Lights. Hope to be awestruck.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Baffin Island Fjords & Heli-Flightseeing

This is an especially exciting day as you become one of the very few travelers to explore the stunningly majestic Icy Arm Fjord, which cuts almost 50 miles (80km) deep into northern Bafffin Island.

Accessible only by water in summer months when the sea ice recedes, this rarely-visited fjord is known for its unrivalled landscape of towering cliffs and stunning glaciers, and is valued as much for its sheer remoteness as it is for its singularly pristine environment. Icy Arm Fjord is the epitome of unspoiled Arctic wilderness. You may observe polar bears, arctic foxes, seals, walruses, as well as guillemots, kittiwakes and other Arctic-dwelling birds.

Excitement grows on Day 5 as the ship’s two twin-engine helicopters are made ready for heli flightseeing excursions. Prepare to view the remote Arctic terrain from the seat of a helicopter—camera at the ready. It’s also an excellent day for Zodiac cruises, which offer guests a sea-level intimacy with the surrounding lands and waters.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
At Sea

Cruising along the east coast of Baffin Island, particularly from the middle of the island to the southern tip, brings into sharp perspective the sheer vastness of the largest island in Canada, and the fifth-largest in the world. Day 6 is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the features of your ship, including the fitness center, spa and library. Any surplus time between the expert-led polar presentations—and delicious meals, of course—is perfect for editing your digital photos. You’ve taken hundreds by now!

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Life in Qikiqtarjuaq

Qikiqtarjuaq, fondly called Qik, is a small hamlet populated mostly by Inuit, north of the Arctic Circle on Broughton Island, off the east coast of Baffin Island. Known as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, Qikiqtarjuaq is located at the northern entrance to the mountainous Auyuittuq National Park, which is home to narwhals, bowhead and orca whales, polar bears, seals and migratory birds. Community visits, arranged in collaboration with local partners, enable guests to learn about local culture, and purchase art and traditional handicrafts, such as parkas, boots and local art when available.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Cape Mercy: Fascinating History in the Remote Wilderness

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Cape Mercy, an isolated cove at the southern tip of Cumberland Sound in Nunavut.

Cape Mercy was named by British explorer John Davis, who sailed through this part of the Arctic in 1585. Fast-forward several centuries to the 1950s when Cape Mercy was chosen as the site of a Distant Early Warning Line (DEW) installation, which was part of a system of radar stations set up during the Cold War to detect nuclear attacks.

Today, Cape Mercy, accessible by water, offers modern-day travelers the chance to experience the splendid isolation of the Arctic—with no sign of civilization in sight. You can join a guided hike to a glacier-carved freshwater lake on Cape Mercy. Make sure you bring your camera for this off-ship excursion.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
At Sea

There’s no shortage of activities on board for your at-sea days. You can relax and rejuvenate in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, book a soothing treatment in the Tundra Spa, visit the fitness center, practice yoga, or deepen your Arctic knowledge by attending expert-led presentations on geology, wildlife, history, glaciology or botany, among other polar subjects.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Torngat Mountain National Park: "The Land of the Spirits"

Today’s wilderness adventure into Torngat Mountains National Park will leave you awestruck. Within the roughly 3,860-square-mile (10,000 sq km) national park, established in 2008, are Canada’s highest mountains east of the venerable Rockies. The park is a wilderness landscape painting brought to life: breathtaking fjords, dramatic glacial formations, stunning landscapes and wildlife. For students of Indigenous history, Torngat Mountain National Park is especially meaningful: the park is located at the northern edge of autonomous Nunatsiavut territory, which was recognized as the homeland of the Labrador Inuit in 2005, with its own constitution and administration.

In fact, these lands have been home to the Nunatsiavut and their predecessors for over 7,500 years. It’s an honor to explore this majestic wilderness territory. Torngat, in Inuktitut, means “place of the spirits,” which reflects the spiritual significance of the region to the Inuit communities. As a national park, this wilderness domain offers protection to boreal woodland caribou, black bears, Labrador wolves, red and arctic foxes, polar bears and peregrine falcons, among other species.

You will have incredible opportunities to explore this national wilderness area during helicopter, Zodiac and kayaking excursions, and guided hikes.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 12
At Sea

As you continue sailing, take note of the ever-changing landscapes and scenery throughout your 2,500-nautical mile voyage. You’ve progressed from a pristine tundra environment in the Arctic, down along the rocky, big-walled coast of Baffin island, to the wind-battered coastal forests of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site: Viking & Norse History

As you sail toward L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site on the northern tip of Newfoundland, consider the differences in modern and ancient marine vessels. Today, you’re comfortably ensconced on a state-of-the-art, beautifully designed ship with helicopters, quick-launch Zodiacs, a sauna and spa, dining areas surrounded by glass, high-tech presentation spaces, cabins with the best of amenities, and a wide array of exciting off-ship adventure options. Then consider the wooden longboats that transported the Vikings an incredible 1,354 miles (2,180 km) from Greenland to Newfoundland in 1000 AD. Today, you’re going to visit the archeological remains of where they landed in their hand-hewn vessels. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the only confirmed Norse or Viking settlement in North America.

Enjoy a guided tour to see where Norseman Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have founded “Vinland” (the East Coast area including what would later be known as Newfoundland) around 1000 AD. Explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins throughout the historic site—proof that Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus’s much-chronicled arrival.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
At Sea

Enjoy another evening of kitchen party music performed by guest artists on board. If you haven’t already, seize the opportunity when the musicians take a break to inquire about the various musical traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly the origins of kitchen party music. Also, try to spend time with the expedition team, all of whom are polar experts with vast expertise they’re always eager to share.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
Saint Pierre & Miquelon, French Overseas Collectivity

Experience the traditional culture of France during your visit to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. This small archipelago, only 12 miles (20 km) from Newfoundland, is the only French territory on the North American continent. Disembark in the colorful and vibrant port town of Saint-Pierre, where you can stroll along the seaside, sample French patisseries and enjoy the café scene. Get a taste of Europe where you least expect it.

While Europeans have had a presence on the tiny archipelago since the early 17th-century, the islands are traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq, the Indigenous people who first appeared in Atlantic Canada 10,000 years ago. The Mi’kmaq culture thrives throughout Eastern Canada.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark St. John's, Canada

Your ship arrives at the pier in St. John’s for a morning disembarkation. After breakfast, you may make your way to St. John’s International Airport to connect with your homeward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price in 2025 is $495 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary, group transfer from the Calgary hotel to the airport on Day 2, charter flight from Calgary to Resolute, and group transfer from the Resolute airport to the ship on embarkation day); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Northwest Passage to Newfoundland cruise begins in Calgary, Canada (YYC), and ends in St. John’s, Canada (YYT). Plan to arrive any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An included group flight (with airport transfer) to Resolute is on Day 2 of the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your final documents.

On Day 16 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier in the morning. Disembarkation follows breakfast. Plan flights to depart St. John’s no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on Day 16. Airport transfers in Calgary and St. John’s are not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Calgary and Resolute is required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Resolute is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit which will be detailed in your final documents. There is no option to leave or pay for additional luggage. On Day 16 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier in the morning. Disembarkation follows breakfast.

Activities

Included is a weather-dependent, small-group, 10-15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion; additional helicopter activities may be available for purchase on board. Various optional activities may be available on your Northwest Passage to Newfoundland cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. One-time paddling excursions are available; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. One-time paddling excursion is $195; and flightseeing, hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Aug 26 - Sep 11, 2025
Ultramarine • 17 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $15101USD
Per Person
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Sep 18 - Oct 03, 2025
Ultramarine • 16 days
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $11776USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

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