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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$10742USD
Starting At
17
Days
Aug
Sep
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

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.

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: In the Footsteps of Franklin Itinerary

The Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin 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: In the Footsteps of Franklin 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.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Toronto, Canada

The Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at the well-appointed hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Embark

After breakfast, board the charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small seaside community that’s your gateway to Greenland. Enjoy the first Zodiac ride while being transferred from shore to ship. Out on deck, take in new surroundings before the ship sets sail on this Arctic adventure.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
West Greenland

Cruising around the remote regions of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. 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. 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. Marvel at the famous remains of 500-year-old fully dressed mummies, discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers out hunting, at the Greenland National Museum. 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 the ship traverses 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
Canada's High Arctic

Visit towering fjords, historical sites and traditional Inuit communities while following in the footsteps of famous explorers from long ago in the Canadian High Arctic. The picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nicknamed the Switzerland of the Arctic, is nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Duval. An artist’s hub, Pang is renowned for its traditional Inuit arts and crafts, especially lithographs and intricate tapestries. At the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts, watch craftspeople in the tapestry studio and pick up a limited-edition print. A must for visitors, a colorful Pang hat will keep you warm during the remainder of your Arctic voyage. Also visit nearby Kekerten, an uninhabited island that was a major whaling destination in the 1800s.

At the southern tip of the Cumberland Sound, Cape Mercy was named by British explorer John Davis (of the Davis Strait), who sailed through it in 1585. The site of an old Distant Early Warning Line installation, it’s an ideal spot to go ashore for a hike. As icebergs travel down the Davis Strait, they’re naturally trapped at Qikiqtarjuak, the iceberg capital of the world. The icy waters here are sometimes also home to narwhals, beluga and right whales, and ring and harp seals. A hike up to the hilltop inukshuk (a stone figure made by the Inuit) rewards with spectacular views of the community.

Cruising farther north along the east coast of Baffin Island, approach Isabella Bay, an important summer and fall feeding area for a large population of bowhead whales. At the northern tip of Baffin Island, near the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, is the picturesque hamlet of Pond Inlet. Spend some time exploring this traditional Inuit community that’s surrounded by scenic mountains, fjords, glaciers and icebergs.

The area around Lancaster Sound affords several hiking opportunities. At Dundas Harbour, on Devon Island, 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. Keep eyes peeled for the muskoxen and walrus that are known to visit the bay. A hike to a nearby archaeological site is another possible excursion. Farther west, some of the best ancient Thule remains in the Arctic are at Radstock Bay, beside the soaring Caswell Towers, a polar bear observation site. Explore the area and gain insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived.

At the western end of Devon Island, the windswept Beechey Island might be small, but it’s steeped in history. Named after famed British explorer Frederick William Beechey, it’s a Canadian National Historic Site. Visit the small marked graves of three crew members who died during Sir John Franklin’s tragic 1845–46 expedition. 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, hope to spot beluga whales and narwhals, as they feed on the large numbers of Arctic char that enter Creswell Bay in late summer. An important bird Area, the bay also attracts such species as black-bellied plovers, king eiders and white-rumped sandpipers. Explore Fort Ross, where the Hudson’s Bay Company established a now-abandoned trading post in 1937. At the midpoint of the Bellot Strait, a narrow channel that separates Somerset Island from mainland North America, 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, be transferred to the charter flight to Calgary and spend the night at the included hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Depart Calgary, Canada

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

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price in 2024 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; select beer and house wine during dinner; 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 and internet 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: In the Footsteps of Franklin 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. 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 of 44 lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Toronto and the ship. Additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Toronto. There is no option to 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, as well as a helicopter transfer to a landing site; additional helicopter activities may be available for purchase on board. Various optional activities may be available on your The Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. The sea kayaking program must be reserved in advance. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. Sea kayaking is $695; the culinary Tundra to Table experience is $125; an exclusive heli-landing is $395; 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: 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.
Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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 age—the 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

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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; select beer and house wine during dinner; 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 and internet 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

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

Aug 01 - Aug 17, 2024
Ultramarine • 17 days
brown helicopter icon depicting flightseeing activity brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $10742USD
Per Person
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Aug 26 - Sep 11, 2025
Ultramarine • 17 days
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From $14411USD
Per Person
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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.

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Current Deals on This Trip

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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.

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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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9 Day Land Tour
Arctic Watch

Explore the Canadian Arctic on Somerset Island in Nunavut by e-biking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, kayaking, trail running and exploring on ATVs at this unique wilderness lodge and world-class beluga whale observation site.

From $13380USD
Jul Aug
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10 - 10 Day Cruise
The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland

Cruise the eastern Canadian coast exploring historical maritime communities, legendary islands, Viking history and breathtaking sandstone cliffs aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.

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Great Lakes of North America Cruise

Set sail on these 8-day small ship Great Lakes cruises, operating in the colorful summer months. Cruise between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto, Canada aboard 184-guest Le Bellot or Le Champlain. Along the way, appreciate points of natural and cultural interest, learning about the Native American and European influences that live on today.

From $7340USD
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12 Day Cruise
Canada's Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere & Axel Heiberg Islands

Explore the eastern end of the Northwest Passage for 12 days on a flexible schedule, with the goal of reaching Nunavut’s northernmost islands: Axel Heiberg, and Ellesmere. Travel aboard 199-guest Ultramarine, with helicopter-assisted activities.

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From $9904USD
Aug Sep
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9 Day Cruise
Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of The Northwest Passage Cruise

On this compact Northwest Passage cruise, explore the great sea route on a flexible itinerary, by ship, foot, Zodiac and helicopter. Sail aboard 199-guest Ultramarine for modern comfort and purpose-built design for exploring the polar regions.

Special Offer
From $5872USD
Sep
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16-17 Day Cruise
Northwest Passage Expedition

Sail the Northwest Passage in part aboard 132-guest Sylvia Earle or Greg Mortimer. Highlights include visiting Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can add on a helicopter flightsee, and the ease of trip-end charter flights to Calgary, Toronto or Anchorage.

Special Offer
From $21095USD
Jul Aug Sep
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Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

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