3 Northwest Passage cruise guests in yellow coats ride in a Zodiac boat along tall tan cliffs at sunset.
Northwest Passage cruise guests walk a ridgeline on a sloping mountain overlooking autumnal tundra & a small pond.
Small group of Northwest Passage cruise guests in yellow jackets walk over brown tundra & take photos on a sunny day.
View from empty ship deck with wraparound railing & teak decking, in glassy fjord with tan cliff bands under clouds.
Arctic Inuit boy & girl post for a photo in animal fur coats & beaded headbands while standing among golden tundra.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic Cruise

The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage continues to hold our collective imagination. On this captivating 17-day voyage, explore this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of onboard comforts and off-ship adventures. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, navigating the waters explored by sailors from different lands and visiting the sites that helped unlock the eventual discovery of this long-coveted route.

Marvel at highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast, stopping at Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, whose Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves off enormous icebergs. And keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures who make their home in these harsh, remote landscapes, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears. Come aboard a modern expedition ship to venture to the legendary route that for centuries held explorers in its thrall, and return home forever bound to the spirit of Arctic adventure.

Home base is the elegant, 138-guest Ocean Explorer—the perfect expedition ship for those who enjoy soft adventure and creature comforts. 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 tripscruises to Greenland and Canada adventure travel.



Itinerary

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic Itinerary

The Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic voyage operates from Calgary, Canada to Reykjavik, Iceland with charter flights to meet and leave the ship. Embark the ship in Resolute, Canada, cruise south along western Greenland and disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Route map of Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic cruise from Resolute, Canada to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, with bookend flights to start in Calgary and end in Reykjavik.
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Day 1
Arrive Calgary, Canada

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

Accommodations

Airport Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Resolute, Canada & Embark

This morning, board the charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, take the chance to walk around this small Arctic town before enjoying the first of many Zodiac cruises while being transferred to the ship.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 6
Exploring Canada's High Arctic

Cruising around the remote regions of 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.

Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. It’s an important stop on your voyage, as this is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a remote windswept raised beach, were discovered in 1851 by the crew of British and American vessels searching for signs of Franklin’s lost expedition.

Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer. An impressive Thule archaeological site provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the Far North.

For almost 5,000 years, the hamlet of Arctic Bay and its surrounding area has been occupied by Inuit people who were previously nomads migrating from the west. Surrounded by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, this is a great spot to go ashore and learn about the Inuit community’s traditional way of life.

The eastern end of Lancaster Sound affords hiking and cruising opportunities on Devon Island. At Dundas Harbor, trek along a beach to a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost. Anchor at Croker Bay, where you’ll cruise near enough to appreciate the splendor of glacial textures and calving ice, while always keeping a safe distance. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have your camera handy.

Canada’s most northern settlement, Grise Fiord, will be your final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic. Now home to about 150 residents, the mostly Inuit community was created in 1953, when the federal government forcefully relocated eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing are a significant part of their way of life. Visit the monument to the first Inuit settlers, as well as the remnants of the “old camp” where they lived.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
Exploring Smith Sound

Before saying goodbye to Canada, the ship will try to cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Qaanaaq, Greenland

The first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world. Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, and the museum sheds more light on what it’s like living near the top of the world.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
At Sea

As the ship sails south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations by the onboard experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 15
Exploring West Greenland

With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. First visit Nuussuaq (formerly known as Kraulshavn), the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.

Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. It’s not surprising that the red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises up behind gave this traditional village its name (Uummannaq means “heart-like” in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated 5 years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here.

In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also written as Qilakitsoq), you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient settlement, where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair of hunters. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 A.D., are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.

Cruising farther south rewards with spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the icy waters is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland; hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance. You may also go ashore to explore nearby.

Just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, is the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay.

In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word that the English borrowed) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is situated about a mile (2km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a small island. It is the southern limit of the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, the dogs are not permitted south of this community and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. It’s also known as a welcoming community, where you might experience “kaffemik,” a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors in for coffee, cakes and conversation. Explore the town’s charming wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals, whose main trade is fishing, and maybe challenge them to a game of football (soccer)—it won’t be long before you’re experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland

Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board the charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, be transferred to the included hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this fascinating city.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price in 2026 is $1,995 and includes one night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Calgary, group transfer from the Calgary hotel to the airport on Day 2, charter flight from Calgary to Resolute, group transfer from the Resolute airport to the ship on embarkation day, group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day, charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik, and one night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Keflavik); 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 when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. 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 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 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: Epic High Arctic cruise begins in Calgary, Canada (YYC) and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). 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 between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Reykjavik. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik on Day 17 of the itinerary anytime after breakfast; however, AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from the Arctic. An arrival airport transfer in Reykjavik is not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator; however a transfer to the Keflavik airport on the final day is available. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Calgary and Resolute, and Kangerlussuaq and Reykjavik are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Exclusions. 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 between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Reykjavik.

Activities

There are no optional activities available on your Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic cruise. Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Single cabin rates, 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:
Ocean Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & Owner’s 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

Aug 21 - Sep 06, 2026
Ocean Explorer • 17 days
From $21613USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Explorer

The 138-guest Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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