3 Northwest Passage small ship cruise travelers walk a wooden boardwalk towards the shore & icebergs, past rocks & tundra.
Group of Northwest Passage travelers in yellow jackets Zodiac cruise past rocky shoreline with 2 polar bears standing on ice.
A humpback whale tale lifts out of the blue ocean water, seen 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.
Woman in woven hat, blue sweater & yellow coat sits on rock face overlooking ice field in the distance on a sunny day.
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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.

Remote and rich in history, the Canadian High Arctic is as awe inspiring as it is informative. The days spent exploring this mysterious region will have you traveling back in time to the Age of Exploration. While following in the footsteps of famous explorers like Sir John Franklin and Roald Amundsen, navigate the waters and visit the historic sites in the area around Lancaster Sound that were key to the discovery of the Northwest Passage. Also learn about the scientific, cultural, geopolitical and environmental aspects of the route from world-class experts, guides and the local communities. Reaching remote lands that have lured adventurers for centuries and few have ever set foot on will be an unforgettable experience.

Aboard the technologically-advanced, 200-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 and Canada adventure travel.



Itinerary

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic Itinerary

The Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic voyage operates round-trip via charter flights from Toronto, Canada. Embark the ship in Resolute, Canada, cruise south along western Greenland and disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Route map of the Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic cruise, operating round-trip via charter flight from Toronto, with embarkation in Resolute, Canada, and disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and visits along western Greenland.
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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

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

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 6
Canada's High Arctic

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. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site and the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage.

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 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 numerous hiking opportunities on Devon Island. Anchor at Croker Bay and Zodiac cruise along the face of an active glacier. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have a camera handy. A hike to a nearby archaeological site is another possible excursion. At Dundas Harbour, trek along a beach to a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost.

Canada’s most northern settlement, Grise Fjord will be the final shore visit. Now home to about 150 residents, the traditional, mostly Inuit community was created in 1953, when the federal government resettled 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

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
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

Ultramarine

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 (there’s a reason ancient philosophers called it Ultima Thule, or “edge of known territory”). 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

Ultramarine

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

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 15
West Greenland

With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. First visit Nuussuaq, the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago and one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland. As the ship approaches Uummannaq, stand on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below.

In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, 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 the Eqip Sermia glacier; hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance, or go ashore to explore nearby.

Next visit the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. While Zodiac cruising at the mouth of the fjord, hope to witness the wonders of calving ice. The traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer 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 as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay.

In Sisimiut, be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area. Finally, visit the community of Itilleq. 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 Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe is felt.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Fly to Toronto, Canada

Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore and board the charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival in Toronto, be transferred to the included hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Depart Toronto, Canada

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

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

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $2,895 and includes one night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto, group transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2, charter flight from Toronto 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 Toronto, and one night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto); 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 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 – full refund, less $500 admin 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.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot (2023 season) for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic voyage begins and ends in Toronto, Canada (YYZ). 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 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 return charter flight to Toronto. Plan flights to depart Toronto anytime on Day 17. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Toronto and Resolute, and Kangerlussuaq and Toronto 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 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 return charter flight to Toronto.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your The Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic voyage. The sea kayaking program must be reserved in advance. 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. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. Sea kayaking is $695; and 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:
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

Aug 28 - Sep 13, 2023
Ultramarine • 17 days
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From $16495USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 200-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.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires April 3rd, 2023
Save 35% & Complimentary Transfer Package On Select 2023 & 2024 Arctic Expeditions

Save up to 35% per person when you book your select 2023 or 2024 Arctic expedition. Select 2023 Ultramarine departures also offer a complimentary transfer package.

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Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic Cruise

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