Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

12 Days | Go north to Nunavut in search of polar bears and Inuit culture

4 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Polar
Wildlife
From
CHF  14,230
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The smattering of islands contained in Canada’s Arctic north are a world away from the more accessible parts of North America. Here, the iceberg-strewn waters are home to walruses and whales and tiny Inuit communities built on permafrost. This 12-day expedition takes you into Nunavut and the Canadian High Arctic Archipelago to explore these incredible lands and waters, following the legendary Northwest Passage with an eye to encountering wildlife, historical sites and resilient people. Unlike the hardy explorers who attempted to map this landscape in days of old, you’ll be travelling in style with an onboard fitness centre, sauna and a wide range of cabin options.

Trip overview

Map of Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage To Ellesmere And Axel Heiberg Islands including Canada
Start
Calgary, Canada
Finish
Calgary, Canada
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Destinations
Canada
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1 - Max 200
Trip code
BQMRP
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • With two helicopters on board, you’ll get the chance to take included flights to soar above the Arctic landscape and make landings at otherwise inaccessible spots.
  • Explore parts of the Nunavut region with Inuit guides and learn about the people who have lived in the world’s most difficult environments for thousands of years.
  • Spot incredible wildlife on land and on Zodiac excursions. Canada’s High Arctic is home to fantastic beasts like polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals and caribou.
  • Traverse the waterways of the famed Northwest Passage, which foiled European explorers for hundreds of years, and attempt to reach the otherworldly Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands.
  • Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You will be supplied with an expedition parka and waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for a detailed guide on what to bring with you.
  • The plan is to hop into Zodiac boats quite regularly to explore and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac.
  • Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings by Zodiac, and you will hike on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.

Boats

Ultramarine
Ultramarine
BOAT TYPE: Expedition PASSENGERS: 199
If you’re looking to take your polar adventure to the next level, Ultramarine is designed to help you discover amazing new places.
Explore features

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 15 August 2024 to 04 September 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 09 September 2025 - 22 September 2025

Map of Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage To Ellesmere And Axel Heiberg Islands including Canada

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Ship (9 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

Dates and availability

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Important notes

In 2024 this trip starts and finishes in Calgary, Canada

Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Mary · Traveled August 2023
The trip was impacted by severe weather conditions in the High Arctic causing delays in connecting with the ship. The itinerary changed daily relative to weather conditions but the substitutions were of like quality and interest. Over all this is trip which I would highly recommend if you are adventurous and flexible with your expectations.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2023
Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
From
CHF  14,230