Map of Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage including Canada

Tackle the fabled passage on this essential Arctic journey

Discover the essential heart of the Canadian High Arctic on this nine-day expedition, including five days spent exploring at sea. Spot musk oxen and polar bears among the otherworldly landscapes in places like Arctic Bay, Beechey Island and Croker Bay. Explore the heart of the fabled Northwest Passage and attempt to traverse the Bellot Strait, the narrow pass that wasn’t navigated by Europeans until 1937. Travel with an expert crew of seafarers, academics, scientists and locals who grew up in the region to get the most out of your journey.


Start
Calgary, Canada
Finish
Calgary, Canada
Destination
Canada
Style
Comfort
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Code
BQMHP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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 so-called Northwest Passage, with possible landings in Lancaster Sound, the Bellot Strait and Port Leopold Island.

  • Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.

  • 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 areas.

  • 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.

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 boat on a tour

Ultramarine

If you’re looking to take your polar adventure to the next level, Ultramarine is designed to help you discover amazing new places.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 13 Aug 2023 to 21 Aug 2023.
View the 2024 itinerary
Welcome to Calgary. Make your own way to your included pre-expedition accommodation, where you will find a welcome letter outlining the details of your flight to Resolute tomorrow. This evening there will be an opportunity, if you wish, to meet a representative who can answer any questions you have about the flight. Otherwise, you’re free to explore or relax at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
This morning take an included transfer to the airport and board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, there might be time to check out some of this tiny hamlet before you transfer to your expedition ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on weather conditions and where the ship has been able to dock). Once on board, settle into your cabin and get to know your expedition crew.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Spend the next five days exploring the remote and wild Canadian High Arctic. The itinerary will be decided by your expert crew using up-to-the-minute information on weather and wildlife-spotting opportunities. We plan to take daily jaunts in Zodiac boats, either to get closer to icebergs or search for wildlife. You are expected to make landings at a number of sites known for their natural beauty, historical significance, wildlife or interesting local culture. Each day will bring something different: a musk ox spotted lumbering across frozen tundra, a whale breaching as you watch from the deck or a tour of a tiny settlement with an Inuit local – these are just some of the experiences you might have during an Arctic expedition. With two helicopters on board, you also have the chance to enjoy included scenic helicopter flights and helicopter excursions to get a unique view on the Arctic and access to areas that would otherwise be out of reach (weather dependent).
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (5 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (5)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (5)
Special Information
Please speak to a booking agent when you confirm your expedition for more information on helicopter excursions.

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather, ice conditions and animal-spotting opportunities and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Destinations mentioned here should be used as a guide only.
Say goodbye to your crew and disembark the vessel. Take an included transfer to the airport for your included flight to Calgary. On arrival in Calgary, you are free to explore at your leisure or simply relax in your post-expedition accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities or further accommodation booked.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (6 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

This trip now 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. www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions

COVID 19 VACCINATION
All customers must be vaccinated against covid 19 to join this voyage. You must present a copy of your Covid 19 proof of vaccination record from your government’s health authority prior to embarkation.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A full kayaking program and single session paddles are available to book on this voyage. They must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in the full kayaking program, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, the Ultramarine offers included activities using the 2 on board helicopters such as flight seeing and landings from the helicopter.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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