Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

Reach parts of the Arctic that explorers once dreamed about

Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked on this 17-day expedition in the High Arctic. This epic adventure will have you hiking over permafrost, searching for wildlife and passing by fjords, glaciers and icebergs on a daily basis. Follow the coast and discover places where explorers of old met their demise, research stations abandoned and active, tiny Inuit communities and ruins left by their ancient predecessors. Go west to Greenland and see colourful villages beneath massive mountains, hike to glaciers and kayak past icebergs. Tackle the icy wilderness in a comfortable expedition vessel and a team of expert leaders.

Start: Calgary, Canada
Finish: Toronto, Canada
Destinations: Canada, Greenland
Style: Comfort
Theme: Polar, Wildlife

Code: BQMWE
Physical rating
Ages: Min 8
Group size: Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

Go further and deeper than ever possible on this Arctic tour with Zodiac cruises, shore excursions and helicopter expeditions to take you to places once out of human reach.
Our expert expedition crew will be on alert for sightings of animals like musk oxen, caribou, and whales so you have the best chance of spotting them.
Visit Inuit communities as you travel through parts of the Northwest Passage and the waters of western Greenland and learn about cultures and survival on the edge of the map.
This is immersive expedition travel. Hear the deafening crash of shards falling from icebergs, hike to Inuit ruins and, if you’re brave, take a polar plunge into icy waters.
Enjoy a well-equipped vessel with modern staterooms, a number of bar and lounge areas and health and wellness facilities. And on your sailing days, join experts for an onboard lecture program.

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.
On this journey, you will climb in and out of small 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 an openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.

Gallery

Passengers look out over Isabella Bay from an expedition vessel

Passengers walking across ice in Lancaster Sound, Canadian Arctic

Icebergs in the water off Scoresbysund Fjord, Greenland

Colourful houses bordering an Arctic lake in Greenland

Boats

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

Expand All Collapse All

Day 1: Calgary

Welcome to Calgary, Canada. You can arrive at any time today and make your way to the pre-expedition accommodation. There, you will receive a welcome letter outlining times and further details about your charter flight to the Arctic tomorrow morning. Tonight, you may like to meet with an expedition representative in the hotel lobby, who can answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Until then, enjoy the sights of Calgary or simply relax in your accommodation.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2: Resolute – Embarkation Day

This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you may have the chance to walk around this little Inuit hamlet before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your expedition vessel. Meet your crew and settle into your cabin.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Days 3-6: Canadian High Arctic

Begin your polar voyage in the Northwest Passage as you pass by the same icy inlets, channels and bays that have fascinated explorers since the 17th century and have been home to Inuit communities for even longer. Although no strict itinerary is set, your expedition could include cruising to Beechey Island, the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition, learning the local way of life in Arctic Bay, setting foot on Devon Island for a number of hiking opportunities, spotting walruses in the waters of Croker Bay, searching for musk oxen in Dundas Harbour or learning of hunting and fishing traditions in Grise Fjord. As you travel through sections of the Passage, let your expert polar crew take you on unforgettable Zodiac and helicopter sightseeing and landing trips to visit areas that are otherwise inaccessible to humans. In between shore visits, scenic cruising and optional adventure activities, appreciate the onboard amenities of your polar vessel and enjoy a series of lectures presented by Arctic experts.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)

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 and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Destinations mentioned here should be used as a guide only.

Days 7-8: Smith Sound

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

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 9: Qaanaaq

Today, stop in Qaanaaq, Greenland. Formerly known as Thule – in ancient philosophy, it was Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’ – this is the main town in north-western Greenland. On shore, you will spend time learning about local Inuit culture and traditions, perhaps visiting the town’s museum.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 10: At Sea

Back on board, journey south along the coast of Greenland with time spent at sea. During the day, there will be a number of presentations and lectures from your onboard experts to explain some of the incredible geography, wildlife and histories you have experienced, plus prepare you for the adventures and locations that lie ahead. In your leisure time, perhaps get to know your fellow voyagers over a drink in the onboard lounge, or make use of the spa and wellness facilities.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Days 11-15: West Greenland

Over the next four days, continue to explore Greenland’s west, with a flexible itinerary to account for the varying weather and ice conditions. You may have the chance to admire the twin peaks of the mountain that towers over Uummannaq, visit the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, and cruise towards the impressive blue-hued Eqip Sermia glacier. Take a Zodiac past icebergs such as Sermeq Kujalleq, listening out for breaking ice crashing into the waters below. Air, land and sea excursions are all a possibility here, and your expert team will be monitoring the conditions to ensure wildlife and sightseeing opportunities are maximised.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (5 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (5)
Lunch (5)
Dinner (5)

Special Information

Day 16: Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation Day – Toronto

This morning, journey towards Kangerlussuaq and farewell your expedition crew as you take a Zodiac ride to shore. Here, you will board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, transfer as a group to your post-expedition accommodation. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity to visit Toronto at your leisure this evening.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 17: Toronto

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time as your tour comes to an end.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Want to tailor this itinerary?

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (14 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

Meals

16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (14 nights), comfortable hotel (2 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic 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!

Jump to a departure month

Important notes

This trip starts in Calgary and finishes in Toronto, 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 is 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