Go north to Nunavut in search of polar bears and Inuit culture
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.
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.
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.
If you’re looking to take your polar adventure to the next level, Ultramarine is designed to help you discover amazing new places.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere & Axel Heiberg Islands trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
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.
INCREASED HEALTH SCREENING MEASURES APPLY TO THIS TRIP
All customers must be fully vaccinated to join this trip and you will be required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
You will need to arrive with a negative PCR test administered within 3 days prior to day Day1 (the day you arrive at your hotel)
Quark Expeditions will also conduct an additional test on day 1 (the day prior to embarkation). We recommend you arrive between 10am-4pm on Day 1 of the itinerary as this is when Quark Expeditions testing teams are scheduled to be available at your joining point hotel.
If you are arriving late on day one and are unable to be tested by Quark at the hotel you will be required to obtain your own PCR test from a local testing facility in the gateway city and bring the covid test result with you to show Quark staff. Contact your sales agent if you need assistance booking a covid test in a gateway city.
Customers will be required to complete a health questionnaire upon arrival.
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
