Map of Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin including Canada, Greenland and Arctic

Be an (ultra)modern-day explorer on remote Arctic seas

Put down your mobile phone and answer the call of the wild on this adventure across the waters of the Canadian Arctic. Encounter Inuit culture, explore landscapes that bring the drama, spot unique wildlife and holiday like an explorer of old (except, you know, with a sauna and helicopters). From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer than during these 17 days in the Arctic.


Start
Toronto, Canada
Finish
Calgary, Canada
Destinations
Canada, Greenland
Style
Comfort
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Code
BQMWW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic on a polar expedition that focuses on remote natural landscapes, ancient Inuit cultures and unique wildlife sightings.

  • See the colourful villages of Greenland’s western shores, framed by natural canals and jagged peaks, stopping in to learn about Inuit and Thule histories.

  • Take to the water – and the skies – on a series of included Zodiac cruises and helicopter jaunts, taking you to places otherwise inaccessible to human beings.

  • After days spent exploring the Arctic wilderness, chill out (and warm up) in an ultra-modern vessel complete with multiple dining, bar and lounge areas, plus health and wellness facilities.

  • Enjoy encounters with the Arctic’s impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and musk oxen, and appreciate the sweeping vistas of colourful tundra, striking fjords and calving glaciers.

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 be hiking 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 30 Jul 2023 to 15 Aug 2023.
View the 2024 itinerary
Welcome to Toronto – the capital of Ontario and the gateway to the Canadian Arctic. You are free to arrive at any time today and make your own way to your included pre-trip accommodation. On arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for your flight to Greenland tomorrow. An expedition representative will be available in the lobby this evening to answer any questions you may have.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
After breakfast, transfer to Toronto Airport and board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small seaside community on Greenland’s west coast. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you transfer from shore to ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and take in your new surroundings.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
For the next couple of days, your vessel will follow the coast so you can explore Greenland. Cruise around settlements like Maniitsoq – an archipelago broken by natural canals – and Nuuk, the colourful capital. Here, explore the Hans Egede church and statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. You may also enjoy visits to the Greenland National Museum, Nuuk Art Museum or Katuaq Cultural Centre. Marvel at your picturesque surroundings as you explore one of the world’s most remote capital cities.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
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.
Cruise away from Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait to the Canadian Arctic. Your expert crew will be giving talks and presentations to get you ready for the Arctic adventures that lie ahead. You might want to take advantage of the ship’s fully equipped fitness centre and spa facilities, too.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Enjoy almost ten days of exploration in Canada’s Arctic, following in the footsteps of old-school explorers. Your expedition crew will have a tentative itinerary set; however, weather, sea and ice conditions will all affect the voyage’s shore landings and wildlife-spotting opportunities. We plan to visit the Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nestled beneath the peaks of Mt Duval. Here, you can learn about traditional lithographs and tapestries from local craftspeople. Your vessel will also traverse the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, during which time you can take Zodiac and helicopter jaunts on sightseeing and shore visits. Continue to the Northwest Passage, stopping to see Inuit communities, ancient Thule remains, reminders of past voyages and a dazzling array of natural wonders on the way. Expect to cruise past pods of whales and the soaring mountains of the region’s fjords, as well as glaciers, icebergs, and majestic mountain sites. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird and polar bear sightings. Your journey will be enhanced with hiking and kayaking opportunities, plus time to simply relax on deck and soak in the purity of the landscape.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (10 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (10)
  • Lunch (10)
  • Dinner (10)
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 considered a guide only.
This morning, your ship will cruise towards Resolute, where you will disembark on arrival. On land, transfer to the airport and take your included charter flight back to Calgary, then take a group transfer to your accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Your Greenland and Canadian High Arctic adventure comes to an end this morning, with no other activities planned.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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: In the Footsteps of Franklin 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 starts in Toronto and finishes in Calgary, Canada

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.

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.

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.

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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