Northwest Passage – Westbound

Voyage Overview

Explore the legendary Northwest Passage on this cruise, while watching for arctic wildlife.

The labyrinthine channels of the legendary Northwest Passage have enchanted explorers and adventurers for centuries. Get a glimpse into the world that captivated early explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, by exploring a portion of the fabled Northwest Passage. Visit the final resting places of some of the legendary explorers to have ventured here and experience the archipelago of islands and channels that make up Canada’s High Arctic region. Learn about the region’s ancient history and culture from the locals who, along with their ancestors, have thrived in this remote wilderness homeland for millennia. Watch for enigmatic Arctic wildlife as we navigate variable sea ice that once prevented ships from traversing the Northwest Passage, adding a compelling element of adventure, integral to any genuine expedition.

Trip Details

Duration: 16 Days

Ship: Sylvia Earle, Premium Ship, 130 Guests

Start: Toronto, Canada

End: Calgary, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto
Having made your way to Toronto Airport, check-in at our group hotel located near the airport for an overnight stay. Accommodation: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland & Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, board our charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland, where our vessel the Sylvia Earle awaits. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew.

Day 3: Sisimiut
After a morning sailing north towards the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest town. Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.  Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area.  The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, the majority of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture. 

Day 4: Illulissat
In the afternoon we arrive in Ilulissat. Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on Earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord viewpoint and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay.

Days 5-6: Northwest Greenland expedition cruising
Explore the remote northern reaches of West Greenland, where traditional Inuit settlements cling to the rugged coastline and towering icebergs drift through the deep, clear waters. Every day presents new possibilities, guided by your expedition team, who will hunt for the perfect location to explore the stunning fjord systems by Zodiac. Vast fjord systems such as Uummannaq Fjord, offers endless opportunities for adventure, every corner revealing jaw-dropping views, monumental icebergs, and vibrant rock formations that beg to be explored. Whether you’re cruising silently through the ice-choked waters, hiking across the colourful tundra, or visiting one of the remote communities that dot the coast, the options for discovery are limitless. Kayakers can paddle among the floating icebergs while keeping an eye out for humpback and minke whales. With the spirit of true expedition cruising, this region invites you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Greenland’s northern frontier.

Day 7: At Sea
Find a spot in one of our many observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Our talented and knowledgeable expedition members will present informative and entertaining talks about the region that you’re travelling through.

Day 8 Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), Nunavut, Canada
After clearance into Canada, we hope to visit Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), a captivating Inuit community nestled on the northern tip of Baffin Island. Surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine fjords, this remote outpost offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. As you step ashore, you’ll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local Inuit, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their culture and lifestyle. Immerse yourself in their traditions through engaging cultural encounters and gain insights into their unique perspective on life in the Arctic.

Days 9-14: Northwest Passage expedition cruising
In genuine expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on weather conditions and unpredictable sea ice. The following places are some that we hope to visit.

Devon Island (Tallurutit)
At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker ‘wildlife superhighway’ of the Arctic. Devon Island (Tallurutit) is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay.  

Maxwell Bay (Tasiujaq)
Maxwell Bay is a broad, sheltered inlet that offers outstanding opportunities for exploration both on land and by sea. The surrounding tundra landscapes provide excellent hiking, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and inland valleys. Wildlife is abundant in this remote area: muskoxen and caribou roam the open terrain, while polar bears are occasionally seen along the shoreline or on ice floes. The sheltered waters of Maxwell Bay are a haven for marine mammals, including harp seals, ringed seals, and bearded seals. Walruses are sometimes spotted hauled out on the ice or rocky beaches, adding to the rich wildlife experience. Birdlife is also notable, with seabirds such as glaucous gulls and northern fulmars often seen soaring overhead. The bay’s numerous coves and inlets create a sense of discovery at every turn, making it a rewarding destination for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Beechey Island (Iluvilik)
At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island (Iluvilik), where we plan to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results – three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Radstock Bay
Just a short distance away, Radstock Bay offers a captivating contrast to the open sea. Here, we’ll disembark via Zodiac onto a beach strewn with remnants of the past. Explore the ruins of a Thule village nestled beneath the imposing Caswell Tower, where well preserved stone dwellings coexist with artifacts from later explorers. Witness the stark beauty of this remote bay, characterised by its dramatic cliffs, gravelly beaches, and the scattered remains of whale skeletons that have shaped the landscape and the lives of those who called it home.

Prince Leopold Island (Appait)
On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island (Appait), a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. Prince Leopold Island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting here in summer. Ringed seals are often spotted on the sea ice around the island and polar bears often lurk nearby.  

Port Leopold
Port Leopold, a barren, windswept bay on the northeastern corner of Somerset Island (Inuktitut Kuuganajuk), is steeped in history. Here, the crews of HMS Enterprise and Investigator were forced to endure a harsh winter while searching for the lost Franklin expedition. Their presence is indelibly marked on a rock engraved with “1849” and the ships’ initials. The desolate landscape is punctuated by a lone Hudson Bay Company hut, a failed trading post from the 1920s.

We hope to hike and explore the coastline, discovering the historic Hudson Bay Company house and intriguing Inuit archaeological sites. Be amazed by the otherworldly formations shaped by the region’s freezing and thawing cycles, which our expedition team will detail during recap. Nearby, a cairn marks the spot where Ross’s rescue expedition left vital supplies.

Elwin Bay (Ikpiarjuk)
Situated on the southeastern coast of Somerset Island, Elwin Bay is a breathtaking, wide inlet famous for its wildlife, particularly polar bears. This area was historically used by hunters and today remains an important habitat for bears who hunt along the ice edge and swim between the scattered ice floes. During summer, beluga whales are sometimes seen offshore, and the rocky beaches may reveal evidence of Arctic foxes and seabird colonies. The surrounding landscapes offer stunning contrasts, from rolling tundra to rugged limestone cliffs. Elwin Bay’s rich natural history and raw beauty make it a highlight for wildlife photography.

Batty Bay, Somerset Island
Nestled along the northeastern coast of Somerset Island, Batty Bay is a narrow, sheltered fjord steeped in Arctic exploration history. In the 1850s, it served as a winter refuge for expeditions searching for Sir John Franklin’s lost ships. Here we will hike the surrounding tundra slopes and trace the paths of early explorers. The calm waters of the bay are perfect for Zodiac cruising, with opportunities to spot ringed seals on ice floes and polar bears along the rocky shoreline. The cliffs and rugged terrain also attract a variety of nesting seabirds.

Bellot Strait 
Bellot Strait is one of the most legendary waterways of the Arctic; a narrow, fast-flowing channel that separates the northern tip of the Boothia Peninsula from Somerset Island. Just two kilometres wide at its narrowest point, this passage is known for its strong tidal currents, shifting ice, and dramatic scenery. Bellot Strait marks the northernmost point of mainland North America and was first navigated by explorers seeking the elusive Northwest Passage. Today, it remains a thrilling and challenging route for expedition vessels. Wildlife is often seen along the shores and in the water, including polar bears, seals, and occasionally beluga whales riding the tides. Steep cliffs and rugged hills frame the strait, offering a dramatic backdrop for cruising.

Day 15: Disembark in Resolute, fly to Calgary
In Resolute, farewell the crew, expedition team and fellow travellers before a Zodiac shuttle whisks you ashore. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Calgary, where you will transfer to your group hotel and stay overnight. Accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown / Beltline District

Day 16: Depart Calgary
After breakfast, check-out of your room and continue your journey.

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.