Out of the Northwest Passage

Voyage Overview

Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit.

This Northwest Passage journey begins in Kugluktuk (Coppermine) where you will embark the Ocean Victory and sail east. Search for wildlife,  visit historical sites and experience rich Inuit culture as you navigate the icy waters. Hike the colorful tundra and witness stunning icebergs and glaciers on the west coast of Greenland. Keep an eye out for northern lights dancing in the night sky. 

Trip Details

Duration: 17 Days

Ship: Ocean Victory, Premium Ship, 186 Guests

Start: Yellowknife, NT, Canada

End: Toronto, ON , Canada

Itinerary

Day 1: Charter flight from Yellowknife, NT, Canada to Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada & Embarkation 
Early this morning, take a charter flight from Yellowknife to Kugluktuk (Coppermine). Upon arrival, we will transfer to the ship by Zodiac. Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996. Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate embarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions. *Note all guests should arrive into Yellowknife at least one day prior to Day 1 (hotel nights not included in voyage cost). 

Day 2-5: Kitikmeot Region
Journey through Time and Wild Beauty. Experience the glory of the subarctic tundra in the fall and perhaps discover a geological wonder at Port Epworth. Here, intriguing rock formations known as stromatolites stand as evidence of some of Earth’s earliest life forms. These fossilized structures, created by cyanobacteria billions of years ago, played a crucial role in producing oxygen, forming an essential link in creating Earth’s atmosphere and allowing other life forms to evolve. Sail onward into the storied waters of the Coronation Gulf, where the legendary Roald Amundsen navigated with his six-man crew to complete the Northwest Passage in 1905. Learn more about the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in Arctic exploration, including Amundsen’s expedition.

Visit an Inuit community in this least populated region of Nunavut and feel the excitement and warm hospitality as you listen to stories of resilience, adaptation, and a deep love for the land.
Join a Zodiac cruise at Conningham Bay, where the stark beauty of the Arctic tells a timeless story of survival and adaptation. Here, the paths of polar bears intersect with the watery journeys of belugas—one the hunter, the other the prey. With luck, you’ll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable moment etched onto the stark Arctic landscape.

Day 6: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America. Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals. Delve into the region’s fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait’s namesake.

Day 7: Beechey Island
Visit a Franklin Expedition Historical Site. In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Day 8: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears. We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. Learn more about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways and the enduring connection between the ocean and Inuit. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and on shore. 

Day 9: Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), NU
Experience Inuit Culture. Ausuittuq means “place that never thaws.” 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost civilian community originated during the Cold War. In 1953, Inuit were relocated here by the Canadian government under false pretenses, with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty. We’ll be welcomed into the hamlet, where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.

Day 10: Smith Sound
Reach Your Furthest North. Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland, and served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares, and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.

Day 11: At Sea
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland. On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather, and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition team will scan for polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.Indulge in the unique opportunity to learn from Inuit in their homeland, gaining a better understanding of the daily lives of the regions we visit. Enjoy cultural performances and maybe even participate in Inuit games, or sample country food. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture and gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Day 12-13: Northwest Greenland
Hike the Tundra. We will explore stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow. Whether you’re setting foot on land, cruising by Zodiac, or out on the ship’s deck, you’ll have plenty of chances to learn alongside expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists. You’ll gain an intimate perspective on the abundant flora and fauna you encounter. Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.

Day 14: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs. Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold! Visit the town, with its captivating museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Day 15-16: Sisimuit Coast
Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords. Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that includes glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Day 17: Disembarkation at Kangerlussuaq & charter flight to Toronto
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former U.S. Air Force base. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.

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.