Exploring the Northwest Passage

Your adventure begins with your arrival to the world's northernmost capital city of Reykjavik which is surrounded by amazing nature. The city also boasts of a lively culture and natural attractions which makes it ideal for all kinds of travelers to have their own taste. Take your time to explore this city, as we board our expedition cruise in the afternoon. Once we board, and collect our complimentary expedition jacket, we meet our Expedition Team, and settle settle into our cabins. The exciting adventure has just begin, as the ship starts sailing

Being our first day on sea, spend your time attending lectures, experimenting at the science lab, or simply socialising at the Explorer lounge with like minded fellow travelers. The Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Then hit the gym, soak in one of the on-deck hot tubs or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the three onboard restaurants.

During these initial days of crossing the sea, we give you amazing views as we sail through the Bering Strait before heading towards the magnificent Chukchi Sea. Our expedition team will provide you with lectures at the science center, and arrange some workshops, preparing you for the days ahead. You will also have plenty time to mingle with your fellow travelers, and enjoy views from the explorer lounge or deck of the birds and other mammals that accompany us. Everyday you will hear from the captain and the expedition leader, as we make our way ahead. We shall cross Point barrow, the northern most point of USA, before entering the deep blue waters of the Beaufort Sea. While here, Be ready with your cameras as you might be able to spot Bowhead and Grey whales in the waters. Beaufort Sea, named for Sir Francis Beaufort who in 1805 developed his eponymous wind scale for describing the force of the wind. He later directed operations to search for Franklin in the Northwest passage. We continue into the Amundsen Gulf, where you will get to see the remarkable smoking hills on the east coast of Cape Bathurst. The local lignite which is a combination of shale and pyrite, spontaneously ignite when exposed to air. This makes the hills emit smoke.

Experience your first sight of Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'. Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice – pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations. Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, or head out in boats to scout for wildlife.

After several days exploring remote, idyllic icescapes, you'll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland building. Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene.

En route to Sisimiut, we encourage you to be out on deck to scout for whales. The waters close to the settlement are frequented by several species, such as humpback and fin whales. Harbour porpoise and minke whales can be encountered along the west coast of Greenland. If we are lucky, we might also see large numbers of seals, the most common being the harp seal. Sisimiut is situated 40 km north of the Arctic Circle, and is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. Come ashore to explore the colourful town, visit the small museum, hike in the hills and shop for local handicrafts as we stop here for a half day. Just across the bay is Disko Island and the settlement of Qeqertarsuaq. This is where the Gjøa Expedition and the second Fram expedition stopped to get dogs and other equipment on their way to the Northwest Passage. Whether you are walking the town on paths laid down by our expedition team, or exploring through some optional activities, our experts will remain at your disposal across the town to guide you on highlights to see and any concerns you may have.

Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the town, at the mouth of the fjord, you can often see enormous icebergs that have run aground that originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere. The icebergs make their way down the 20-km fjord before entering Disko Bay. Marvel at the changes in hue when the iceberg's surface is struck by the Midnight Sun. Listen to the iceberg's soundtrack of cracking and rumbling, as the sounds echo from one end of Ilulissat to the other. While our expedition team here leads all the guests on a walk to the Icefjords, for those keen to do something else, can join in for some optional excursions : a short walk through town to a network of short trails that take you to the shores of the fjord. Or, get out on the water to get close to the ice and maybe whales on a local boat, or go high for an aerial view with a flight-seeing trip by fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. The choice is yours.

Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration. The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program.

The first to conquer the Northwest Passage by ship was Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on an expedition that lasted from 1903 to 1906. Now in our modern era, we aim to follow the wake of their ships and sail through the centre of the Northwest Passage too, aboard the ship that is named after this legend! Almost 40 expeditions tried to navigate this seaway as far back as 1497. James Cook attempted it in 1776 and the history buffs are familiar with the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845 recounted until this day. Given the place and the fabled fame this region is known to have for the coming days, the ship captain and Expedition Leader will continuously assess the current weather and sea conditions, adapt activities accordingly, and adjust the itinerary to where the sea ice allows us to go. Like all good explorers, we respect and work with nature, not against it. During our times of exploration here , our aim will be to land at sites that are linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and hope to spot Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, seals, and large colonies of seabirds. There will also be opportunities for small boat cruising between ice floes, and in true expedition style, we will go ashore and experience the pristine wilderness firsthand. Here are some of the places in the region that we plan to explore together, subject to favourable conditions: Ulukhaktok Many in the 500-strong community are involved in the local artists co-op, producing prints, tapestries, and other crafts. This is also the location of the the world's northernmost golf course which plays host a tournament each summer. Cambridge Bay Located on Victoria Island, this is the largest stop for vessels traversing the Northwest Passage. It is also called ‘Iqaluktuuttiaq', or ‘A Good Fishing Place’ due to the Ekalluk River which attracts giant char, muskoxen, and caribou. Gjøa Haven Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen wintered at this hamlet in 1903 on his Gjøa expedition. There is an informative walking tour, Heritage Centre, and Hamlet Centre dedicated to the history and culture of the area. Fort Ross An abandoned Hudson’s Bay Trading post located at the southern end of Sommerset Island. The storehouse here is still used as a shelter by occasional travelers, with bunk beds and shelves of canned goods. Beechey Island This is the final resting place for three members of the lost Franklin expedition which sailed into the Northwest Passage in 1845 but never returned. It is customary for explorers to stop and pay their respects, as did Roald Amundsen in 1903. Devon Island Welcome to the largest uninhabited island on Earth. The only signs of human life are at the long abandoned settlement of Dundas Harbour along with several archaeological sites from the Thule period. Pond Inlet Picturesque Pond Inlet, called 'Mittimatalik' in Inuktitut, is a traditional Inuit community on Baffin Island. It overlooks Eclipse Sound and the mountains of Bylot Island and is known as a great place to see large pods of narwhal.

The community of Cambridge Bay is located on the southeast coast of Victoria Island. In Inuinnaqtun it is called 'Iqaluktuuttiaq', meaning a 'good fishing place.' The hamlet is located close to the Ekalluk River, which is famous for giant char. It is rich in archaeological history and blessed with abundant fish, seals, geese, muskoxen and caribou. Archaeological sites found all over this enormous island prove that indigenous peoples have been living in this part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago continuously for the last four thousand years. Roald Amundsen visited the Cambridge Bay in 1905. In 1918 he traversed the same route back from west to east in his new ship called the Maud. The Hudson Bay Company purchased this vessel as a fur trading supply ship, arriving in Cambridge Bay in 1921. The Maud was used for years before it sank in the harbour. Its exposed hull has been a Cambridge Bay landmark for 80 years. An attempt is currently underway to re-float the vessel and return her to Norway. Wildlife abounds in this area with caribou, muskoxen and seals. In August, when the tundra is brilliant with wildflowers, it is also teeming with birds. This is where the expedition ends. Aft�er disembarkation in the evening, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Montréal

Fly home or extend your experience with more Days to explore Montréal. Montréal’s contrast to your recent expedition through the Northwest Passage will provide a delightful and striking ending note to your journey. Take in the photogenic 18th century facades of Old Montréal before strolling along the Canal de Lachine. Discover the shops downtown before enjoying one of the most exciting food scenes in North America. Montréal is famed for Kamouraska lamb and Arctic char. Not to mention Poutine: fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Montréal also o�ffers irresistible patisseries, English pubs, Jewish delis and magnificent food markets reminiscent of Paris.