Ellesmere Island and North Greenland: Journey to the Top of the World
An unprecedented 13-day expedition to the reaches of the High Arctic. Sail through channels where continents nearly touch, visit the northernmost communities of Canada and Greenland, and explore historic sites and marine sanctuaries on a journey designed for true lovers of pure exploration and Inuit culture.
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights Starts: Ottawa, ON, Canada Ends: Ottawa, ON, Canada Language: English speaking voyage
Requires charter flight package to and from Ottawa (not included in base price).
In the High Arctic, ice and weather dictate the route. The itinerary is an example and subject to change to prioritize safety and discoveries.
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
The experience is not only about nature, but about the people who live in the places we visit.
We are always welcomed by the locals and respectfully wander around their towns and villages, shareing their lifestyle for a few moments.
Cultural shows and folcloric dances and arts are part of the hightlights of this encounters.
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
This expedition is a true "journey to the top of the world," exploring regions where the history of human adaptation and polar exploration converge. From Qausuittuq (Resolute), the gateway to Arctic research, the Ocean Nova ventures into the Tallurutiup Imanga Marine Sanctuary, a vital refuge for whales, walruses, and seabirds. The voyage crosses to Greenland to visit Qaanaaq, one of the northernmost towns on Earth, where Inughuit traditions such as dog-sledding and hunting still set the pace of daily life.
The itinerary features unique geographical and political milestones, such as Tartupaluk (Hans Island), a recent symbol of shared sovereignty between Canada and Greenland. Travelers will navigate Kane Basin and Smith Sound, areas of astonishing biological productivity known as "The Great Upwelling." The return to Canada includes stops at Aujuittuq, the place that "never thaws," and Beechey Island, where the graves of the Franklin expedition offer a poignant reminder of the challenges of historical exploration. It is a journey of profound silence, monumental geological landscapes, and an unmatched connection to the spirit of the North.
Highlights:
Visit to Qaanaaq (Greenland) and Aujuittuq (Canada), among the world's northernmost communities.
Landing on Tartupaluk (Hans Island), a territory of shared sovereignty.
Navigation through the Sarvarjuaq polynya, the most biologically productive region in the north.
Exploration of Devon Island, the world's largest uninhabited island.
Visit to the Beechey Island National Historic Site and Franklin expedition remains.
Arctic wildlife watching: polar bears, walruses, narwhals, and musk oxen.
Day 1: Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU, Canada
The North Beckons
Arrival in Qausuittuq, "the place with no dawn." Orientation to the land and its stories before embarking on the Ocean Nova to start the expedition.
Day 2–3: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Whales and Vast Horizons
Enter a thriving marine sanctuary. Land on Devon Island to observe glaciers and archaeological traces from centuries of Inuit occupation.
Day 4: Qaanaaq, Greenland
Life at the Edge of the Sea Ice
Visit one of the northernmost towns in the world. Encounter Inughuit culture, where ancestral skills and modern life flow with the rhythm of the seasons.
Day 5–6: Kane Basin
Where Continents Nearly Touch
Navigate through one of the North’s most dramatic waterways. Towering glaciers and drifting ice in an area historically sailed by Pole explorers.
Day 7: Tartupaluk (Hans Island)
A Shared Island
Landing on this remote rocky islet, the focus of a territorial dispute resolved in 2022. A symbol of shared stewardship between Canada and Greenland.
Day 8–9: Smith Sound
The Great Upwelling
Sail toward the North Water Polynya, the most biologically productive region north of the Arctic Circle, drawing whales, seabirds, and seals.
Day 10: Aujuittuq (Grise Fjord), NU, Canada
The Place That Never Thaws
Visit Canada's northernmost community. Walk with local hosts to learn about the resilience and ingenuity of life at the top of the world.
Day 11: Devon Island
The World's Largest Uninhabited Island
Exploration of a landscape shaped by time and ice. Striking geological formations, pristine tundra, and deep, absolute silence.
Day 12: Beechey Island
Echoes of Exploration
Visit the National Historic Site housing the graves of Franklin expedition members. Reflection on survival and Inuit knowledge.
Day 13: Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU, Canada
Journey’s Reflection
Disembark and board the charter flight to Ottawa. Time to reflect on the stories and connections forged in the High Arctic.
Itinerary
Day 1: Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU, Canada
The North Beckons
Arrival in Qausuittuq, "the place with no dawn." Orientation to the land and its stories before embarking on the Ocean Nova to start the expedition.
Day 2–3: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Whales and Vast Horizons
Enter a thriving marine sanctuary. Land on Devon Island to observe glaciers and archaeological traces from centuries of Inuit occupation.
Day 4: Qaanaaq, Greenland
Life at the Edge of the Sea Ice
Visit one of the northernmost towns in the world. Encounter Inughuit culture, where ancestral skills and modern life flow with the rhythm of the seasons.
Day 5–6: Kane Basin
Where Continents Nearly Touch
Navigate through one of the North’s most dramatic waterways. Towering glaciers and drifting ice in an area historically sailed by Pole explorers.
Day 7: Tartupaluk (Hans Island)
A Shared Island
Landing on this remote rocky islet, the focus of a territorial dispute resolved in 2022. A symbol of shared stewardship between Canada and Greenland.
Day 8–9: Smith Sound
The Great Upwelling
Sail toward the North Water Polynya, the most biologically productive region north of the Arctic Circle, drawing whales, seabirds, and seals.
Day 10: Aujuittuq (Grise Fjord), NU, Canada
The Place That Never Thaws
Visit Canada's northernmost community. Walk with local hosts to learn about the resilience and ingenuity of life at the top of the world.
Day 11: Devon Island
The World's Largest Uninhabited Island
Exploration of a landscape shaped by time and ice. Striking geological formations, pristine tundra, and deep, absolute silence.
Day 12: Beechey Island
Echoes of Exploration
Visit the National Historic Site housing the graves of Franklin expedition members. Reflection on survival and Inuit knowledge.
Day 13: Qausuittuq (Resolute), NU, Canada
Journey’s Reflection
Disembark and board the charter flight to Ottawa. Time to reflect on the stories and connections forged in the High Arctic.
Passage aboard the Ocean Nova
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Complimentary expedition jacket
Special access permits, entry, and park fees
Expert expedition team
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
All Zodiac excursions
Port fees
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
EXCLUSIONS
Commercial and charter flights
Program enhancements/optional excursions
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Premium internet access available at an additional cost
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.