Into the Northwest Passage 2026

Embark on the legendary route that challenged great explorers for centuries. This 17-day expedition links Greenland with the Canadian Arctic, traversing monumental fjords, Franklin expedition historical sites, and marine sanctuaries teeming with life, all under the guidance of experts and Inuit cultural educators.


Canadian Arctic and Greenland
© ACA

Duration: 17 days / 16 nights
Starts: Toronto, Canada
Ends: Yellowknife, Canada
Language: English speaking voyage

Itinerary is an example; the exact route depends entirely on ice and weather conditions.


Included
Optional


Traversing the Northwest Passage is a milestone few travelers can claim. This 17-day expedition begins in Greenland’s spectacular fjords, visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO), the source of the North Atlantic's largest icebergs. As we cross the Davis Strait into Nunavut, the ship transforms into a cultural exchange hub where Inuit educators share traditions, games, and a deep connection to the land (nuna) and sea.

The journey delves into the heart of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, exploring the Tallurutiup Imanga Marine Sanctuary in search of narwhals, belugas, and bowhead whales. History buffs will find a poignant memorial at Beechey Island, the wintering site of the tragic Franklin expedition, and will reach the northernmost point of continental North America at Bellot Strait. From spotting muskoxen and polar bears to learning about Roald Amundsen’s triumphs, this voyage is a testament to human resilience and the sublime beauty of the High Arctic.

Highlights:
Sailing through the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deep cultural immersion in Inuit hamlets with throat singing and drum dancing.
Spotting iconic wildlife: narwhals, polar bears, walruses, and muskoxen.
Visit to Beechey Island, the wintering site of Sir John Franklin's expedition.
Transit through Bellot Strait (Ikirahaq), the northernmost channel of the American continent.
Exploration of Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth.

Itinerary

© ACA
© ACA
© ACA

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Arrival by charter flight from Toronto. Boarding and sailing through the 190-km Kangerlussuaq Fjord as we cross the Arctic Circle toward the open sea.

Day 2–3: Sisimiut Coast
Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords
Exploration of coastal channels with towering mountains. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures that have inhabited the region for 4,500 years.

Day 4: Ilulissat
Ice Giants
Visit to the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO). Walk the boardwalks in front of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and visit the Icefjord Centre and the picturesque fishing harbor.

Day 5: Western Greenland
Hike the Tundra
Zodiac landings to explore the coast alongside naturalists and Inuit experts, deepening the knowledge of local flora and fauna.

Day 6: At Sea — Davis Strait
Learn from Inuit in Their Homeland
Ocean crossing toward Nunavut. Onboard cultural workshops, Inuit games, and spotting humpback whales and seabirds.

Day 7: High Arctic
Hospitality in an Inuit Hamlet
Visit a local community to enjoy traditional dances and handicrafts. Authentic encounter with residents to learn about their lifestyle.

Day 8–9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island
Seeking Marine Giants
Exploration of a key marine conservation area for narwhals and belugas. On Devon Island, hike the tundra and visit archaeological Hudson’s Bay sites.

Day 10: Beechey Island
Franklin Expedition History
Visit to the National Historic Site where Franklin wintered in 1845. A poignant place marked by historic graves and the ruins of Northumberland House.

Day 11: Peel Sound
Polar Bear Territory
Sailing through waters rich in history and wildlife. Opportunities to spot polar bears, muskoxen, and belugas among diverse geological landscapes.

Day 12: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Northernmost Point of America
Transit through the narrow channel separating Somerset Island from the mainland. Spotting narwhals and learning about Joseph René Bellot's expedition.

Day 13–16: Kitikmeot Region
Heart of the Northwest Passage
Navigating ice-strewn waters in search of wildlife. Learning about Roald Amundsen’s feat and the crucial role of Inuit knowledge in explorations.

Day 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
End of the Expedition
Arrival at the "place of moving waters." Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for the charter flight back to Yellowknife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Arrival by charter flight from Toronto. Boarding and sailing through the 190-km Kangerlussuaq Fjord as we cross the Arctic Circle toward the open sea.

Day 2–3: Sisimiut Coast
Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords
Exploration of coastal channels with towering mountains. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures that have inhabited the region for 4,500 years.

Day 4: Ilulissat
Ice Giants
Visit to the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO). Walk the boardwalks in front of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and visit the Icefjord Centre and the picturesque fishing harbor.

Day 5: Western Greenland
Hike the Tundra
Zodiac landings to explore the coast alongside naturalists and Inuit experts, deepening the knowledge of local flora and fauna.

Day 6: At Sea — Davis Strait
Learn from Inuit in Their Homeland
Ocean crossing toward Nunavut. Onboard cultural workshops, Inuit games, and spotting humpback whales and seabirds.

Day 7: High Arctic
Hospitality in an Inuit Hamlet
Visit a local community to enjoy traditional dances and handicrafts. Authentic encounter with residents to learn about their lifestyle.

Day 8–9: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and Devon Island
Seeking Marine Giants
Exploration of a key marine conservation area for narwhals and belugas. On Devon Island, hike the tundra and visit archaeological Hudson’s Bay sites.

Day 10: Beechey Island
Franklin Expedition History
Visit to the National Historic Site where Franklin wintered in 1845. A poignant place marked by historic graves and the ruins of Northumberland House.

Day 11: Peel Sound
Polar Bear Territory
Sailing through waters rich in history and wildlife. Opportunities to spot polar bears, muskoxen, and belugas among diverse geological landscapes.

Day 12: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Northernmost Point of America
Transit through the narrow channel separating Somerset Island from the mainland. Spotting narwhals and learning about Joseph René Bellot's expedition.

Day 13–16: Kitikmeot Region
Heart of the Northwest Passage
Navigating ice-strewn waters in search of wildlife. Learning about Roald Amundsen’s feat and the crucial role of Inuit knowledge in explorations.

Day 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
End of the Expedition
Arrival at the "place of moving waters." Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for the charter flight back to Yellowknife.


© ACA
© ACA
© ACA


INCLUSIONS

Passage aboard the Ocean Victory
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
Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with dinner
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
Kayak program
Premium internet access available at an additional cost


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Victory - ACA | Date: 26 Aug 2026 - 11 Sept 2026 (4922)
C1 - Triple Cabin
$18,495
$13,872
C2 - Albatros Cabin
$21,995
$16,497
C3 - French Balcony Cabin
$23,495
$17,622
C4 - Balcony Cabin
$24,795
$18,597
C5 - Superior Balcony
$25,695
$19,272
C6 - Grand Balcony Cabin
$27,195
$20,397
C7 - Balcony Suite
$28,695
$21,522
C8 - Junior Suite
$30,595
$22,947
C9 - Premium Suite
$30,595
$25,947
CA - Single Cabin
$34,195
$25,647

* 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.

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