Northwest Passage The Legendary Arctic Sea Route (2026)

Wind through the icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage on a 17-day journey through the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. Explore Inuit villages, marvel at the tundra, and spot polar bears, muskoxen, and whales along this historic route.


Canadian Arctic and Greenland
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Duration: 17 days / 16 nights
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Ends: Calgary, Canada
Language: English speaking voyage

Includes Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Mandatory safety briefings are required before excursions.
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


This 17-day expedition invites passengers to relive the history of polar exploration by retracing the steps of the 1845 Franklin Expedition. The journey traverses the legendary Northwest Passage, connecting the colorful villages of Greenland with the remote channels of the Canadian High Arctic. Along the route, guests will explore landscapes of majestic fjords, towering cliffs, and the vast Arctic tundra, offering a deep immersion into one of the planet's most pristine and challenging environments.

Wildlife observation is a cornerstone of this voyage, with opportunities to spot polar bears, whales, walruses, and muskoxen in their natural habitat. Visitors can interact with local Inuit communities, learn about their traditions, and purchase unique handicrafts. Supported by experts in glaciology and history, each landing at historic sites such as Beechey Island provides an understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs of those who for centuries sought this mythical sea route.

Highlights:
Experience highlights of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
Explore colorful Greenlandic villages and shop for traditional handicrafts.
View iconic Arctic wildlife, such as whales, walrus, and muskoxen.
Zodiac cruise to get up close to glaciers, fjords, and icebergs.

Itinerary

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© QRK
© QRK

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Gateway to the Arctic
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the hotel included in your package. You will have the day free to explore the city, known for its modern architecture and Viking history.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk, Greenland and Embarkation
Beginning the voyage in the Greenlandic capital
Transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk. Depending on timing, explore this picturesque city before embarking to start the expedition into the Arctic wilderness.

Day 3: Crossing the Davis Strait
Educational presentations and marine life
Sail toward Baffin Island. Join expert talks on glaciology and history, enjoy onboard amenities, and watch for seabirds and whales from the deck as we cross the Arctic Circle.

Day 4 & 5: Exploring the East Shore of Baffin Island
Iceberg capital and Bowhead whales
Visit Qikiqtarjuaq, a center for Inuit culture and handicrafts. We will sail to Isabella Bay, a critical feeding area for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada.

Day 6: Icy Arm Fjord
Pristine wilderness and towering glaciers
Explore a rarely visited fjord, accessible only in summer. We will cruise among giant cliffs and glaciers, with chances to spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses.

Day 7 to 9: The Northwest Passage
Franklin history and bird sanctuaries
Navigate Lancaster Sound. Visit Beechey Island and the graves of the 1845 Franklin Expedition. Explore the migratory bird sanctuary on Prince Leopold Island.

Day 10: Cruising the East Coast of Baffin Island
Relaxation and rugged scenery
A day to soak in the views of jagged spires and expansive landscapes. Deepen your knowledge with expert presentations as we sail south.

Day 11: Sam Ford Fjord
Colossal granite walls
Explore one of the world's most spectacular "big-wall" destinations. We will take Zodiac cruises among 1,500-foot granite cliffs rising straight from the ocean.

Day 12: At Sea: Crossing the Davis Strait
Heading toward West Greenland
A day of sailing eastward. Experts will set the stage for Greenland experiences with informative talks as we cross the strait again.

Day 13 to 15: Exploring West Greenland
Ilulissat and Eternity Fjord
Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO) to see giant icebergs. Explore Eternity Fjord, home to West Greenland's highest mountains, and the colorful town of Maniitsoq.

Day 16: Kangerlussuaq and disembarkation
Charter flight to Canada
Transit the long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Zodiac transfer to shore and charter flight to Calgary, Canada, where one hotel night is included.

Day 17: Departing Calgary and onward flight
End of the travel program
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or free time to explore this Canadian city.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Gateway to the Arctic
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the hotel included in your package. You will have the day free to explore the city, known for its modern architecture and Viking history.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk, Greenland and Embarkation
Beginning the voyage in the Greenlandic capital
Transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk. Depending on timing, explore this picturesque city before embarking to start the expedition into the Arctic wilderness.

Day 3: Crossing the Davis Strait
Educational presentations and marine life
Sail toward Baffin Island. Join expert talks on glaciology and history, enjoy onboard amenities, and watch for seabirds and whales from the deck as we cross the Arctic Circle.

Day 4 & 5: Exploring the East Shore of Baffin Island
Iceberg capital and Bowhead whales
Visit Qikiqtarjuaq, a center for Inuit culture and handicrafts. We will sail to Isabella Bay, a critical feeding area for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada.

Day 6: Icy Arm Fjord
Pristine wilderness and towering glaciers
Explore a rarely visited fjord, accessible only in summer. We will cruise among giant cliffs and glaciers, with chances to spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses.

Day 7 to 9: The Northwest Passage
Franklin history and bird sanctuaries
Navigate Lancaster Sound. Visit Beechey Island and the graves of the 1845 Franklin Expedition. Explore the migratory bird sanctuary on Prince Leopold Island.

Day 10: Cruising the East Coast of Baffin Island
Relaxation and rugged scenery
A day to soak in the views of jagged spires and expansive landscapes. Deepen your knowledge with expert presentations as we sail south.

Day 11: Sam Ford Fjord
Colossal granite walls
Explore one of the world's most spectacular "big-wall" destinations. We will take Zodiac cruises among 1,500-foot granite cliffs rising straight from the ocean.

Day 12: At Sea: Crossing the Davis Strait
Heading toward West Greenland
A day of sailing eastward. Experts will set the stage for Greenland experiences with informative talks as we cross the strait again.

Day 13 to 15: Exploring West Greenland
Ilulissat and Eternity Fjord
Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO) to see giant icebergs. Explore Eternity Fjord, home to West Greenland's highest mountains, and the colorful town of Maniitsoq.

Day 16: Kangerlussuaq and disembarkation
Charter flight to Canada
Transit the long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Zodiac transfer to shore and charter flight to Calgary, Canada, where one hotel night is included.

Day 17: Departing Calgary and onward flight
End of the travel program
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or free time to explore this Canadian city.


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© QRK
© QRK


INCLUSIONS

Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers in Toronto
Passport and visa expenses
Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 17 Aug 2026 - 02 Sept 2026 (4012)
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$23,790
$19,246
Veranda Stateroom
$24,990
$20,266
Veranda Suite
$9,090
$21,456
Studio Single
$30,690
$25,111
Junior Suite
$30,690
$25,111
Penthouse Suite
$35,290
$29,021
Studio Veranda Single
$32,990
$27,066
Owners Suite
$37,590
$30,976

* 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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