Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route (a-2027)

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
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Duration: 17 days / 16 nights
Starts: Reykjavík, Iceland
Ends: Reykjavík, Iceland
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 Inuit handicrafts.
View iconic Arctic wildlife, such as whales, walrus, and muskoxen.
Hike the colorful tundra.
Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more.

Itinerary

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© QRK
© QRK

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Gateway to the Arctic
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way 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: Flight to Nuuk 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 Iceland
Transit the long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Zodiac transfer to shore and charter flight to Keflavik International Airport, followed by a transfer to the included hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 17: Departing Iceland and onward flight
End of the travel program
After breakfast at your hotel in Reykjavik, independent transfer to Keflavik airport for your return flight or continuation of your stay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Gateway to the Arctic
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way 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: Flight to Nuuk 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 Iceland
Transit the long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Zodiac transfer to shore and charter flight to Keflavik International Airport, followed by a transfer to the included hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 17: Departing Iceland and onward flight
End of the travel program
After breakfast at your hotel in Reykjavik, independent transfer to Keflavik airport for your return flight or continuation of your stay.


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© QRK
© QRK


INCLUSIONS

Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 16 Aug 2027 - 01 Sept 2027 (4903)
Explorer Triple
$21,190
$16,571
Explorer Suite
$24,590
$19,631
Balcony Suite
$26,790
$21,611
Solo Panorama
$33,590
$27,731
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$31,290
$25,661
Terrace Suite
$32,490
$26,741
Penthouse Suite
$34,690
$28,721
Owner´s Suite
$42,590
$35,831
Ultra Suite
$47,090
$39,881

* 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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