Out of the Northwest Passage Expedition

Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996. Our charter flight will land in Kugluktuk, and we will embark the ship by Zodiac.

Navigate the ice-strewn waters of this fabled waterway in search of wildlife. Although this is Nunavut’s least-populated region, wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land. Visit a local community where Inuit hosts will share their knowledge of their home and the area's history. Discover the legacy of this important waterway and the captivating story of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage.

Discover the famed Bellot Strait, a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America. Keep watch for marine mammals, including beluga whales, narwhals, and seals. Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, the French naval officer and Arctic explorer who inspired the strait's namesake.

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial to this tragic expedition.

Explore Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth. Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and explore archaeological sites at Dundas Harbour.

Ausuittuq means "place that never thaws." Located 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost civilian community was established during the Cold War. Meet community members, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories of resilience in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland and served as the main route for explorers searching for the North Pole. Discover the history of legendary Arctic adventurers while keeping watch for polar bears, walruses, and other Arctic wildlife.

On this exploration day, we’ll make the most of the wind, weather, and wildlife. Scan for polar bears, walruses, whales, and seabirds. Participate in workshops, watch documentaries, or learn from Inuit cultural educators about life in the Arctic.

Explore stunning fjords along the coast, surrounded by glaciers and icebergs. In true expedition style, we’ll hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow. Learn from expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists while gaining insights from Inuit cultural educators about the region’s abundant flora and fauna.

Marvel at the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Stroll along the boardwalk and take in the awe-inspiring ice formations. Visit the town’s museums, cafes, and craft shops, and explore the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre for a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore West Greenland’s coastal waterways, which include glaciers, islands, and fjords set against towering mountains. Learn about the cultures that have thrived in this region for over 4,500 years and enjoy hiking and Zodiac cruising in this scenic landscape.

Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord. Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. Air Force base, for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.