Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere & Axel Heiberg Islands

SUMMARY

The smattering of islands contained in Canada’s Arctic north are a world away from the more accessible parts of North America. Here, the iceberg-strewn waters are home to walruses and whales and tiny Inuit communities built on permafrost. This 12-day expedition takes you into Nunavut and the Canadian High Arctic Archipelago to explore these incredible lands and waters, following the legendary Northwest Passage with an eye to encountering wildlife, historical sites and resilient people. Unlike the hardy explorers who attempted to map this landscape in days of old, you’ll be travelling in style with an onboard fitness centre, sauna and a wide range of cabin options.

TOTAL DURATION : 12 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 200

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Calgary

END : Calgary

COUNTRIES VISITED : Canada

Validity : 19 AUG 2023 To 30 AUG 2023

Day :1

Location : Calgary

Welcome to Calgary, the gateway to your expedition in the Canadian High Arctic. Make your own way to the accommodation outlined in the Essential Trip Information, where there will be a welcome letter waiting for you that outlines the details of your flight tomorrow. There will also be an optional briefing this evening to discuss details with a tour representative in person – ask at reception for information on when you can do this. Aside from that, you are free to use your time in Calgary however you’d like.

Day :2

Location : Resolute – Embarkation Day

This morning, take an included transfer to the airport and board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, there might be time to check out some of this tiny hamlet before you transfer to your expedition ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on weather conditions and where the ship has been able to dock). Once onboard, settle into your cabin and get to know your expedition crew.

Day :3-10

Location : Canada’s High Arctic

Spend the next week exploring the remote islands of the Canadian High Arctic. Navigate through the Nanavut region and attempt to traverse Hell Gate to reach Axel Heiberg Island and Ellesmere Island. While many European explorers met their doom in the iceberg-strewn waters, Inuit peoples and their ancestors have lived here for almost 5000 years. You’ll discover the ancestral homelands of ancient cultures with Inuit guides (on shore and on board the vessel) who will explain how deep knowledge of the land and animals of the region has allowed people to live in the far north for millennia. While it’s impossible to confirm in advance the exact landing sites and itinerary for the next seven days, you can expect daily Zodiac cruising, land excursions, a comprehensive education program, visits to tiny settlements and unrivalled wildlife-viewing opportunities. Each day will bring something different – a rare bird species soaring overhead, a polar bear on the hunt in its natural habitat or the remains of a century-old expedition hut. With two helicopters on board, you also have the chance to enjoy included scenic helicopter flight and helicopter excursions to get a unique view on the Arctic and access to areas otherwise out of reach (weather dependent).

Day :11

Location : Resolute – Disembarkation – Calgary

Say goodbye to your crew and take an included transfer to the airport for your included flight to Calgary. On arrival in Calgary, you are free to explore at your leisure or simply relax in your post-expedition accommodation for the evening.

Day :12

Location : Calgary

Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities or further accommodation booked.