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A group of walrus rest on the sand.

Classic Northwest Passage & Baffin Island

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Ioffe
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Board the ice-rated Akademik Ioffe in Cambridge Bay, a remote outpost above the Arctic Circle, and begin a 13-day expedition through the remarkable Northwest Passage and stunning fjords of the Baffin Island coastline. Explore the archipelago of islands and channels that create Canada’s high Arctic region, home of the polar bear, Muskox, caribou and walrus. Visit historic locations of early Arctic exploration, experience close encounters with Arctic's outstanding wildlife, visit remote Inuit communities, and oberve the majestic Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights!
Kayaking the polar watersInuit womanA zodiac tour to see the beluga whale.Polar Bear on Ice in Canadian ArcticA group of walrus rest on the sand.
Highlights
  • Visit Conningham Bay, a hotspot for hunting polar bears
  • Cruise through Lancaster Sound, an Arctic wildlife "super highway"
  • Visit the Natinnak Center and shop for Inuit jewerly and traditional crafts
  • Navigate along the dark waters and giant peaks of the stunning Gibbs Fjord
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Edmonton, Alberta to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut | Embark

Your journey of discovery begins in Edmonton as you board a charter flight to Cambridge Bay, a remote outpost above the Arctic Circle. Located on the southern shores of Victoria Island, today it is a center for hunting, trapping, and fishing. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the town and in the afternoon board the expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe. After settling in to your cabin and exploring the ship, meet the expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off, bound for the fabled Northwest Passage.

Day 2: Victory Point, King William Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As you chart a course into the Northwest Passage, your onboard presentation series begins, and the legend of Sir John Franklin and his ‘lost expedition’ is beginning to unravel. The mystery of what happened to Franklin was partially solved in September 2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographic Society expedition found the long lost Franklin shipwreck, HMS Erebus, in the Victoria Strait. Aim to visit Victory Point, traveling very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, all the while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the Arctic. Experts and marine archaeologists all agree, the second of Franklin’s lost ships, HMS Terror, is likely to be in this vicinity. There is great optimism that it can also be found when ice conditions permit the search to resume.

Day 3: Conningham Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive at Conningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales Island. This is a known hotspot for polar bears who come here to feast on beluga whales, often caught in the rocky shallows at the entrance to the bay during low tide. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and very healthy looking polar bears!

Day 4: Bellot Strait | Fort Ross

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait – a channel separating northerly Somerset Island from continental North America. The aim is to enter at slack tide if possible, in order to avoid a current that roars through the passage at more than seven knots during the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this strait provides an abundant food source for marine mammals. Keep your eyes peeled for harp seals, bearded seals, and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain and Officers and capabilities of the ship become apparent during this exciting day of Arctic navigation. The historic site of Fort Ross, located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost. Fascinating archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors.

Day 5: Beechey Island and Port Leopold

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Beechey Island holds great historic importance, as it is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that lasted almost three decades. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a remote windswept beach gives one pause to wonder on the bravery (or foolhardiness) of these pioneering explorers, as they sought a way through the barren, frozen landscape. Roald Amundsen stopped at Beechey Island during the first successful complete transit of the Northwest Passage almost sixty years later. This is a thrilling location for history buffs and for many it is the defining moment of the expedition.

Day 6: Lancaster Sound | Dundas Harbour

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At almost 75⁰ degrees north of latitude, cruise the coastline of Devon Island in the waters of Lancaster Sound – a rich, biodiverse region often referred to as the wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. A mixing of massive volumes of water from the Atlantic to the east, Pacific to the west, and the archipelago of islands to the north combine to make a rich cocktail of nutrients supporting an abundance of Arctic wildlife. The expedition ship plans on visiting the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour, situated on the southern shores of Devon Island. Musk ox and arctic hare are sometimes sighted in the vicinity and there are some great hiking options in the area.

Day 7: Pond Inlet

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Having navigated Lancaster Sound, you'll see the spectacular north coast of Baffin Island and navigate through Navy Board Inlet. The epic landscapes of Sirmilik National Park surround you on your approach the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). You are welcomed ashore and a highlight will be a visit to the Natinnak Center, where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases aspects of daily life, culture and history of the people of the North. Inuit carvings, jewellery and other traditional craft is on display and purchasing such items from the local artisans is a great way to support the local community.

Day 8: Gibbs Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all around. The expedition ship seems dwarfed by the giant peaks and snowy glaciers as it cruises slowly along the dark waters. One past guest was known to liken Gibbs Fjord to a 'scene from a Lord of the Rings' - it's hard to disagree!

Day 9: Isabella Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isabella Bay (Niginaniq) is an important summer habitat and feeding area for endangered bowhead whales. These remarkable marine mammals are able to break sea ice with the crown of their head. The area also includes a shallow shelf at the entrance to the bay that provides protection for bowheads from predatory orca whales. Polar bears, ringed seals, Canada geese, snow geese and narwhal are also found in and around the area.

Day 10: Sunshine Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sunshine Fjord straddles the Arctic Circle. This location offers terrific hiking opportunities and there are a number of great routes. You may wish to take the extended hike, gaining some real elevation and offering wonderful views of the surroundings. Or choose to take the less strenuous option along the shoreline. The sheltered waters of the fjord provide the kayakers with great conditions for paddling.

Day 11: Pangnirtung

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound and the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park, Pangnirtung is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. This remote town is known for its arts and crafts and a visit to the local art gallery is a highlight. In addition, the Angmarlik Visitor Centre has a wonderful interpretive display featuring the lifestyle of the Thule and of the modern Inuit.

Day 12: Monumental Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Situated in the Davis Strait, the rocky dome of Monumental Island can be seen from a distance. Explore by zodiac along the rocky shoreline and hope to encounter polar bears in this vicinity. In good weather a complete circumnavigation of the island in the zodaics is possible. Large icebergs drifting southward towards Labrador and Newfoundland on the currents of the Davis Strait are often seen in this area. As you near the end of the journey enjoy an entertaining voyage recap from the Expedition Leader. This evening celebrate with a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on your voyage across the top of the remote Canadian Arctic.

Day 13: Iqaluit | Disembark | Return Flight to Ottawa

  • 1 Breakfast
By morning anchor off the beach from Iqaluit – the largest community on Baffin Island. Say goodbye to your crew and make your way ashore on your final zodiac ride. Be transferred to the airport and board out scheduled flight to Ottawa. On arrival in Ottawa, your journey comes to an end. A transfer is provided to a downtown location.

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Ioffe

Relax by the fire in the lounge.
Bar & Lounge on the Ioffe
Reception area on the Ioffe

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
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Main Deck Triple
Twin Semi Private Cabins
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Twin Private Cabins
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Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Superior Cabins
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Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Shackleton Suites
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.

- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.

* This voyage operates domestically within Canada and is subject to a compulsory 5% goods and services tax (GST).
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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