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Polar bears in the Arctic

The Northwest Passage – Cambridge Bay to Halifax

Edmonton - Halifax - Example 20 Day Cruise aboard MS Fram
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Be among the few to sail in the wake of great explorers as we attempt to cruise through the legendary Northwest Passage. Experience the raw and daunting beauty of the Arctic on this rare adventure. Our advanced expedition ship is one of the few in the world capable of navigating the fabled passage in premium comfort.
Midnight sun light, IlulissatHouses of GreenlandHalifax, CanadaAerial View of Halifax SkylinePolar bears in the Arctic
Highlights
  • Be one of the few to sail through the Northwest Passage
  • Discover Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Spot diverse wildlife - with a good chance to see polar bears
  • Explore some of the most spectacular and unspoiled scenery on Earth
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

Enjoy the lively and colorful city of Edmonton on one of the optional land adventures before your expedition begins.


 

Day 2: Edmonton | Cambridge Bay | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambridge Bay, called “Iqaluktuuttiaq” in Inuinnaqtun, meaning “good fishing place.” It is famous for the giant char caught in local waters. There is also abundant wildlife in the area: seals, geese, muskoxen and caribou. Our expedition starts with MS Fram here.

Day 3-10: Northwest Passage

  • Ship
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Intend to head into the heart of the Northwest Passage. Since the late 15th century, the search for this fabled seaway in the Canadian Arctic was a holy grail for hardy adventurers. The first recorded voyage was led by John Cabot in 1497. The most famous journey here was James Cook’s failed attempt in 1776, and of course the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845. The first to conquer the Passage by ship was Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on an expedition that lasted from 1903 to 1906.
Ice conditions vary, so each voyage here is unique. Subject to favorable conditions, we hope to explore some of the following places:

Gjøa Haven, which honors Amundsen, who wintered here in 1903/04 and 1904/05 on the Gjøa expedition. He called the place “the finest little harbor in the world.”  He learned a great deal about survival and travel in polar regions from the local Netslik Inuit people.

Fort Ross, which was established in 1937. There are two small huts here maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard, and occasionally used by the local Inuit for shelter.

Beechey Island, which is closely linked to the history of Northwest Passage exploration, particularly the expedition led by Sir John Franklin, whose two ships sailed into the passage in 1845, but never returned. It is known that the Franklin party overwintered here in 1845.

Radstock Bay, which is dominated by rocky Caswell Tower. The shoreline here is excellent for short walks to a pre-historic Inuit site. Caswell Tower itself features a challenging hike to the summit for great views.

Dundas Harbour, which is an abandoned settlement with an old Royal Canadian Mounted Police camp and several archaeological sites from the Thule period. 
The traditional Inuit community, Pond Inlet, on Baffin Island. Called “Mittimatalik” in Inuktitut, the pictuesque settlement is surrounded by mountain ranges, with glaciers, scenic fjords, ice caves, geological hoodoos and drifting icebergs.

Throughout your journey, we sail in pristine straits supporting rich wildlife, and will be on the constant look out for amazing creatures such as polar bears.

Day 11: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Davis Strait was named for the English explorer, John Davis, who searched for a route through the passage between 1585 and 1587. He was the first to draw attention to seal hunting and whaling possibilities in the area, and that the Newfoundland cod fisheries extended this far north.

Day 12: Ilulissat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord has earned it UNESCO World Heritage site status. At the mouth of the fjord, you can often see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These originate from nearby Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Day 13: Sisimiut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sisimiut is situated 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. Come ashore and explore this colorful town. Visit the small museum, hike in the hills and shop for local handicrafts.

Day 14: Nuuk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nuuk is the political and social center of Greenland and the oldest town in the country, founded in 1728. It is beautifully situated at the mouth of one of most spectacular fjord systems in the world. This is where old and new meet, from picturesque historic buildings to modern architecture.

Day 15: Kvanefjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Kvanefjord is a 30 mile-long fjord on the west coast of Greenland. We will spend the day here exploring the amazing landscape.

Day 16: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave Greenland and head for open sea. Cross the southern part of the Labrador Sea, this time sailing towards Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada

Day 17: Red Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Red Bay, on the coast of Labrador, is a classic outpost of Atlantic Canada with a population of less than 200. In 2013, the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander around the former whaling town and learn about its interesting history.

Day 18: Corner Brook

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Corner Brook is located on the west coast of Newfoundland and has approximately 20,000 inhabitants. The area was first surveyed by Captain James Cook in 1767. Explore the charming town center or enjoy its many walking trails amidst vibrant autumn foilage.

Day 19: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the deep relaxation of a day at sea as the expedition team leads a recap of your fantastic expedition.

Day 20: Halifax | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The British established Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1749. Enjoy a stroll up the hill to the Citadel overlooking the historic provincial capital. Halifax today is both hip and historic, and well worth an extra day or two before you head back home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Fram

Take advantage of the large windows aboard the MS Fram
Enjoy views from the bridge as you sail on the MS Fram
Attend informative lectures as you sail on the MS Fram

Edmonton - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin I MS Fram
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Polar Inside - I
113-140 square feet. Inside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc
Cabin FJ MS Fram
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
A comfortable twin cabin on the MS Fram
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin U MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin F MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - F
183-248 square feet. Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc.
Cabin M MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - M
172-215 square feet. One room with seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Cabin MG MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - MG
260-420 square feet. One room with private balcony, seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Included
  • 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 18 Dinners
  • 19 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Photography Guide on Expedition Team
     
  • Complimentary Expedition Jacket
  • Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
  • Photos & Film/Video Footage from the Voyage Shared in The Expedition Logbook
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee and tea are included throughout the day. Beverages (beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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