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An old run down building with the Hudson's Bay Company sign on it.

Northwest Passage - Finding Franklin

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Ioffe
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Explore the breathtaking wilderness and wildlife of Canada's High Arctic. Visit one of the largest migratory bird sanctuaries in Canada and a number of locations where encounters with polar bears, seals, whales, and narwhal are frequent. The principal focus of this expedition is the history of Arctic exploration and the early quest for the Northwest Passage. The story of Sir John Franklin's expedition from the mid 18th century and the enduring mystery of their fate has gripped the imagination and intrigue of Canadian's - and history lovers - for more than 150 years. Navigate through these very same waters and wonder about the fate of these early Arctic explorers. Throughout the journey, enjoy on board presentations by polar experts and fascinating shore excursions to many key historic sites.
Two humpback whales passing by the shipBeechey Island grave sitesA mother polar bear and her two cubsArctic bird in flightAn old run down building with the Hudson's Bay Company sign on it.
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 to Resolute (Nunavut)

Depart Edmonton this morning on a special charter flight to Resolute, a remote outpost above the Arctic Circle. Located on the southern shores of Cornwallis Island, the town is named after the British ship HMS Resolute which became trapped in ice and abandoned here in 1850 while searching for the lost Franklin Expedition. A weather station and airstrip made it a strategic outpost during the time of the Cold War. On arrival, transfer to the beach to meet the expedition team and prepare for a zodiac ride to the ship. On board, explore the ship and get to know your cabin before a welcome cocktail. Weigh anchor and depart Resolute in the early evening.

Day 2: Beechey Island and Radstock Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Beechey Island is a site of great historical importance. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’ winter in 1845-1846 before disappearing into the icy vastness to the south, as they probed for a route through the Northwest Passage. The enduring mystery of what happened to the Franklin party and two ships 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.

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. Over the coming days learn about this enduring Arctic tale from on board historians and polar experts. An afternoon visit to Radstock Bay brings you to the imposing Caswell Tower - a huge rock headland and known archaeological site. Remains of Thule ‘qarmat’ homes, made of rocks, whale bones, rock and sod walls, and skins for roofs can be found in the vicinity telling a story of over 800 years of human habitation.

Day 3: Cape Charles Yorke and Elwin Inlet

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cross the broad expanse of Lancaster Sound, spending time on the ship’s bridge or outer decks looking for wildlife. The sound has been likened to the wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. A massive confluence of water from the Atlantic to the east, Pacific to the west, and the archipelago of islands to the north all mix here, combining to make a rich source of nutrients and food for an abundance of Arctic wildlife. Approaching northern Baffin Island awe at the spectacular Arctic landscape that seemingly stretches on forever. Cape Charles Yorke offers several great walking opportunities and you may enjoy some sightings of polar bears along this coast. Cruise into nearby Elwin Inlet, a breathtaking fjord which is well protected and great for a zodiac cruise or hike onshore.

Day 4: Prince Leopold Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Having crossed Prince Regent Inlet overnight, approach the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island in the morning. The island is home to thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. Numbering in the order of several hundred thousand birds, Prince Leopold Island is one of the most significant Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the whole of the Canadian Arctic and makes for fantastic zodiac cruising. The sea ice around Prince Leopold Island is a great place for spotting ringed seals and polar bears. Nearby Port Leopold is a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross wintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. The shallow gravel beds along the shoreline are attractive to the beluga whales who tend to molt in this part of the Arctic each summer.

Day 5: Fort Ross and Bellot Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Continuing to navigate the ship south into Prince Regent Inlet, approach the eastern end of Bellot Strait. 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. Having explored Fort Ross, attempt a transit through the narrows of Bellot Strait. 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 including harp seals, bearded seals, and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain and Officers and capabilities of the ship becomes apparent during this exciting day of Arctic navigation.

Day 6: Conningham Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Having emerged from Bellot Strait, cross Franklin Strait and 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. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and very healthy looking polar bears!

Day 7: Victory Point, King William Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Heading further south, the mystery of Sir John Franklin and his ‘lost expedition’ is beginning to unravel. Prior to the recent discovery of the HMS Erebus in September 2014, very little was known of how the Franklin Expedition spent its last months in the frozen Arctic. The vessels, abandoned in the ice of Victoria Strait, are just coming to life thanks to the ongoing efforts of Parks Canada’s marine archaeological team and the recent Victoria Strait Expedition. On Victory Point a lifeboat left abandoned, bits and pieces of copper and iron, cutlery and buttons, and a skeleton here and there all tell a story of a desperate race south in search of rescue that never came. Aim to visit Victory Point as the ship transits Victoria Strait, travelling very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the Arctic. One can only imagine the last desperate days of Franklin’s men as another frigid Arctic winter approached, supplies dwindling and health failing.

Day 8: Royal Geographic Society Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This small non-descript group of islands is of tremendous historic importance. In this vicinity the wreck of HMS Erebus was found in September 2014. Expert opinion suggests that the sister ship, HMS Terror, must also be close by and future search efforts are likely to focus in this area. It is profoundly moving to be in the location where Franklin and his men abandoned their ships knowing hope of rescue was virtually nonexistent. Stretch your legs during a shore landing as the ship crosses islands that may have felt the doomed footsteps of Franklin's men. Returning to the ship, meet in the presentation room and enjoy a memorable voyage recap by your expedition leader. Celebrate with a special dinner, attended by the Captain of the ship, reflecting on a wonderful expedition.

Day 9: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut to Edmonton, Alberta

  • 1 Breakfast
By morning, anchor in Cambridge Bay – the final destination. Today, this remote outpost on the southern shores of Victoria Island is a center for hunting, trapping and fishing. Make your way ashore by zodiac and bid farewell to the crew. Board a charter flight to Edmonton where the journey comes to an end.

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Ioffe

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

Dates & Prices

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$6,995
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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.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

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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!
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