An exploration of historic Canadian sites in the Arctic is the undertaking of this fascinating Canadian Arctic cruise. Combine this with abundant wildlife and this small ship cruise equals one special Arctic expedition. This in-depth Canadian adventure provides fantastic opportunities for seeing all of the Arctic’s iconic creatures, including polar bears.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This Arctic adventure begins a little further south, with an overnight stay in Toronto, one of the most multi-cultural cities in North America.
Day 2: Embarkation Day in Resolute
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a morning charter flight to Resolute, explore this small Arctic town before being transferred to the ship by Zodiac. Enjoy some time out on deck taking in new surroundings before setting sail on this Arctic expedition.
Day 3: Beechey Island and Radstock Bay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Beechey Island visit a small grave site with markers for men who died during Sir John Franklin’s expedition in 1845-46. Roald Amundsen also stopped here in 1903, on his successful voyage through the Northwest Passage. For a more ancient perspective, visit some very well-preserved subterranean homes in Radstock Bay, built by the Thule culture.
Day 4: Croker Bay and Dundas Harbour
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Croker Bay, there is a possibility of seeing the glacier actively calving icebergs into the bay. Just east of here is Dundas Harbor, the now-abandoned settlement where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police manned an outpost from 1924 until 1951. They continue to maintain one of Canada’s most northerly graveyards out of respect to those who lost their lives during this time.
Day 5: Pond Inlet and Eclipse Sound
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The community at Pond Inlet (or Mittimatalik, as it has been called by the Inuit for thousands of years) welcomes the expedition to the Artist’s Cooperative. In addition to the internationally renowned art produced here, the people earn their living fishing for Arctic char. Take time to explore the hamlet and hike the nearby tundra.
Day 6: Sam Ford Fjord
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The majestic, impossibly high cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord greet the Sea Explorer as it sails past this impassive coast. See “Stump Spire,” first ascended by Conrad Anker and named in honor of a fallen mountaineering friend. Some intrepid folks have been known to trek here from nearby Clyde River and base jump from these rock walls into the frigid waters below! (Not available as an adventure option as of yet.)
Day 7: Isabella Bay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Igaliqtuuq National Wildlife Area in Isabella Bay was created to protect the bowhead or Greenland right whales that summer there. Orca or killer whales have been sighted in the vicinity hunting the bowheads, some of which have scars from previous encounters with orcas. A whale watch is conducted while exploring the entrance to the Bay.
Day 8: Qikiqtarjuak (Broughton Island)
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The last stop in Canada, Qikiqtarjuak is known as the iceberg capital of the world, naturally trapping many icebergs as they travel down the Davis Strait. An abundance of marine wildlife can be seen here as beluga and right whales, narwhals and ring and harp seals pass by. Trek up the many walking trails to join the inukshuk and share its view overlooking the island and the community.
Day 9: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Traverse Baffin Bay as the ship leaves behind Canadian shores in pursuit of Greenland.
Day 10: Ilulissat
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Meaning “iceberg” in Greenlandic, Ilulissat is home to the fastest-moving glacier outside of Antarctica, Sermeq Kujalleq. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located north of the Arctic Circle, and moves at an average of 19 meters per day. Cruise at a safe distance by zodiac, and if lucky, witness the spectacle of calving ice.
Day 11: Sisimiut and Itilleq
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the 18th-century colonial buildings still standing in Sisimiut. Watch a traditional kayaking demonstation in this northernmost year-round ice-free port in western Greenland. Continuing southward, the ship will reach the village of Itilleq, a typical Greenlandic community. It is delightfully situated in a hollow (which is the meaning of “Itilleq” in Greenlandic) on an island without any fresh water. The village has approximately 130 inhabitants.
Day 12: Disembark in Kangerlussuaq
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a final Zodiac ride from the ship to shore. Time here will be brief, as a flight to Montreal awaits, signalling an end to this Arctic adventure. Upon arrival in Montreal, transfer to the included hotel.
Day 13: Departure
1 Breakfast
Return home at your leisure or spend some more time in Montreal.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1450), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.