Arctic Wilderness Odyssey

Arrive at any time in Toronto, and check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill offers a mix of Arctic wildlife and cultural history. Depending on the time of year, spot beluga whales in the Churchill River or watch polar bears roaming the tundra. Take part in local cultural activities to understand regional traditions, or board a helicopter to view Hudson Bay and its surrounding wilderness from above.

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill also charms with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant wildlife. Depending on the season, you may spot beluga whales gathering in the Churchill River or catch a glimpse of roaming bears along the tundra. Join engaging cultural programs to learn about local traditions, or take to the skies on a helicopter excursion, where sweeping views reveal the immense sweep of Hudson Bay and its pristine landscapes.

Glide across the tranquil sweep of Hudson Bay, a vast inland sea alive with seasonal wildlife. Beluga whales sometimes surface near the ship, their white forms gleaming against dark water, while seabirds ride the breeze overhead. The immensity of this waterway lends a sense of calm and perspective, framing the Canadian Arctic’s rugged coasts and tundra-strewn islands.

Coats Island is a wild sanctuary where polar bears spend their summers and walruses sprawl across rocky beaches. The island’s sweeping tundra and cliffs shelter more than 90 species of birds, from peregrine falcons to eider ducks. Cruising close to shore offers the chance to observe this remarkable ecosystem without disturbing its fragile balance, while the solitude of Hudson Bay stretches endlessly in every direction.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

The rugged Digges Islands host one of the Arctic’s highest polar bear concentrations, making every landing or Zodiac cruise an adventure. Dramatic cliffs rise from the sea, alive with thousands of nesting seabirds, their calls echoing across the water. As you explore, look for Arctic foxes or bears traversing the stony beaches below, and absorb the sense of isolation that defines this remote corner of Hudson Bay. Landings are always guided with care, and take place only when conditions allow a safe and memorable experience.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Glide through the Hudson Strait, gateway between the Atlantic and Canada’s Arctic archipelago. This cruising day offers excellent chances to spot seabirds and whales, while coastal cliffs and shifting ice hint at the rugged landscapes beyond. It’s a tranquil stretch that invites you to pause and savor the North’s elemental beauty.

"Remote and untamed, Akpatok Island rises sheer from the turquoise waters of Ungava Bay, its limestone cliffs alive with swirling seabirds. In summer, polar bears prowl the pebble beaches, while seals and walruses haul out on rocky shelves. From the ship or Zodiac, marvel at vast colonies of murres and kittiwakes and the raw beauty of an island few ever see. This wildlife sanctuary offers a powerful sense of nature at its most elemental.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
 

Named for its towering rock formations, Monumental Island is a key destination for spotting polar bears and walrus in the wild. These craggy outcrops rise from frigid waters, often serving as haul-out spots for Arctic wildlife. As you explore by Zodiac, listen for the bark of walrus or watch for the silent movement of polar bears navigating the shoreline. The island also supports thriving bird colonies, making it a photographer’s dream. Remote and untouched, Monumental Island is a quintessential Arctic encounter — raw, real, and exhilarating. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. The team encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Leopold Island rises abruptly from Lancaster Sound, its high cliffs hosting tens of thousands of murres, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Zodiac cruises reveal whales feeding in nutrient-rich waters, while seals occasionally surface near the ice edge. The sight of seabirds wheeling over dark rock faces creates a raw, elemental scene emblematic of Canada’s High Arctic.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Little-visited and deeply tranquil, Sunneshine Fjord offers a softer side of Greenland’s wild beauty. Gentle slopes give way to calm water scattered with ice, while seabirds skim above. Zodiac rides or quiet deck time here reveal subtler Arctic moods—serenity, space, and unspoiled grandeur.

Kangerluk rests on a quiet inlet of Disko Island, where hot springs steam against a backdrop of craggy hills. This friendly settlement brims with Inuit heritage and offers a tranquil vantage over iceberg-studded waters. Walk the shoreline or hike inland for views of Disko Bay’s glaciers, and absorb the rhythms of daily life in one of Greenland’s loveliest corners.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Disko Bay is a wonderland of shifting light, breaching whales, and iceberg-laden waters. Wildlife thrives here — from fin whales and seabird colonies to occasional polar bear sightings on drifting ice. This region also tells a geological story, with lava flows and basalt formations shaping the dramatic coastline. With every bend in the bay, a new opportunity for awe emerges — underscoring the expedition’s spirit of discovery.

Within Greenland’s famed Disko Bay you find the awe-inspiring Eqi Glacier. The mesmerizing blue ice shelves inspire a sense of wonder. Often referred to as the Calving Glacier – as it is one of the country’s most active glaciers – if you explore Eqi you’re likely to see chunks of calving ice fall from the mass and into the water with a resounding crack. Lying only about 50 miles north of Ilulissat, you’re also surrounded by towering icebergs upon navigating the glacier. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. The team encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Disko Bay is a wonderland of shifting light, breaching whales, and iceberg-laden waters. Wildlife thrives here — from fin whales and seabird colonies to occasional polar bear sightings on drifting ice. This region also tells a geological story, with lava flows and basalt formations shaping the dramatic coastline. With every bend in the bay, a new opportunity for awe emerges — underscoring the expedition’s spirit of discovery.

North of the Arctic Circle only about 1,000 miles from the North Pole lies the little town of Itilleq (formerly Itvdleq). Although small, the village holds a powerful allure with its beautiful scenes. A possible landing here allows you to wander the winding seaside trails, taking in the views, from the charm of the colorful houses to the landscape of snow-capped mountains that surround the town. Itilleq is also the gateway village to Igaliku, Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a two-mile walk from Itilleq to Igaliku to appreciate the breathtaking countryside and mingle with the locals along the way. As part of the Qeqqata municipality, Itilleq sits close to the Fjord of Eternity, a stunning scene perfect for a possible kayaking adventure.

Translating as the “Fjord of Eternity,” Evighedfjord lives up to its name with soaring peaks and blue glaciers spilling into a mirror-calm sea. Zodiac rides glide past sculpted icebergs, where seals lounge and seabirds skim the surface. The sheer scale of the scenery evokes Greenland’s epic spirit, while tranquil bays invite quiet moments to absorb this pristine landscape shaped by ice and time.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name best known for humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.