In the Footsteps of Franklin: Greenland & Canada's High Arctic

Enjoy an included night in Copenhagen, Denmark and meet your fellow travelers.

After landing in Kangerlussuaq, you’ll be transferred to the port and then take your first Zodiac ride out to the ship. Embark your ice-strengthened ship and prepare for the upcoming Arctic adventure.

Ancient archaeological sites, massive fjords, Zodiac excursions and tundra hikes await you on this Greenland tour. Sisimiut, your first planned stop, has the feel of a small fishing village with a great harbor for walking around and taking photos. You’ll get to watch a demonstration of traditional kayaking before venturing further north to Ilulissat.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. In additon to some spectacular Zodiac cruising, there is also a refreshing longer hike in Ilulissat.

Heading further north into the Upernavik Archipelago, you may spot whales and seals. The most northern discovery of any Viking artifacts in the world are at Upernavik, while nearby Kullorsuaq is a small settlement that sustains itself on fishing, whaling and sealing.

Your northern most stops in Greenland are Dundas and Qaanaaq, where glaciers and archaeological sites are found. In Qaanaaq you'll visit the local museum, a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes to live this far north.

Leave Greenland today as the ship sails over to Canada and visit Coburg Island. Polar bears and various species of whales may also be seen here!

It is also an Important Bird Area, where the cliffs are packed with thick-billed murres, northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, guillemots and glaucous gulls.

Exploring the Canadian High Arctic, you’ll have numerous hiking and birding opportunities, the first of which usually takes place at Dundas Harbour on Devon Island. Your beach hike here will be highlighted by visiting the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police post. At Croker Bay, an actively calving glacier often litters the bay with numerous icebergs.

Another Important Bird Area, Prince Leopold Island is home to more than 500,000 seabirds, while the Canadian National Historic Site of Beechey Island is the site of a small grave site, with markers for men who died during Sir John Franklin’s tragic expedition in 1845-46.

You may spot polar bears at Radstock Bay, your final Arctic landing site before your journey home.

Resolute is named after the HMS Resolute, one of the ships sent to search for Franklin’s ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Say goodbye to the Sea Explorer and be transferred to the airport for your flight and final overnight in Toronto.