Embark on a captivating 17-day Arctic expedition, beginning in Kugluktuk, Canada. Discover the enchanting Kitikmeot Region over the next three days, embracing its awe-inspiring landscapes and immersing yourself in the local culture. Witness the pristine beauty of Prince Regent Inlet on day five, followed by a visit to the historic site of Beechey Island. Prepare to be amazed as you sail through Tallurutiup Imanga, or Lancaster Sound, encountering a wealth of Arctic wildlife. Next, arrive at Ausuittuq, also known as Grise Fiord, and delve into the fascinating Inuit traditions. Experience the majesty of Smith Sound for the next two days, as you navigate through dramatic fjords and ice-filled waters. Enjoy a day at sea before venturing into Northwest Greenland, where untouched wonders await. Visit the captivating towns of Ilulissat and Sisimiut before concluding your voyage in Kangerlussuaq.
Highlights
Travel the route that obsessed explorers for centuries
Enjoy the legendary hospitality of vibrant Inuit communities
Visit the historic graves of the ill fated Franklin Expedition
Find and photograph the wild creatures of the Arctic wilderness
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the western most community in Nunavut. Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996.
The Coppermine River is designated a Canadian Heritage River for the important role it played as an exploration and fur trade route. Your charter flight lands in Kugluktuk and embark the Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac to commence your trip!
Navigate the ice-strewn waters of this infamous waterway in search of wildlife. Although this is Nunavut’s least-populated region, wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land.
Listen to the stories shared by locals of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Amundsen became the first European to cross the Northwest Passage, thanks to the knowledge and largesse of Inuit.
Search this area rich in marine and avian life for the thick-billed murres, ivory gulls, beluga, narwhal, and bowhead whales who reside in the ice-strewn waters. Delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and the mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company at intriguing expedition landing sites.
Pay your respects at this haunting memorial to Sir John Franklin’s failed expedition. Learn the compelling history of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror’s attempts to sail through the Northwest Passage.
Franklin’s crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died, and numerous search parties later used the spot as a depot and rendezvous. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men.
Visit their graves and the ruins of nearby Northumberland House while contemplating the poignant history.
Spend two fun-filled days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Cruise by ship and by Zodiac in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales that transit and feed in this area.
Admire Devon Island’s unique geological character, with its flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and substantial ice cap. At the northern edge of Tallurutiup Imanga, it’s the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometers.
Hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and keep your eyes peeled for polar bears and other wildlife from ship and from shore. Visit archaeological sites with expert interpretation to learn about the human history of Inuit and their ancestors who once lived on this now-abandoned island.
Then catch a glimpse of more recent history when you visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbor.
Feel welcomed into Ausuittuq, where you will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their stories. The hamlet, whose name means “place that never thaws,” sits 1,150 kilometers above the Arctic Circle.
Learn about the significance of the origin of Canada’s northernmost community; during the Cold War in 1953, Inuit from Inukjuak, Québec and Mittimatalik were relocated under false pretenses by the Canadian government with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty.
Be sure to take a walk up to the touching sculpture memorializing the community’s history.
Break your personal record of latitude in Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route that divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland. Learn the stories of Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares, Elisha Kent Kane, and other explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole, who traveled these waters with varying degrees of success.
Deepen your understanding of the Arctic as we steam towards Greenland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck with your binoculars to look for whales, seabirds, and marine wildlife.
Choose the activity you like best during an expedition landing on Greenland’s stunning northwest coast. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, photography, or sitting contemplatively, you’ll be delighted!
Admire the glaciers and icebergs that abound here, as we seek opportunities to hike, Zodiac cruise, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
Visit the town of Ilulissat, with splendid museums, cafés, craft shops, and a busy fishing harbor. View the icebergs from shore on a hike along the boardwalk at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, then board a Zodiac to cruise your way among them!
Ilulissat translates literally to “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Colorful Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city. Access the extensive museum through a towering whalebone archway and be sure to stop in at the artisan’s co-operative for the chance to purchase outstanding handicrafts.
Traditional qajaq (kayaking) is in resurgence here, and there are plenty of other fun outdoor activities for the adventurous to enjoy.
Day 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 190 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord.
Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.
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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.
Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Initial deposit is $2000, 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. Accepts client cards for deposit only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
16 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
Photo Equipment Trial Program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
All port fees
Special access permits, entry, and park fees
Expert expedition team
All Zodiac excursions
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
Commercial and charter flights
Program enhancements/optional excursions (Must be pre-booked)
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.9 | 333 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 333 reviews on
1 month ago
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Emory
1 month ago
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Nancy Turner
2 months ago
Clara Tort was fantastic to work with, very professional.
Dan Twomey
2 months ago
I've been working w/ Franny and Phen on the Heart of the Arctic Cruise next year. They've both been very friendly and helpful in answering my many questions as we work out the details for the trip. Thank you!
Nita Hoops
7 months ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.