Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic Cruise

Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.

This morning, board the charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, take the chance to walk around this small Arctic town before enjoying the first of many Zodiac cruises while being transferred to the ship.

Cruising around the remote regions of the Canadian Arctic, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Throughout your journey, your expedition team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer at the top of the world.

Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. It’s an important stop on your voyage, as this is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a remote windswept raised beach, were discovered in 1851 by the crew of British and American vessels searching for signs of Franklin’s lost expedition.

Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer. An impressive Thule archaeological site provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the Far North.

For almost 5,000 years, the hamlet of Arctic Bay and its surrounding area has been occupied by Inuit people who were previously nomads migrating from the west. Surrounded by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, this is a great spot to go ashore and learn about the Inuit community’s traditional way of life.

The eastern end of Lancaster Sound affords hiking and cruising opportunities on Devon Island. At Dundas Harbor, trek along a beach to a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost. Anchor at Croker Bay, where you’ll cruise near enough to appreciate the splendor of glacial textures and calving ice, while always keeping a safe distance. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have your camera handy.

Canada’s most northern settlement, Grise Fiord, will be your final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic. Now home to about 150 residents, the mostly Inuit community was created in 1953, when the federal government forcefully relocated eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing are a significant part of their way of life. Visit the monument to the first Inuit settlers, as well as the remnants of the “old camp” where they lived.

Before saying goodbye to Canada, the ship will try to cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.

The first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world. Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, and the museum sheds more light on what it’s like living near the top of the world.

As the ship sails south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations by the onboard experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. First visit Nuussuaq (formerly known as Kraulshavn), the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.

Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. It’s not surprising that the red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises up behind gave this traditional village its name (Uummannaq means “heart-like” in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated 5 years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here.

In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also written as Qilakitsoq), you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient settlement, where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair of hunters. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 A.D., are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.

Cruising farther south rewards with spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the icy waters is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland; hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance. You may also go ashore to explore nearby.

Just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, is the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay.

In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word that the English borrowed) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is situated about a mile (2km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a small island. It is the southern limit of the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, the dogs are not permitted south of this community and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. It’s also known as a welcoming community, where you might experience “kaffemik,” a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors in for coffee, cakes and conversation. Explore the town’s charming wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals, whose main trade is fishing, and maybe challenge them to a game of football (soccer)—it won’t be long before you’re experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe.

Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board the charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, be transferred to the included hotel.

Today, make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this fascinating city.

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the group hotel in Reykjavik City Center, included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. You will have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city, known for its Norse history and stunning architecture. Allow for a one-hour transfer (by public transit or taxi) from the airport to Reykjavik city center.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Upon arrival, be transferred to your ship.

Congratulations, you’ve crossed 66°33’ north latitude. On your first off-ship excursion in the Arctic, visit Sisimiut, a community rich with Greenlandic history and culture. Approach via the inner harbor to spot locals coming and going from the marina, bringing halibut, shrimp and other seafood freshly harvested from Baffin Bay. Upon reaching shore, walk winding roads through this vibrant town dotted with colorful homes and arctic cotton grass blooming under the summer sun. While the waterfront may be lively with boat traffic, life uphill moves at a relaxed, peaceful pace. You may hear children laughing, sled dogs barking and locals exchanging greetings.

Greenlandic dogs, often seen in kennels throughout town, reflect the deep bond between owners and their canine teams. As in any arctic community, always ask before petting or approaching these working dogs.

Today’s activities feature a locally guided town walk that includes admission to the museum and a taste of local Greenlandic food. You will also be able to converse with locals who will be eager to learn about your part of the world. One scenic walk leads to the Taseralik Cultural House, beside Nalunnguarfiup Tasia, a small tranquil lake at the base of the 2,550-foot (780m) Nasaasaaq Mountain. You’ll walk the same paths locals use every day, experiencing not just the look of Sisimiut, but its rhythm, sounds and genuine sense of place.

You can also book the Mountain Bike Adventure Option. Led by local partners, this biking tour includes the town harbor area as well as the tundra surrounding Sisimiut.

In September, Disko Bay is bathed in an ethereal autumn light—a phenomenon specific to the high latitudes. Giant icebergs drift with the currents, many of which can be seen in nearby Illulisat Icefjord, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 because of its outstanding natural beauty and its significance in understanding ice-cap glaciology. You’ll quickly realize that icebergs come in all shapes and sizes—some of them larger than your ship.

Disko Island shelters the expansive bay, where guests hope to make landfall at or near the small community of Qeqertarsuaq. Colorfully painted homes dot the gentle rocky slopes of this quiet community, which moves at a pace set by the changing seasons, the tides and the steady rhythm of small skiffs heading out from the harbor into the vast surrounding landscape.

The sea horizon here feels endless. Icebergs drift past—some bound for Baffin Island, Labrador, or even Newfoundland—reminding us of our vast, interconnected world. From this point, begin to leave behind the more populated regions of West Greenland and push farther northwards. Shortly after lunch, set a course northward toward Ultima Thule—the extreme far north.

There’s a good chance you will wake up surrounded by icebergs and mountainous landscapes to the east. Continue pushing north, arriving at the beautiful community of Upernavik around midday. Although much farther north than most Greenland communities, Upernavik is relatively large, with a population topping 1,000, most of whom live in brightly painted homes that climb the hillside from the sea.

The signature quiet of the town amplifies the lap of waves on rock, barking sled dogs, children’s laughter and the hum of ATVs. Down in the small harbor, you may see fishermen and hunters heading out or just returning from sea.

Although Upernavik is an active harbor town, the pace is noticeably slower than in Sisimiut. There’s a deep connection to the sea and sea ice. Here, you’ll meet friendly, welcoming locals—proud of their home and local culture.

Hope to visit the grave of Navarana, the wife of famous Arctic explorer Peter Freuchen, who was buried here in the 1920s. Navarana, a seasoned arctic traveler, joined her husband and Knud Rasmussen on numerous expeditions, using her vast knowledge to guide them through the coastlines, ice and cultures of northern Baffin Bay.

Aim to leave Upernavik after dinner to continue the epic journey to the high north.

Today marks the northernmost point of your journey, in the region of Kap Alexander and Smith Sound—the famous narrow body of water separating Greenland and Canada by less than 35 miles (55km). On clear days, both coastlines may be visible from Smith Sound.

This dynamic area is shaped by drifting sea ice from the Arctic Basin. Conditions vary daily—packed sea ice one day, open water the next. Your expedition team will navigate accordingly to make the most of your time in Kap Alexander.

You may Zodiac cruise here, immersed in the remote, far-north landscapes—where drifting ice, resilient wildlife, and distant mountains of Greenland and Canada surround us. Shore landings may be possible in places few have ever set foot.

In early September, migratory birds often gather, and other iconic arctic species—polar bears, muskoxen, arctic foxes, and belugas—are sometimes spotted. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but always worth watching for.

Reaching this latitude is a rare privilege, and you’ll feel just how different it is here compared to regions 1,000 nautical miles to the south. While daylight hours still offer warmth by day and Northern Lights when darkness falls, you’ll sense the polar night approaching—ready to return and cloak this region in darkness for months. Here, time isn’t marked by conventional sunrises or weekdays, but by polar extremes.

Take a moment to look north, deeper into Smith Sound, and let your imagination follow the arctic wilderness as it stretches into the Arctic Basin and across the polar ice to Siberia. This is a place where nature—not the clock—sets the rhythm.

Approaching Qaanaaq (home to fewer than 700 people) along Inglefield Fjord, near the entrance to Smith Sound, hope to encounter large icebergs drifting or resting in the waters around town. The ship will navigate through this maze of ice to reach Greenland’s northernmost community—and the second northernmost town in the world (after Longyearbyen, Svalbard). But unlike Longyearbyen, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually, Qaanaaq is far more remote and receives only a small fraction of that number.

Reach this community by Zodiac, arriving at the end of the pier to likely be greeted by smiling children—just as curious about us as you are about their High Arctic way of life.

In town, you’re welcome to wander among the colorful homes, where you’ll meet friendly locals and see many working sled dogs. As mentioned above, always ask before petting these dogs, who spend much of their life out on the sea ice.

In town, you’re recommended to visit Qaanaaq Katersugaasivia (Qaanaaq Museum), which showcases the ingenious tools of Inuit hunters—including collapsible barbed hooks crafted from ivory, bone and animal hide. Historic photographs offer a glimpse into life at these northern extremes, and the friendly museum staff are happy to answer questions.

Locals may also share stories of life on the sea ice, where hunting and fishing remain vital to survival. The legacies of explorers like Knud Rasmussen, Robert Peary, and Peter Freuchen and his Greenlandic Inuit wife, Arctic guide Navarana, are also celebrated in this museum.

For those keen to explore outdoors, short hikes above town may be possible, weather permitting, of course. Keep your camera ready to capture the sweeping views of endless landscapes and seascapes.

While this itinerary includes several community visits, Qaanaaq often leaves the strongest impression in terms of its deep, ongoing relationship with the surrounding wilderness.

Located hundreds of miles farther north than most settlements, Qaanaaq is difficult to reach by boat, helicopter or plane. As a result, the community continues to rely on traditional skills refined over centuries of adaptation to this high Arctic environment.

Expect to see a mix of modern conveniences—as well as tried-and-true practices of past generations. For example, while skiffs with outboard motors are anchored off shore, you will also see traditional kayaks, propelled by hand-carved paddles, gliding through the water.

Sailing south, many travelers leave with a deep appreciation for this remarkable, remote community—wishing they could stay just a little longer.

Spend 2 full days journeying southward and reach the fjords just north of Disko Bay to visit areas unexplored earlier in the voyage.

Arrive in Uummannaq Fjord in the morning and cruise toward the community of Uummannaq, which, in Greenlandic, translates to “heart-shaped,” inspired by the dramatic mountain that rises above the town. Visiting this remote community is a rare privilege.

Reach town by Zodiac, hoping to be greeted by locals—and the ever-smiling chief of police. It’s been said that smiles in Uummannaq are as common as drifting icebergs.

Winding roads take you past colorful homes before reaching a meadow of turf houses and a stone church. You can visit the local museum and artisan market for a glimpse of life in northern Greenland.

Another nearby museum honors artist Rockwell Kent, who was inspired by the landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay. You may choose to join a guided walk or explore on your own.

Several homes may open for kaffemik—a social gathering with warm drinks, light snacks, and a chance for locals and visitors to connect. Rest assured, the people of Uummannaq will be curious about your part of the world.

Shy smiles and translated conversations are natural parts of these authentic cultural exchanges—and often become some of the most memorable moments of your time in this remote Greenlandic community.

A parting gift from one local fisherman: “Keep life simple—simple is beautiful.”

Today, explore the northern regions of Disko Bay, possibly including the Eqi Glacier—known locally as Eqip Sermia. This tidewater glacier is a highlight for many reasons. Its wide glacial face makes it one of Greenland’s most active glaciers, regularly calving ice into the sea.

You’ll likely see icebergs drifting in the bay, along with smaller pieces called brash ice. On quiet days, you can hear the ice popping and crackling—and if you’re lucky, the thunderous rumble of the calving glacier.

Though the glacier is the main attraction, the surrounding landscapes make for interesting shore excursions. Whether you prefer a slow walk among the tundra, taking in autumn vegetation and sweeping views, or a more vigorous hike for elevated glacial vistas, the terrain suits all levels. Underfoot, expect a mix of rock and vegetation, and you’ll tread carefully to protect the fragile plant life that thrives during the brief arctic summer.

Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, which serves as the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from the world’s fastest-moving glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq.

A small boardwalk leads to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. The overlook, a rocky outcropping, gives the feeling of standing at the edge of town and the beginning of a vast wilderness.

Looking out over the ice evokes a humbling sense of scale. As you explore, notice the arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers thriving in these long daylight hours.

The inner harbor often holds evidence of the icefjord’s reach, with drifting icebergs mingling among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring, and has become one of Greenland’s top destinations. Recent years have brought growth—colorful homes now sit beside new restaurants, boutique hotels and small businesses.

History buffs will be excited to know Ilulissat is the birthplace of arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, who traveled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska (and briefly Siberia) during the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924). Fluent in Kalaallisut, he moved slowly, learning from and documenting the Circumpolar Inuit he met—considered one of the Arctic’s greatest expeditions. The dramatic landscapes around Ilulissat inspired Rasmussen’s life of exploration.

And as you approach town, watch out for whales, which occasionally frequent the iceberg-laden waters.

The small settlement of Itilleq is a favorite among guests and expedition team members, thanks to the warm welcome received over the years. When it comes to community charm, Itilleq stands out.

Approximately 100 residents live among brightly painted homes—greens, pinks, purples, baby blues, mustard yellows and chocolate browns. Many people earn their living at sea, as evidenced by the small seafood processing building near the pier.

Despite its size, the village is full of life, from respected elders to playful children. You may be invited to a kaffemik (where people socialize over coffee and cake), or follow a short dirt road to a viewpoint near the cemetery. The view into the fjord and surrounding mountains is worth the walk. Watch your step—lichens, succulents and mushrooms thrive underfoot.

A longstanding tradition is a friendly football (soccer) match with locals, including guests, staff, crew and residents. It’s a fun, memorable experience—whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines.

Today, disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Søndre Strømfjord, and transfer to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel, both of which are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

Today, after breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your flight home, or continue your personal travel plans as prearranged.