Trip details
September 11–27, 2026
From $23,995 to $35,695 USD
Aboard Exploris One
Starts: Yellowknife, NT, Canada
Ends: Toronto, ON, Canada
Enjoy up to 30% off select cabins on the Out of the Northwest Passage expedition. Save 30% on Cabin Categories 1–4 and 20% on Cabin Categories 5–9 until November 26, 2025.
Offer valid on new bookings only. Combinable with League of Adventurers benefits. Not combinable with other incentives. Terms and conditions apply.
Charter Flights:
Northbound Charter Flight: $1,100 USD
Yellowknife, NT, Canada to Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada. Early-morning departure.
Southbound Charter Flight: $1,595 USD
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival.
The Northwest Passage is one of the world’s greatest voyages. Our fleet of Zodiacs guarantees excitement with every excursion.
The Arctic is calling. Pristine fjords. Looming glaciers. Jagged icebergs. Grand vistas, historic sites, graves, and abandoned outposts. Marine mammals, bears and birds… wonders await. You will find a warm welcome in Nunavut’s communities, and Greenland offers geology, geography, and culture with a European flair.
Every day is a new adventure when sailing the Northwest Passage: hiking, photography, and birding. Exploring archaeology and spotting bears. Visiting villages perched on mighty mountains. Learning with our experts. Meeting the people who call the Arctic home. And sailing the passage at the top of the world!
Itinerary
Day 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada
Day 2–5: Kitikmeot Region
Day 6: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Day 7: Beechey Island
Day 8: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Day 9: Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord)
Day 10: Smith Sound
Day 11: At Sea
Day 12–13: Northwest Greenland
Day 14: Ilulissat
Day 15-16: Sisimiut Coast
Day 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Itinerary
Day 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada
Begin Your Adventure
Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost 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. Our charter flight will land in Kugluktuk and we will embark the ship by Zodiac.
Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate embarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions.
Day 2–5: Kitikmeot Region
Journey through Time and Wild Beauty
Experience the glory of the subarctic tundra in the fall and perhaps discover a geological wonder at Port Epworth. Here, intriguing rock formations known as stromatolites stand as evidence of some of Earth's earliest life forms. These fossilized structures, created by cyanobacteria billions of years ago, played a crucial role in producing oxygen, forming an essential link in creating Earth's atmosphere and allowing other life forms to evolve.
Sail onward into the storied waters of the Coronation Gulf, where the legendary Roald Amundsen navigated with his six-man crew to complete the Northwest Passage in 1905. Learn more about the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in Arctic exploration, including Amundsen's expedition.
Visit an Inuit community in this least populated region of Nunavut and feel the excitement and warm hospitality as you listen to stories of resilience, adaptation, and a deep love for the land.
Join a Zodiac cruise at Conningham Bay, where the stark beauty of the Arctic tells a timeless story of survival and adaptation. Here, the paths of polar bears intersect with the watery journeys of belugas—one the hunter, the other the prey. With luck, you'll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable moment etched onto the stark Arctic landscape.
Each stop along the way feels like stepping into a living museum, where geology, landscape, wildlife, and culture weave together into a story only this iconically northern place can tell.
Day 6: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Witness the Most Northerly Point of Continental North America
Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America.
Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals.
Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.
Caption: Beechey Island. Photo by Victoria Polsoni.
Day 7: Beechey Island
Visit a Franklin Expedition Historical Site
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island, where three of his men died.
Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.
Caption: Polar bear seen at Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound). Photo by Jacquie Matechuk.
Day 8: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears
We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area.
Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. Learn more about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways and the enduring connection between the ocean and Inuit.
On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and onshore.
Caption: Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), NU. Photo by Todd Mintz.
Day 9: Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), NU
Experience Inuit Culture
Ausuittuq means "place that never thaws." 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost civilian community originated during the Cold War. In 1953, Inuit were relocated here by the Canadian government under false pretenses, with the aim of asserting Canadian sovereignty.
We’ll be welcomed into the hamlet, where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.
Day 10: Smith Sound
Reach Your Furthest North
Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland, and served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares, and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.
Day 11: At Sea
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland
On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather, and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition team will scan for polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.
This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.
Indulge in the unique opportunity to learn from Inuit in their homeland, gaining a better understanding of the daily lives of the regions we visit. Enjoy cultural performances and maybe even participate in Inuit games, or sample country food.
Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.
Day 12–13: Northwest Greenland
Hike the Tundra
We will explore stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.
Whether you're setting foot on land, cruising by Zodiac, or out on the ship's deck, you'll have plenty of chances to learn alongside expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists. You'll gain an intimate perspective on the abundant flora and fauna you encounter. Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.
Day 14: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs
Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold!
Visit the town, with its museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Day 15-16: Sisimiut Coast
Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords
Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that includes glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.
Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.
The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.
Caption: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Photo Courtesy of Adventure Canada
Day 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Cross the Arctic Circle
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. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.
Highlights
Travel through Inuit Nunangat alongside Inuit
Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit.
Delve into a dynamic culture as you learn about the language, arts, cuisine, music, and traditions. Each facet is thoughtfully integrated into our on-board and onshore educational program, creating moments of authentic learning throughout your voyage.
As honoured guests in the Inuit homeland, you’ll gain unique insights into the kinship between Inuit and the nuna (land). Connect with Inuit—artists, cultural educators, academics and more—who graciously share their knowledge and expertise.
Be welcomed into an Inuit community, where drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors share their traditions. Try your hand at Inuit games, sample country food, or walk the tundra with Inuit expedition team members who will share their homeland with you. Explore the beautiful surroundings of an Arctic hamlet, get to know local residents, and learn about both traditional and modern ways of life.
Marvel at enormous icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the fastest-calving glacier in the world, which spills thousands of enormous icebergs into the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay, Greenland every year.
View the icebergs from the shore on a hike along the boardwalk.
Cruise pristine natural areas to spot amazing Arctic wildlife
Seek seabirds, marine mammals, and polar bears in this unique, protected habitat.
Tallurutiup Imanga, the entrance to the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, is home to Canada’s newest National Marine Protected Area.
See the glacier-fed waters, mountain landscapes, and rugged coastlines that define this vast and beautiful place—and the plentiful marine wildlife.
Visit unique cultural historical sites from the Thule period and the European explorer era that dot the region’s coasts.
Visit Beechey Island National Historic Site
Pay your respects at one of the most notorious sites in the Arctic: Beechey Island.
Learn about the famed site where the ill-fated Franklin Expedition overwintered from 1845–1846.
See the graves of three of Franklin’s men (along with one of a fourth man from a later Northwest Passage expedition) that are a haunting memorial to the heyday of European Arctic exploration.
Sail the fabled Northwest Passage at the top of the world
Traverse one of the world’s most mythical and celebrated ocean routes in the comfort of an ice-class expedition vessel.
Hear the compelling stories of European explorers who attempted the challenge and of Inuit who have travelled the waterway for centuries.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit.
- Sail the fabled Northwest Passage
- Seek polar bears, walrus, seabirds, and other Arctic wildlife in pristine natural environments
- Experience the majesty of the Northern Lights
- See the Franklin Expedition graves at Beechey Island
- Watch for marine mammals and wildlife in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) National Marine Conservation Area
- Visit Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), Canada’s northernmost community
- Seek your ‘furthest north’ in Smith Sound
- Cruise among icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Voyage the length of Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord)—190 kilometres long!
