HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Greenland and the Canadian High
Arctic in the Northwest Passage
- Discover UNESCO-listed sites, Inuit
settlements, and a range of Arctic wildlife
Discover the Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage is a series of waterways that connects the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, via the Arctic Ocean, along the northern
coast of North America.
Why travel to the
Northwest Passage
For centuries, attempts were made to cross the passage in order to find
a shorter route between Europe and Asia. None were successful and many
lives were lost until Norwegian Roald Amundsen finally succeeded in
1906. The Northwest Passage is still inaccessible for most of the year,
and only a few expedition companies offer a full Northwest Passage
crossing attempt in the summer. Traveling through the Northwest Passage
is only for the most adventurous explorers and offers a unique
experience.
Here, across the roof of North America, you can experience the raw
beauty of nature. The Northwest Passage is known for its largely
untouched landscape, which forms pristine habitats for a wide array of
wildlife both on land and in the water.
Best time to visit
The Northwest Passage is only accessible by ship between July and
September. This is the only time of the year the ice has reduced enough
to allow a crossing attempt. July and August are also the peak months
to spot wildlife. For example, polar bears are particularly active,
hunting whales and seals along the floating sea ice. The summer days
are long, which help maximize our chances of wildlife sightings.
What to Expect
If you decide to go, you’ll find a magical unspoiled world in
the High Arctic, with beautiful scenery, glaciers, and an icy
landscape. You might see majestic polar bears out hunting, different
species of whale breaching, walrus relaxing by the shore, and a variety
of birds. Remember that these are natural Arctic habitats, so we
can’t guarantee that certain animals will appear during your
expedition. You will experience both the modern life of the Inuit
population and their communities, culture, and life, and learn more
about the history of the region.
- Both
on board and on land, there’s a lot going on to
make the most out of your journey. Here are some of the most popular
activities:
- Small-boat
cruising in one of the
most remote parts of the world. The ship will not be able to dock
everywhere and anywhere. That’s why each ship has small
explorer boats to take you ashore or on ice-cruising excursions.
- Nature
landings are landings on
beaches and shore areas. They happen wherever possible.
- Hiking is
another popular activity. This could be at places of historical,
biological, or geological interest, small settlements, or places that
offer stunning natural beauty.
- Lectures
and science program.When the ship is at sea,
there’s plenty happening on board as well. Join in-depth
lectures on a variety of topics from history and culture to wildlife
and science. The Science Program invites you into the fascinating world
of science, and enhances the experience and your understanding of the
regions we explore.
- Photo
program. There is a
professional photographer on board you can access for hints and tips,
camera set-up, and simply how to take great pictures.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Aug 30, 2023 | Sep 19, 2023 | 13,014 |
13,502 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Aug 30, 2023 | Sep 19, 2023 | 13,014 |
13,502 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 - Edmonton or Montreal, Canada
Day 2 - Edmonton or Montreal to Cambridge Bay, Victoria Island
Day
3-10 - Northwest Passage Exploration
Day
11 - Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
Day
12 - Ilulissat, Greenland
Day
13 - Sisimiut, Greenland
Day
14 - Nuuk, Greenland
Day
15 - Kvanefjord, Greenland
Day
16 - At Sea
Day
17 - Red Bay, Canada
Day
18 - Corner Brook, Canada
Day
19 - At Sea
Day
20 - Halifax, Canada
Please Note:
The Sep 2, 2022 voyage
begins at Edmonton, Canada whereas the Aug 30, 2023 voyage begins at
Montreal, Canada.
Day
1 Canada’s
Festival City
Edmonton
Big things are happening in Edmonton, the first destination on your
expedition cruise. Alberta’s capital has always been a
dependable hub for business and government, but Forbes magazine
recently called it “one of Canada’s hottest
destinations”. If you have arranged to arrive early,
you’ll find out why.
The
city is lively and colorful, with all the features of a modern
metropolis: a thriving food scene, craft breweries and distilleries,
independent shopping boutiques, and a cutting-edge arts scene. It is
also home to the fifth-largest shopping center in the world, the West
Edmonton Mall. We highly recommend arriving a few days early to join a
Pre-Program to Elk Island National Park, where you can sample the vast
wilderness at Edmonton’s doorstep. Just 35 minutes away, it
is possible to see free-roaming bison grazing in a meadow in the
national park or standing in the middle of the road.
Montreal
Your adventure starts in Montréal, the largest city in the
beautiful province of Québec, and the second most populous
city in Canada. Occupying the Island of Montréal and its
surroundings, the city is a hub for Canadian history and culture with a
modern cosmopolitan feel, infused with both French and British
influences. If you arrive a few days ahead of your cruise, you'll find
plenty to see and do in this lively city.
Discover shopping, cuisine, and culture in the city's exciting downtown
area, marvel at Notre-Dame Basilica while exploring the historic
streets of Old Montréal, or find a kaleidoscope of color and
quirks in the city's buzzing Plateau district. Montréal is
also famous for its year-round festive atmosphere, thanks to a calendar
full of events.
For those looking to satisfy their inner foodie, Montréal is
one of the finest cities in Canada for its diverse food markets, range
of restaurants, and charming café culture. Make sure to
treat yourself to local delicacies, including smoked meats, freshly
baked bagels, and maple candy, washed down with a beer from one of the
many craft breweries in the city.
Add some extra time and join our optional half-day Montréal
Sightseeing & Savoir-Vivre Tour. You'll see how culturally
diverse the city really is, and visit the landmarks that make it such a
unique place. We'll also stop to pick up some of Montréal's
famous bagels, and swing by Little Italy to enjoy a tasting of local
produce at the popular Jean-Talon market.
Enjoy all that Montréal has to offer before heading out the
next morning to the airport to fly north to Cambridge Bay where your
adventure aboard the MS Fram will begin.
Day
2 A Good Fishing Place
In
the morning, you’ll fly from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay,
where your expedition ship MS Fram awaits you.
Cambridge
Bay is a village with fewer than 2,000 residents. The biggest
clue of the region’s hunting and fishing heritage is in its
name. In the local language of Inuinnaqtun, Cambridge Bay is called
‘Iqaluktuuttiaq’, meaning a ‘good fishing
place’. Fly-fishing for Arctic char in the nearby river
remains a draw to this day. The abundant wildlife is also an obvious
point of attraction for explorers. Others come to visit the Canadian
High Arctic Research Station, a world-class center for studying climate
change and all things Arctic.
It
is only fitting for your expedition to start here, where Arctic
explorers of old often sheltered while seeking the Northwest Passage.
Now you can add your name to that illustrious list, which, of course,
includes the legendary Roald Amundsen. After checking in and picking up
your complimentary expedition jacket, you will have some time to settle
into your cabin and explore the ship. There is also a mandatory safety
drill held every 30 minutes before our departure, allowing you to pick
a time convenient to you. The evening’s dinner—the
first of many on board—begins with a toast by the captain,
wishing everyone an enjoyable expedition. You will then meet?the
Expedition Team in a separate welcome session, where you’ll
cover important health and safety information.??
They
will review important information from AECO, the Association of
Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. You will learn how you can help
protect wildlife habitats, that you should keep a safe distance from
animals, and how to visit Arctic communities in a proper and respectful
way.
Day
3-10 Heart of the
Northwest Passage
We
aim to head into the heart of the Northwest Passage. Since the late
15th century, the search for this fabled seaway through the Canadian
Arctic was a holy grail for hardy adventurers.
John
Cabot led the first recorded voyage here in 1497. James Cook
attempted but failed to sail it in 1776, and many may have heard about
the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845. The first to conquer the
Northwest Passage by ship was Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, on an
expedition lasting from 1903 to 1906.
Sea
ice varies from year to year, making every expedition here unique.
We hope to show you some of the following places:
Gjoa
Haven honors the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who wintered
here in 1903 on the Gjøa expedition. He called the place
‘the finest little harbor in the world.’ He learned
a great deal from local Netsilik Inuit people about survival and travel
in the polar regions. These skills were instrumental in helping
Amundsen become the first man to reach the South Pole, almost a decade
later.
Fort
Ross was established in 1937. The Canadian Coast Guard maintains
two small huts ashore, which are occasionally used by the local Inuit
people for shelter. It was one of Hudson’s Bay
Company’s few trading posts in the Canadian Arctic.
Beechey
Island is closely linked to the history of exploration of the
Northwest Passage, particularly the voyage led by Sir John Franklin,
whose two ships sailed into the passage in 1845 but never returned. The
Franklin Expedition was known to have over-wintered here in 1845 and
three of his men are buried here.
Radstock
Bay is dominated by the striking rock of Caswell Tower. The
shoreline here is excellent for a short walk to a prehistoric Inuit
site. Caswell Tower itself features a challenging hike to the summit
for great views.
Dundas
Harbour is an abandoned settlement featuring an old Royal
Canadian Mounted Police camp and an old Hudson’s Bay Company
trading post, with several archeological sites from the Thule period.
Set
on the picturesque Eclipse Sound with Bylot Island in the distance,
Pond Inlet, called ‘Mittimatalik’ in Inuktitut, is
a traditional Inuit community on Baffin Island. Pond Inlet is
surrounded by mountain ranges, where you can marvel at glaciers, scenic
fjords, ice caves, geological hoodoos, and drifting icebergs.
Throughout
the journey, we will sail through spellbinding straits and
be on a constant lookout for wildlife such as the mighty polar bear.
Day
11 Crossing the Davis
Strait
It
is time to leave Canada behind and set our course for
Greenland.?While sailing across Baffin Bay, do not miss the Expedition
Team’s ongoing informative lectures. Their topics may include
the wildlife you might see in Greenland, Greenlandic culture,
expedition photography, geology, and famous explorers throughout
history.?
Feel
like being more active? Hit up the gym and get your blood pumping.
Do not forget you will have access to the sauna and two outdoor hot
tubs. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the panoramic Explorer Lounge
& Bar,?where you can watch the rhythmic waves of the ocean roll
by.
Day
12 Birthplace of
Icebergs
Ilulissat
(translated simply as ‘Icebergs’) is set
in the stunning scenery of the IlulissatIcefjord, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This gem of a town stands out for its colorful houses
sitting along the fjord, which features an ever-changing gallery of
icebergs. This place is truly picture perfect. It is also a vibrant hub
for adventure seekers who head out onto the polar ice sheet. There are
almost as many sled dogs living here as people. Each spring, one of the
world’s greatest dog sled races takes place here, with 100
sleds participating.
Just
outside the town, you can often see enormous icebergs floating in
the deep blue waters. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, which
calves some 35 billion tons of icebergs each year. The icebergs make
their way down the 12-mile fjord before entering Disko Bay. They are a
nature photographer’s dream. You won’t just see
these chiseled masses of ice up close, you will also hear them. Their
cracks, rumbles, and creaks echo throughout the fjord as they bump into
one another and into the shores. If those noises are drums, the
crumble, crash, and splash of ice calving from the icebergs into the
waters below are the cymbals. Take a moment to sit, watch, and listen
to the icebergs in these beautiful surroundings.
Day
13 Modern settlement,
ancient traditions
Located
in a spectacular letting, Greenland’s second-largest
city, Sisimiut, sits 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the central
coastal area of the Davis Strait. It is a modern settlement, but its
roots stretch far back, with some estimates dating more than 4,500
years. Sisimiut’s name translates into ‘the people
at the fox holes’, a reference to the Arctic fox many burrows
that lie near the city. Another local animal is the musk ox, whose wool
is used to make a local fabric called qiviut—said to be 10
times warmer than sheep wool. You might like to pick up a qiviut scarf,
hat, or mittens while you are here.
With
a population of around 5,500, Sisimiut is an important regional
hub. Boats heading between Nuuk and Disko Bay area frequently use it as
a stopover point, with many coming here to enjoy backcountry sports
like skiing or dog sledding on the Greenland ice sheet. The small
museum here houses artifacts from excavations of ancient Saqqaq
settlements near the town, some up to 4,000 years old. You can also
visit the Taseralik Cultural Center, the perfect place to learn about
the area’s cultural heritage. If you are fit and healthy,
join an optional 4- to 5-hour hike up PalaasipQaqqa, a steady but steep
climb to over 1,640 feet above sea level. The effort on the way up is
well rewarded with unique views of Greenland’s exceptional
scenery.
Day
14 The Capital of
Greenland
Nuuk
was settled in 1728, making it the oldest settlement in the
nation. Although Greenland’s capital is classed as a city,
fewer than 17,000 people call it home. ‘Nuuk’ means
peninsula, as it is located at the mouth of a system of spectacular
fjords and mountains. The first thing you will notice about this
low-rise settlement is its colorful houses. The red, green, blue, and
yellow buildings are a striking contrast to the icy black and white
backdrop of the mountains.
Today,
Nuuk combines old and new traditions. The old picturesque
buildings dotting the fjord’s edge give way to ultra-modern
architecture in the Greenlandic Parliament and the wave-shapedKatuaq
Cultural Center. Visit the oldest building in Greenland at Hans
Egede’s House, constructed in 1721 by the Norwegian
missionary who is credited with founding the city. As you roam the
city, keep an eye out for a statue and the church bearing his name.
The
red-painted Nuuk Cathedral and its typical Lutheran clock tower and
steeple is worth a visit, too. Drop by the Greenland National Museum to
see the Qilakitsoq mummies or admire local paintings at the Nuuk Art
Museum. We will also be offering a long hike through Paradise Valley
and around Mt. Lille Malene as part of an optional excursion. As you
follow a path formed by old reindeer tracks, you’ll bask in
splendid views of the Greenlandic coast and pass by a small lake and
natural springs.
There
are also a range of restaurants in Nuuk to satisfy all tastes,
some of which feature local delicacies such musk ox, seal soup, and
snow crab. Rather just have a coffee_ There are several excellent
cafés serving hot drinks and snacks like burgers and Danish
pastries.
Day
15 Expedition day
The
Kvanefjord is a fjord stretching 30 miles along the west coast of
Greenland in the Sermersooq district, which means ‘place of
much ice’. The fjord extends over six miles inland before
branching into three smaller channels, each with a glacier at its head.
Today,
we’ll explore this amazing fjordand the captain will
search for places to drop anchor and head ashore. There will be plenty
of opportunities to watch for wildlife, either from the deck or on
land, or perhaps you would just like to stretch your legs and enjoy the
stunning scenery. Then Kvanefjord is also close to Kvanefjeld, an area
with one of the largest concentrations of rare-earth mineral deposits
in the world. Recent surveys even estimate that a quarter of the
world’s rare-earth minerals lie within these hills.
The
Kvanefield site is particularly noteworthy for its concentrations
of uranium and the fabled Greenlandic ruby, the tugtupite (meaning
‘reindeer blood’). Cerium, lanthanum, and other
precious metals are also found here, which are crucial to modern
technology like smartphones, electric cars, and MRI machines.
Day
16 Labrador Sea
Relax,
get to know your fellow travellers,?and make full use of the
facilities on board. Meanwhile, the Expedition Team will hold lecture
programs on Artic wildlife and ecosystems in the Science Center.
We
also support a number of Citizen Science projects that you can join.
These projects include Happywhale, where your photographs help identify
and track the movement of specific whales across the planet, identified
from their distinguishing characteristics.
You
may also join the GLOBE Observer project, which combines your
observations of clouds and sky conditions with satellite data. By
participating in these projects, not only will you be supporting the
scientific community, you will also be gaining a better understanding
of the world around you.
Day
17 Red Bay, Labrador
Red
Bay is a former Basque whaling settlement on the coast of southern
Labrador in the Strait of Belle Isle. You might catch a glimpse of
humpback or minke whales, which first drew Basque whalers to this
harbour back in the 17th century. For about 70 years, these fishermen
hunted whales and exported their refined oil back to Europe.
But
not all the whaling ships were able to reach Red Bay’s
shores. Wrecked chalupas and galleons are just some of the ships that
have been found preserved in the surrounding ice-cold waters. These
discoveries make Red Bay one of the most important underwater
archeological sites in the world.
On
your visit to this fascinating town, make sure to visit the local
museum, which is part of the Red Bay National Historic Site. Here, you
can see a 26-foot chalupa (a small whale-hunting boat) and imagine life
as a Basque whaler on the Labrador Sea.
You
can also look for whale bones in the protected National Historic
Site, or even search for the buried treasure of pirate Captain Kidd
around Tracey Hill. You might not find any gold doubloons, but you will
certainly be rewarded with a fantastic view.
Day
18 In the wake of
Captain James Cook
As
you sail into the Bay of Islands, surrounded by the jagged slopes
and dense forests of the Long Range Mountains, you’ll chart
the same course as Captain James Cook over 250 years ago.
Our
next stop is Corner Brook, at the mouth of the Humber River. This
is the second-largest city in the Newfoundland and Labrador province,
after St. John’s. While St. John’s is trendy and
international, Corner Brook is traditional and local. The Corner Brook
Museum will give you a sense of the regional history. There are a
number of artifacts that illustrate the indigenous cultures of the
region, the logging industry here, and of course, Captain James Cook.
One particularly fascinating exhibit is on World War II brides from
England and Scotland. We offer an optional excursion up to Crow Hill,
home of the Captain James Cook National Historic Site. Standing where
the famous British Explorer once stood to survey the area,
you’ll have pleasant views over the city. Make sure to grab a
photo with the statue of the man himself.
Other
optional excursions include a guided hike along a portion of the
Corner Brook Stream Trail. Or get your adrenaline flowing by zip-lining
high up over the scenic Humber Valley while admiring views of Marble
Mountain and Steady Brook Falls. When the time comes to set sail again,
a local band might just come aboard and treat us to a performance,
sending us off with true Corner Brook hospitality.
Day
19 Coming to an end
It
is our final day at sea and your expedition cruise is drawing to a
triumphant close. You might like to spend this day at sea just fully
unwinding from the excitement of the past two weeks. Your thoughts
might naturally turn to home, or maybe you will find that you will have
already left a piece if your heart back in one of the special places
you visited. Spend some time reflecting on and taking stock of all the
wonderful experiences you have had.
The
Expedition Team will likely be in a similar mood. Join them as they
fondly recap the highlights of the thrilling cruise we have shared
together. You will probably have a few hundred photos to sift through
of the scenic landscapes, activities, and memories you have experienced!
Day
20 Capital of Nova
Scotia
Your
exciting, epic journey from the heart of the Northwest Passage
ends triumphantly in Halifax.
This
cosmopolitan capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia sits
in the center of the region’s east coast. This important
seaport looks out over one of the world's largest natural harbors. With
its red-brick heritage buildings, the landmark Citadel Hill National
Historic Site, a historic 1820 brewery, and the epic 2.5-mile seafront
boardwalk, Halifax has plenty in store if you feel like extending your
trip. Near our docking site, you will find Pier 21, the
‘Ellis Island of Canada,’ where thousands of
immigrants arrived from all over the world. It is the perfect place for
Canada’s Museum of Immigration. You can also visit the
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which contains a large exhibit on the
notorious Titanic disaster.
Not
far from downtown Halifax is the Halifax Common, which is
Canada’s oldest park. It opened in 1763. If you enjoy art, do
not miss the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s extensive
collection. We recommend spending a few extra days here on our
Post-Program before heading back home. You will visit the historic
community of Peggy’s Cove and see its iconic lighthouse. And
pay your respects at Halifax Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the solemn burial
place of 121 tragic passengers of the Titanic.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Hotels
- Overnight in Edmonton before the expedition cruise,
including breakfast
Flights
- Economy flight from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Edmonton to the airport before
the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Cambridge Bay
before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer
and wine, soda, and mineral water) in the Aune and Fredheim restaurants
- Fine-dining Lindstrøm, À la carte
restaurant, is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in
remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard
water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide
activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
Onboard Activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present lectures on a
variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an
extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to
current scientific research
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and
tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an
outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as
daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for
the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera
settings before landings
Not Included In Your
Expedition
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice
conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Health declaration form is mandatory
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding
requirements
- No gratuities are expected
