Out of the Northwest Passage

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 Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac.

Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate embarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions.

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.

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with 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 there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

We will spend two days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas.

Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales, transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available to choose from, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.

Aujuittuq means "place that never thaws". 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost “civilian” community originated in the Cold War; in 1953, Inuit were relocated to Aujuittuq to boost 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.

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.

On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

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.

Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, translates literally into “iceberg.” The outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, lulissat Icefjord is the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Visit the town of Ilulissat, with splendid museums, cafés, craft shops, and a busy fishing harbour.

Colourful 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’s plenty of other fun outdoor activities for the adventurous to enjoy.

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.