New

Canadian Arctic: Wildlife, Helicopters, & the Northwest Passage (Nuuk)

Overview

Our brand-new 20-day Canadian Arctic: Wildlife, Helicopters, and the Northwest Passage itinerary is the most in-depth way for travelers to experience the legendary Northwest Passage— designed to take you deeper, farther, and with more time to truly see it all. From the dramatic cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord to the stark beauty of Devon Island, you’ll explore the full sweep of Lancaster Sound and beyond. With extended time in the High Arctic, maximize your chances of encountering whales, walruses, and muskoxen, while connecting with Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Add helicopter flightseeing, Zodiac cruising, and expert-led exploration, and this itinerary becomes the definitive Arctic journey.

Key Information

Activity: Polar Expeditions
Activity Level: Easy
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: PMPUN20
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen

What's Included

All accommodation: 17 nights on the ship, 2 nights hotel
All meals while on the ship, plus beer and house wine during dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Included Charter Flight & Hotel Package

Don't Forget To

Request a single cabin if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Canadian Arctic: Wildlife, Helicopters, & the Northwest Passage (Nuuk)

Soar in a helicopter over the wild Arctic

Visit Inuit and Greenlandic communities

Explore deep into the legendary Northwest Passage

Spot Arctic wildlife, such as whales, walrusesand muskoxen

Cruise in a Zodiac for stunning views of glaciers,fjords and icebergs

Itinerary

First Destination: Reykjavík, Iceland
Next Destination: Reykjavík, Iceland

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Reykjavík, Iceland
Next Destination: Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the designated hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. You will have the day to explore this fascinating city known for its stunning modern architecture, contemporary music and Viking history.

After breakfast, guests and their luggage will be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to their ship.

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

As we make our way across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will offer a series of polar presentations that will set the stage for the adventures ahead. You’ll learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology and ecology. Our team will also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that pass through these waters.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Inuktitut name for Baffin Island—the fifth-largest island in the world—is Qikiqtaaluk. It has been home to Inuit for thousands of years. The island’s English name commemorates William Baffin, who explored the region in the early 17th century while searching for the fabled Northwest Passage, long after it was inhabited by Inuit.

Sailing along the island’s eastern coast, each day is shaped by weather and ice conditions, making every landing distinct. Favourite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Sam Ford Fjord, where towering mountains, deep fjords, vibrant tundra, and Inuit settlements define the landscape. The welcoming Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq—meaning “the big island” in Inuktitut— lies just north of the Arctic Circle on Broughton Island. Fondly known as “Qik” by locals, the hamlet offers sweeping views across the Davis Strait.

Visitors may also have opportunities to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing handcrafted artwork, jewelry, and other crafts. Farther north, well within the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord stands out as one of Baffin Island’s most dramatic Arctic destinations. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a striking study in contrasts, where sheer granite walls rise almost straight from the ocean, reaching heights of up to 457 meters (1,500 feet).

If conditions allow, the region offers outstanding Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, and opportunities to explore ashore. Arctic foxes may be spotted on land, while polar bears are sometimes seen during off-ship excursions. Cruising the fjord provides a powerful sense of scale: stretching approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles), Sam Ford Fjord narrows to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide as it winds deeper inland.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Located at the northeastern tip of Baffin Island, Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) looks across Eclipse Sound to the glaciated peaks of Bylot Island, offering one of the most dramatic settings of any community in the Canadian Arctic. Mittimatalik provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with the people who have lived here for thousands of years, before the voyage turns northwest toward Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga).

Among the Arctic’s richest marine habitats, Lancaster Sound’s ice-free waters attract whales, walruses, and seals in remarkable numbers each summer. We explore by Zodiac, scanning for iconic wildlife—and, with luck, the elusive narwhal. Polar bear sightings are also possible.

Nearby, Coburg Island’s soaring coastal cliffs, within the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area, support hundreds of thousands of nesting Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, and black guillemots. At approximately 76° North off the east coast of Ellesmere Island, Cape Norton Shaw is likely the northernmost stop of the voyage. Here, multiple tidewater glaciers calve directly into iceberg-filled seas.

We plan a combined helicopter and Zodiac operation to explore this rarely visited coastline by land and sea. If flying conditions are unsuitable, we reroute to Grise Fjord and Craig Harbour, the site of an RCMP outpost established in 1922, closed in the 1930s, and controversially reopened at the outset of the Cold War.

On Devon Island’s southern shore, the weathered remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment at Dundas Harbour quietly reflect Canada’s efforts to assert sovereignty in the High Arctic. The journey concludes in spectacular Croker Bay, where towering glaciated walls and calving ice deliver a sense of scale no photograph can fully convey.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we push westward into the inner reaches of Lancaster Sound, the geography narrows and the sense of remoteness deepens. Rising from the confluence of Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait, the sheer limestone cliffs of Prince Leopold Island form one of the most significant seabird sanctuaries in the eastern Arctic. We’ll see hundreds of thousands of birds wheeling above us as still waters stretch in every horizon, one of the defining sights of a High Arctic expedition.

At the southern tip of Somerset Island, Fort Ross marks the entrance to Bellot Strait, the narrow, current-swept channel separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula and forming a critical link in the Northwest Passage. Once a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Fort Ross remains one of the most evocative reminders of a time when commerce, survival, and exploration converged at the top of the world.

We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named for explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 Northwest Passage expedition, discovered in 1850 on a desolate raised beach. A shore visit to Radstock Bay may also be possible, home to one of the Arctic’s most impressive ancient Thule sites. Exploring the remains of subterranean houses—including whale bone supports—offers a powerful insight into how Paleo‑Inuit thrived in the Far North.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Carved deep into northern Baffin Island, Admiralty Inlet is one of the Arctic’s longest fjords: a silent, ice-ringed channel where whale blows punctuate the stillness. Among the world’s most vital narwhal summering grounds, Zodiac cruising here may provide some of the expedition’s most unforgettable marine wildlife encounters.

The Arctic Bay area has been inhabited by Inuit for over 5,000 years. With very few visitors, the community is typically quite excited to welcome a ship. Enjoy a gathering on the outskirts of town featuring Inuit arts, cultural activities and, possibly, tastings of local cuisine shared by elders and community members.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy the sail back across Baffin Bay where the presence of ice can lead to opportunities for polar bear sightings as well as whales and seabirds. Onboard the team will keep you engaged with presentations and wildlife watching. Guests often use sea days to take advantage of the ship’s Tundra Spa and Sauna.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving back in Greenland, we hope to visit the community of Sisimiut, where you may enjoy locally led city tours, including a “Taste of Greenland” experience featuring samples of traditional foods. Back onboard, head to the deck to watch a traditional kayak demonstration on the water.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals included:Breakfast

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

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Polar Adventure Ships

Polar adventure ships are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.

Ultramarine

The Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in Polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

Learn more about the Ultramarine including ship facts, deck plans, detailed cabin information, a gallery and all of the features and amenities that enhance your experience on board.

Essential Information

Travelling conditions: The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable.

On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind – if you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers).

There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or something stronger from the bar.

Optional activities

Sea kayaking: Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit. Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage. Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Paddling excursion: Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you. Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Exclusive Heli-landing: Set foot in an area of the world the can only be safely accessed by helicopter.
Mountain Biking: Discover world-class mountain biking routes through the stunning scenery of South Greenland.
Tundra to Table Culinary Experience: A one-of-a-kind adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit and Icelandic people.
Guided Photography Programme: Learn and grow throughout your voyage with an expert Photo Guide by your side.

Polar itineraries: All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only – it is possible that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments to the route published.

Your trip starts in Reykjavík, Iceland on Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are given in the Final Joining Instructions.

Arctic

No visa required for British passport holders.

Canada

Travellers from the UK and EU countries can enter Canada under an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens do not normally need a visa. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/canada
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/entry-requirements
United States: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html

To apply for your eTA, or for more information, visit www.canada.ca/eTA; you will need your passport, credit or debit card, and an email address. It costs 7 Canadian dollars and will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. We recommend you carry a print out of your eTA approval when you travel.

If you have not applied for and received authorisation for an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa free on the eTA guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the point of entry.

Travel via the USA

If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.

Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.

If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.

Greenland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greenland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Iceland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Iceland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/iceland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

All meals while on the ship are included.

Typical meals

The ship’s galley offers good-quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus, including vegetarian dishes. If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife sightings, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this adventure – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.

Lunch: Three-course set meal or the occasional buffet or barbecue.

Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.

Drinks: Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water stations are available around the clock, while soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open—all included in the cost of your package. Enjoy complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner as part of the “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. Premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost and can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open late morning, afternoon and evening, though hours may occasionally change to accommodate the expedition schedule.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.