Canadian Arctic

TRAVELLING TO Canadian Arctic

Beyond Canada’s continental north you will find the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with over 36,000 islands, most lying deep within the Arctic Circle. A cruise in this remote region takes you through incredible wilderness scenery of fjords, glaciers, mountains and pack ice. The Canadian Arctic is also well known for its diverse wildlife, history and rich Inuit culture. It is home to seals, whales, polar bears, caribou, musk ox, walruses, Arctic wolves and foxes as well as thousands of seabirds that nest in the cliffs. Encounter small indigenous communities and the archaeological remains of hunting lodges that date back thousands of years.

It is in this region that you can follow in the wake of the legendary explorers Amundsen, Baffin and Franklin who searched for the Northwest Passage, a fabled trade route across the Arctic from Europe to the Far East. The two ships under Franklin’s command disappeared mysteriously before Amundsen made the first successful navigation of the route on his 1903-6 Gjoa expedition.

Discover some of the planet’s most dramatic glaciated landscapes on an expedition cruise to the Canadian Arctic, one of the most intriguing destinations of the Far North where not only the scenery but also the wildlife, history and culture will captivate you.

Beyond Canada’s continental north you will find the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with over 36,000 islands, most lying deep within the Arctic Circle. A cruise in this remote region takes you through incredible wilderness scenery of fjords, glaciers, mountains and pack ice. The Canadian Arctic is also well known for its diverse wildlife, history and rich Inuit culture. It is home to seals, whales, polar bears, caribou, musk ox, walruses, Arctic wolves and foxes as well as thousands of seabirds that nest in the cliffs. Encounter small indigenous communities and the archaeological remains of hunting lodges that date back thousands of years.

It is in this region that you can follow in the wake of the legendary explorers Amundsen, Baffin and Franklin who searched for the Northwest Passage, a fabled trade route across the Arctic from Europe to the Far East. The two ships under Franklin’s command disappeared mysteriously before Amundsen made the first successful navigation of the route on his 1903-6 Gjoa expedition.

Discover some of the planet’s most dramatic glaciated landscapes on an expedition cruise to the Canadian Arctic, one of the most intriguing destinations of the Far North where not only the scenery but also the wildlife, history and culture will captivate you.

WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

We are true polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and has an average of ten years' experience in selling the region.
We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.
We know all things polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. Travellers visit the polar regions for different reasons, including wildlife, photography, snowshoeing, and kayaking, so we'll find the perfect expedition for your interests.
From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service to your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance, and any additional travel to complete your journey.

FEATURED Canadian Arctic TRIPS & DEALS

Canadian Arctic TOURS

VIEW ALL TOURS

Canadian Arctic REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

BLOGS ON Canadian Arctic

Whether you are looking for advice on when to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic, which ship to travel on or which itinerary will suit you best, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There is ship information, guides about the activities you can do in the Polar regions, what to pack and what not to pack, and even blogs on various Polar explorers!

Insight Guide to Arctic Expeditions – The Ultimate BIG Adventure

Welcome to Chimu’s Arctic Adventures, a phenomenal collection of expeditions to the northernmost reaches of our planet.

READ NOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 . What money do they use in the Canadian Arctic?

The unit of currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

Please check websites such as www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for up to date exchange rates prior to your departure.

On all Arctic cruises meals are included but drinks and souvenirs need to be purchased separately. Most cruise ships accept Euros € and US $. Major credit cards, in particular Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted on board.

2 . What language do they speak in the Canadian Arctic?

The main official language of Canada is English with French being the official language of Quebec. The traditional language of the Inuit is Inuktitut of which there are many dialects.

3 . Do I need to be fit to go to the Canadian Arctic?

A high level of fitness is not necessary for Arctic cruises to the Canadian Arctic, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ship, you may be a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking.

4 . Is it safe to travel in the Canadian Arctic?

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. We use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

5 . Do I need a visa to travel to the Canadian Arctic?

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required by citizens of the following countries flying into Canada.

Australia
European Union
United Kingdom
Ireland
New Zealand

Citizens of the USA do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada.

Citizens of South Africa need a visa to enter Canada.

For other nationalities, please visit the website of the relevant consulate.

6 . How long will I spend in the Canadian Arctic?

Arctic cruises to the Canadian Arctic vary in length but generally spend 7 to 10 days in the region. Some cruises focus only on Baffin Island with 7 to 10 days spent exploring the island.

There are also cruises that combine the Canadian Arctic with other parts of the Arctic such as Greenland. These are generally around 2 weeks in duration, with 8 days in the Canadian Arctic.

Northwest Passage Arctic cruises are generally between 17 and 20 days but there are shorter 13 day voyages available.