Skip to main content

Out of the Northwest Passage | Ocean Endeavour

17 Days
From USD 17,995

Trip Code: ACADOTNP

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Yellowknife, Canada

Finish: Toronto, Canada

SHIP: Ocean Endeavour (Arctic)

DestinationDestination

Canadian Arctic, Greenland

DestinationDeparture Date

12/09/2024

TransportAccommodation

Cabin Onboard a Ship



Enquire Now
map

OVERVIEW

SAVE UP TO 25% OFF 2024 DEPARTURE!


This is one of the world’s most incredible Arctic voyages. Starting with a flight from Calgary, the cruise begins in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada. This route takes you out of the Northwest Passage. You will cruise through glaciers, fjords, icebergs, historic sites and epic views. Wildlife viewing is a huge highlight with the possibility to see marine mammals, polar bears and seabirds. This 17-day expedition is aboard the comfortable Ocean Endeavour. Excursions include hiking, photography, birdwatching, visiting Nunavut’s communities and there will be educational lectures from the ship’s expert expedition team. This voyage will take you to the top of the world, ending in Kangerlussuag, Greenland before your flight to Toronto Canada. 

 

Mandatory charter flight information and cost. 2024 DEPARTURE:
-Northbound Charter Flight: Yellowknife, NT, Canada to Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada. Early-morning departure. Price: $1,320 USD
-Southbound Charter Flight: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival. Price: $1,375 USD

 

*SAVE UP TO 25% off selected departures in the Arctic 2024 season in selected cabin categories. Discount is applied to berth cost only. Offer is on new bookings only for a limited time and can be withdrawn or varied at any time. This promotion is combinable with Adventure Canada's League of Adventurers Loyalty Rewards Program for up to an additional 10% off and Free Single Supplement offers. Not combinable with any other offers or incentives.
PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Yellowknife - Kugluktuk

After your charter flight from Yellowknife, NT, you’ll transfer to the Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac.

Begin your journey in Kugluktuk, the westernmost community in Nunavut, located at the mouth of the Coppermine River.

Known for many years as Coppermine, the community reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996.

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

PLEASE NOTE: We highly recommend you spend the night in Yellowknife before your charter flight.

Kitikmeot Region - Day 2 to 4

The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Its regional seat is Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), though it also contains five other hamlets (including Uqsuqtuuq and Kugluktuk).

Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land.

Prince Regent Inlet

This passage marks an area rich in marine and avian life. Thick-billed Murres, Ivory Gulls, beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales reside in the ice-strewn waters. In addition to abundant wildlife, we’ll delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Beechey Island

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s party 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.

Lancaster Sound - Day 7 to 8

We will spend the day exploring the ocean wilderness of Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound). In August of 2017, this enormous body of water was declared a National Marine Conservation Area.

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, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.

Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)

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, residents were relocated to Aujuittuq to boost Canadian sovereignty. In 2016, the census placed the population at 129.

Our activities will centre in the village 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 - Day 10 to 11

Smith Sound 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.

Between forty-eight and seventy-two kilometres wide and eighty-eight kilometres long, Smith Sound divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland. Here, the sea ice provided an ancient Inuit travel route. Optimal sea ice conditions in Smith Sound can also make for excellent wildlife viewing.

At Sea

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.

Northwest Greenland - Day 13 to 14

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

Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, an apt name for this site at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, source of many of the icebergs in the north Atlantic.

Here, we will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs. And we’ll visit the bustling town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.

Itilleq Fjord

The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, many islands and complex coastal waterways. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland current and the more southerly location. This makes for lusher vegetation.

As we enter the Arctic autumn, the tundra foliage will be in gorgeous colour. We will be making an expedition stop here to explore the landscape of wild Greenland.

Kangerlussuaq - Toronto

Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord where we'll have a good chance of experiencing the majesty of the Northern Lights.

Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Toronto.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Ocean Endeavour (Arctic)

Ocean Endeavour (Arctic)

With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and explore, with a wide range of expedition activities and opportunities to learn about the history and biology of the Arctic regions you will be travelling in from passionate guides.

The ship carries 20 zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional adventure activities. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel.  

There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym and spa facilities. 

Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy the Arctic in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Arctic adventure for explorers of any age. 

 

 WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP 

  • We offer carbon offset departures. 
    We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
     
  • We have a fleet of 20 zodiacs and multiple loading points.
    With a large fleet of 20 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
     
  • We offer a large variety of activities.

SHIP LAYOUT

Image removed.

Ice Class: Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:
16.0 knots

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Out of the Northwest Passage | Ocean Endeavour from USD 17,995
Departing Ending Duration
12 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024 17

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS

    Cabin accommodation on board the Ocean Endeavour
    Applicable taxes and Credit card fees
    Complimentary Expedition jacket (Ocean Endeavour only)
    Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
    Special access permits, entry and park fees
    Team of expedition staff
    Guided activities
    Sightseeing and community visits
    All Zodiac excursions
    Port fees
    Pre-departure materials
    Educational program
    Interactive workshops
    Evening entertainment
    All shipboard meals

     


    EXCLUSIONS

    Mandatory Charter flights (please see notes for more details)
    Commercial flights
    Program Enhancements/optional excursions
    Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
    Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses
    Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
    Travel insurance (compulsory)
    Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
    Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
    Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
    Miscellaneous extras
    Laundry and communication charges on board
    Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
    Personal expenses
    Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
    Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
    Pre- & post-trip hotel accommodation
    Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Please Note: Category 3 to 7 cabins have no single supplement. Contact us for more details. Subject to limited availability.

  • Mandatory charter flight information and cost 2024 DEPARTURE:

    • Northbound Charter Flight: Yellowknife, NT, Canada to Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada. Early-morning departure. Price: $1,320 USD
    • Southbound Charter Flight: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival. Price: $1,375 USD

     

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.