Northwest Passage - Iceland to Cambridge Bay Adventure

Main Destination Edmonton 12 Days Tour

Be among the few to sail in the wake of great explorers as we attempt to cruise through the legendary Northwest Passage. Experience the raw, daunting beauty of the remote Arctic on this rarely-traveled journey. Even today, few ships have the capability to navigate this isolated sea passage that slices through stunning far northern wilderness.
19 days


In the Wake of Great Explorers

On this Northwest Passage expedition, we sail in the wake of the great explorers like Roald Amundsen, the first man to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage.  Join us to rediscover these remote and beautiful waterways on board MS Fram.

Starting in easily-accessible Reykjavik, we set sail towards Greenland.  We intend to visit colorful Inuit settlements and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilulissat Icefjord, before crossing Davis Strait and venturing into the Canadian Arctic archipelago, Nunavut.

Heart of the Passage

We explore deep into the heart and history of the Northwest Passage.  Subject to favorable conditions, we will attempt to make our way through the icy waters of Arctic Canada.

Throughout the journey, admire vast expanses of pristine wilderness.  We hope to visit several sites with traces of past expeditions, and some of the world’s northernmost communities. We will attempt to explore legendary inlets and channels and take you on exciting small boat cruises and landings. 

A True Expedition

Cruising this far north means sailing through challenging ice conditions. Like the voyages of explorers before us, we will go where the ice allows. No matter where we sail or what we see, we promise you a safe and thrilling expedition. 


      Explore some of the most spectacular and unspoiled scenery on Earth
      Enjoy great wildlife spotting opportunities - including polar bears and walrus
      Trace the history as we explore the routes of famous past expedition vessels
      Discover the Ilulissat Icefjord, an UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice   
  • One night in Edmonton, incl. breakfast
  • Coach-class flight from Cambridge Bay to Edmonton
  • Transfer ship to airport in Cambridge Bay and airport to hotel in Edmonton

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE

  • rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including small boat cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team  
  • Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail through  
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket   
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities  

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION

  • In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  
  • Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
  • Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
  • Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
  • Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
  • Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers  
  • Destination-focused onboard library  
  • Port presentations providing destination insight
  • farewell event  

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT

  • All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants) 
  • Coffee and tea included throughout the day
  • Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests) 
  • Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
  • Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • No gratuities expected   

  • International flights
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
  • Optional small-group adventures such as kayaking with our expedition team 
  • Travel protection plan
  • Luggage handling 

 

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the purest and most remote waters of the world. As with all expeditions, nature prevails. Safety is always our top priority. We continuously evaluate our cruises to adapt to unexpected weather, ice and sea conditions, and exciting nature opportunities. That’s why we call it an expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1

World`s Northernmost Capital - Reykjavik - Embarkation

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Nordic settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning “Smoky Bay”) after the columns of steam rising from area hot springs. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths that are well worth exploring before embarking on MS Fram.

World`s Northernmost Capital - Reykjavik - Embarkation
Day 2

The Denmark Strait - At sea

We cross Denmark Strait, plied by Vikings to migrate from Iceland to South Greenland some 1,000 years ago. Use the days at sea preparing for your upcoming adventure.  Enjoy lectures by the expedition team, explore our Science Center, relax with a book or get to know your fellow explorers.

The Denmark Strait - At sea
Day 3

Mountains, Glaciers and Icebergs - Prince Christian Sound Region -Exploration Day

Prince Christian Sound separates Greenland from the Cape Farewell archipelago. If conditions allow, we will sail through this narrow channel and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The sound is around 60 miles long and very narrow. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).

Mountains, Glaciers and Icebergs  - Prince Christian Sound Region -Exploration Day
Day 4

Kvanefjord - Kvanefjord - Half Day

Kvanefjord is a 30 mile-long fjord on the west coast of Greenland. We will spend the day here exploring the amazing landscape.

Kvanefjord - Kvanefjord - Half Day
Day 5

The Capital of Greenland - Nuuk

Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland, founded in 1728. Nuuk, which means peninsula, is located at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Today, Nuuk is where old and new traditions meet, from historic buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to sleek modern architecture.

Included activity:

Shuttle & Museum visit (1 - 2 hrs)

Visit the National Museum of Greenland. Discover exhibitions covering Greenland's history during the past 4,500 years - from the first Arctic Stone Age cultures to the Norse settlements, the arrival of the Thule culture and the gradual transition to modern day Greenland.

The Capital of Greenland - Nuuk
Day 6

Modern Settlement with Ancient Traditions - Sisimiut - Full Day

Sisimiut is situated 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. Come ashore and explore this colorful town. Visit the small museum, hike in the hills and shop for local handicrafts.

Included activity:

Kayak Demo and Museum visit (1 - 2 hrs)

Enjoy a traditional kayaking demonstration and the Sisimit museum. The Inuit invented the ‘qajaq’ in Greenland. Experience the Greenlander kayak roll first hand. Sisimut museum features local cultural history and exhibits different periods of the city’s history and its surroundings.

Modern Settlement with Ancient Traditions - Sisimiut - Full Day
Day 7

Birth of Icebergs - Ilulissat - Full Day

Ilulissat lies in the stunning setting of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just outside town you can often see enormous icebergs from Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere. The icebergs make their way down the 12-mile-long fjord before entering Disko Bay.

Included activity:

Walk to the Icefjords (2 hrs)

Hear the ice cracking in the distance? Take a closer look at the beautiful icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord. Getting a close-up view of these frozen giants will slow your world down and leave you humbled. Join us on a walk to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Birth of Icebergs - Ilulissat - Full Day
Day 8

Crossing the Davis Strait - At sea - Labrador Sea

Davis Strait is named for English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions searching for the Northwest Passage between 1585 and 1587. He was the first to draw Europe’s attention to the region’s seal hunting and whaling possibilities and that the Newfoundland cod fisheries extended this far north.

Crossing the Davis Strait - At sea - Labrador Sea
Day 9

East Coast of Baffin Island - Sam Ford Fjord - Scenic Navigation

Sam Ford Fjord is on the east coast of Baffin Island. The fjord is known for its magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs rising steeply from the shoreline to heights reaching 5,000 ft above sea level.

East Coast of Baffin Island - Sam Ford Fjord - Scenic Navigation
Day 10

Heart of the Northwest Passage - Northwest Passage

Next, we intend to head into the heart of the historic Northwest Passage. The first recorded voyage here was led by John Cabot in 1497. The most famous journeys were James Cook’s failed attempt to sail the passage in 1776, and the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845. The first to conquer the passage by ship was Norwegian Roald Amundsen on an expedition from 1903 to 1906.

The ice varies from year to year. We hope to be able to show you some of the following places:

Pond Inlet, called “Mittimatalik” in Inuktitut, is a traditional Inuit community surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fjords, ice caves, geological hoodoos and drifting icebergs.

Dundas Harbour is an abandoned settlement with an old Royal Canadian Mounted Police camp and several archaeological sites. Come ashore to see the ruins of some of these buildings, along with an impressive Thule site.

Radstock Bay is dominated by the striking rock of Caswell Tower. The shoreline here is ideal for walking to a pre-historic Inuit site. Caswell Tower itself features a challenging hike to the summit for great views.

Beechey Island is known for the ill-fated Franklin expedition. Two ships sailed into the passage in 1845, but neither were ever seen again. It is known that the Franklin Expedition overwintered on Beechey Island in 1845-1846.

Fort Ross is a trading post established in 1937. There are two small huts ashore that are maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Gjøa Haven, which honors the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who wintered here in 1903/04 and 1904/05. He learned a lot from about survival and travel in polar regions from the local Netsilik Inuit people.

Throughout our journey, we will sail in amazing waters with unique nature and hopefully enough ice to spot exciting wildlife like polar bears.

Heart of the Northwest Passage - Northwest Passage
Day 11

A Good Fishing Place - Cambridge Bay - Disembarkation & Flight

In Inuinnaqtun, Cambridge Bay is called “Iqaluktuuttiaq,” meaning a “good fishing place.” It is known for the giant char caught nearby. Local wildlife is abundant and includes seals, geese, muskoxen and caribou. Our expedition ends here, and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Edmonton.

A Good Fishing Place - Cambridge Bay - Disembarkation & Flight
Day 12

Explore Edmonton - Edmonton

Enjoy the exciting city of Edmonton before your flight home or extend your stay with one of our post-cruise Land Adventures.

Explore Edmonton - Edmonton

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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