OUT OF THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE - Bonus free hotel stay!*

Pre-cruise Itinerary

Date	Activity
10 Sep 2026	Make your own way to Yellowknife, check in hotel for overnight stay
11 Sep 2026	Make your own way to the airport. Charter flight Yellowknife to Kugluktuk
11 Sep 2026	Arrive Kugluktuk, transfer to port & embark ship

Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
11 Sep 2026	Kugluktuk (Coppermine River), Nunavut	Embark
12 Sep 2026	Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada
13 Sep 2026	Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada
14 Sep 2026	Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada
15 Sep 2026	Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada
16 Sep 2026	Bellot Strait, Nunavut	Ikirahaq
17 Sep 2026	Beechey Island, Arctic Canada
18 Sep 2026	Lancaster Sound, Canada	Tallurutiup
19 Sep 2026	Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)
20 Sep 2026	Smith Sound
21 Sep 2026	At Sea
22 Sep 2026	Greenland	Northwest
23 Sep 2026	Greenland	Northwest
24 Sep 2026	Ilulissat, Greenland
25 Sep 2026	Sisimiut, Greenland
26 Sep 2026	Sisimiut, Greenland
27 Sep 2026	Kangerlussuaq, Greenland	Disembark

Post-cruise Itinerary

Date	Activity
27 Sep 2026	Transfer to airport. Fly Kangerlussuaq to Toronto, holiday ends.

Out of the Northwest Passage ex Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq

Day 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada
Begin Your Adventure
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 ship by Zodiac.

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

Day 2–5: Kitikmeot Region
Journey through Time and Wild Beauty
Experience the glory of the subarctic tundra in the fall and perhaps discover a geological wonder at Port Epworth. Here, intriguing rock formations known as stromatolites stand as evidence of some of Earth's earliest life forms. These fossilized structures, created by cyanobacteria billions of years ago, played a crucial role in producing oxygen, forming an essential link in creating Earth's atmosphere and allowing other life forms to evolve.

Sail onward into the storied waters of the Coronation Gulf, where the legendary Roald Amundsen navigated with his six-man crew to complete the Northwest Passage in 1905. Learn more about the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in Arctic exploration, including Amundsen's expedition.

Visit an Inuit community in this least populated region of Nunavut and feel the excitement and warm hospitality as you listen to stories of resilience, adaptation, and a deep love for the land.

Join a Zodiac cruise at Conningham Bay, where the stark beauty of the Arctic tells a timeless story of survival and adaptation. Here, the paths of polar bears intersect with the watery journeys of belugas—one the hunter, the other the prey. With luck, you'll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable moment etched onto the stark Arctic landscape.

Each stop along the way feels like stepping into a living museum, where geology, landscape, wildlife, and culture weave together into a story only this iconically northern place can tell.

Day 6: Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)
Witness the Most Northerly Point of Continental North America
Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America.

Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals.

Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.

Day 7: Beechey Island
Visit a Franklin Expedition Historical Site
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with the 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 here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Day 8: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)
Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears
We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area.

Cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife with expert biologists and ecologists. Learn more about the crucial role Inuit play in conserving the vibrant biodiversity of these waterways and the enduring connection between the ocean and Inuit.

On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and onshore.

Day 9: Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord), NU
Experience Inuit Culture
Ausuittuq means "place that never thaws." 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Canada’s northernmost civilian community originated during the Cold War. In 1953, Inuit were relocated here by the Canadian government under false pretenses, with the aim of asserting 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.

Day 10: Smith Sound
Reach Your Furthest North
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.

Day 11: At Sea
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland
On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather, and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition team will scan for polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Indulge in the unique opportunity to learn from Inuit in their homeland, gaining a better understanding of the daily lives of the regions we visit. Enjoy cultural performances and maybe even participate in Inuit games, or sample country food.

Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant culture and gain a connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Day 12–13: Northwest Greenland
Hike the Tundra
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.

Whether you're setting foot on land, cruising by Zodiac, or out on the ship's deck, you'll have plenty of chances to learn alongside expert geologists, naturalists, and marine biologists. You'll gain an intimate perspective on the abundant flora and fauna you encounter. Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.

Day 14: Ilulissat
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs
Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg”—an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the towering ice formations as you take a stroll along the boardwalk—truly a sight to behold!

Visit the town, with its museums, charming cafes, craft shops, and bustling fishing harbour. Be sure to make your way to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can delve into the fascinating narratives surrounding the ice and gain a deeper appreciation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Day 15–16: Sisimiut Coast
Witness Stunning Glaciers, Islands, and Fjords
Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that includes glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising.

Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.

The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Day 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Cross the Arctic Circle
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. Here we will disembark for our return charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Wake up aboard the Exploris One, where breathtaking ocean views from your cabin spark your inner poet. The suites even have balconies! This intimate ship, hosting 144 explorers, pairs comfort with bold exploration. Indulge in panoramic views, live music, hands-on workshops, and welcoming spaces perfect for relaxation. Weary at the end of the day? Jump in a jacuzzi or restore yourself in the sauna or steam room. You can even get a full-on massage from a professional masseuse!

Dining is a delight. Top chefs craft dishes blending local flavours with international favourites, served in cozy open-seating spaces—indoors or al fresco. As for drinks, there is specialty beverage service 24/7 (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at no extra charge!

Off-ship, Zodiacs whisk you to wildlife viewing spots and picturesque coastlines, ensuring every journey ashore is seamless and exhilarating. Whether unwinding on deck or exploring ashore, the Exploris One blends the thrill of adventure with the joy of relaxation, crafting indelible memories with every nautical mile.

Founded in 1987, Adventure Canada was created to bring travellers to Canada's "blank spaces", those areas whose remoteness alone made them special. Over the last fifteen years, along with our guests, we have discovered that there is so much that is extraordinary about the places we travel, from the landscape, wildlife and culture to the history, art and archeology that is unique to every destination. It is our belief that there is so much to see “beyond the binoculars” that drives us to delve deeper into our favourite places with every expedition and continually seek out new destinations.

We travel by small expedition ship, the best suited mode of transportation for remote exploration. The number of passengers on our voyages run between 45 and 100, depending on the ship we choose. We believe that these small vessels are superior, as they not only allow us to gain access to places not accessible by larger vessels, but our fleet of Zodiac landing craft permit us to visit some of the most remote places imaginable - the key to expeditionary travel.