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HISTORY, COMMUNITIES AND THE CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO

The Northwest Passage

A long-form expedition through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, weaving together Inuit homelands, Franklin-era history, remote channels and the ever-changing presence of sea ice.

17–24 days Typical durationAugust–September Travel seasonKangerlussuaq, Greenland to Resolute, Nunavut Start and finish

Trip Overview

Duration
17–24 days
Season
August–September
Voyage style
Remote Arctic expedition

The Northwest Passage is both a maritime route and an Inuit homeland. A modern expedition places the well-known European search for a passage within a much longer Indigenous history of travel, knowledge and life across the archipelago.

Sea ice still determines what is possible. Even ice-strengthened ships may alter channels, reverse direction or omit a site, and community calls take place only with local agreement and suitable operating conditions.

Why This Route

01

Franklin-Era History

Visit selected historic locations with careful interpretation and respect for protected archaeological sites.

02

Inuit Homelands

Learn from community hosts and onboard cultural specialists where visits have been locally arranged.

03

Arctic Channels and Sea Ice

Navigate a maze of islands, headlands and straits along the safest route available to the ship.

Route Map

Kangerlussuaq → Baffin Bay → Baffin Island → Lancaster Sound → Beechey Island → Resolute

The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.

KangerlussuaqBaffin IslandLancaster SoundBeechey IslandResoluteKangerlussuaqBaffin IslandLancaster SoundBeechey IslandResolute

DAY BY DAY

Day by Day

A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.

Days 1–3

Greenland Gateway

Join the ship through Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk and explore part of the west coast before the open-water crossing.

Greenland Gateway
Days 4–6

Baffin Bay

Cross towards Nunavut with lectures, seabird watches and time on deck as ice and weather permit.

Baffin Bay
Days 7–10

Baffin Island

Explore mountain-backed fjords and visit a community when local arrangements, weather and sea conditions align.

Baffin Island
Days 11–16

Lancaster Sound and Beechey Island

Follow historic channels and visit selected expedition sites while respecting permits and conservation requirements.

Lancaster Sound and Beechey Island
Days 17–22

Western Canadian Arctic

Continue through the archipelago along the safest ice-dependent route, with landings and Zodiac cruises chosen daily.

Western Canadian Arctic
Days 23–24

Disembark and Fly South

Leave the ship at Resolute or the stated gateway and take the arranged charter connection towards a southern city.

Disembark and Fly South

EXPEDITION SHIPS

Ships Commonly Found on This Route

Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.

National Geographic EnduranceLindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Endurance

138 guests · PC5 Category A · Science-led expedition platform

Ask about this ship →

PLANNING NOTES

Plan This Journey

Departure
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Arrival
Resolute, Nunavut

Who This Journey Suits

  • Travellers drawn to polar history and living Inuit culture
  • Experienced expedition travellers comfortable with long, highly flexible itineraries

What You May See

  • Walruses and seals
  • Whales
  • Polar bears when naturally encountered
  • Canadian Arctic channels
  • Baffin Island fjords
  • Sea ice and polar desert

Physical Activity & Sea Conditions

  • Moderate to active, with frequent Zodiac transfers, rough shorelines and long periods far from major services.
  • Baffin Bay and exposed sounds can be rough; sea ice can substantially change the route or timing.

Before You Book

  • No full transit, community call or historic-site landing is guaranteed
  • Charter flights and generous travel buffers are usually essential

WHAT TO EXPECT

Inclusions and Exclusions

What Is Usually Included

  • Shipboard accommodation and meals
  • Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
  • Expedition team lectures and guiding
  • Loan of expedition boots on many ships

What Is Usually Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance and medical costs
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Gratuities and personal expenses

Important

  • Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
  • Activities depend on weather and ice
  • Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking

PLAN THIS JOURNEY

Ready to plan The Northwest Passage?

Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.

Plan This Journeyinfo@polartraveltribe.com