Northwest Passage Through the Arctic Labyrinth

Flight from New York to Nuuk

Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue.

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.

The first chapter of our journey encompasses the majestic coast of West Greenland.  

Over the next three days you’ll experience some of the most iconic sites in all of Greenland. Our objectives include: 

Evighedsfjord 

As we head north, we plan to offer an exploration day in the magical and pristine Evighedsfjord near Maniitsoq. We’ll determine on the day what adventures we can take part in. 

The ‘Fjord of Eternity’ is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters. It’s surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves.   

Sisimiut 

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second city, situated in a spectacular location just above the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years, and old traditions are alive and well.  

Learn more about ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum or stretch your legs on a hike.  If you’re looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of the musk ox that’s said to be 10 times warmer than sheep’s wool.    

Ilulissat 

Nestled at the edge of the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. 

Entering into the Northwest Passage

Following our crossing of Baffin Bay, we find ourselves in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. The main waterway of this area is Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the eastern gates to the Northwest Passage. 

This chapter of our exploration is likely to be action-packed, with excursions planned on each of the four days we hope to spend in and around this area. Remember: all our excursion plans depend on the weather and ice but, conditions permitting, our days will be filled with excitement and discovery. 

Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to share with you include: 

Navigate the dividing line between east and west

The “Rubicon” of the Canadian Arctic, dividing east from west, is the infamous Bellot Strait. This narrow body of water separates the northernmost part of mainland North America from Somerset Island, one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic archipelago.  

Bellot Strait is approximately 15 nautical miles long and just over half a mile wide at its narrowest point. Our ability to navigate this passage will be determined by ice and weather conditions.

Spend eight days exploring the western section of the fabled Northwest Passage

Over the next eight days, in this section of our voyage we’ll transit through three distinct regions—Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon—and two traditional Inuit Territories—Inuvialuit and Nunavut. 

During our time here, we anticipate up to five days of shore excursions and four transit days. Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to be able to visit include: 

Science and wildlife watching at sea

As we navigate the Beaufort Sea and Bering Strait, these days at sea provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey and make the most of your ship’s facilities. 

Learn about Alaska’s “golden” past

Prospectors first came to Nome in 1898, and people still hunt for gold here today. You’ll see evidence of the Gold Rush era all around, including abandoned dredges, turn-of-the century steam engines and old railroad tracks, lending the town a unique and intriguing atmosphere. 

Wyatt Earp, the famous sheriff, opened a saloon here. Nome was also the end point of three of Roald Amundsen’s great polar expeditions. 

From here, you’ll take a flight to Seattle for an overnight stay.

End your adventure in the Emerald City

Waking up in your hotel in Seattle marks the end of your adventure through the Arctic labyrinth. After breakfast, and if you have time before your onward journey, why not explore the Emerald City and see what it has to offer?  

Why not take a stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park for incredible views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, admiring the work of renowned artists as you go. For a feast of the senses, visit the famous Pike Place Market. Operating for over a century, this lively farmer’s market boasts everything from buskers and bars to salmon-throwing fishmongers.