Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
16 DAYS | TORONTO to CALGARY
Trip Overview
Few journeys capture the imagination quite like the fabled Northwest Passage. For centuries, explorers dreamed of finding a way through this remote maze of ice, islands, and Arctic seas. Today, you can sail these same waters on a once-in-a-season expedition with Aurora Expeditions—one of the most extraordinary adventures on Earth.
This is a journey where history and nature collide. You’ll visit Inuit communities that have thrived here for millennia, walk in the footsteps of Franklin’s ill-fated expedition, and witness landscapes that are as stark as they are beautiful. For photographers, the light alone is worth the trip—long Arctic days where icebergs glow pink and gold, and muskoxen graze against a backdrop of sweeping tundra. For birders, the high Arctic skies fill with kittiwakes, fulmars, and jaegers, while the islands shelter nesting seabirds in their thousands. And for nature lovers, the chance to glimpse polar bears patrolling the ice or narwhals breaking the surface is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Life onboard is relaxed and adventurous. Each day brings shore landings, zodiac cruises, and the possibility of rare wildlife encounters. Lectures and briefings add depth, but it’s the silence of the Arctic—broken only by the crack of shifting ice—that stays with you long after the voyage ends.
Highlights
- Sail the legendary Northwest Passage, a once-in-a-season voyage.
- Visit Inuit communities and learn from local guides.
- Photograph icebergs glowing under Arctic light.
- Search for polar bears, muskoxen, and elusive narwhals.
- Birdwatch for jaegers, fulmars, and high Arctic seabirds.
- Explore historic expedition sites linked to Franklin’s voyages.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 – Embark in Greenland and sail west across Baffin Bay.
Days 2–14 – Explore the islands, fjords, and ice of the Northwest Passage. Daily zodiac cruises, shore excursions, and wildlife viewing. Visits to Inuit communities and historic sites.
Day 15 – Disembark in Canada (location varies by departure).
(This is an indicative outline—detailed itineraries vary by season and ice conditions.)
INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
- Accommodation aboard a purpose-built expedition ship.
- All meals and snacks onboard.
- Daily guided excursions by zodiac and on foot.
- Expert naturalists, historians, and Inuit cultural interpreters.
- Park permits and conservation fees.
Exclusions:
- International airfares (unless specified in the itinerary).
- Travel insurance (mandatory for expedition travel).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bar, and gratuities.
- Optional activities not listed in the inclusions.
- Pre- or post-trip arrangements not specified (these can be added on request).
PRICE
Per person, in Australian dollars (AUD)
This price is provided as a guide and is based on current exchange rates from Canadian dollars (CAD). Due to currency fluctuations and varying operating costs, the final price may differ slightly. We're happy to prepare a personalised quote tailored to your travel dates and preferences.
The Wild North Touch
This is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, and we’ll make sure it’s seamless from start to finish. Begin your journey with time in Toronto before your flight to Greenland, and on return, extend your holiday with a Rocky Mountain wilderness experience from Calgary—whether that’s a stay in Banff or Jasper, a lodge tucked deep in the forest, or a few quiet days exploring alpine lakes. We take care of the details so you can focus on the journey.
