Antarctic
& Arctic
northwest passage
east to west
trip highligh­­­ts
Cruise the Northwest Passage
Sail along the dramatically beautiful west Greenland coastline
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord
Zodiac cruise through Croker Bay
Look for spotted walrus, polar bear, muskox
and caribou in Dundas Harbour
Explore Beechey, Bathurst & Melville Islands
Prince of Wales Strait
Trip Duration17 days
Trip Code: CNP
GradeDiscovery and Cruising
ActivitiesCruising, Wildlife Viewing
Summary17 day voyage, 16 nights aboard Ocean Endeavour
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for enquiring about our Northwest Passage East to West
voyage. It’s one of an ensemble of small group voyages to the
Polar Regions of Antarctica and the high Arctic, offered by World
Expeditions. Small group voyages help to maximize your time on
shore and create a more personal and interactive mood while on
the ship. Our zodiacs transfer us from ship to shore each day. If you
prefer to stay on the boat, then the Captains Bridge, library, film
room and bar will always keep you occupied, in between informative
lectures from experienced naturalists and polar guides. We hope you
will join us for a life changing experience!
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why travel with World Expeditions?
We offer unique, small‑group expedition cruises that allow you to
enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world’s most
spectacular and pristine shorelines. The size, capacity and capability of
our ice‑strengthend vessels have proven to be a successful formula for
many years.
northwest passage
east to west
Melville
Island
Kap York
Devon
Island
Victoria
Island
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife Kugluktuk
Greenland
Baffin
Bay
Baffin
Island
Karrat Fjord
Ilulissat
Kangerlussuaq
Canada
trip cost
Joining Kangerlussuaq Quadruple private:USD$8995
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Triple:
USD$10595
Interior Twin:
USD$12295
Exterior Twin:
USD$13795
Main Twin:
USD$15295
Comfort Twin:
USD$16795
Select Twin:
USD$18295
Superior Twin:
USD$19795
Junior Suite:
USD$21295
Suite:
USD$22795
Mandatory Discovery Fund Fee:
Optional Charter Flights:
USD$250
USD$2395
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange
for you to share a cabin with another traveller
of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a
single supplement is payable to guarantee single
occupancy of the cabin, ask us for pricing details.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
Commencing with a monumental cruise along one of Greenland’s longest fjords, this voyage
of discovery delves into the heart of the Northwest Passage. Sailing out to Davis Strait we
cross into the Arctic Circle and head north, stopping along the Sisimuit Coast, where we
encounter colourful houses set on the treeless tundra and meet the friendly locals to share
in their culture. In Ilulissat, we marvel at vast icefields and visit the vibrant fishing community
there. A hike through the tundra at Karrat Fjord provides opportunities for grand vistas and
encounters with the local wildlife. Crossing from Greenland to the Canadian Arctic, we will
continue our journey as conditions permit, exploring legendary locations swathed in ice and
bathed in northern light: Smith Sound, the Beaufort Sea, Prince of Wales Strait, Amundsen
Gulf, and Melville Island among them. Lancaster Sound is famous for its beluga whales and
other marine mammals. Beechey Island holds the graves of the ill‑fated Franklin expedition.
Our trip concludes in the Canadian town of Kugluktuk.
at a glance
DAY 1KANGERLUSSUAQ (SONDRE STROMFJORD), GREENLAND
DAY 2QEQQATA KOMMUNIA, GREENLAND
DAY 3ILULISSAT ICEFJORD
DAY 4KARAT FJORD
DAYS 5-7QAASUITSUP KOMMUNIA
DAY 8AUJUITTUQ (GRISE FIORD)
DAY 9COBURG ISLAND
DAY 10DEVON ISLAND
DAY 11BEECHEY ISLAND
DAY 12BATHURST ISLAND
DAY 13MELVILLE ISLAND
DAY 14BANKS ISLAND
DAY 15PRINCE OF WALES STRAIT
DAY 16ULUKHAKTOK (HOLMAN)
DAY 17KUGLUKTUK (COPPERMINE RIVER), TRIP CONCLUDES
additional deposits required
This Polar voyage require a USD1500 deposit. This deposit is non‑refundable and we
recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
what’s included
16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Services of expedition leaders
All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Service charges and port fees
Pre‑departure information
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Kangerlussuaq (Sondre Stromfjord), Greenland
Kangerlussuaq which means ‘The Big Fjord’ in Greenlandic, is appropriately named, covering 168km
in length. It lies at the head of the longest fjord in western Greenland, and has one of the most stable
climates in the region though temperatures can range from -50C in the winter to as high as 28C in
2 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 5/18/2017 10:49:25 AM
northwest passage
east to west
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife
trip dates
2017
22Aug - 07Sep
summer. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Toronto (Ontario) in the
early morning so we suggest you book one night pre-trip accommodation to ensure you do not miss
the flight.
meals: D
important notes
1 - Mandatory Discovery Fund Fee is payable
and is not included in cabin costs
2 - Optional charter flight costs include flights
Toronto to Kangerlussuaq and Kugluktuk to
Edmonton and are in addition to the cabin costs
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Arctic, Greenland, Canada
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are not
available for this trip
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Brochure Reference:
Polar
Ask our staff for more information.
DAY 2Qeqqata Kommunia, Greenland
There are a number of charming fishing villages along the west coast of Greenland. Depending on
timing and sea conditions, we will call in at one of these communities to experience small town
Greenlandic life, or we may navigate into the stunning fjords that line the coast. This is a day in
the true spirit of expedition travel and we will avail ourselves of the opportunities that present
themselves.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 3Ilulissat Icefjord
Sailing 250km north of the Arctic Circle we find the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat.
Translating literally into ‘iceberg, Ilulissat could not be more appropriately named. We will include
time in the colourful town and a have an opportunity to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where we
can observe the great fields of ice. We will also cruise in our fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where we find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one
of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19m per day and calving more than 35 square
kilometers of ice annually. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and,
because of its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap
glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 4Karat Fjord
Today we will cruise one of Greenland’s most spectacular fjords, Karat Fjord. During ice breakup,
narwhals and seals use the long leads created by high winds in this region to hunt the rich waters.
The cliffs within the fjord should give us good opportunities to see colonies of Dovekies. Spending
some time on deck today should result in some good wildlife sightings, not to mention unbeatable
photographic opportunities.
meals: B,L,D
DAYS 5-7Qaasuitsup Kommunia
To the north of the Upernavik Archipelago, Melville Bay opens to the southwest into Baffin Bay.
Its Kalaallisut name, Qimusseriarsuaq, means “the great dog sledding place”. Ice does not clear
from the bay each summer and it is totally isolated and uninhabited. Because of local winds and
extensive ice, Melville Bay is the site of dramatic landscape views. Moving into Smith Sound, we
will spend a day exploring this fabled body of water that 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. The Sound was named by William Baffin
after Sir Thomas Smythe, promoter of voyages to find a Northwest Passage. Between forty-eight and
seventy-two kilometres wide—and eighty-eight kilometres long—Smith Sound is often packed with
ice and provides favourable conditions for wildlife viewing.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)
Meaning ‘place that never thaws,’ and at 1,150km above the Arctic Circle, the town of Aujuittuq is
Canada’s northernmost civilian community. With a population of 165, we will be welcomed into this
peaceful and warm hamlet. Our activities will center around the school where we will have a chance
to meet members of the community and learn about their way of life.
meals: B,L,D
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northwest passage
east to west
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife
DAY 9Coburg Island
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
Discovery and Cruising
Although there is no commitment to
extended walking on this journey, we
nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on
the active’. We therefore advise that any
physical training you complete before
undertaking the trip will be to good effect.
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
At the entrance to Jones Sound is Coburg Island, whose spectacular seabird cliffs are a designated
National Wildlife Area. 30,000 pairs of black-legged kittiwakes and 160,000 pairs of thick-billed
murres crowd the rocky ledges on this island almost completely covered by an ice cap.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 10Devon Island
The largest uninhabited island in the world supports significant concentrations of wildlife, including
26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals. At Dundas Harbour we find the lonely
remains of an RCMP station dating from the 1920s. We have also spotted walrus, polar bear, muskox
and caribou here. At nearby Croker Bay, we have a chance to Zodiac cruise though this scenic bay
and marvel at icebergs, freshly calved from the glacier at the head of the bay.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 11Beechey Island
In 1845 Sir John Franklin took his expedition of 129 men in two ships into the Wellington Channel.
Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. It was two years before search parties were
launched. Aside from the bodies of three souls buried here, only relics were found as clues to the
disappearance. Until recently, the three graves had left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the
British party. Such is the interest in this story, the Canadian government recently announced a new
initiative to locate the missing Franklin vessels.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 12Bathurst Island
Good soil conditions and a rare wetland environment produce abundant vegetation here, making
Bathurst a major calving area for the endangered Peary Caribou. Here we also find Polar Bear Pass
National Wildlife Area, a migratory route for polar bears from March to November. The north half of
the island is the proposed Tuktusiuqvialuk National Park. There is a long human history on the island,
with evidence of Dorset and Thule habitation as early as 2,000 BC
meals: B,L,D
DAY 13Melville Island
Melville Island was first visited by British explorer Sir William Parry in 1819. Not only did he discover
the island, ice forced him to spend the winter in 1820 at what is now called ‘Winter Harbour’. The
island is named for Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, who was First Sea Lord at the time.
Melville Island is one of two major breeding grounds for a small sea goose, the Western High Arctic
Brant. DNA analysis and field observations suggest that these birds may be distinct from other brant
stocks. Numbering only 4,000-8,000 birds, this is one of the rarest goose stocks in the world.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 14Banks Island
Home to two thirds of the world’s population of Lesser Snow Geese, two federal Migratory Bird
Sanctuaries were founded in 1961. The island is home to Barren-ground Caribou, polar bears,
muskoxen, and birds such as robins and swallows. The first grizzly-polar bear hybrid found in the
wild, was on Banks Island in April 2006 near Sachs Harbour. Muskoxen, with a population of about
40,000, are the most striking of the abundant wildlife on the island. It was named Banks Island in
1820 by Sir William Parry in honour of British naturalist and botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 15Prince of Wales Strait
Prince of Wales Strait is part of the Arctic Ocean, extending northeastward for 275 km from the
Amundsen Gulf to Viscount Melville Sound and separating Banks and Victoria islands. It was
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northwest passage
east to west
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
discovered in 1850 by Robert McClure, the Irish explorer, who came within sight of the Viscount
Melville Sound before heavy ice forced him to turn back. It was named after Albert Edward, then
the Prince of Wales. It was not navigated until the RCMP patrol of Sgt Larsen in 1944. It has since
become the preferred route of large vessels making the passage.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 16Ulukhaktok (Holman)
Found on the west side of Victoria Island, The Hudson’s Bay Company post at Prince Albert Sound
was opened in 1923, moved to Walker Bay in 1928 and finally to Ulukhaktok (Holman) in 1939. The
large bluff that overlooks Ulukhaktok was the source that provided the slate and copper used to
make ulus and give the community its name. Ulukhaktok is also the location of the most northern
golf course in the Americas and hosts the “Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament” every
summer. Over the years they have managed to attract players from the Edmonton Oilers and the
Edmonton Eskimos, as well as golfers from other countries.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 17Kugluktuk (Coppermine River), trip concludes
Our trip concludes today in the town of Kugluktuk. Located at the mouth of the Coppermine river
to southwest of Victoria Island on the Coronation Gulf, Kugluktuk is the western most community
in Nunavut. Originally named Coppermine, it was renamed Kugluktuk according to its Inuinnaqtun
name meaning “place of moving waters”, on January 1st, 1996. The Coppermine River itself is
designated a Canadian Heritage River for the important role it played as an exploration and fur
trade route. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Kugluktuk bound for
Edmonton (Alberta) a few hours after disembarking the ship. Overnight accommodation in Edmonton
is recommended.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
boat cruise
Ocean Endeavour
Capacity: 198 passengers
Registry: Marshall Island
Length: 137 meters (450ft)
Sailing with a maximum of 198‑passengers, Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for
expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple
lounges and a top deck observation room, she is purpose‑built for passenger experiences
in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely
explore throughout the Arctic summer.
Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and 2014. At 137
meters (450ft) in length, Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Enjoy
multiple decks offering comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor dining, a swimming pool, sauna
and even a hot tub! The spacious interiors allow for multiple workshops and presentations
to occur simultaneously. Community is at the heart of Adventure Canada’s expedition
experience. We gather together to learn, enjoy a drink, sing a song or share a yarn –
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northwest passage
east to west
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife
connecting with one and other. The three lounges aboard Ocean Endeavour are fantastic public
spaces for seminars, events and dialogue.
The Ocean Endeavour’s private spaces are stylish and comfortable. All cabins have private
washroom facilities, a phone for internal calls, radio, TV and air‑conditioning. There are a variety
of cabin categories available ranging from 9‑30 m2 (100‑320 sq ft).
Ocean Endeavour’s crew is experienced, and friendly. Her shallow draft and manoeuvrability
allow her to access isolated fiords, bays and secluded communities. The stylish vessel is at
home among the glorious settings we seek. Enjoy the class and comfort of a boutique hotel,
while venturing to some of the world’s last great frontiers aboard the Ocean Endeavour!
a typical day
Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages we do not have a set itinerary. The
final decisions on our daily program will make best use of local ice and weather conditions,
spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. These notes are designed to give you a good idea of our
intentions.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist
with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives
may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special
requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary
medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
pre and post tour accommodation
Please ask your reservations consultant about pre & post tour accommodation options.
equipment required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information supplied on booking.
non exclusive trips
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and you will be joining a
group of 198 adventurers from around the world.
what’s not included
Charter Flights necessary to undertake journey.
US$250 Discovery Fund Fee
Travel to and from start /end point of trip
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Visa, passport and vaccination charges, and airport departure taxes
Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal
nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
Customary end of voyage tips for ship’s crew (approximately US$10 ‑ 14 per
passenger per day)
visas
Canada
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northwest passage
east to west
A voyage of exploration, history, culture and wildlife
Starting March 15, 2016, most travellers entering Canada will need an Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa. The following nationalities will require an eTA for visiting or
transiting by air (but not a visa):
Australian
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Applying for an eTA is a simple online process that takes just a few minutes. Please visit http://
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta‑start.asp. You will need your passport, a credit card, and an
email address. It costs CA$7 to get an eTA and it will be valid for up to five years. Government
advises passengers planning to visit the nation should apply for an eTA before purchasing a
ticket to enter the country, as applicants may be found to be in‑admissible and refused entry
due to fraud or a criminal history. *U.S. citizens do not need an eTA or a visa, providing you
don’t have a criminal record. However, proper identification must be presented at the border.
Should you have a criminal record please contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate
General.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
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