The Northwest Passage is the pinnacle of Arctic exploration; on this tour we go where the ice allows. We will explore the quaint villages, dramatic fjords and calving glaciers of Greenland, working our way north to spectacular Kap York. Visit landmark destinations including Canada's northernmost community and the Franklin expedition gravestones while embracing opportunities for rare wildlife sightings.
Arctic & Alaska
Into the Northwest Passage
17 Days aboard Ocean Endeavour. From NZD $26,843pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Cross the Arctic Circle as you sail the length of Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord)—190 kilometres!
- Cruise among icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Spend three days in one of Canada’s largest National Marine Conservation Areas, Tallurutiup Imanga, searching for marine life
- Seek polar bears, seabirds, and other Arctic wildlife in pristine natural environments
- Retrace the historic route of European explorers, who for centuries picked their way through ice in hopes of finding a sailing route through the passage
- Transit Ikirasak (Bellot Strait), the narrow and dramatic waterway at the very northern tip of continental North America
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
- Day 2: Sisimiut Coast
- Day 3: Ilulissat
- Day 4-5: Western Greenland
- Day 6: At Sea—Davis Strait
- Day 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, Canada
- Day 8-10: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
- Day 11: Beechey Island
- Day 12-13: Prince Regent Inlet
- Day 14-16: Kitikmeot Region
- Day 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. After our charter flight from Toronto, we will transfer to the Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac.
With 190 kilometres of superb scenery, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle as we go.
Day 2: Sisimiut Coast
Today we sail west Greenland’s complex coastal waterways, which include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location. Abundant fauna and marine life have supported human habitation here as far back as 4,500 years.
Day 3: Ilulissat
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.
We will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs, and visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.
Day 4-5: Western Greenland
Exploring by ship and Zodiac along the west coast of Greenland, we have numerous options for expedition stops, to make the most of weather and wildlife conditions. Departing Greenland, we cross Baffin Bay toward Nunavut.
Day 6: At Sea—Davis Strait
As we steam toward Nunavut, our expedition team will deepen your understanding of the Arctic. 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.
Day 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, Canada
Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting, a fascinating place to wander. The cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—handcrafted goods may be available here too.
Day 8-10: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
We will spend three days 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. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife.
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 ©Scott ForsythItinerary
13 the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from ship and on shore. Archaeological sites with expert interpretation allow us to learn about the Inuit history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll visit the remains of an RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.
Day 11: Beechey Island
In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with 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 the HMS Investigator was buried here in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.
Day 12-13: Prince Regent Inlet
This passage marks an area rich in marine and avian life. Thick-billed murres, ivory gulls, beluga, narwhal, and bowhead whales reside in the ice-strewn waters. In addition to abundant wildlife, we’ll delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Day 14-16: Kitikmeot Region
The traditional territory of the Netsilik Inuit, the Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Recently, the Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land. We will spend our time navigating the ice-strewn waters in search of wildlife.We’ll also call in at Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven) home of the Guardians of Terror Bay. The European name, Gjoa Haven, honours Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Amundsen became the first European to cross the Northwest Passage, thanks to the knowledge and largesse of Inuit. The community has an excellent cultural centre and is well known for carvings and wall hangings.
Day 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut.
Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate disembarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions.
Today we will disembark the Ocean Endeavourand make our way to the airport to meet our charter flights to Yellowknife, NT.
- Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
- Day 2: Sisimiut Coast
- Day 3: Ilulissat
- Day 4-5: Western Greenland
- Day 6: At Sea—Davis Strait
- Day 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, Canada
- Day 8-10: Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) & Devon Island
- Day 11: Beechey Island
- Day 12-13: Prince Regent Inlet
- Day 14-16: Kitikmeot Region
- Day 17: Kugluktuk, NU, Canada
Next Departure Date: 16 Aug 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Aug 2025 - 01 Sep 2025 | NZD$26843pp | ||
| Category 1 - Quad | NZD$26843pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 - Triple | NZD$30546pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 - Main Twin | NZD$34250pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 - Main Twin | NZD$37028pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 - Main Twin | NZD$39806pp | Contact us | |
| Category 6 - Comfort Twin | NZD$42583pp | Contact us | |
| Category 7 - Select Twin | NZD$45361pp | Contact us | |
| Category 8 - Superior Twin | NZD$48139pp | Contact us | |
| Category 9 - Junior Suite | NZD$50917pp | Contact us | |
| Category 10 - Suite | NZD$53694pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 - Quad
240 sq. ft, located on deck 4, interior cabin, 4 lower single beds, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, (separate shower room and powder room), TV, telephone.
Category 2 - Triple
200 sq. ft, located on deck 4, interior cabin, 3 lower single beds, 2 private bathrooms, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities., TV, telephone.
Category 3 - Main Twin
120 sq. ft., located on deck 5, 2 single beds, interior cabin, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 4 - Main Twin
100 sq. ft., located on deck 4, 2 single beds, exterior cabin, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, porthole window, unobstructed view.
Category 5 - Main Twin
115 sq. ft., located on deck 5, 2 single beds, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, picture window, unobstructed view.
Category 6 - Comfort Twin
135-175 sq. ft, 2 single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, 2 porthole windows or picture window, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 7 - Select Twin
145-190 sq. ft., 2 single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, window, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 8 - Superior Twin
180-210 sq. ft., 2 lower single beds or 1 matrimonial bed, picture windows, unobstructed view, sitting area, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Category 9 - Junior Suite
270-290 sq. ft, picture windows, unobstructed, matrimonial bed, private bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone, sitting area.
Category 10 - Suite
310 sq. ft., located on deck 7, forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed & private bathroom, bathtub, hairdryer, bathrobe, towels, bathroom amenities, TV, telephone.
Ocean Endeavour Deckplan
Specifications
- Type of vessel: Passenger Cruise Ship
- Capacity: 198 passengers
- Year built: 1982, Settin - Poland
- Refurbished: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018
- Registry: Bahamas
- Length: 450 ft
- Breadth: 69 ft
- Draft: 19 ft
- Ice Class: 1B
- Main Engines: 4x Skoda Sulzer
- Propellers: 2x variable pitch propellers
- Stabilisers: Girofin stablizers
- Bow-thruster: 600 kW / 800 hP
Whats included?
- Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Nikon Camera Trial Program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
What’s not included?
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
- Northbound Charter Flight: Toronto, ON to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Early-morning departure. Price: $1,450 USD
- Southbound Charter Flight: Kugluktuk, NU to Yellowknife, NT. Evening arrival. Price: $1,000 USD
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.
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