Northwest Passage: In the footsteps of Franklin
Northwest Passage: In the footsteps of Franklin
Northwest Passage: In the footsteps of Franklin
17 Days Starting in Toronto and ending in Calgary
Visiting: Canada, Greenland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMWW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Age range:
8-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Put down your mobile phone and answer the call of the wild on this adventure across the waters of the Canadian Arctic. Encounter Inuit culture, explore landscapes that bring the drama, spot unique wildlife and holiday like an explorer of old (except, you know, with a sauna and helicopters). From Toronto, fly to the western shores of Greenland and begin your Arctic exploration on board a state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Cross the Davis Strait to remote landing sites on Baffin Island, scouring the skies for migrating birds and the waters for whale pods. Your journey will take you high to the Northwest Passage, sailing through immense fjords, past calving glaciers and to some of the world’s most remote shores. True wilderness has never been closer than during these 17 days in the Arctic.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Toronto – the capital of Ontario and the gateway to the Canadian Arctic. You are free to arrive at any time today and make your own way to your included pre-trip accommodation. On arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for your flight to Greenland tomorrow. An expedition representative will be available in the lobby this evening to answer any questions you may have.
Day 2 Kangerlussuaq – Embarkation Day
After breakfast, transfer to Toronto Airport and board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq – a small seaside community on Greenland’s west coast. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you transfer from shore to ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and take in your new surroundings.
Day 3-4 West Greenland
For the next couple of days, your vessel will follow the coast so you can explore Greenland. Cruise around settlements like Maniitsoq – an archipelago broken by natural canals – and Nuuk, the colourful capital. Here, explore the Hans Egede church and statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. You may also enjoy visits to the Greenland National Museum, Nuuk Art Museum or Katuaq Cultural Centre. Marvel at your picturesque surroundings as you explore one of the world’s most remote capital cities.
Day 5 At Sea
Cruise away from Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait to the Canadian Arctic. Your expert crew will be giving talks and presentations to get you ready for the Arctic adventures that lie ahead. You might want to take advantage of the ship’s fully equipped fitness centre and spa facilities, too.
Day 6-15 Canadian High Arctic
Enjoy almost ten days of exploration in Canada’s Arctic, following in the footsteps of old-school explorers. Your expedition crew will have a tentative itinerary set; however, weather, sea and ice conditions will all affect the voyage’s shore landings and wildlife-spotting opportunities. We plan to visit the Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nestled beneath the peaks of Mt Duval. Here, you can learn about traditional lithographs and tapestries from local craftspeople. Your vessel will also traverse the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, during which time you can take Zodiac and helicopter jaunts on sightseeing and shore visits. Continue to the Northwest Passage, stopping to see Inuit communities, ancient Thule remains, reminders of past voyages and a dazzling array of natural wonders on the way. Expect to cruise past pods of whales and the soaring mountains of the region’s fjords, as well as glaciers, icebergs, and majestic mountain sites. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird and polar bear sightings. Your journey will be enhanced with hiking and kayaking opportunities, plus time to simply relax on deck and soak in the purity of the landscape.
Day 16 Resolute – Disembarkation Day – Toronto
This morning, your ship will cruise towards Resolute, where you will disembark on arrival. On land, transfer to the airport and take your included charter flight back to Toronto, then take a group transfer to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 17 Toronto
Your Greenland and Canadian High Arctic adventure comes to an end this morning, with no other activities planned.
What's Included
16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Included Activities
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (14 nights), Comfortable Hotel (2 nights)
Important Information
- Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
- BOOKING CONDITIONS
- To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
- Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
- ADVENTURE OPTIONS
- Kayaking is available to book on this voayage. This must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, there are other included optional activities offered on some voyages such as hiking. This activity does not need to be booked in advance and no additional cost applies.
Mode of Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
You will be supplied with an expedition parka and waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for a detailed guide on what to bring with you.
On this journey, you will climb in and out of small Zodiac boats quite regularly to explore and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac.
Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings by Zodiac, and you will be hiking on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.