Franklin's Trail Through the Ice Labyrinth of the Northwest Passage

16-day expedition cruise from Greenland westward through Canada's Arctic

Taking the Zodiac to where ships once got stuck in the sea ice

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Sylvia Earle

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Max. 130 passengers

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16 days

between Toronto and Calgary

16-day expedition cruise between Toronto and Calgary through West Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic | max. 130 passengers | Travel to and from the ship via charter flight

+++ Up to 10% early-bird discount on select trips in 2027 for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 +++
+++ Up to €2,600 in flight credit on select trips in 2027 for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 +++

The Northwest Passage has attracted generations of seafarers; its unpredictable sea ice once prevented ships from passing through. On this expedition cruise, you’ll travel from Nuuk and the ice fjord of Ilulissat on Greenland's west coast, across Baffin Bay, the Lancaster Sound, the eastern entrance to the passage, where Beechey Island The graves of the Franklin Expedition and Somerset Island preserve the traces of their search parties.

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Your home on this route is the Sylvia Earle, built in 2022, which carries a maximum of 130 passengers. Its forward-tilted bow (Ulstein X-BOW) cuts through the swell, making for a smoother ride; the expedition team decides day by day where the Zodiacs will head, based on weather and ice conditions. On board, you’ll find a lecture hall, a citizen science center, a sauna, and a heated outdoor pool.

In Sisimiut and Pond Inlet, you'll encounter Inuit communities whose families have lived along these coasts for millennia. On Devon Island, keep an eye out for musk oxen, caribou, walruses, and polar bears, and on the second of the two departures, the dark nights return, offering the chance to see the Northern Lights.

The trip is fully organized: Charter flights between Canada and the ship, one night’s hotel stay with breakfast on the first and penultimate days of the trip, all transfers mentioned in the itinerary, all shore excursions and Zodiac rides, a waterproof 3-in-1 polar jacket to keep, and rental rubber boots are included in the tour price.

Before or after your Northwest Passage cruise, it’s worth spending some time in Canada: From Toronto, it’s about 130 kilometers to Niagara Falls, and from Calgary, you can reach Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains in about 90 minutes; Lake Louise is about an hour further on. Feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to put together a personalized itinerary for your pre- or post-cruise stay.

Stephanie Gräf

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Good to know

Arrival and Departure: One night’s hotel stay with breakfast in Toronto and one in Calgary—on the first and fifteenth days of the trip, respectively—is included in the tour price, as are all transfers listed in the itinerary and the charter flights between Canada and the ship. International flights to Toronto and from Calgary (or vice versa for September departures) are not included; upon request, we can arrange your flights. We’d be happy to put together pre- and post-tour itineraries for you in Canada.

Entry Requirements: For Canada and Greenland (which is part of Denmark), German citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months upon their return; for entry into Canada by air, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is also required. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Canada and Denmark (which has jurisdiction over Greenland). Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.

Onboard Currency: The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. All expenses are charged to your onboard account and settled at the end of the voyage by credit card or in cash in U.S. dollars.

Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Graves of the Franklin Expedition – Three men from the 1845 expedition are buried on Beechey Island, the very spot where Roald Amundsen went ashore in 1903.
  • Ilulissat Icefjord – From the lookout point above this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see what the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier pushes into the sea every day: 20 million metric tons of ice.
  • Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth —you’ll hike across undulating tundra between table mountains and glacial valleys, while walruses rest in Dundas Harbour Bay.
  • Inuit Communities – In Sisimiut, a turf house and the church with its whale-bone gate; in Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), the residents and their perspective on life in the Arctic.
  • 500,000 seabirds on Prince Leopold Island —the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with ringed seals on the sea ice and polar bears nearby.
  • Bellot Strait —two kilometers wide at its narrowest point, with strong tidal currents at the northernmost point of the North American mainland.
  • Charter flights to the ship —between Toronto and Nuuk, and between Resolute and Calgary, with one night's hotel stay at each end of the trip.
  • Northern Lights in Late Summer – On the second descent, the dark nights return, offering a chance to see the Northern Lights over the passage.

route

Itinerary for the 16-day trip: Charter flight from Toronto to Nuuk; ship route via Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Northwest Greenland, Pond Inlet, Lancaster Sound, and Prince Leopold Island to Resolute; charter flight to Calgary

itinerary

From Toronto along Greenland's west coast to Lancaster Sound

Day 1 | Arrival in Toronto

You’ll arrive in Toronto and take the free hotel shuttle to the group hotel at the airport, the Westin Toronto Airport Hotel. At the hotel front desk, you’ll pick up your luggage tags for your cabin and receive instructions from the ground crew on the boarding process and tomorrow’s charter flight to Nuuk.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. The hotel stay with breakfast is included in the tour price, but meals for that day are not.

Please note that the second departure in mid-September (September 12, 2027) follows the reverse route: It begins in Calgary with a charter flight to Resolute, continues eastward via Lancaster Sound, Pond Inlet, Feacham Bay on Baffin Island, and northwestern Greenland to Ilulissat and Sisimiut, and ends with a charter flight from Nuuk to Toronto.

Toronto
Nordic settlement with colorful wooden houses by the sea

Day 2 | Charter flight to Nuuk and boarding

After breakfast, your charter flight to Greenland takes off. In Nuuk, the island’s capital, the Sylvia Earle is already waiting; your luggage, which was tagged with cabin tags that morning, is waiting for you in the cabin.

You'll settle in, attend the safety briefings, and get to know your expedition team and the crew that evening.

Day 3 | Sisimiut

In the morning, the ship sets course north toward the Arctic Circle; then Sisimiut comes into view—Greenland’s second-largest city, just north of the Arctic Circle. The town is known for its old blue church with its gate made of whale bone; the museum next door features a reconstruction of an Inuit turf house, as well as exhibits on the region’s history.

About 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived here from Canada and remained for about 2,000 years before disappearing from the region. Around 500 A.D., the Dorset culture followed, and in the 13th century, the Thule culture, from which most of Sisimiut’s residents today are descended.

Blue wooden church in a seaside settlement
Hiker on the wooden boardwalk across the tundra toward the Ilulissat Icefjord

Day 4 | Ilulissat

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ilulissat, the “birthplace of icebergs.” On the way to the lookout point overlooking the ice fjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the view of the vast expanse before you opens up with every step.

The Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, also known as the Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier in the entire Northern Hemisphere: Every day, it pushes 20 million metric tons of ice into the fjord, which then drifts further into Disko Bay.

Days 5 and 6 | Expedition in Northwest Greenland

Two days are spent in the remote northwest of Greenland, where Inuit settlements cling to the rugged coastline and icebergs drift through deep, clear water. Day after day, the expedition team searches for the best spot to explore fjord systems like the Uummannaq Fjord by Zodiac; behind every headland, icebergs and colorful rock formations await.

Whether you glide silently through ice-covered waters, hike across the tundra, or visit one of the coastal communities depends in part on the weather. Those who have booked a sea kayak (for an additional fee) will paddle among drifting icebergs while keeping an eye out for humpback and minke whales.

Sea kayaks in front of a glacier face in Greenland
View from the sea of the mountains along the Greenlandic coast beneath the clouds

Day 7 | At Sea

The ship crosses Baffin Bay from Greenland to Canada, the longest stretch of open sea on this voyage. From the observation lounges, you have a view of the sea, and the forward-leaning bow ensures a smooth ride through the swell.

In the lecture hall, the expedition team will introduce you to the High Arctic, which you are heading toward; in between, there will be time for the sauna and the heated outdoor pool.

Day 8 | Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik)

After clearing Canadian customs, the next stop on the itinerary is Pond Inlet, weather and ice permitting: the Inuit community of Mittimatalik at the northern tip of Baffin Island, surrounded by glaciated mountains and deep fjords.

On land, the locals will welcome you; during these encounters, you'll learn what life in the Arctic is like from their perspective.

An iceberg is drifting in the ocean
The Sylvia Earle in front of a glacier face and Table Mountain in Croker Bay on Devon Island
Rugged rocky coastline

Days 9 through 14 | Expedition through the Northwest Passage

Six days of expedition, with the itinerary determined by weather conditions and sea ice: The following locations are among those the team hopes to visit.

Located at nearly 75 degrees north, Devon Island (Tallurutit) is the largest uninhabited island on Earth, featuring table mountains, glacial valleys, and nutrient-rich waters that have earned it the nickname “Wildlife Superhighway.” In Dundas Harbour, hikes wind through undulating tundra, passing an abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and the remains of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post; walruses are often seen in the bay. Croker Bay and the sheltered Maxwell Bay —home to musk oxen, caribou, and seals—are also possible destinations.

At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island (Iluvilik), a Canadian National Historic Site: It was here that Franklin’s expedition sought the passage in 1845–46 aboard the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror; three of his men are buried on the island, and in 1903, Roald Amundsen went ashore during the first complete transit of the passage. Just a short distance away, in Radstock Bay below Caswall Tower, lies a Thule village with well-preserved stone dwellings and whale skeletons on the gravel beach.

Across Lancaster Sound rise the bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island, where some 500,000 birds nest in the summer and where James Clark Ross spent the winter of 1848 while searching for Franklin. In Port Leopold on Somerset Island, the number “1849” carved into the rock commemorates the search expeditions; next to it stands the hut of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post that was abandoned in the 1920s. At Elwin Bay and Batty Bay, keep an eye out for polar bears at the ice edge and belugas off the coast.

Finally, the Bellot Strait —which is two kilometers wide at its narrowest point—separates Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula and marks the northernmost point of the North American mainland. Strong tidal currents and drifting ice continue to make it a challenging passage to this day.

Days 15 and 16 | Resolute, charter flight to Calgary, and departure

In Resolute, you’ll say goodbye to the crew, the expedition team, and your fellow travelers. A Zodiac will take you ashore, and a shuttle will transport you to the airport; from there, a charter flight will take you to Calgary, where you’ll spend the night at the group hotel, the Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District.

After breakfast on the sixteenth day, you'll check out; a shuttle will take you to the airport, where your trip ends or your post-tour activities begin.

Evening skyline of Calgary

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages. 

activities

Zodiac rides (included)

Zodiac in the Arctic Ocean

As soon as the ship drops anchor, the Zodiacs are launched: into bays such as Croker Bay, along glacier fronts, and among the icebergs of the fjord systems of Northwest Greenland. The team aims for two outings a day, or more if the weather, daylight, and route permit.

From the water, you’re closest to the animals: walruses on the ice, seals on the ice floes, and belugas that move with the tides. Every shore excursion begins in a Zodiac, which takes you to the pebble beaches and communities along the Passage. Included.

Shore Excursions and Hikes (Included)

Hikers in barren northern landscape

On land, the journey takes you across the undulating tundra of Devon Island, to the ruins of the Thule village in Radstock Bay, to the graves on Beechey Island, and to Port Leopold, passing through peculiar formations created by the region’s freeze-thaw cycles.

The expedition team will decide where the hike will take us based on the weather and ice conditions, and anyone who wants to walk more slowly can stay close to the shore. You can rent rubber boots for the duration of the trip. Included.

Wildlife and Bird Watching (included)

Musk ox on the green tundra of Greenland

The nutrient-rich waters of the Devon Islands attract wildlife: musk oxen and caribou roam Maxwell Bay, walruses rest in Dundas Harbor, harbor seals, ringed seals, and bearded seals lounge on the ice, and polar bears hunt along the ice edge at Elwin Bay.

In the summer, around 500,000 seabirds nest on Prince Leopold Island, while ice gulls and ice petrels circle over Maxwell Bay. What we see depends on the weather, ice conditions, and chance; the naturalists on the expedition team are available on deck to answer questions. Included.

Encounters in Inuit Communities (inclusive)

Colorful wooden houses on the Nordic coast

The Northwest Passage is home to the Inuit; they live in 53 communities along the shores of the Arctic Ocean, with their settlements stretching from Alaska through Canada to Greenland. Two of these communities are on the itinerary: Sisimiut and Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik).

During the visits, the residents share their perspectives on life in the Arctic. Inclusive.

Polar Plunge (included)

A woman jumps into the Arctic Ocean

At some point during the expedition, the command is given: “Polar Plunge.” Those who dare jump into the polar waters, while the rest watch from the deck.

Afterward, you can warm up in the sauna or the heated outdoor pool. Included, weather permitting.

Lectures and Citizen Science (included)

Citizen Science Center with seating and a view of the ocean

In the lecture hall, naturalists and destination experts explain the history of the passage, Inuit cultures, wildlife, and climate change, while outside, the coastline unfolds before our eyes.

At the Citizen Science Center, you can watch the team as they conduct their ongoing observations, with an unobstructed view straight ahead over the bow. Included.

Sea kayak (for an additional fee)

Kayak trip in the Arctic Ocean

In a small, fixed group of up to ten people per guide, you’ll paddle five to 15 kilometers per outing for two to four hours, often including a stop in coves that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Depending on the weather, the program usually takes place whenever the other passengers are also heading out.

The team provides dry suits and kayaking shoes; when you book, you’ll pay a separate deposit of 250 € per person. Available for an additional fee, starting at 840 € per person; currently fully booked for the 2027 trips.

 

DATES & PRICES

Request your trip here!

August 30, 2027 – September 14, 2027

Starting at €25,362 ; €22,826 per person

16 days/15 nights

MS Sylvia Earle (Maximum occupancy: 130)

Toronto, Canada Calgary, Canada

Up to 10% early-bird discount for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

minus €2,600 in flight credit for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

About the cabins and prices

September 12, 2027 – September 27, 2027

Starting at €22,691 ; €20,021 per person

16 days/15 nights

MS Sylvia Earle (Maximum occupancy: 130)

Calgary, Canada Toronto, Canada

€2,600 in flight credit for new bookings made by September 30, 2026

About the cabins and prices

Selected date

August 30, 2027 – September 14, 2027 (16 days/15 nights)

MS Sylvia Earle | Franklin's Trail Through the Ice Labyrinth of the Northwest Passage

Aurora Cabin Triple

Maximum occupancy: 3 persons
Outside cabin with porthole, approx. 20 m², king-size bed and single bed or 3 single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar* (only available on certain dates)
22,691 € €20,423 per person
Inquire now

Aurora Superior Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with French balcony, approx. 17.20 m² - 18.10 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
€24,649 €22,185 per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. C

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 172 ft² - 233 ft², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, closet, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
25,362 € €22,826 per person
Inquire now

Balcony cabin Cat. B

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 18.80 m² - 21.80 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
26,697 € €24,027 per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. A

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Premium cabins on board in a preferred location on Deck 4 or 6, balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 21 m² - 28 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
28,655 € €25,790 per person
Inquire now

Superior Balcony Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 26 m² - 31.2 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*, some wheelchair accessible
31,325 € €28,193 per person
Inquire now

Junior Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Suite with private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 38.8 m² - 39.09 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, separate lounge area, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, closet, safe, desk, air conditioning, complimentary minibar (no refills), 1 complimentary bottle of champagne per suite, 1 complimentary pair of binoculars per suite, $15 gratuity for crew per person per day included
37,377 € €33,640 per person
Inquire now

Captain's Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Suite with private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 40.6 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, separate lounge area, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, safe, desk, air conditioning, complimentary minibar (not restocked), 1 complimentary bottle of champagne per suite, 1 complimentary pair of binoculars per suite, $15 gratuity for crew per person per day included
42,718 € 38,446 € per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
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Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Selected date

September 12, 2027 – September 27, 2027 (16 days/15 nights)

MS Sylvia Earle | Franklin's Trail Through the Ice Labyrinth of the Northwest Passage

Aurora Cabin Triple

Maximum occupancy: 3 persons
Outside cabin with porthole, approx. 20 m², king-size bed and single bed or 3 single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar* (only available on certain dates)
22,691 € €20,021 per person
Inquire now

Aurora Superior Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Outside cabin with French balcony, approx. 17.20 m² - 18.10 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
24,649 € €21,979 per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. C

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 172 ft² - 233 ft², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, closet, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
25,362 € €22,691 per person
Inquire now

Balcony cabin Cat. B

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 18.80 m² - 21.80 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
26,697 € €24,026 per person
Inquire now

Balcony Cabin Cat. A

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Premium cabins on board in a preferred location on Deck 4 or 6, balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 21 m² - 28 m², king-size bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*
28,655 € €25,985 per person
Inquire now

Superior Balcony Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 26 m² - 31.2 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk, safe, air conditioning, minibar*, some wheelchair accessible
€31,325 €28,655 per person
Inquire now

Junior Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Suite with private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 38.8 m² - 39.09 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, separate lounge area, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, closet, safe, desk, air conditioning, complimentary minibar (no refills), 1 complimentary bottle of champagne per suite, 1 complimentary pair of binoculars per suite, $15 gratuity for crew per person per day included
37,377 € €34,707 per person
Inquire now

Captain's Suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons
Suite with private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 40.6 m², king-size bed or 2 single beds, separate lounge area, bathroom with shower, 42" flat-screen TV, wardrobe, safe, desk, air conditioning, complimentary minibar (not restocked), 1 complimentary bottle of champagne per suite, 1 complimentary pair of binoculars per suite, $15 gratuity for crew per person per day included
42,718 € €40,047 per person
Inquire now

cabin

options

How many people are traveling?
single cabin supplement
shared cabin
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

personal data

Traveler 1 Are you traveling as a tour organizer?
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.

By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
X

Summary

German-speaking
1xcabin

activities

Information

Included services:

  • One night's hotel stay with breakfast in Toronto and one in Calgary, on Day 1 and Day 15
  • Charter flights between Toronto and Nuuk, as well as between Resolute and Calgary (in the opposite direction for the September departure)
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • Accommodations in the booked cabin with daily cabin service
  • All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices on board
  • Beer and house wine with dinner
  • Farewell reception for the captain, featuring a four-course meal, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac trips
  • Presentations and guidance from the expedition team
  • Initial consultation with the ship's doctor and access to the onboard clinic
  • A waterproof 3-in-1 fleece jacket worth keeping
  • Rental rubber boots for the duration of the trip
  • Wi-Fi on board; the connection may be unreliable in remote areas
  • Port fees, permits, and landing fees
  • Tips for local guides, drivers, and facilities during the excursions
  • Detailed travel documents before departure

Not included:

  • International and domestic flights, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary (we can arrange flights upon request)
  • Transfers, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
  • Airport Taxes and Fees
  • Passport, Visas, and Vaccinations
  • International Health Insurance and the Costs of Medical Evacuation
  • Hotel accommodations and meals, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activity for an additional fee: Sea kayaking
  • Alcoholic Beverages Outside of Dinner
  • Personal expenses such as laundry service, the onboard shop, telephone charges, and medical treatment beyond the initial consultation
  • Tips for the crew: $15 per person per day will be charged to your onboard account and can be adjusted. For suites, this amount is already included.

Important:

  • We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
  • Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
  • The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
  • Expedition language: English. A German-speaking guide is not provided.
  • Landings are made via Zodiac and require sure-footedness on uneven terrain; the optional sea kayaking activity requires good physical fitness. If you have limited mobility, please contact us before booking.
  • We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
  • The two itineraries for this trip run in opposite directions: at the end of August, from Toronto via Nuuk to Resolute and Calgary; in mid-September, from Calgary via Resolute to Nuuk and Toronto. The order of the port calls depends on the direction of travel.
  • The insurance coverage must also include baggage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption, as well as repatriation and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of $250,000; the insurance details must be submitted before the final payment is made.
  • 90 days before departure, you will receive a medical questionnaire, which must be returned no later than 45 days before departure (if booked within three months of departure, no later than 20 days before departure); a doctor’s certificate confirming your fitness to travel may also be required.
  • In the Inuit communities we visit, traditional hunting—including whale hunting—continues to this day. If you have any questions about this, please speak with the expedition team, who will be happy to answer them.
  • Bookable for ages 6 and up; travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire expedition.

Your ship during the voyage

Exterior view of the Sylvia Earle in front of an ice wall

Her Ship: Sylvia Earle

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there and back?

The trip begins in Toronto and ends in Calgary; for the September departure, the order is reversed. International flights to these destinations are not included in the tour price; upon request, we’d be happy to arrange your flights. Once you arrive, many details are already taken care of: one night’s hotel stay with breakfast on the first and fifteenth days of the trip, all transfers listed in the itinerary, and the charter flights between Canada and the ship are included. From Toronto, you’ll take the free hotel shuttle to the group hotel at the airport.

Do I need a visa?

German citizens do not need a visa to travel to Canada or Greenland; a valid passport is sufficient. To enter Canada by air, you must also obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which must be applied for online before departure. We have provided links here to the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Canada and Denmark (which has jurisdiction over Greenland). Travelers of other nationalities should contact us directly, as different regulations may apply.

Why is the trip taking place in late August and September?

The best time to travel through the Northwest Passage is during the summer, from July through September: Weather conditions are most favorable then, and the likelihood of unobstructed passage is highest. Both departures fall at the end of this window. On the second departure in mid-September, the dark nights return, and a clear sky may reveal the Northern Lights over the passage. Space is limited for each departure; we’d be happy to let you know the current availability.

What animals might I see along the way?

The Canadian Arctic is home to musk oxen, polar bears, walruses, beluga whales, ringed seals, and bearded seals—and, with a little luck, the elusive narwhal. Devon Island is nicknamed the “Wildlife Superhighway” because of its nutrient-rich waters; on Prince Leopold Island, around 500,000 seabirds nest in the summer; and in West Greenland, humpback and minke whales migrate among the icebergs. What you see depends on the weather, ice conditions, and chance—there are no guarantees of sightings in the Arctic. Naturalists from the expedition team will answer your questions on deck.

What should I pack for the Arctic?

You’ll be provided with the essentials: You may keep the waterproof 3-in-1 polar jacket after the trip, and you’ll be loaned rubber boots for the duration of the expedition. Underneath, the layering principle works best with warm, windproof, and waterproof layers, plus a hat, gloves, and sunglasses for the Zodiac trips. You’ll receive a detailed packing list with your travel documents before departure.

How fit do I need to be for this expedition?

For the shore excursions, you should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, even over uneven terrain. Those who move more slowly on rough terrain can stay near the shore and see the same scenery from there. Please inform us of any physical limitations well in advance of departure; these should not prevent you from participating. Please also keep in mind: The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities; people with life-threatening medical conditions or who require daily medical treatment cannot participate.

Will I be well taken care of as a solo traveler?

Solo travelers are warmly welcome on our expeditions. A surcharge applies to the double-occupancy rate for a private cabin: 50 percent in the cabin categories, 100 percent in the suites; the triple cabin cannot be booked for single occupancy. If you do not wish to book a private cabin, you may be accommodated in shared cabins on board. In this case, you’ll be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and, possibly, a different nationality. No single-occupancy surcharges apply. Shared shore excursions and the lecture program will quickly help you strike up conversations with your fellow travelers, and at mealtimes, you’re free to sit wherever and with whomever you’d like. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll find the right solution for you.

How do the two departures on this trip differ?

The trip at the end of August begins in Toronto with a charter flight to Nuuk and follows a westward route via Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Northwest Greenland, and Pond Inlet into Lancaster Sound; it ends in Resolute with a charter flight to Calgary. The trip in mid-September follows the reverse route from Calgary via Resolute to Nuuk and Toronto; it also includes a stop at Feacham Bay on Baffin Island, and the darker nights offer the chance to see the Northern Lights. In both cases, the itinerary is intended as a guide; weather and sea ice conditions will determine the actual itinerary.

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