From Greenland to the Canadian High Arctic on an icebreaker
from Reykjavik, Iceland
to Calgary, Canada
17 days (16 nights)
MS Ocean Explorer | Ultramarine
17-day polar expedition (16 nights) on the legendary Northwest Passage from Reykjavik, embarkation at Nuuk (Greenland) along West Greenland and Baffin Bay via Kangerlussuaq to Calgary.
+++ Up to 15% discount +++ Limited offer +++
Aboard the MS Ocean Explorer or the Ultramarine, you will follow in the footsteps of the courageous Franklin expedition, which set sail from the coast of England in 1845 to discover the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage – only to become trapped in the ice forever. It was not until more than a century and a half later that Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first to successfully traverse the sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A moving moment in polar history.
This polar expedition takes you to a variety of significant places, each with its own story to tell: about the culture of the Thule, the Inuit, centuries of courageous explorers, the preacher Hans Egede, and the Cold War.
Visit Inuit villages, mummies, and capitals along your route, hike through the colorful tundra, and keep an eye out for whales, walruses, musk oxen, and polar bears. Back on board in the evening, not only will the comfort of your cabin await you, but also cozy dinners, relaxation in the sauna, good conversation, or a book and a glass of wine in the library. Come aboard and return with unforgettable memories.
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: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels in Canada, and pre- and post-program activities in the region.
A heart for solo travelers: If you don't want a single cabin, shared cabins are available on board.
Entry requirements: German citizens need a passport (or temporary passport) to enter Canada. Travel documents must be valid for at least the duration of the stay. Please note that you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online in advance.
Insurance: It is advisable to take out international health insurance .
Medical questionnaire: Completing a medical questionnaire before departure is mandatory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive exploration of the highlights of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic aboard a state-of-the-art icebreaker with excellent catering, stylish cabins, library, and sauna.
- Tour of notable places in West Greenland – including villages, the capital Nuuk, and Maniitsoq, the Venice of Greenland
- Insights into the life and culture of the Inuit and Thule peoples
- Searching for clues on Beechey Island: Where did Sir Franklin and his crew meet their demise during their polar expeditions?
- Impressions of the famous Caswell Towers mountain formation in Lancaster Sound
- Crossing borders at Zenith Point, the northernmost point of the North American continent
- Experience an actively calving glacier in Dundas Harbor
- Dancing under the midnight sun, aurora borealis season starts in mid-August
- Observation of Arctic wildlife, such as bowhead whales, humpback whales, walruses, and musk oxen
- Visit the famous 500-year-old mummies at the Greenland National Museum
- A wide range of activities such as Zodiac excursions, hikes, and kayaking trips
route
itinerary
Bringing legends back to life on the Northwest Passage
Day 1 | Arrival in Reykjavik
Your Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik. Explore the city or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.
Day 2 | Flight to Nuuk, Greenland & embarkation
After breakfast, you will fly to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Zodiacs will be waiting for you there to take you to your ship. On deck, you will have time to take in your new surroundings before setting off on your adventure along the legendary sea route.
Please note that for the trip on August 30, 2027, embarkation will take place in Kangerlussuaq.
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Day 3 | Crossing the Davis Strait
After departing Nuuk, we cross the Davis Strait to the east coast of Baffin Island. Join us on the outer deck as we set sail and keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life gliding alongside the ship. Have your binoculars ready to observe seabirds such as the glaucous gull and black-billed murre.
There are many ways to spend your time on board. Visit the Tundra Spa and other amenities on board, or attend informative lectures given by our polar experts—glaciologists, historians, and other specialists.
There will also be mandatory safety briefings with our expedition team, where we will explain how we will safely explore this remote and fascinating Arctic region. Take the opportunity to relax in the Observation Lounge while watching drift ice, seabirds, and other wildlife. From the outside decks, you can enjoy the vast panoramas of West Greenland as we cross the Arctic Circle at 66°33′ North.
Days 4 and 5| Exploring the east coast of Baffin Island
We are excited to travel to Qikiqtarjuaq, affectionately known as "Qik" – a small Inuit village north of the Arctic Circle on Broughton Island, off the east coast of Baffin Island. Known as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, Qikiqtarjuaq is located at the northern entrance to Auyuittuq National Park, home to narwhals, bowhead whales, orcas, polar bears, seals, and migratory birds.
Visits to the community, organized in cooperation with our local partners, allow guests to get to know the local culture. The surrounding waters are also home to ringed seals and harbors seals, which often appear among the ice floes.
A hike up the hill offers sweeping views of the community and its coastal location. You can also see inukshuks —carefully constructed stone sculptures or cairns that served as navigational aids and markers of important places, but are also expressions of spirit, memory, and connection to the land.
Continuing north along the mountainous east coast of Baffin Island, we reach Isabella Bay, an important summer and fall feeding ground for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada. We plan to launch Zodiacs and explore the bay—binoculars at the ready! For our more adventurous paddlers, sea kayaking and paddling programs are also available here.
Day 6 | Icy Arm Fjord
This is a particularly exciting day, as you will be among the few travelers to explore the breathtakingly majestic Icy Arm Fjord —a fjord that cuts nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) deep into the north of Baffin Island. During the summer months, when the sea ice recedes, the fjord is only accessible by water. This rarely visited area is known for its unparalleled landscape of steep cliffs and impressive glaciers and is prized for both its absolute remoteness and its pristine environment.
Icy Arm Fjord embodies the pristine Arctic wilderness in its purest form. Here we can observe polar bears, arctic foxes, seals, walruses, as well as guillemots, gulls, and other Arctic bird species. The fjord provides the perfect backdrop for Zodiac rides and paddling activities, allowing guests to experience the surrounding landscapes and waters up close and personal.
Days 7 to 9 | The Northwest Passage
At the northern end of Baffin Island lies Tallurutiup Imanga (also known as Lancaster Sound), a true Arctic oasis. This channel has been known to the Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years. The surrounding waters and land areas are extremely rich in wildlife and history—both indigenous and European.
In Dundas Harbor on Devon Island, you will visit an abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police beach post. At Croker Bay, we plan to cruise close enough to admire the splendor of the glacier landscapes and calving ice floes, while always maintaining a safe distance. Walruses populate these waters, so be sure to have your camera ready.
We then head for the western end of Devon Island, on the north side of Tallurutiup-Imanga, and land on windswept Beechey Island, home to the Beechey Island National Historic Sites. Maintained by Parks Canada, these sites tell the story—or at least the part that is not still shrouded in mystery—of Sir John Franklin's highly publicized 1845–46 expedition to explore the Northwest Passage.
We also hope to explore the shores of uninhabited Prince Leopold Island, which is best known as an important migratory bird sanctuary and Important Bird Area. Here, we plan to launch the Zodiacs for an impressive trip at the foot of the bird cliffs.
Day 10 | Drive along the east coast of Baffin Island
As we travel from Lancaster Sound along the east coast of Baffin Island, it's worth spending time on deck enjoying the scenery: vast landscapes, rugged peaks, and birdlife. Today is also ideal for taking advantage of the amenities on board—such as the Tundra Spa —and deepening your knowledge with lectures by our polar experts.
Day 11 | Sam Ford Fjord
Located deep within the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord on the northeast coast of Baffin Island is an outstanding Arctic adventure destination and one of the most spectacular big wall climbing areas in the world. A traditional Inuit hunting ground, the fjord is an impressive study in contrasts: steep granite walls seem to rise directly from the sea, reaching heights of up to 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level.
Weather permitting, this region offers excellent opportunities for Zodiac rides, sea kayaking, and paddling tours, as well as opportunities for landings. With a little luck, we may spot polar foxes on land, and we will always keep an eye out for polar bears during our trips on the water.
A trip through the fjord in a Zodiac boat is a powerful reminder of how small we are. The Sam Ford Fjord winds its way inland for about 110 kilometers (68 miles), narrowing to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) in width in places.
Days 13-15 | Exploring West Greenland
Prepare yourself for a truly impressive experience. Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the passageway for countless icebergs that break off from one of the fastest glaciers in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq. A wooden walkway built by locals leads to an elevated viewpoint from which icebergs of all sizes spread out before you. From here, you feel as if you are standing right on the border between the city and the wilderness. Many visitors report how the sweeping view over the ice makes them feel humble and awe-struck.
History buffs will be delighted to learn that Ilulissat is the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. During the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924), he traveled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska (and briefly to Siberia). Fluent in Kalaallisut, he learned from the Inuit of the circumpolar region and documented their way of life—one of the most significant expeditions in the history of the Arctic.
As we approach the city, keep an eye out for whales, which are often found in these iceberg-filled waters. A particular favorite of our experienced expedition team is Eternity Fjord, home to the highest mountains in western Greenland. This is where we prefer to launch our Zodiac boats to explore areas that are inaccessible to larger ships. There are few settlements along this long fjord, but hiking amid the mighty mountain landscapes and photographing the colorful tundra and other dramatic scenery will allow you to experience nature in its most pristine form.
Another fascinating highlight is Maniitsoq, often referred to as the "Venice of Greenland"because the town is located in an archipelago crisscrossed by natural channels. Mighty, snow-capped mountains surround this small, rocky place, whose name means "the uneven place." Playful humpback whales spend the summer in the surrounding waters, so keep your eyes peeled when we go ashore in the Zodiacs.
Day 16 | Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & flight to Calgary
After disembarking in Kangerlussuaq, you will fly to Calgary, where you will spend your last night in your hotel and reflect on your journey.
Day 17 | Flight home from Calgary
Head to the airport when you are ready to fly home, or spend another exciting day in this Canadian metropolis.
Please note that from 2027 onwards, the return flight will be to Reykjavik.
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
FLIGHTSEEING (INCLUDED)
The polar landscape reveals its full beauty from the air. The sightseeing flights last 10 to 15 minutes and are conducted in groups of 7 to 9 people. Additional helicopter activities can be booked on board. Please note that all helicopter flights are subject to weather and logistical conditions.
ZODIAC TRIPS (INCLUDED)
The Zodiacs take you ashore, closer to icebergs, whales, and seabirds, or transport your luggage. During the expedition, you will visit remote locations that are only accessible by Zodiacs. These large, sturdy inflatable boats are extremely safe and have been specially designed for expeditions. They are the workhorses of polar expeditions. Separate air chambers ensure that these sturdy boats still have enough buoyancy even if they suffer minor damage. Thanks to their flat bottoms, the boats can land directly on the asphalt and ice-covered beaches that you will encounter on your polar expedition.
GUIDED HIKES (INCLUDED)
When you go ashore in the polar regions, you are no longer a distant observer, but right in the middle of things. The organized hikes range from short trips to viewpoints to longer marches of several kilometers across ice, rock, and snow. Hiking excursions can last two to three hours and offer plenty of time for taking photos, learning, or simply marveling at the surroundings. No experience is necessary, but participants should be able to climb into a rubber dinghy and walk on uneven terrain.
KAYAK TRIPS (ADDITIONAL CHARGE)
Discover the polar regions from a unique perspective by kayak and experience nature up close. If conditions and logistics allow, your kayak guide will try to let you paddle as often as possible during the trip. Sea kayakers are usually taken by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point where the kayak tour begins. At the end of the kayaking tour, guests return to the ship by Zodiac.
PADDLE BOARDING EXCURSIONS (ADDITIONAL CHARGE)
Find your balance on sit-on-top paddles for two people.
TUNDRA TO TABLE: CULINARY EXPERIENCE (ADDITIONAL CHARGE)
This unique adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut is led by Inuit chefs who are experts in indigenous cuisine. Tundra to Table was developed in partnership with Igapall, a non-profit Inuit organization dedicated to food and culture.
Guests enjoy a four-course menu of modern Inuit fusion cuisine while the chefs talk about the origins of the dishes and the elements of Inuit culinary art. The dinner, which uses regional tableware, also includes cultural storytelling.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
August 17, 2026 – September 2, 2026
From €22,695 €21,191 per person
17 days/16 nights
Ocean Explorer
Reykjavík, Iceland Calgary, Canada
Optional extras available for a fee: sea kayaking, mountain biking, paddling excursion
Up to 15% discount (limited offer)
August 16, 2027 – September 1, 2027
Starting at €19,995 €19,895 per person
17 days/16 nights
Ultramarine (Maximum occupancy: 199)
Reykjavík, Iceland Reykjavík, Iceland
Up to 10% discount (limited offer)
Optional extras, subject to a fee: lake kayaking, paddling excursions, exclusive helicopter landing
August 30, 2027 – September 15, 2027
Starting at €19,395 €19,355 per person
17 days/16 nights
Ultramarine (Maximum occupancy: 199)
Reykjavík, Iceland Reykjavík, Iceland
Up to 10% discount (limited offer)
Optional extras, subject to a fee: lake kayaking, paddling excursion, Tundra to Table, exclusive helicopter landing
Selected date
August 17, 2026 – September 2, 2026 (17 days/16 nights)
Ocean Explorer | Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Studio Veranda Single
Studio Single
Deluxe Veranda Forward
Porch Stateroom
Veranda Suite
Junior Suite
penthouse suite
Owner's Suite
cabin
options
| Paddling excursion (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 280,00 € | |
| Sea kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 700,00 € | |
| Mountain biking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 190,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Selected date
August 16, 2027 – September 1, 2027 (17 days/16 nights)
Ultramarine | Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Solo Panorama
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite
penthouse suite
Owner's Suite
Ultra Suite
cabin
options
| Sea kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 700,00 € | |
| Paddling excursion (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 280,00 € | |
| Exclusive helicopter landing (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 950,00 € | |
| Tundra to Table (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 120,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Selected date
August 30, 2027 – September 15, 2027 (17 days/16 nights)
Ultramarine | Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Solo Panorama
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite
penthouse suite
Owner's Suite
Ultra Suite
cabin
options
| Sea kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 900,00 € | |
| Paddling excursion (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 280,00 € | |
| Tundra to Table (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 120,00 € | |
| Exclusive helicopter landing (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 950,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Information
The following transfer package is included:
(value: €1,900)
- One night's hotel accommodation in Reykjavik before the expedition
- Group transfer from the hotel in Reykjavik to the airport on day 2
- Charter flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk
- Group transfer from Nuuk Airport to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Group transfer from the ship to Kangerlussuaq Airport on the day of disembarkation
- Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Calgary
- Group transfer from Calgary Airport to the hotel
- One night's accommodation in Calgary after the expedition
Inclusive services on board:
- Accommodation aboard the MS Ocean Explorer for 16 nights, daily housekeeping
- Use of the sauna, fitness room, and spa area
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices on board throughout the trip
- Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails included during bar service hours and with dinner
Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock and included - Guidance throughout the trip by our experienced expedition leaders, including landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and trips according to the daily program
- All landings according to the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by our expedition team and guest speakers according to schedule
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac trips
- An expedition parka from Quark Expeditions® to take with you
- Free Wi-Fi service on one device, allowing you to browse the internet, send emails, post on social media, and use voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
- A photo diary documenting your expedition
- Hair dryers and bathrobes in every cabin
- All other service and port fees during the program, as well as the Greenland passenger tax
- Baggage handling on board the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers up to a maximum of $500,000 per person
Not included in the price:
- Flights (scheduled or charter flights)
- Transfer upon arrival and departure in Reykjavik and Calgary
- Passport and valid visa costs
- Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or US visa-exempt passengers
- State arrival and departure taxes that are not listed
- Meals on shore, unless otherwise stated
- Luggage, cancellation, interruption, and health insurance – highly recommended
- Excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Waterproof pants for Zodiac trips
- Laundry, bar, beverage, and other personal expenses, unless specified
- Voluntary tips at the end of the trip for expedition staff and crew
- Additional accommodation costs
- Optional activities
- Telephone and internet charges (connection may vary depending on location)
- Mandatory transfer package
- Language spoken on board: English
- Onboard currency: US dollars and major credit cards
- You are required to complete a questionnaire, medical certificate, cruise contract, and flight information form.
- Rubber boots available for loan on board
- A doctor is on board
- Open bridge
- Laundry service available on board (for a fee).
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Your ship during the voyage
Your ship: The MS Ultramarine
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
Your ship: The MS Ocean Explorer
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here
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Nuuk
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Summer festival with the Inuit | @Acacia Johnson
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Musk ox | ©David Merron
northwestpassage_greenland-sea_mountains-Hugo-Perrin_quark
Mountain lake Greenland | @Hugo Perrin
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Wildlife observation | @Nicolas Singh
northwestpassage_greenland_man_on_summit_south_greenland_Carlo_Lukassen_quark
Impressive Landscapes | @Carlo Lukassen
northwestpassage_walrus_NICKYSOUNESS_quark
Walruses | ©Nicky Souness
northwestpassage_greenland_Heli-Hiking2-MichelleSole-quark
Stunning Landscapes | @Michelle Sole
northwestpassage_greenland-humpback whale-Ilulissat-SamEdmonds-quark
Humpback whale | @Sam Edmons
northwestpassage_greenland_helicopter-hiking-MichelleSole-quark
Hiking | @Michelle Sole
northwestpassage_seal_acaciajohnson_quark_
Bearded seal | ©Acacia Johnson
northwestpassage_greenland_glacier_cape-york_flightseeing_nicolas-singh-quark
Cape York | @Nicolas Singh
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