The trip was amazing; 4 out of 4 stars. Kayaking along the ice-cap's edge was the highlight for me. Checkmarks on polar bears, musk ox, caribou, blue whale, belugas... Interaction with Inuit communities offered great learning and reflection for us. Staff and crew were fantastic; we enjoyed the casualness of it all, and shared cigars with a few others on several well-lit nights; two with no sunset. Ice prevented our excursion at Beechey and landing at Resolute; actually had to return to Greenland to fly back home. Decision was good as we also skirted a pretty horrible windstorm and ended up with an unexpected zodiac excursion into the edge of the ice-pack mid-Baffin Bay. Our physical reminders are a musk ox yarn neck-warmer and a tupilaq carved from caribou antler. Although the trip was quite pricey compared to others we've taken, it was well worth it.
Mark and Roger - Toronto, ON
Franklin's Legacy - expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage
Small-Ship Cruise
17
US$
days from
14495
Join this adventure cruise in the wake of Sir John Franklin's ill-fated expedition through the northwest passage in Canada's high Arctic. Drop in on Inuit settlements for cultural experiences, encounter wildlife such as polar bear, walrus, whales and muskoxen and of course myriad birdlife. Witness arctic glaciers, beautiful fjords and sculpted icebergs, hike the colourful tundra and visit places such as Beechey Island, where three members of Franklin Expedition are buried, as well as abandoned RCMP and Hudson Bay outposts. This is one adventure no Canadian should miss.
Activity / Theme
Country
Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Expedition Cruise
Canada, Canadian Arctic, NT, NU, YT, Arctic-,- north (NT, NU, YT)
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Comfortable
Leisurely / Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Comfortable ice-strengthened polar expedition vessel
Comfortable quad, triple or twin cabins and suites, all with private amenities
Months of Operation
August, September
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
On Beechey Island I took a moment to pay my respect at the graves of the three sailors from the Franklin Expedition. This will be a poignant moment on your expedition through the North West Passage.
Itinerary
(Itinerary runs in both directions)
DAY 1 Fly Yellowknife - Kugluktuk (Coppermine), Nunavut, Canada, board ship
DAYS 2–4 Kitikmeot Region - lost ships of Franklin; explore by Zodiac and on foot
DAY 5 Prince Regent Inlet - birdlife, beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales
DAY 6 Beechey Island - graves and the ruins of Northumberland House
DAYS 7-8 Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) - marine mammals
DAY 9 Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord) - Canada’s northernmost community
DAYS 10–11: Smith Sound - history of explorers and adventurers
DAY 12 At Sea - look for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds
DAY 13–14 Northwest Greenland - fjords, glaciers and icebergs
DAY 15 Ilulissat - town and icefjord Zodiac cruises
DAY 16 Itilleq Fjord - explore the landscape of wild Greenland
DAY 17 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - superb scenery, disembark and fly Toronto
Inclusions
Passage aboard the expedition vessel
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Complimentary expedition jacket
Contribution to Discovery Fund
Special access permits, entry and park fees
Team of expedition staff
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
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators