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Canada · Arctic · Greenland · North America · Northern Europe · Arctic
Trip code: SENWThe Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle
16 daysPolarTrip pace: RelaxedMinimum age 16
From
£15,555
Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.
View dates & prices Call to bookYour adventure
The Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle
The icy and labyrinthine channels of the legendary Northwest Passage have enchanted explorers and adventurers for centuries. Get a glimpse into the world that captivated early explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, by exploring the fabled Northwest Passage. Visit the final resting places of some of the heroic explorers to have ventured here and experience the archipelago of islands and channels that form Canada's High Arctic region. Encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga whale, polar bear, musk ox and the elusive narwhal. Pack ice will be a challenge to our voyage through the passage, adding a compelling element of adventure that is integral to any genuine expedition.
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Stand in awe of the Ilulissat Icefjord a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site
Hike on Devon Island the world's largest uninhabited island with stunning fjords and glacial valleys to explore
Keep watch for Arctic wildlife spot muskox, polar bear, beluga whale and walrus
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
On arrival in to Toronto Airport (YYZ) make your own way to the group hotel. Please visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and also the charter flight to Nuuk tomorrow. You will receive AE Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number
Hotel in Toronto to be confirmed (or similar) · Vancouver, CanadaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Please ensure that your luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. After breakfast at the hotel, board our charter flight to Nuuk, where the Sylvia Earle awaits. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
After a morning sailing north towards the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Sisimiut, Greenland's second largest town. Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland. Sisimiut offers hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty. The easier trails take you through the town itself, its outskirts and into the mountains, where you will find spectacular vantage points.
Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, the majority of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
In the afternoon we arrive in Ilulissat. Known as the “birthplace of icebergs”, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on Earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord viewpoint and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier - not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Explore the remote northern reaches of West Greenland, where traditional Inuit settlements cling to the rugged coastline and towering icebergs drift through the deep, clear waters. Every day presents new possibilities, guided by your expedition team, who will hunt for the perfect location to explore the stunning fjord systems by Zodiac. Vast fjord systems such as Uummannaq Fjord, offers endless opportunities for adventure, every corner revealing jaw-dropping views, monumental icebergs, and vibrant rock formations that beg to be explored.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Whether you\ re cruising silently through the ice-choked waters, hiking across the colourful tundra, or visiting one of the remote communities that dot the coast, the options for discovery are limitless. Kayakers can paddle among the floating icebergs while keeping an eye out for humpback and minke whales. With the spirit of true expedition cruising, this region invites you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Greenland's northern frontier.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Find a spot in one of our many observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Our talented and knowledgeable expedition members will present informative and entertaining talks about the region that you\ re travelling through.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
After clearance into Canada, we hope to visit Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), a captivating Inuit community nestled on the northern tip of Baffin Island. Surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine fjords, this remote outpost offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. As you step ashore, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local Inuit, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their culture and lifestyle. Immerse yourself in their traditions through engaging cultural encounters and gain insights into their unique perspective on life in the Arctic.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
In genuine expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on weather conditions and unpredictable sea ice. Although the order and final landing points may differ, we hope to visit a variety of sites that are open to us as we cruise through the Northwest Passage.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker “wildlife superhighway” of the Arctic. Devon Island (Tallurutit) is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay.
Maxwell Bay is a broad, sheltered inlet that offers outstanding opportunities for exploration both on land and by sea. The surrounding tundra landscapes provide excellent hiking, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and inland valleys. Wildlife is abundant in this remote area: muskoxen and caribou roam the open terrain, while polar bears are occasionally seen along the shoreline or on ice floes. The sheltered waters of Maxwell Bay are a haven for marine mammals, including harp seals, ringed seals, and bearded seals. Walruses are sometimes spotted hauled out on the ice or rocky beaches, adding to the rich wildlife experience. Birdlife is also notable, with seabirds such as glaucous gulls and northern fulmars often seen soaring overhead. The bay's numerous coves and inlets create a sense of discovery at every turn, making it a rewarding destination for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island, where we plan to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is one of Canada's most important arctic sites and is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845-46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results - three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Just a short distance away, Radstock Bay offers a captivating contrast to the open sea. Here, we'll disembark via Zodiac onto a beach strewn with remnants of the past. Explore the ruins of a Thule village nestled beneath the imposing Caswell Tower, where well preserved stone dwellings coexist with artifacts from later explorers. Witness the stark beauty of this remote bay, characterised by its dramatic cliffs, gravelly beaches, and the scattered remains of whale skeletons that have shaped the landscape and the lives of those who called it home.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island, a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. Prince Leopold Island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting here in summer. Ringed seals are often spotted on the sea ice around the island and polar bears often lurk nearby. Port Leopold, a barren, windswept bay on the northeastern corner of Somerset Island -Inuktitut Kuuganajuk - is steeped in history. Here, the crews of HMS Enterprise and Investigator were forced to endure a harsh winter while searching for the lost Franklin expedition. Their presence is indelibly marked on a rock engraved with 1849 and the ships' initials. The desolate landscape is punctuated by a lone Hudson Bay Company hut, a failed trading post from the 1920s.
We hope to hike and explore the coastline, discovering the historic Hudson Bay Company house and intriguing Inuit archaeological sites. Be amazed by the otherworldly formations shaped by the region's freezing and thawing cycles, which our expedition team will detail during recap. Nearby, a cairn marks the spot where Ross's rescue expedition left vital supplies.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Situated on the southeastern coast of Somerset Island, Elwin Bay is a breathtaking, wide inlet famous for its wildlife, particularly polar bears. This area was historically used by hunters and today remains an important habitat for bears who hunt along the ice edge and swim between the scattered ice floes. During summer, beluga whales are sometimes seen offshore, and the rocky beaches may reveal evidence of Arctic foxes and seabird colonies. The surrounding landscapes offer stunning contrasts, from rolling tundra to rugged limestone cliffs. Elwin Bay's rich natural history and raw beauty make it a highlight for wildlife photography. Nestled along the northeastern coast of Somerset Island, Batty Bay is a narrow, sheltered fjord steeped in Arctic exploration history. In the 1850s, it served as a winter refuge for expeditions searching for Sir John Franklin's lost ships. Here we will hike the surrounding tundra slopes and trace the paths of early explorers. The calm waters of the bay are perfect for Zodiac cruising, with opportunities to spot ringed seals on ice floes and polar bears along the rocky shoreline. The cliffs and rugged terrain also attract a variety of nesting seabirds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Bellot Strait is one of the most legendary waterways of the Arctic; a narrow, fast-flowing channel that separates the northern tip of the Boothia Peninsula from Somerset Island. Just two kilometres wide at its narrowest point, this passage is known for its strong tidal currents, shifting ice, and dramatic scenery. Bellot Strait marks the northernmost point of mainland North America and was first navigated by explorers seeking the elusive Northwest Passage. Today, it remains a thrilling and challenging route for expedition vessels. Wildlife is often seen along the shores and in the water, including polar bears, seals, and occasionally beluga whales riding the tides. Steep cliffs and rugged hills frame the strait, offering a dramatic backdrop for cruising.
Using their great expertise in navigating these waters, the Captain and the expedition crew will decide on final landing sites based on the opportunities and ice conditions that present themselves.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
In Resolute, farewell the crew, expedition team and fellow travellers before a Zodiac shuttle whisks you ashore. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Calgary, where you will transfer to your group hotel and stay overnight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
M/V Sylvia Earle (or similar) · Sydney, Premium · BoatSingle-room option not available this night
Check-out will be after breakfast for onward travel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Activity information
Trip pace
Trip pace
Trip pace: Relaxed
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 15 breakfasts
- 12 lunches
- 13 dinners
Staff
- Naturalist(s), Expedition Crew
Transport
- Zodiac
- Boat
Accommodation
- 1 nights Comfortable Hotel
- 14 nights Premium Boat
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Aug 2027 | 14 Sept 2027 | £15,555 | Call to book |
| 12 Sept 2027 | 27 Sept 2027 | £15,555 | Call to book |
| 30 Aug 2028 | 14 Sept 2028 | £15,870 | Call to book |
| 12 Sept 2028 | 27 Sept 2028 | £15,945 | Call to book |
Departure
30 Aug 2027
Return 14 Sept 2027
From
£15,555
Departure
12 Sept 2027
Return 27 Sept 2027
From
£15,555
Departure
30 Aug 2028
Return 14 Sept 2028
From
£15,870
Departure
12 Sept 2028
Return 27 Sept 2028
From
£15,945
Practical information
Your questions answered
Information for: 2027
Whilst landings are included in the cost of your trip as per the outline itinerary, some departures aboard the MV Greg Mortimer have additional optional excursions which can be pre-booked with the ship operator directly. These will be charged at an additional fee, depending on the excursion and we recommend booking these in advance to ensure availability. Please speak to a member of our Polar team who will advise you on the booking process.
Local crew
The suggested amount is USD $15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice and is purely discretionary.
Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Bring your money in Canadian Dollars or US Dollars cash which can be used almost everywhere, although local stores are not keen to change anything over $50.
Where to change: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATMs: There are ATMs in the towns.
Card notes: Widely accepted just about everywhere.
Credit cards accepted: No
Arctic
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Credit cards accepted: No
Greenland
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
Credit cards accepted: No
Parkas
A complimentary parka is provided for you on board the ship and is yours to keep after the voyage. It has a comfortable wind-resistant inner jacket, which is detachable from the waterproof outer shell, and is designed to be worn over your essential base layers.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
Hat/Cap
Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava.
Trousers
Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc are also good.
Socks
Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
Outer Clothing Woollen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship.
Underclothing
Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.
Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. However, if you have extra small or large feet, you are advised to bring your own. Also ensure you take good walking boots and trainers for relaxing.
Sunglasses and sun cream
Insect repellant
Personal toiletries
A refilllable water bottle
Books/reading material
Camera and memory cards
Seasickness remedy
Insect repellant
Personal toiletries
A refilllable water bottle
Books/reading material
Camera and memory cards
Seasickness remedy
Luggage on tour
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Luggage limit: 20KG
Canada
May-Sep is the best time to visit, when the weather is usually warm, dry and pleasant. Temperatures can be a little cooler on the coast and in the mountains; rain can be expected at any time. Early in the season, there can be snow in some areas which may limit walking possibilities.
Greenland
Greenland has an Arctic climate with average temperatures in the North that do not exceed 10° C in the warmest summer months. In the southern part of the country and the innermost parts of the long fjords, the temperature can, however, rise to more than 20° C (68° F) in June, July and August.
A single-room option is available for part of this itinerary. It is not available on the following nights: Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
- Night following Day 2 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 3 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 4 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 5 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 6 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 7 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 8 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 9 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 10 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 11 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 12 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 13 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 14 — M/V Sylvia Earle
- Night following Day 15 — M/V Sylvia Earle
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Canada
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Arctic
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Canada
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Arctic
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Greenland
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.