Northwest Passage to Newfoundland
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 16 days
Price Point: From $11,182
Seasons Available: Fall
This trip is an extraordinary 16-day adventure through the fabled Northwest Passage and along Canada’s remote eastern shores. This 2,500-nautical-mile journey takes you from the Arctic wilderness of Nunavut to the storied coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, blending untamed beauty with captivating history. Highlights include the breathtaking Torngat Mountains National Park, the Viking ruins of L’Anse aux Meadows UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Your journey begins in Qausuittuq (Resolute), Nunavut, where you’ll set sail aboard Ultramarine, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel equipped with twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of Zodiacs for seamless exploration. Along the way, you’ll delve into the historic Beechey Island, the striking fjords of Baffin Island, and vibrant Inuit communities like Qikiiqtarjuaq. Traverse icy waters, witness the vast Arctic wilderness, and connect with the rich culture of the Nunatsiavummiut, the Labrador Inuit of Nunatsiavut. As you sail southward, crossing the Arctic Circle, the journey culminates in the historic port city of St. John’s, Newfoundland. From polar landscapes to rugged coastlines, this expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Canada’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions.
Activities & Sites
- Explore the Viking ruins of L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Discover the untouched beauty of Torngat Mountains National Park.
- Sail the historic Northwest Passage.
- Visit the French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
- Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture in Qikiiqtarjuaq.
- Marvel at the stunning landscapes along Baffin Island’s east coast.
- Enjoy breathtaking heli-flightseeing experiences over the Arctic wilderness aboard Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters.
Day to Day Itinerary
- Days 1–2: Calgary & Qausuittuq
Arrive in Calgary, Alberta, and explore the city. Fly to Qausuittuq to embark on your Arctic adventure, navigating Tallurutiup-Imanga (Lancaster Sound) with its rich history and wildlife. - Day 3: Beechey Island, Tallurutiup-Imanga
Visit Beechey Island, a historic site tied to Sir John Franklin's ill-fated Northwest Passage expedition, and explore the graves and artifacts of this legendary Arctic mystery. - Days 4–5: Tallurutiup-Imanga & Baffin Island Fjords
Cruise Canada’s largest marine-protected area, keeping an eye out for Arctic wildlife. Explore the majestic Icy Arm Fjord by Zodiac and helicopter, marveling at its glaciers, cliffs, and pristine wilderness. - Day 6: Baffin Island
Cruise along the vast east coast of Baffin Island, enjoying Ultramarine’s amenities, expert-led presentations, and leisure time to relax or edit photos. - Day 7: Qikiqtarjuaq
Experience the Inuit culture of Qikiqtarjuaq, known as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, with opportunities to engage with locals and purchase traditional handicrafts. - Day 8: Cape Mercy
Discover the history of Cape Mercy, from 16th-century Arctic exploration to Cold War radar installations, and join a guided hike to explore this remote wilderness. - Days 9–10: At Sea & Torngat Mountains National Park
Enjoy Ultramarine’s amenities and educational presentations. Explore Torngat Mountains National Park’s dramatic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife, with excursions highlighting the spiritual significance of this Inuit homeland. - Days 11–12: Sailing South
Witness the shifting landscapes, from Arctic tundra to Newfoundland’s rocky coasts, as the journey continues southward. - Day 13: L’Anse aux Meadows
Visit the UNESCO-listed Viking settlement, L’Anse aux Meadows, where Norse explorers arrived in 1000 AD. Explore reconstructed sod huts and ruins tied to Leif Erikson. - Day 14: At Sea
Celebrate Newfoundland’s cultural traditions with live kitchen party music and insightful conversations with polar experts.
- Day 15: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Experience French culture in this charming port town, sampling patisseries, enjoying café life, and exploring the Mi’kmaq heritage of the islands.
- Day 16: St. John’s, Newfoundland
Disembark in St. John’s and connect with onward flights or extend your stay to explore this vibrant coastal city before catching your flight home.
Ultramarine
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, multiple embarkation points, and a bespoke Zodiac hangar, Ultramarine offers a robust menu of adventure activities, spontaneous excursions and intimate wildlife engagement. Together an innovative mix of sustainability features that converts waste into energy and eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, Ultramarine is the perfect choice for active, conscious-minded guests looking for a unique adventure. Spacious suites are thoughtfully outfitted with premium amenities, while the ship provides plenty of areas, both inside and out, to witness incredible Antarctic wildlife including a spacious observation deck and a wrap-around deck with panoramic views.
Is Greenland the right destination for you this summer?
Read more
Exploring with Quark: an interview with Gretchen on her recent Greenland expedition.
Read more
Where do you plan to be on August 12, 2026?
Read more
All the essentials (and other packing tips) to bring on your next Arctic adventure.
Read more