Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as we venture through the fabled Northwest Passage. The voyage begins in Resolute Bay in the High Arctic and journeys through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, stopping at many historic sites along the way.
Day 1 Resolute Bay
We fly from Montreal to Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island, situated at the approximate centre of the Arctic archipelago, west of Lancaster Sound. This area is rich in exotic wildlife including Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales, not to mention polar bears, walrus and many species of birds.
Day 2 to 8
We spend a week exploring the lands and inlets throughout this historic waterway. Among the places we visit are:
Beechey Island
During his pursuit for a quick route to Asia, it was here Sir John Franklin remained trapped for two long years (1845-47) waiting for the ice to clear. We explore remnants of his camp and the headstones of those not lucky enough to survive the ordeal.
Victory Point
Here, the mystery surrounding the notorious Franklin expedition still prevails. On the point itself the first evidence of the cursed expedition was discovered buried in a cairn, but no trace of the ship has ever been found.
Cambridge Bay
This hub of the Western Arctic features the Arctic Coast Visitor Centre, a fantastic place to explore the history of the quest for the Northwest Passage. It is also well-known for its musk-oxen.
Gjoa Haven
This tiny community in the centre of the historic waterway attracts history buffs from around the world. Named after the famous adventurer Roald Amundsen's boat "The Gjoa", it is rich in history.
Bellot Strait
This passage of water separates Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, which is the northernmost part of mainland North America. This strait is often filled with icebergs.
Prince Leopold Island
An important migratory bird sanctuary, the spectacular sandstone cliffs that characterize this island are the summer nesting home to thousands of thick-billed murres, norther fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes.
Day 9
From Resolute Bay we fly back to Montreal.