Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

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Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

9 Days Starting and ending in Toronto

Visiting: Toronto, Resolute, Axel Heiberg Island, Ellesmere Island

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BQMHP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 200

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

Tour Overview

Discover the essential heart of the Canadian High Arctic on this nine-day expedition, including five days spent exploring at sea. Spot musk oxen and polar bears among the otherworldly landscapes in places like Arctic Bay, Beechey Island and Croker Bay. Explore the heart of the fabled Northwest Passage and attempt to traverse the Bellot Strait, the narrow pass that wasn’t navigated by Europeans until 1937. Travel with an expert crew of seafarers, academics, scientists and locals who grew up in the region to get the most out of your journey.

Highlights

  • Spot incredible wildlife on land and on Zodiac excursions. Canada’s High Arctic is home to fantastic beasts like polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals and caribou.

  • Traverse the waterways of the so-called Northwest Passage, with possible landings in Lancaster Sound, the Bellot Strait and Port Leopold Island.

  • Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.

  • Explore parts of the Nunavut region with Inuit guides and learn about the people who have lived in the world’s most difficult environments for thousands of years.

  • With two helicopters on board, you’ll get the chance to take included flights to soar above the Arctic landscape and make landings at otherwise inaccessible areas.

Places You'll See

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Toronto

Toronto

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Toronto

Toronto

Location: Toronto

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Toronto. Make your own way to your included pre-expedition accommodation, where you will find a welcome letter outlining the details of your flight to Resolute tomorrow. This evening there will be an opportunity, if you wish, to meet a representative who can answer any questions you have about the flight. Increased health screening measures currently apply to this trip please see information below for further information.

Day 2 : Resolute – Embarkation Day

Location: Resolute

Accommodation: Expedition Voyage

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning take an included transfer to the airport and board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, there might be time to check out some of this tiny hamlet before you transfer to your expedition ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on weather conditions and where the ship has been able to dock). Once on board, settle into your cabin and get to know your expedition crew.

Day 3 : Canadian High Arctic

Location: Axel Heiberg Island, Ellesmere Island

Accommodation: Expedition Voyage

Spend the next five days exploring the remote and wild Canadian High Arctic. The itinerary will be decided by your expert crew using up-to-the-minute information on weather and wildlife-spotting opportunities. We plan to take daily jaunts in Zodiac boats, either to get closer to icebergs or search for wildlife. You are expected to make landings at a number of sites known for their natural beauty, historical significance, wildlife or interesting local culture. Each day will bring something different: a musk ox spotted lumbering across frozen tundra, a whale breaching as you watch from the deck or a tour of a tiny settlement with an Inuit local – these are just some of the experiences you might have during an Arctic expedition. With two helicopters on board, you also have the chance to enjoy included scenic helicopter flights and helicopter excursions to get a unique view on the Arctic and access to areas that would otherwise be out of reach (weather dependent).

Day 8 : Resolute – Disembarkation – Toronto

Location: Toronto, Resolute

Accommodation: Expedition Voyage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to your crew and disembark the vessel. Take an included transfer to the airport for your included flight to Toronto. On arrival in Toronto, you are free to explore at your leisure or simply relax in your post-expedition accommodation for the evening.

Day 9 : Toronto

Location: Toronto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities or further accommodation booked.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Expedition Voyage, Comfortable hotel

  • Transport

    Ship, Zodiac, Plane

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Ship , Zodiac , Plane

Accommodation

  • Expedition Voyage, comfortable hotel

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Toronto to Resolute

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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