At a Glance
MULTI-TRIP PROMOTION Save 10% on each expedition when you book two or more selected expeditions in 2023, and a whopping 30% on each expedition when you book two or more in 2024. This promotion is combinable with Free Single Supplement. Not combinable with any other offers or incentives. Based on availability. Expeditions must sail in the same calendar year. Additional terms and conditions apply*.
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Fall in love with wild and uncontrolled nature in this revolutionary voyage siting picturesque vistas and scintillating sceneries of imposing landmarks. Sail the legendary Northwest Passage in Canada aboard the opulent Ocean Endeavour, learning the vast cultural diversity and discovering untamed wildlife on this 17-day small ship voyage.
Your exciting expedition begins with a charter flight from Toronto Canada (at own expense) where you’ll ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary
- All onboard meals with afternoon tea and snacks all round
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruises
- Expert expedition team
- Access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic
- Complimentary expedition jackets
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Special access permits, entry, park & port fees
- Evening entertainment
- 16 nights’ accommodation aboard the luxury Ocean Endeavour on a twin share basis
- Guided activities, sightseeing and community visits as specified in the itinerary
- Interactive workshops, educational programs & Nikon camera trial program
- Interactive workshops, educational programs & Nikon camera trial program
Itinerary
Embark on an early morning departure charter flight from Toronto, ON to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Your vessel awaits the exciting voyage through the Northwest Passage. Carefully fill in your names and ship cabin number to facilitate your luggage transfer to the vessel. Begin your journey sailing down the impressive Kangerlussuaq fjord ( Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre long ford nestled amidst striking mountains and enormous glaciers. Your journey through the fjord is filled with scenic wonders and drop-dead gorgeous vistas. Continue on this bewildering voyage down the fjord as the Arctic circle awaits. Watch from your vessel in awe of the riveting sights of rugged mountains covered in thick mist summits as you sail across Sailing to the fjords’ head, the Kangerlussuaq settlement awaits. Formerly serving as a U.S Air Force Base during WWII, the small yet interesting town of Kangerlussuaq is famous for its airport, which is Greenland’s primary flight hub. NOTE: Charter flight from Toronto, Canada to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland is at own expense. (USD $1550 per person) |
Get underway with eventful explorations as you explore Sisimiut (Danish Holsteinsborg), a fascinating town located on the west-central coast of Greenland. Cruise through its serpentine waterways amid soaring mountain backdrops, lustful glaciers, fjords, and island delights. The coastal town of Sisimiut packs a lot of spectacles, cultural discoveries, and pure natural settings into its rough, real and remote expanse. Take on a leap of discovery by learning about the modern Inuit, Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures, who have mostly occupied this region for over 4,500 years. Explore the town's archives and unsheathe its numerous artefacts kept in old colonial houses, the town's museums, and buildings scattered across town. Whether you choose to explore on a zodiac cruise, onshore, or seascape, this enchanting location promises bucket loads of fun and excitement. |
After a befitting breakfast onboard, we will explore the iceberg commune of IIulissat, a town on the west coast of Greenland. The town is famous for its staggering-sized icebergs, little wonder why IIulissat translates to ‘icebergs’ in Kalaallisut, a Greenlandic language. It is located just beside the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, a large glacier outlet and the fastest glacier in the world. Being at the town, you can immediately see the effects of its sheds in the enormous Icebergs. First, enjoy scintillating views of the towering icebergs from the boardwalk at this UNESCO world heritage site and then board a zodiac cruise for a more up-close encounter with the ginormous phenomenon. Cruise your way among the stunning ice fjords and mammoth-sized ice sheds while keeping your eyes peeled for humpback whales that mostly scavenge this area to feed. Take time off the waters by visiting the impressive town museums, cafés bustling with fishing harbors, and gift shops to patronize the locals. |
Savour the next two days exploring Western Greenland by ship or a zodiac cruise. Then, grab hold of the golden opportunity as you take on the expedition landing on Greenland’s western coasts. Behold as you will be captivated by a vast expanse of charisma to pique even the most discerning interest. Hike the Kalaallit Nunaat low Arctic tundra while taking routine stops to admire this enigma as you’re overwhelmed by nature’s wild wonders. Savour the unreal sceneries amidst glacier backdrops and distant ice jagged sheets; the sight of tiny tundra flowers speckled across cannot be exempted from this vista fiesta. Depart western Greenland as you cross one of the most picturesque arctic enchantments that is Baffin Bay, situated just between the western coast of Greenland and Baffin Island. Feast your eyes on the fast-floating ice sheets smeared across this region as we make our way from Baffin bays crossing to Nunavut. |
Relive the epic travails of the Inuit, Vikings, Scottish whalers, and famous explorers like Amundsen and Franklin in Davis strait. Named after an English explorer John Davis who explored the area while searching for the northwest passage, Davis strait lies just between mid-western Greenland and Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. Step out on deck to get a feel of the arctic wind and feast your eyes on the stunning expanse before you. Using a binocular, take an awe-inspiring peep through a window showcasing Arctic wildlife activities while keeping your eyes peeled for seabirds, polar bears, sperm whales, and the radiant Icebergs submerged mid-way through the chilly arctic water. And if you'd prefer a more interactive session while on the vessel, take on exciting workshops and presentations, or watch a documentary and while away time as we make our way to Nunavut, Canada. |
Brace yourself for an exciting cultural discovery as you visit the beautiful Mittimatalik, also known as Pond Inlet, located on the northern tip of Baffin Island. Mittimatalik is home to at least 1,500 indigenous Inuit people and is beautifully located in the expanse of imposing vistas. Enjoy seamless views of dark mountains with snow-resting peaks, scenic fjords, and towering glaciers of the peering Sirmilik National Park. Take an exciting leap into the busy arctic commune as you get prepared to learn the ways of the indigenous Inuit people. Immerse yourself in an educational tour around town accompanied by a friendly local guide, and on your way, hear the language of the Indigenous Inuit people while also learning a few words. The warm and welcoming smiles plastered on the faces of the people only make you feel more comfortable. Go deep into a fascinating summary of the Inuit culture, sports and tradition as you grace a cultural performance by the Tununiq Arsaniit Theatre group. Relive memorable moments with the Inuit people by purchasing the uniquely made craftworks and local carvings on display. |
The next three days are filled with exciting explorations and invigorating wildlife sightings in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), a national wildlife conservation area in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. Get to see the teeming marine life first-hand, either from the ship or zodiac cruise. Peruse this exuberant marine expanse searching for bowhead whales, beluga, narwhal, and other vibrant marine lives that come here to feed. As we steer towards the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga, you will find the pristine Devon Island nestled in all its grandeur. This 50,000 square kilometers of mystique is the largest uninhabited island on our planet. The flat-topped mountains, less intense ice sheets, and glacier valleys become visible as we sail to this pristine beauty. As much as you want to run free absorbing every part of this wild and untamed island, we will make that wish a reality by hiking the tundra, exploring every crevice and marque point to your delight. Climb aboard a zodiac cruise as we sail the glacier face, seeking tell-tail discoveries and untamed wildlife encounters. Learn about the Inuit history deeply buried in this now-abandoned island with expert archeological interpretations. Relishing a final dance in this region, take on the remains of the RCMP and Hudson’s Bay company site located in Dundas Harbour. This abandoned settlement sits on the northern part of Devon Island. You can still find old settlement structures scarcely conserved on the island plane. |
Step foot on the hallowed grounds of Beechey Island. Its confines may portray sterile demeanor due to the almost motionless ambiance. However, history buffs know this place to be haunted grounds that ended the lives of sir Franklin’s expedition and three mariners, with intense winter paving the way for their internment on Beechey Island. Perusing the Beechly expanse, you will find graves and scarcely scattered artefacts left by Franklin searcher. See through the eyes of the past explorers what life was like here and the fight for survival amidst the long distance from their homes. |
Continue on your scenic voyage through the Prince Regent inlet, a body of water located between the west end of Baffin Island and Somerset Island on the western side. Your Arctic exploration through the landmarks of the Northwest passage starts on a lighter side. Kick off your exploration by looking out for the cascades of marine and avian life scattered across this water body; the ivory gulls, Thick-Billed murres, and handful of sea creatures like narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whale are mostly the waters' frequent visitors. While spotting wildlife and relishing the Arctic nature is mostly the highlight of this location, your explorations onward ploughs deeper into the northwest passage and the mercantile efforts of the Hudson Bay company. |
Navigate through the Northwest Passage in the Kitikmeot Region, the traditional territory of the Netsilik Inuit. This vast region spans a part of Victoria Island, King William Island, the adjacent side of the mainland, and the southern part of Prince Wale Island. These waters have been in the spotlight with recent findings of the ships lost during the failed Franklin expedition. Take your time navigating and perusing these waters littered with ice sheets, searching for wildlife. Call in at Uqsuqtuuk (Gjoa Haven), home to the Guardians of Terror Bay. Relish an exciting time with the locals sharing valiant stories of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay while searching for the Northwest Passage. Visit the town’s impressive cultural center while purchasing unique carvings and wall hangings. |
The long and eventful exploration finally comes to an end in Kugluktuk, the westernmost community in Nunavut, located at the mouth of the Coppermine River. Relish the final moments as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour heading to the airport for a charter flight onward to Yellowknife, NT, for an evening arrival. Charter flight from Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU to Yellowknife, NT is at own expense. (USD $945 per person). Note: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
The price is based on Comfort Cabin Category 6 (Double/Twin). Please contact us for available cabins and prices. Free Single Supplement (see details below).
Extras
Northbound Charter Flight: Toronto, ON, Canada to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Early-morning departure. Price: $1,375 USD
Southbound Charter Flight: Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU, Canada to Yellowknife, NT, Canada. Evening arrival. Price: $1,320 USD
$816 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day)
More Info
- The departure point is Toronto, ON, Canada. (Charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq is at own expense. USD $1550 per person).
- The finish point is Yellowknife, NT, Canada. (Charter flight from Kugluktuk (Coppermine), NU to Yellowknife, NT is at own expense. USD $945 per person).
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Toronto
Greenland
The entirety of Greenland is located in the polar climate zone with average temperatures that do not exceed 10° C (50° F) in the warmest summer months. This means that, in general, it stays chilly all year-round and gets very cold in the winter, but there are large variations from region to region. In all parts of the country the weather is locally changeable and can vary from fjord to fjord and from one valley to the next. This is because there are a number of factors that affect the climate in Greenland, such as the surrounding coastline and the inland ice sheet. Packing for the Arctic Circle is all about layers. With an arctic climate, rapid weather changes should be expected. A day can shift from clear sunshine to a snowstorm in the blink of an eye, and hence visitors need to come prepared.
Canadian Arctic
The vast Arctic and subarctic regions experience only two seasons: a long winter, with night temperatures normally around -30/-35 °C (-31/-22 °F), and three summer months, during which the temperature is around or just above freezing. In Arctic areas, the temperature hovers around freezing or rises a few degrees above, while in subarctic areas, it rises above that value but remains on average below 10 °C (50 °F).
Capacity: 198 passengers
Length: 137 metres (450 ft.)
Draft: 5.8metres (19 ft.)
Main Engines: 4 x Skoda Sulzer 6ZL40/48
Propellers: 2 x variable pitch propellers
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Crew: 124
Ice Class: 1B
Lifeboats: 6
Life rafts: 12
Safety Features: 6 fully enclosed lifeboats and 8 life rafts. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and the lifeboat and life raft capacity exceeds SOLAS requirements with at least 25% additional capacity above the number of people on board.
The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges, and a panoramic top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to explore throughout the polar summers. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2018. At 137 metres in length, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Ample deck space offers comfortable lounge chairs, a swimming pool, two saunas, and a hot tub. The spacious interior allows for varied workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. The three lounges aboard the Ocean Endeavour are optimal locations for seminars, events, parties, and conversation. Other facilities: Mud Room, Gym, Laundry, Medical Clinic, Elevator service (decks 3-6).
Category 10 (Suite)
Deck seven: orward-facing pic-ture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 310 sq. Ft.
Category 9 (Junior Suite)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area — approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 290 sq. Ft.
Category 8 (Superior Twin)
Deck five: two picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, sit-ting area — approx. 210 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub — approx. 180 sq. ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partial obstruc-tion; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 190 sq. Ft.
Category 7 (Select Twin)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft.
Deck eight: oversize windows, partial obstruction; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 145 sq. Ft.
Category 6 (Comfort Twin)
Deck four: two porthole windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths. Approx. 175 sq. ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial obstruction; two lower berths. Approx. 135 sq. ft.
Deck eight: picture windows, obstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 160 sq. Ft.
Category 5 (Main Twin)
Deck five: picture window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 115 sq. ft.
Category 4 (Exterior Twin)
Deck four: porthole window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin) / 90 sq. ft. (single).
Category 3 (Interior Twin)
Deck five: interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin) / 110 sq. ft. (single).
Category 2 (Triple)
Deck four: interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths. Approx. 200 sq. ft.
Category 1 (Quad)
Deck four: interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath. Approx. 240 sq. Ft.
Expedition Jackets: (Complimentary) You will receive a complimentary expedition jacket to keep you protected from the elements. Designed specifically for expedition travel, your jacket is waterproof and windproof. This jacket is yours to keep as a coveted and useful memento of your adventure.
Nikon Camera Trial Program: (Complimentary) Travelers aboard Ocean Endeavour expeditions will be able to use precision, professional-quality photography equipment courtesy of the onboard Nikon Camera Trial Program. Together, we empower our guests to create truly dynamic images and tell vibrant stories.
Qajaq/Kayak: (Additional Cost) Explore at sea level in small groups with our experienced kayak guides. We offer excursions on double kayaks, as well as the essential gear for safety and comfort.
Biking: (Additional Cost) Experience communities and landscapes at your own pace! For fitness enthusiasts and independent explorers, we carry a fleet of Kona mountain bikes. These multi-geared, all-purpose bikes are available during select community excursions.
For those who prefer not to share, we have a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement!
When travelling on Ocean Endeavour, solo travellers can take advantage of a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement! Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost.
If you are willing to share a cabin, you may choose to book a berth in cabin categories 1-7 (based on availability) and Adventure Canada will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. If you consent to share, but we do not find you a roommate, you do not pay extra.
Single occupancy in Categories 8–10 is available at full double-occupancy rates.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.