The Legendary Northwest Passage: An Arctic Expedition

Program Registration: At 5:00 PM meet your group leader in the hotel lobby. Orientation: 7:30 PM after dinner. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

This morning we'll head out to explore the capital city of Canada's Northwest Territories. Yellowknife was founded in 1934 following the discovery of gold in the area and was named the capital of the Northwest Territories in 1967. It was the center of economic activity and acted as a hub for mining, transportation, and tourism. This morning with our local guide, we'll discover the iconic Yellowknife landmarks from the Legislative Assembly to the historic Old Town. Visit Bush Pilot's Monument where we will enjoy panoramic views.

At a local restaurant.

Following lunch we will meet at a predetermined location before making our way to Nature's North Wildlife Gallery where taxidermy exhibits go back to life. Here we will see displays from all over the Arctic and the Sub-Arctic regions in the Northwest Territories. We will also have a chance to take a behind the scenes look into the taxidermy process at this unique gallery experience. After arriving back at the hotel we will meet for a mandatory briefing with Adventure Canada. Here we will meet Resource Staff and fellow travelers as we learn about the embarkation process.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

Aboard the charter flight to Kugluktuk.

Transfer to the airport via motorcoach for our charter flight to Kugluktuk on board a 737 aircraft.

Aboard the charter flight.

Upon arrival on our charter flight to Kugluktuk, we'll board a bus and transfer to embark the Ocean Endeavour via zodiacs. Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, southwest of Victoria Island on the Coronation Gulf, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. Coppermine reverted to its original Inuinnaqtun name—Kugluktuk, meaning “place of moving waters”—on January 1st, 1996. The Coppermine River itself is designated a Canadian Heritage River for the important role it played as an exploration and fur trade route. Copper deposits along the river attracted the first explorers to the area. While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The schedule that follows is tentative and a representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding.

Aboard ship we’ll have a 3-course a la carte meal with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus water, coffee, and tea. Additional beverages are available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible.

At leisure. Rotating members of the ship’s staff will offer fun educational activities and presentations on a variety of topics such as history, biology, storytelling, and folk music.

Aboard ship.

Located between Victoria Island and the Arctic coast of mainland Canada, the Coronation Gulf is an extensive body of water that is linked to the Arctic Ocean via the Dolphin and Union Strait on the west and by the Dease Strait and Queen Maud Gulf on the east. We will be exploring the area today making an opportunistic expedition stop.

Aboard ship.

We'll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

This morning we'll gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon we will board our fleet of zodiacs for an expedition stop. The Kitikmeot Region consists of parts of Victoria Island, the adjacent part of the mainland as far as the Boothia Peninsula, King William Island, and the southern portion of Prince of Wales Island. Its regional seat is Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), though it also contains five other hamlets (including Uqsuqtuuq and Kugluktuk).

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

The Kitikmeot Region has been in the news since the finding of the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition in its waters. It is Nunavut’s least-populated region, though wildlife abounds here both in the sea and on land. This morning we will make an opportunistic expedition stop.

Aboard ship.

Gather onboard for a lecture from one of the knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will continue to discover the legacy of this important waterway and the captivating story of Roald Amundsen, who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Learn more about the triumphs of explorers like Amundsen and the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in successful crossings.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon we'll continue to explore the Kitikmeot Region. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars close as we look for wildlife.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Discover the famed Bellot Strait, a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America. We will learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.

Aboard ship.

Gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

This morning we'll have a guided walk on Beechey Island. In 1845 Sir John Franklin took his expedition of 129 men and two ships into the Wellington Channel. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition. It was two years before search parties were launched. Aside from the bodies of three souls buried here, only relics were found as clues to the disappearance. The three graves found at Beechey Island left no indication as to the fate of the rest of the British party. A fourth grave, that of a sailor from a search party, completes a haunting historic site here. In the autumn of 2014, Canadian archaeologists discovered remnants of the HMS Erebus in the frozen waters of the Northwest Passage, and in 2015, her sister ship—the Terror—was similarly located.

Aboard ship.

Gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

This morning we'll explore the area. Depending on ice conditions, we'll make expedition stops along the way among the spectacular landscapes, a perfect setting for hiking and exploring the geological diversity of the area. Our experts will interpret historical and archeological sites for us wherever we land!

Aboard ship.

Gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

This morning we will board our zodiacs and explore the ocean wilderness of Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound). In August of 2017, this enormous body of water was declared a National Marine Conservation Area.

Aboard ship.

Continue exploring Lancaster Sound. Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Aujuittuq means ‘place that never thaws.’ It is an apt name for this peaceful hamlet, 1,150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Canada’s northernmost “civilian” community is a living reminder of the Cold War; residents were relocated to Aujuittuq in an effort to boost Canadian sovereignty. We’ll be welcomed by the population of about 165. Our activities will centre in the village where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.

Aboard ship.

Gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Today we'll continue exploring Smith Sound. Between forty-eight and seventy-two kilometres wide and eighty-eight kilometres long, Smith Sound divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland. Optimal sea ice conditions in Smith Sound can often make for excellent wildlife viewing.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon we'll continue to explore via zodiac (weather permitting).

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

On this exploration day, we'll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

Aboard ship.

Expect to participate in workshops, engage in discussions and hear expert reflection on the journey thus far.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

We will explore stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will explore one of the islands and learn about the abundant flora and fauna encountered. Take a moment to savour the tranquility and absorb the knowledge and stories shared by Inuit cultural educators, which will deepen your connection to this breathtaking landscape.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon, gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Venturing 250km north of the Arctic Circle, we find the stunning coastal community of Illulissat. Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”, and there couldn’t be a more fitting name for this stunning coastal community, with its museums, cafes and craft studios. Our visit will include time in the colourful town and a chance to hike out along a boardwalk to an elevated viewpoint where we can observe the great fields of ice.

Aboard ship.

Continue to explore Illulissat. We will also cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, the most active and fastest moving glacier in the world at nineteen metres per day, calving more than thirty-five square kilometers of ice annually. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that includes glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years.

Aboard ship.

This afternoon, gather in the onboard meeting space for a lecture from one of the ship's knowledgeable resource staff.

Aboard ship.

At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Aboard ship.

We will make our journey down spectacular Sondre Stromfjord, and early risers will have a chance to experience its beauty. Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery! Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, means ‘the big fjord.’ Today we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour via Zodiacs and transfer to the airport for our return flights.

Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.

In flight to Toronto.

Served onboard en route to Toronto.

Evening arrival to Toronto. We'll gather our baggage, transfer to the hotel, and check-in. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for your journey home tomorrow.

At the hotel.

This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!