Name: Canadian Northwest Passage & Northern Lights
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V2525083016

Itinerary

Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen.

Kayaking with Expedition Team

Optional

The northernmost city in Greenland, just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport. Abandoned settlements lie between Sisimiut and the Thule district to the north. The area is home to humpback whales, walrus, and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

Historical Walk to the Tele Island

Optional

02 h 10 m

From Tele Island, see Sisimiut’s famous landmark, Nasaasaq Mountain, soaring 785 meters into the sky
Enjoy a walking tour of Sisimiut as you learn about the fascinating history if Inuit cultures that have used this location as a hunting grounds for many years
Other points of interest you will pass on your visit include a burial ground, the local kayak club and the arts and crafts shop

Panoramic Sisimiut & Sled-dogs

Included

01 h 30 m

From the comfort of our vehicle, you'll be treated to a panoramic tour of the city's iconic buildings
Drive to vantage point at the top of Sisimiut where an awe-inspiring view awaits
Visit where the majority of the local sled-dogs are kept and get to know their fascinating lives

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs.

Shuttle to Ilulissat Icefjord, boardwalk and Icefjord centre

Included

02 h 30 m

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord and see the massive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier at the size of nearly 66,000 football fields wide
Hike along the World Heritage Trail boardwalk and discover amazing views of the icefjord and maybe even have some wildlife encounters
At the Fjord Centre, learn all about the cycle of the ice, the abundant wildlife around the icefjord and the human existence in the area throughout thousands of years

Sermermiut view point and Icefjord center

Included

02 h 30 m

Walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Sit
Learn about the ancient Inuit way of life
Take in the stunning view of the valley from the viewpoint

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland's largest island, on its west coast, part of Disko Bay, a UNESCO-listed site for its icebergs. The Lyngemark Glacier rises above the town. The area’s hills, basalt columns and black sand beaches reflect its volcanic origin. The area is fertile and home to species not found elsewhere in Greenland. Keep an eye out for its hot springs as we move through floating icebergs.

Disko Island Discovery Walk

Included

02 h 00 m

Join your Expedition Team on a hike to discover the island’s stunning black sand beaches and massive volcanoes
Spend time in the town and get a feel for the authentic experience and isolation that most Greenlandic communities live with
Learn about the longstanding presence of scientists in the region who have had an Arctic Station established for the study of local geology, flora and fauna

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

The views of snow-capped mountains have given Pond Inlet in northern Baffin Island the name of Canada’s ‘jewel of the north’ and the area is a prime breeding ground for narwhals - toothed whales with a distinct large tusk. The traditional Inuit community living in the hamlet of Mittimatalik are renowned for their craft skills from printmaking and stone carving. Nearby at Qulalukat the thousand-year-old Inuit sod houses, or qarmaq, merit a visit.

Pond Inlet Discovery & Community Activities

Included

03 h 00 m

Journey by zodiac to this traditional Inuit community located on the northern tip of Baffin Island near the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage
Attend a captivating performance that weaves together Inuit language and tradition at the Community Hall
Enjoy an opportunity to hike with the group to Salmon Creek to see the archaeological site and sod houses near the river

Dundas Harbour, the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage on Devon Island, Canada's largest uninhabited island, shows signs of life despite the harsh terrain, with relics of a 1000 A.D. Thule settlement and a 1920s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost for controlling illegal whaling. Nearby Croker Bay is on the shores of iceberg-laden Lancaster Sound. The Devon ice cap feeds the huge South Croker Bay Glacier that calves into the bay.

Discover Dundas Harbour abandoned community - Town walk

Included

01 h 00 m

Discover this historic sight on a walking tour to the RCMP outpost which are the only buildings that still remain
Learn about the thousands of years old Thule (ancient Inuit) summer settlements that have been discovered in the area
See the spectacular beauty of Devon Island up close with its impressive mountains, Arctic wildflowers and glimmering glaciers that plunge into the sea

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
Experience the polar regions, from water level, with all your senses as there is no interference with artificial sounds
Amazing opportunity to kayak in the world’s last great wilderness

Gracing the eastern high Arctic, Croker Bay, a mesmerising Arctic waterway, carves its way into Devon Island within the vibrant Qikiqtaaluk Region. This deep inlet, an extension of Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait, unveils a landscape of captivating beauty. The Devon ice cap feeds the huge South Croker Bay Glacier that calves into the bay.

Zodiac Tour with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Embark on a thrilling discovering of this spectacular tidewater glacier that’s fed by the expansive Devon Island ice cap
Your expedition team will navigate close to the face of the glacier to admire the striated, white, blue and grey slave of ice
Along with the many birds you might encounter around the area, you might also be greeted by seals and even the occasional walrus

This area is closely associated with the exploration of Canada’s High Arctic and the Northwest Passage. Much of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago was mapped while searching for the missing crew of British explorer Sir John Franklin’s fateful 1845-46 Northwest Passage Expedition. Radstock Bay sits below the mighty Caswall Tower mountain and hides many secrets, with evidence of sledge tracks, camps and food tins that may help reveal what happened.

Nature & Discovery Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Take off on an exploration of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago accompanied by your expert Expedition Team
Unveil the many mysteries of Radstock Bay like the sledge tracks, camps and food tins that give insight into the early Thule settlements
Once ashore, take some time to visit the Quarmat homes which are common among Thule and Inuit settlements

Beechey Island Sites, five historical sites in Canada's High Arctic, mark where British explorer Sir John Franklin wintered in 1845-46 during his fateful Northwest Passage Expedition. Much of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago was mapped while searching for the crew. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen paid his respects to Franklin in 1903 before successfully discovering the Northwest Passage.

Discovery Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Visit the Beechey Island Sites National Historic Site of Canada, located primarily on Beechey Island, a rugged peninsula connected to Devon Island in the Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut
Learn the fateful history of Sir John Franklin and his crew of expeditioners who went missing here and the role this played in mapping the much of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
As you tread the vast landscapes of Beechey Island, history unfolds before you, leading you to five historic sites that dot this area

Port Leopold is a place of raw, rugged natural beauty and landscapes that evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The pristine wilderness and untouched terrain create a feeling of remoteness and isolation, while the Arctic wildlife that calls this place home adds a touch of wildness and unpredictability. The area's history as a former Hudson's Bay Company trading post also lends a sense of nostalgia and intrigue.

Expedition Landing in Remote Port Leopold

Included

01 h 00 m

Explore the stunning and remote Port Leopold in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada at the northeast tip of Somerset Island
Get to know the many historical figures who have put this port on the map including John Clark Ross, Sir John Franklin, Prince Leopold and King Leopold I of Belgium
The island is listed as a migratory bird sanctuary and terrestrial habitat site thanks to the many seabird species that live and breed here between late-May and midSeptember

Crossing Lancaster Sound to Elwin Bay, the ship passes Prince Leopold Island, hosting over 500,000 nesting pairs of thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars, and black-legged kittiwakes. Beluga whales moult in shallow gravel beds, while in Prince Regent Inlet, polar bears hunt ringed seals on sea ice.

Zodiac Cruise with your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Visit Elwin Bay aboard a Zodiac to go spotting for pods of beluga whales in the shallow waters
Cruise up to the cobblestone beach shore in search of fish runs that are often closely followed by hungry belugas
You might get the chance to pull up on shore in your Zodiacs to disembark and take in the area on foot

The ship sails past Fort Ross, on Somerset Island, the northernmost fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Near the Bellot Strait, it was eventually abandoned due to harsh ice conditions. The strait separates Somerset Island from Boothia Peninsula, home to Point Zenith, the northernmost continental point of the Americas. It's also where Sir James Clark Ross located the Magnetic North Pole during Sir John Ross's 1829 Arctic expedition.

Zodiac cruise by Fort Ross

Included

01 h 00 m

Immerse yourself in the vast and unique landscapes of Somerset Island as your guide tells you of its storied past
Learn about the Arctic explorer. James Clark Ross who the for was named after
Take this one of a kind opportunity to cruise by this abandoned settlement at the eastern end of the Bellot Strait

The Bellot Strait, named in honour of the French explorer Joseph-René Bellot, is a narrow, 2.3-km-wide, and 25-km-long waterway. It separates Somerset Island to the north from the Boothia Peninsula to the south. This strait played a historical role during an expedition to locate Sir John Franklin's lost expedition, tragically marked by Bellot's death in the area in 1853.

Cruising or Zodiac Cruising with Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

We will sail past Zenith Point on our port side, the northern most point of the entire North American continent
Enjoy a unique opportunity to explore this narrow passage at only 2 km wide and full of centuries old tales to tell
Just as the explorers before us, our ability to transit this channel will entirely depend on the tide, the sea ice and icebergs which often choke the passage

Choked up by ice in winter, Peel Sound is a 125-mile-long channel separating Prince of Wales Island to the west and Somerset Island to the east. The icebound arctic waters thwarted several 19th-century explorers - Sir John Franklin in 1846, Francis Leopold McClintock in 1858 and Allen Young in 1875. Today, Peel Sound still remains a challenging waterway, but is also home to abundant wildlife, including polar bears, seals and whales.

Coningham Bay, on Prince of Wales Island in the heart of the Northwest Passage, holds historical and cultural significance and serves as a haven for Arctic wildlife. The nutrient-rich waters attract beluga whales, sustaining the well-fed local polar bear population. The bay's rich history is intertwined with Arctic exploration, as Captain James Cook charted it in 1778 during his final voyage through the Northwest Passage.

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Buchan Gulf, a remote Arctic fjord on Baffin Island's northeastern coast, is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for northern fulmars, who roost on the towering cliffs and rocks. Polar bears roam the shores of Icy Arm, a narrow fjord with the relics of an ancient Thule semi-subterranean home sitting on the edge of the boggy tundra. Pods of narwhals are at home in the deep waters of this glacial fjord system on eastern Baffin Island.

Qikiqtarjuaq is a remote, beautiful Baffin Island community surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The rugged landscape and pristine wilderness offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from kayaking to wildlife watching. The town's Inuit culture and traditions are still alive. But what sets Qikiqtarjuaq apart is the warmth and hospitality of its people, who welcome visitors and share their rich history and traditions with pride.

Discover the remote Inuit hamlet and natural beauty of Qikiqtarjuaq

Included

02 h 00 m

Explore the picturesque and welcoming community of Qikiqtarjuaq, an Inuktitut word meaning ‘big island’
The community is strategically located for iceberg viewing making it the perfect place to see them travel down the Davis Strait
See some of the many emblematic specifies of Arctic wildlife that call the island home

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Hike to Russell Glacier

Optional

04 h 30 m

Kick your off-roading adventure into high gear as you travel the longest road in Greenland to reach the astounding Russell Glacier
Drive along the enormous Greenlandic Ice Sheet that stretches 2,500 km from North to South and 1,000 km from East to West
There will be plenty of stops for photos along the way where you might encounter some of the diverse wildlife of Greenland

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.

Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.