Venture Into the High Arctic ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/1%20Meals%20%28red%29_1.png) 44 Meals ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/3%20CT%20Ratings%20%28red%29_1.png) CT Rating 4/5 - Very Challenging ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/4%20Leader%20%28red%29.png) Led by Jon and Sue Gurr **Quark Expeditions •** ***Ultramarine*** Few journeys carry the mystique of the Northwest Passage. Once the obsession of legendary explorers, this remote Arctic sea route now offers modern travellers the opportunity to witness one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. Sailing through the Canadian High Arctic, we encounter dramatic ice-carved landscapes, windswept islands, and resilient northern communities where Inuit culture remains deeply rooted. Each day brings the possibility of wildlife sightings — from polar bears to bowhead whales — along with guided landings that deepen our understanding of the region’s history, ecology, and way of life. [**Book Now**](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=CNA290827:20270829) [**Download Brochure**](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/nCUwjFL/NorthwestPassageAug2027) Banner photo courtesy of Quark Expeditons [![Map of Northwest Passage](/sites/default/files/2026-02/Northwest%20Passage%202027.png)](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/Northwest%20Passage%202027.png) ### Tour Highlights - Take in sweeping views of the Arctic wilderness during a helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics dependent) - Encounter towering icebergs and active glaciers, including the UNESCO-listed Sermeq Kujalleq - Stand on the historic shores where Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition ended - Discover the Greenlandic community of Ilulissat and the Inuit hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq on Broughton Island, and engage with local culture - Explore abandoned Arctic outposts of the RCMP and the Hudson’s Bay Company - Experience the distinctive coastal town of Maniitsoq in Greenland - Watch for iconic Arctic wildlife, including whales, walruses, muskoxen, and possibly polar bears ### Inclusive Features - Accommodation in comfortable hotels as indicated or similar - 14-night cruise aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine - 44 meals included as noted (B - 16 breakfasts, L - 14 lunches, D - 14 dinners) - Complimentary standard wine, beer, and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours - All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services - Services of our journey leaders, crew, and expedition guides during the cruise - Internal flights between Iceland and Greenland, including transfers - Air-inclusive rates also include: - Return economy class airfare from Canada to Iceland with Icelandair - Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value - Transfers between the airport and hotel in Iceland - All current air taxes, fuel surcharges and fees ### Itinerary Overview Full View DEPART CANADA August 29, 2027 Tour members from across Canada gather for our flight to Iceland. ARRIVE KEFLAVIK / REYKJAVIK August 30, 2027 Arrive in Iceland and transfer to our hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free time to explore Iceland’s capital, known for its striking modern architecture, contemporary music scene, and rich Viking history. **Hotel to be announced** (1 night) KANGERLUSSUAQ / EMBARKATION August 31, 2027 After an early breakfast at the hotel, we gather for our private charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland — a small town that for decades served as the country’s primary airport gateway. Upon arrival, we transfer to the harbour and board a Zodiac shuttle to the ship. Following late-afternoon embarkation, we set sail into the stunning Arctic wilderness. ***Ultramarine*** (14 nights) Breakfast, Dinner CROSSING THE DAVIS STRAIT September 1, 2027 Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life as we set sail across the Davis Strait to the east coast of Baffin Island. There are many ways to spend your time aboard *Ultramarine*. Visit the Tundra Spa and other onboard amenities, or attend educational presentations led by the polar experts — glaciologists, historians, and other specialists. Learn about northern communities and ways of life in preparation for our first community visit. There will also be mandatory briefings with our expedition team on how we’ll safely explore this remote Arctic region. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Sep 2-3 (Thurs-Fri) | EXPLORING BAFFIN ISLAND Qikiqtarjuaq, fondly called Qik, is a small Inuit hamlet located on Broughton Island. Known as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, Qikiqtarjuaq sits at the northern entrance to the mountainous Auyuittuq National Park, which is home to narwhals, bowhead and orca whales, polar bears, seals and migratory birds. Community visits provide an opportunity to learn about daily life and culture, and to purchase local goods, traditional handicrafts, and art. As icebergs travel down the Davis Strait, many are naturally trapped at Qikiqtarjuaq. The surrounding waters are also home to ringed and harp seals, often surfacing between floes. A hike up to the hilltop offers sweeping views of the community and its coastal setting. Cruising further north along the mountainous east shore of Baffin Island, we’ll approach Isabella Bay, an important feeding area for the largest concentration of bowhead whales in Canada. We’ll aim to launch the Zodiacs and explore the bay, binoculars at the ready. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ICY ARM FJORD September 4, 2027 This is an especially exciting day, as you become one of the few travelers to explore the stunningly majestic Icy Arm Fjord, which cuts almost 80 kilometers (50 miles) deep into northern Baffin Island. Accessible only by water in summer months when the sea ice recedes, this rarely visited fjord is known for its unrivalled landscape of towering cliffs and stunning glaciers. Icy Arm Fjord is the epitome of unspoiled Arctic wilderness. We may observe polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, guillemots, kittiwakes and other Arctic-dwelling birds. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Sep 5-7 (Sun-Tues) | THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE At the top of Baffin Island lies Tallurutiup-Imanga (also known as Lancaster Sound), a true Arctic oasis. This channel and the surrounding lands are rich in wildlife and history — both Indigenous and European — and offer rewarding hiking opportunities. At Dundas Harbour on Devon Island, we’ll visit an abandoned RCMP outpost. At Croker Bay, we plan to cruise close enough to appreciate the splendour of glacial textures and calving ice while maintaining a safe distance. We then go ashore at windswept Beechey Island, home to the Beechey Island National Historic Sites. Maintained by Parks Canada, these sites tell the story of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to explore the Northwest Passage. What happened to Franklin and his crew remains an enduring chapter in Arctic exploration history. We also hope to explore the shores of uninhabited Prince Leopold Island, a significant migratory bird sanctuary and Important Bird Area, where we aim to launch Zodiacs for an immersive cruise at the foot of the bird cliffs. Nearby, on the northeast tip of Somerset Island, lies Port Leopold, an abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post dating back to 1937, where remnants of the original store and manager’s house can still be seen. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner CROSSING THE EAST COAST OF BAFFIN ISLAND September 8, 2027 As we journey from Lancaster Sound along the east coast of Baffin Island, spend time on deck soaking in the scenery — expansive landscapes, jagged spires, and abundant birdlife. Today also offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities and deepen your knowledge through presentations led by the polar experts. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner SAM FORD FJORD September 9, 2027 Well inside the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord is a standout Arctic adventure destination on Baffin Island’s northeast coast, and one of the world’s most spectacular big-wall playgrounds. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a study in contrasts: sheer granite cliffs seem to rise straight up from the ocean below, reaching up to 457 meters above sea level. If weather conditions permit, this region offers fabulous Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and paddling as well as opportunities to go ashore. With a bit of luck, we may see Arctic foxes onshore, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears during our offshore excursions. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner CROSSING THE DAVIS STRAIT September 10, 2027 As *Ultramarine* continues eastward across the Davis Strait, we’ll have a choice of presentations by the polar experts, who will share insights that bring greater meaning to the experiences so far and set the stage for our time in West Greenland. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Sep 11-13 (Sat-Mon) | EXPLORING WEST GREENLAND Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers, Sermeq Kujalleq. Locals have constructed a boardwalk leading to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. The inner harbour is a rare sight, with icebergs drifting among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring. As we approach, watch for whales that frequent the iceberg-laden waters. Eternity Fjord, home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland, offers exceptional opportunities for Zodiac exploration, providing access to areas larger vessels cannot navigate. Appreciate nature in its rawest form as we hike among the towering peaks and photograph the colourful tundra and dramatic landscapes. Another fascinating highlight is Maniitsoq. Soaring, snow-capped mountains surround this small, rocky town, whose name means “the uneven place.” Playful humpback whales spend the summer in the surrounding waters, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled as we transit ashore by Zodiac. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KANGERLUSSUAQ / DISEMBARKATION September 14, 2027 Our destination is Kangerlussuaq, which is Greenlandic for “the long fjord.” At the end of this 180 kilometre fjord is a settlement bearing the same name. The town is known for its natural beauty, and for previously being the home of the largest airport in Greenland. One last Zodiac ride brings us ashore before we transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Iceland. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your included hotel for the night. **Hotel to be announced** (1 night) Breakfast REYKJAVIK / CANADA September 15, 2027 As our Arctic adventure comes to an end, we gather for our flights back to Canada. Breakfast [Download Brochure](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-06/brx_CNA290827_Northwest_Passage_REV03JUN26.pdf) [![Two Inuit women in traditional fur clothing](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/arctic_bay_canadianarctic_acaciajohnson_6.jpg?h=da8ce681&itok=_wHbVQcn "Local Inuit culture in the High Arctic. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Acacia Johnson. ")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/arctic_bay_canadianarctic_acaciajohnson_6.jpg) [![Guest diving into icy waters during polar plunge](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/Polar_Plunge_ULT_4M9A5678_michellesole.jpg?h=3378616a&itok=u-1eDiJ- " Jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Michelle Sole.")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/Polar_Plunge_ULT_4M9A5678_michellesole.jpg) [![Ultramarine expedition ship navigating icy Arctic waters surrounded by rugged mountains and floating ice, with helicopters overhead and zodiacs beside the vessel.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/QUARKE~3.JPG?h=65c46e18&itok=4RA-j00X "Journey through some of the most remote landscapes on Earth. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Michelle Sole.")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/QUARKE~3.JPG) [![A whale surfaces in the icy waters of the High Arctic.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/SamEdmonds%20-%20Humpback%20whale%20at%20Ilulissat%202.jpg?h=da92fc0b&itok=geG1jq6t "A whale surfaces in the icy waters of the High Arctic. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions.")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/SamEdmonds%20-%20Humpback%20whale%20at%20Ilulissat%202.jpg) [![Passengers in expedition jackets photographing glacier and icebergs from Zodiac](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/pax_photographing_zodiac_cruise_eqip_sermia_westgreenland_AcaciaJohnson.jpg?h=58cf0fe8&itok=DVD7Oml1 "Board Zodiacs for close-up access to glacier-carved coastlines. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Acacia Johnson")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/pax_photographing_zodiac_cruise_eqip_sermia_westgreenland_AcaciaJohnson.jpg) [![Passengers exploring the shores of Baffin Island](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/baffinisland_acaciajohnson_qikiqtarjuaq_2.jpg?h=1c264dd6&itok=oJkSfkWj "Explore Baffin Island. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Acacia Johnson")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/baffinisland_acaciajohnson_qikiqtarjuaq_2.jpg) [![Two passengers walking on Arctic tundra near shed caribou antlers.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-02/canadian_arctic_acacia_johnson_johansen_bay_7.jpg?h=02f62f6c&itok=zvQ8zogS "Explore the Arctic tundra during guided shore landings.Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions / Acacia Johnson")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/canadian_arctic_acacia_johnson_johansen_bay_7.jpg) ### Have any questions? Contact Roselle at rking \[at\] craigtravel.com or call [1-800-387-8890](tel:1-800-387-8890) ## Quark Expeditions Ultramarine *Ultramarine* was designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration — to discover new places and immerse you in the very best the region has to offer. Carrying just 199 guests and supported by 140 staff and crew, she delivers an exceptional expedition experience with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, *Ultramarine* offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in its class. At 420 feet in length and purpose-built with a PC6 Ice Class rating, she is engineered for polar performance, powered by four diesel-electric engines producing 12,000 horsepower and cruising at 15 knots in open water. On board, guests enjoy the category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing areas than other expedition ships her size. Her best-in-class operational range and innovative sustainability features exceed industry standards, while fully enclosed lifeboats and advanced safety systems ensure peace of mind in remote regions. With all this and more, *Ultramarine* is perfectly poised to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience. [Deck Plan](/sites/default/files/2026-02/ULT_Deckplan_2020.pdf "ULT_Deckplan_2020.pdf") (1.81 MB) ### Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person ### Stateroom Description (Deck) Explorer Suite - Picture Window (Deck 3) ### Single $51,995 ### Double/Twin $32,435 ### Stateroom Description (Deck) Balcony Suite - Balcony (Decks 4 & 6) ### Single $56,595 ### Double/Twin $34,955 ### Stateroom Description (Deck) Deluxe Balcony Suite - Balcony (Decks 4 & 6) ### Single $75,626 ### Double/Twin $39,875 ### Stateroom Description (Deck) Penthouse Suite - Balcony (Deck 7) ### Single $83,275 ### Double/Twin $43,645 ### Stateroom Description (Deck) Ultra Suite - Balcony (Deck 6) ### Single $11,159 ### Double/Twin $57,375 ### Estimated air add-ons per person Toronto $1,435 Ottawa / Montreal $1,635 Halifax / Winnipeg / St. John’s $1,735 Saskatoon / Regina / Victoria $1,835 Edmonton / Calgary / Vancouver $1,785 [Book Now](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=CNA300827:20270830) ### Payment and Booking Terms Final payment is due on **March 25, 2027** **Deposit is $6,500 to $12,000 per person**, depending on category Above rates are per person, based on sharing the selected category. See the deck plan for full details on the various categories available. Cruise only passengers will join and leave the group at the hotel in Iceland. Airfares from other gateways are available upon request and are subject to change. Refer to inclusive features for details. Prices are based on rates, taxes and fees effective June 2026 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. A journey leader is not guaranteed and will be confirmed closer to departure. Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to the enrollment form for [terms and conditions](https://www.craigtravel.com/terms-conditions). #### CT Rating **4/5 - VERY CHALLENGING** This expedition-style cruise explores remote communities and wild locations in the High Arctic. The itinerary is subject to change, and travellers should approach the journey with flexibility and an open mind. Shore landings are conducted by Zodiac and may include wet landings. Guests should be comfortable walking several kilometres over uneven terrain. The physical demands of excursions may vary depending on landing sites, local conditions, and available options. Specific personal gear is required (details available on request). Do you have any questions about this journey? [Email Us](mailto:sales@craigtravel.com?cc=rking@craigtravel.com&subject=Northwest%20Passage%202027) #### Journey Leader ![Profile picture for user Jon and Sue Gurr](/sites/default/files/styles/user/public/pictures/2025-06/Picture148255.png?h=4f0c0979&itok=6TVGigrV) Jon and Sue Gurr - **Jon** and **Sue Gurr** have explored more than 80 countries across all seven continents, capturing the spirit of their travels through photography. With over 40 years of experience, Jon, a certified professional photographer, looks forward to offering a few photography tips along the way, while both he and Sue are excited to share their passion for travel on this unforgettable journey. ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/1%20CT%20Loyalty%20Points_1.png) [Craig Travel Loyalty Points ](/loyalty-club) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/2%20Pay%20By%20Cheque_1.png) [Pay by Cheque Discount](/pay-cheque-discount) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/3%20Refer%20a%20Friend_1.png) [Refer a Friend](/refer-friend) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/4%20About%20CT%20Ratings_1.png) [About CT Ratings](/craig-travel-ratings) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/5%20Travel%20Insurance_1.png) [Travel Insurance](/travel-insurance)