Northwest Passage Cruises

Most Northwest Passage cruises depart in August and September when late summer ice allows safe passage through the narrow channels. Time of year and the direction of travel are important variables worth considering, as are the planned landings, however, there’s no definitive route and ice conditions may cause changes along the way. Look for a ship with a high ice-class rating allowing it to manoeuvre through the channels.

The majority of cruises start or finish in West Greenland, and range from 10 to 17 days to cover the vast distance. The speed of your ship will make a big difference to your experience, and how much you can see. As the demands on vessels are high, cruises are limited, so we recommend booking 12 to 18 months ahead. 

The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via waterways through the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. For centuries explorers sought the existence of a navigable passage. However, it wasn’t until the period of 1903–1906 when the Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, proved it with the first successful transit.

For many people, the history of this region is enough to entice them here. That might be to follow in the footsteps of Franklin by visiting Beechey Island or to explore the remains of sod houses left by Inuit families. This is a world shaped by ice, a dynamic seascape framed by islands, glaciers and ice caps bathed in an almost ever-changing light. Somewhere unique on earth that humans have barely touched.

It's not all about the Franklin history though with plenty of archaeology throughout the region. Sites such as Crocker Bay and Cornwallis Island tell fascinating stories of a nomadic people who made this inhospitable place home for centuries. You'll find more recent history too, such as the Hudson Bay Company trading post at Fort Ross or the derelict remains of an RCMP outpost at Dundas Harbour.

You will also have the chance to explore some of the settlements along the way. Pond Inlet often features on the route as does Gjoa Haven, where Amundsen over-wintered. These landings are a fantastic opportunity to meet the famously welcoming locals and learn about their culture both ancient and modern.