Into the Northwest Passage (East to West)

Kangerlussuaq is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. After our charter flight from Toronto, we will transfer to Ocean Endeavour by Zodiac. Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world: 168 kilometres of superb scenery. Steaming down this dramatic fjord we’ll cross the Arctic Circle—from the north!

West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic Location. Abundant fauna and marine life have supported human habitation here as far back as 4,500 years.

Ilulissat means “iceberg”, an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier—a unesco World Heritage Site, and the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic. We will cruise in our fleet of Zodiacs to appreciate the icebergs, and visit the town of Ilulissat, with its museums, cafes, craft shops, and busy fishing harbour.

Exploring by ship and Zodiac along the west coast of Greenland, we have numerous options for expedition stops, to make the most of weather and wildlife conditions. Departing Greenland, we cross Baffin Bay toward Nunavut.

As we steam toward Nunavut, our resource staff will deepen your understanding of the Arctic. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, or get out on deck. Keep your binoculars ready for minke and humpback whales, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage.

Mittimatalik is a busy Arctic community in a beautiful setting, a fascinating place to wander. The cultural presentation at the Community Hall is not to be missed—arts and crafts may be available here too.

We will spend three days exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut. Narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales transit and feed in this area. We’ll cruise by ship and Zodiac in search of wildlife. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over fifty thousand square kilometres. Flat topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from ship and by shore. Archaeological sites with expert interpretation allow us to learn about the Inuit history of this now-abandoned island. We’ll visit the remains of a RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company site at Dundas Harbour.

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. His crew overwintered at Beechey Island—where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of the HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

This passage marks an area rich in marine and avian life. Thick-billed Murres, Ivory Gulls, beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales reside in the ice-strewn waters. In addition to abundant wildlife, we’ll delve deeper into the exploration of the Northwest Passage and mercantile efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company.

The traditional territory of the Netsilik Inuit, 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. Recently, 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. We will spend our time navigating the ice-strewn waters in search of wildlife. We’ll also call in at Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven) home of the Guardians of Terror Bay. The European name, Gjoa Haven, honours Roald Amundsen who overwintered in the bay for two years while searching for the Northwest Passage. Amundsen became the first European to cross the Northwest Passage, thanks to the knowledge and largesse of Inuit. The community has an excellent cultural centre and is well known for carvings and wall hangings.

Located at the mouth of the Coppermine River, Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut.

This is our proposed itinerary. It is highly probable that weather, sea, and ice conditions will not allow us to travel this exact route. Our Expedition Leader and the Ocean Endeavour's captain will determine our exact route day by day.

Vessel Type: Expedition Cruise

Length: 108 metres / 354 feet

Passenger Capacity: 144

Built/Refurbished: 1989/2018/2023

Capacity for 144 passengers
Purpose-built for expedition travel
Design combines bold exploration with relaxed comfort and elegance
Well-suited for polar, temperate, and tropical environments

Life on Board

Food and Drink

Aboard the Exploris One, dining is an adventure! Top chefs craft dishes blending local flavours with international favourites, served in cozy open-seating spaces—indoors or al fresco. Start your day with hearty breakfasts and lunches to fuel your explorations. At dinner, savour globally inspired à la carte meals catering to seafood lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between—don’t forget the freshly made desserts! Dietary needs? Our team’s got you covered with advance notice. With 24/7 beverages, from specialty coffee to fine wine, from beer to cocktails, every bite and sip celebrates your journey. Bon appétit!

Life on Board

Wake up aboard the Exploris One, where breathtaking ocean views from your cabin spark your inner poet. This intimate ship, with space for 144 adventurers is designed to take you to the planet’s most remote corners in style. Blending cozy comforts with epic exploration, it’s perfect for you thrill-seekers that don’t want to leave your barista behind. Learn from our expert expedition team, known for their deep knowledge and quirky charm. Spot seabirds from panoramic decks, enjoy inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, live music, or simply unwind in the ship’s welcoming spaces.

From Ship to Shore

Heading ashore on the Exploris One is part of the adventure! With a fleet of trusty Zodiacs, you'll easily reach remote beaches, wildlife hotspots, and stunning coastlines. Designed for exploration, these versatile crafts get you right into the action. Our expert team ensures smooth, safe transfers, so you can focus on the thrill of discovery. Whether stepping onto untouched shores or cruising past playful seals, the journey is as exciting as the destination. On the Exploris One, every shore excursion is an adventure waiting to unfold!

Facilities

The Explorer’s Table – Grand Restaurant

Enjoy exceptional dining in a spacious setting where gourmet meals and regional specialties are served with care and creativity.

The Outside Grill

Savour fresh-grilled favourites while taking in stunning views and the invigorating sea breeze on this open-air deck dining space.

Learning Lounge

Engage with experts and fellow travellers in this comfortable venue designed for insightful presentations and enriching talks.

Main Lounge

Relax and socialize in this welcoming hub, perfect for unwinding, sharing stories, or enjoying evening entertainment.

Observation Lounge

Take in sweeping views and quiet contemplation in this serene space.

Fitness Centre

Stay active in the fully equipped fitness area, featuring modern equipment and ample space to maintain your workout routine while at sea.

Sauna

Recharge and unwind in the soothing warmth of our on-board sauna, perfect after a day of exploration.

Massage Room

Massages offered to provide relaxation and comfort, with appointments available throughout each journey.

Two Outdoor Jacuzzis

Soak in warm, bubbling waters while enjoying expansive views and refreshing ocean breezes.

Gift Shop

Browse a selection of unique items and essentials, perfect for souvenirs or travel needs.

Additional Facilities

Panoramic bridge
Bridge deck
Elevators to all decks
Steam Room
Complimentary launderette
Reception
Ready room
Medical centre

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 137m

Passenger Capacity: 199

Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018

Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout.

Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

Features of the Ocean Endeavour  

VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool

Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking.

Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica