The Northwest Passage - From Cambridge Bay To Boston

A blend of Canadian cultures in Québec's premier city 

Your expedition cruise begins with an overnight stay in Montréal, the largest city in the beautiful province of Québec. It's a hub of Canadian history and culture, with a cosmopolitan feel and a year-round calendar of events.  

There's plenty to see and do, from shopping, cuisine and culture to the Basilica of Notre Dame, located among the historic streets of Old Montréal. You'll find a kaleidoscope of colour in the city's Plateau district, and a lively atmosphere in the downtown social hub of Crescent Street.  

If you'd like to explore more, why not join our optional Pre-Programme, Montréal Sightseeing & Savoir-Vivre Tour, to get a real taste of this unique city in all its glorious colour.  

Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay 

A morning flight from Montréal brings you to wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay. It's home to fewer than 2,000 residents, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station – an important centre for climate change research – and Arctic char, musk oxen and caribou. 

It's only fitting that your expedition starts here, where Arctic explorers like Roald Amundsen once sheltered before attempting the legendary Northwest Passage. 

MS Fram will be ready and waiting. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and meet your Expedition Team, who will talk you through guidelines on protecting wildlife habitats and visiting Arctic communities in a responsible and respectful way. 

Crossing a historical sea corridor through Canada's Arctic archipelago 

Like pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our state-of-the-art ice class ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We plan to land at sites such as Gjoa Haven, Fort Ross, Dundas Harbour and Pond Inlet, if conditions are favourable. 

As we explore, we'll land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and look out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, narwhals, seals and seabirds.  

You'll go expedition boat cruising between ice floes, and go ashore to experience the pristine wilderness first hand. Your Expedition Team will adapt activities to ice and weather conditions, giving you the best experience possible.  

At Gjoa Haven, Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we are able to land here, we'll take a walking tour to discover more. We'll continue east to Fort Ross, a former Hudson Bay Trading post. 

We may stop at Beechey Island and pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members. On Devon Island – the largest uninhabited island on Earth – we hope to visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage.  

On the final stretch, we'll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island, rounding off an incredible eight days of exhilarating exploration. 

Relax and learn as we sail towards Greenland 

Leaving Canada behind, we'll cross the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay to Greenland. Join the Expedition Team for more insightful lectures on your adventures ahead. Topics may include local wildlife, geology, culture, and historic explorers. You can also pick up some photography tips on how to best capture the awe-inspiring scenery all around you. 

Get your pulse up in the gym or relax in the sauna or one of the outdoor hot tubs. Or just sit back and enjoy the seascape pass you by from the panoramic windows of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

The town where you can see and hear the ice flow 

Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. You're in for a unique experience. Nestled in magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Against a backdrop of colourful houses is an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters, as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. With the help of the ship's photographer, even amateur photographers will be able to capture the nuances of these sculptures of nature. 

Explore ancient traditions in Arctic Greenland 

We reach Sisimiut, Greenland's second city. It sits in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years.  

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum.  

If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. Or why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike. 

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk 

Your Northwest Passage expedition cruise continues on to Nuuk, Greenland's colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. 

Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland building. 

Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene. 

Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords  

We plan to spend the day experiencing Greenland's west coast fjords region and its sublime scenery. These fjord landscapes have been carved by ice over millennia. Since conditions can vary, we won't know exactly what's in store until the day itself. 

Your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure. We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike or launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything! 

Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science  

Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.  

The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program. 

Explore this extraordinary former whaling settlement 

Look out for humpback or minke whales as we approach Red Bay – the very creatures that drew whalers to this harbour in the 17th century.  

The ice-cold waters around Red Bay hide a number of wrecked chalupas – or small whaling boats – and galleons, making it one of the world's most important underwater archaeological sites.  

Visit the local museum to see a 26 ft. chalupa and look for whale bones in the protected Red Bay National Historic Site. Why not search for pirate captain Kidd's buried treasure around Tracey Hill; you may not find gold doubloons, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. 

Step back in time in this charming Newfoundland city 

We'll follow in Captain James Cook's footsteps as we sail into the Bay of Islands towards the traditional city of Corner Brook. Discover the area's fascinating history and collection of artifacts at the Corner Brook Museum. 

Take in great views from Crow Hill or take a guided hike along the Corner Brook Stream trail. You can also opt for a visit to Gros Morne National Park and the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, which also features a scenic drive. 

Before we depart, we'll enjoy a performance by local folk music performers and storytellers.  

Reflecting on your epic expedition 

As your Northwest Passage expedition cruise draws to a close, take time to unwind aboard your comfortable ship and imagine the challenges the great explorers before you would have faced.  

Soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, make use of the Science Center, or just relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.  

Join the Expedition Team to recap the highlights of this incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Spend time in the Science Center wrapping up your Citizen Science observations or pick out your favourite images with our onboard photographer.  

Disembark in the cosmopolitan capital of New England  

Your expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage ends in Boston. One of the major cities of the east coast, this thriving and European-looking city is a fitting place to end your Northwest Passage experience. 

Boston's rich history is infused into its many districts, with grand Colonial era buildings intermixing with a thoroughly modern city centre. Discover Colonial era and revolutionary history in abundance or visit the campuses of some of the world's most respected and influential universities. Or simply relax in bar or restaurant and go over your recent adventure with some of your new-found friends!