Sought for so long, at the cost of so many - are you ready to explore these icy channels? We have been specialising in Northwest Passage trips for many years and will help you uncover the lesser-known beauty of the Canadian Arctic.

Why travel to Northwest Passage

The legendary ice-clogged waterways of the Canadian High Arctic have enthralled explorers ever since John Cabot first attempted the transit in 1497. It was not until 1903-06 that Roald Amundsen, the same man who would go on to beat Scott to the South Pole in 1911, became the first to complete a full transit from east to west. However, it was undoubtedly Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition that captured the collective imagination.

Northwest Passage trips must be undertaken with the acceptance that the ice is in charge. As Franklin, and many others found to their ultimate cost, even at the height of summer the ever-shifting ice can create an impenetrable maze. For this reason, an expedition that enters Lancaster Sound is exactly that – an expedition.

The combination of ice-capped scenery, wildlife – polar bears, guillemots, beluga, walrus, musk ox and more – history and culture all combine to build an Arctic experience like no other. There is also a unique modern community living here, descendants of the nomadic Inuit of the Canadian Arctic, who, despite being settled in small towns, have kept many of their traditions alive. Our polar experts have the knowledge and experience to guide you and design a tailor-made wildlife holiday in the Northwest Passage.

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KEY FACTS

LANGUAGE

English/French

PEAK TIME

July - September

USEFUL PHRASES

Hello - Bonjour
I'm sorry - Je suis désolé
Thank you - Merci
Please - S'il te plaît
Good morning - Bonjour
Nice to meet you - Ravi de vous rencontrer
See you later - À plus tard
Goodnight - Bonne nuit

COLDEST MONTH

January
-35°C on average

HOTTEST MONTH

July
-4°C on average

ITINERARIES

Inspirational trip ideas

These are simply suggestions for the kind of luxury tailor-made holiday you might have. Your custom travel itinerary will be
personalised, tweaked, and refined until it matches you completely.

Ideal Length: 17 days

Greenland & The Northwest Passage: Following Footsteps in History

Experience the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness, where towering glaciers meet crystalline waters, and witness the mesmerizing sight of polar wildlife.

From £20,076pp From $25,080pp

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SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

Northwest Passage

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

Be prepared for the shifting ice to dictate every day as it has done since man first sailed through these waters.

Caroline 130 round
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, Caribbean + The Polar Regions
Uncover history

Originally the NW passage was a trade route from Europe to China. The Spanish Empire wanted to reach China and the Far East by a western route as Portugal took charge of the eastern route around Cape Of Good Hope. The Northwest Passage is 7,000km shorter than the current shipping route through the Panama Canal. That’s about two weeks saved in travelling time.

Did you know?

The narwhal whales are found in NW passage, also known as a narwhale (Monodon monoceros), is a medium-sized toothed whale that possesses a large unicorn “tusk” from a protruding canine tooth.

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