If you are looking for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, then an Expedition through the Northwest Passage is exactly what you need. The Northwest Passage, for many years in history, was a complete mystery. It was a place that many explorers over hundreds of years attempted to discover, and one of the most famous, The Franklin Expedition, paying the ultimate price, the life of all crew on board.
We recently embarked on Quark Expeditions Ultramarine, retracing the steps of some of the most revered explorers in history sailing through the infamous Northwest Passage. We spent 17 days onboard exploring Fjords, observing wildlife (spoiler alert – we saw Polar Bears!) and visiting some of the most remote communities in the Arctic.
In this blog post we will be sharing our full experience of our 17 day journey through some of the most remote parts of the Arctic with Quark Expeditions.
Thinking of visiting Antarctica – the 7th Continent?
Read about our experience with Quark Expeditions here.
Why We Chose to Travel With Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions specializes in polar adventures which in our opinion really sets them apart. Their commitment to safety and creating unforgettable experiences is incredibly important to us. From their small-group Zodiac excursions to their knowledgeable guides, everything is designed to maximize your time in this pristine wilderness which is something we sincerely appreciate. We want generations that follow to be able to enjoy the magic of the Arctic so choosing a company the prioritizes sustainability is a must for us!
When to Travel through the Northwest Passage
The only time the high Arctic is accessible to explore is during the summer months of June through September.
However, the Northwest Passage routes are only offered a few times in a season, making it extra special and exclusive. You can find the upcoming itineraries offered here!
Preparing to Explore the Northwest Passage and Canadian High Arctic:
While it is summer, the Arctic has an extreme environment that calls for thoughtful preparation. Here are some tips we found invaluable:
Gear Up: Quark Expedition guests receive a complimentary parka to keep, while muck boots are loaned for the duration of the voyage. You should also bring thermal base layers, waterproof pants (these are mandatory and you can find the ones we purchased here and here), waterproof gloves, warm hats, and a good pair of sunglasses!
Pack Smart: A dry bag is a lifesaver for Zodiac landings. We preferred one that was a backpack making it easy to bring on shore and on hikes.
Health & Safety: Seasickness can hit hard while crossing the Davis Straight, so pack motion sickness medication or patches. Quark Expeditions’ crew is also well-prepared to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Camera Gear: The landscapes and wildlife are unbelievable. Bring a good camera and extra batteries (they drain faster in the cold). We also recommend bringing a case for your phone with a wrist strap! We had a guest drop her phone off the side of a Zodiac the first day when we travelled to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions which was incredibly sad, so come prepared!
The Plunge: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit for the legendary Polar Plunge and to enjoy the sauna or hot tubs on board (facilities will depend on the ship you are travelling on)
How To Get To the Northwest Passage
Your journey through one of the last great frontiers of exploration will begin in the land of Fire and Ice, Iceland! From Iceland, you will join your group on a flight to Greenland where you will board the ship and start your adventure.
Get to Iceland: The first part of your journey will take you to Iceland where you will definitely want to spend a day or more exploring before your group departs from there. If you are looking to see some sights along the Ring Road, we highly recommend reading our entire guide to Iceland here. It has all the information you need to know before you visit and some recommendations for sights to see.
Fly to Greenland: After you meet with your group in Iceland at the hotel and have your initial briefing, you will depart from the hotel the following morning on the provided transportation to the Iceland airport. From there, the Quark Expeditions staff will assist you with checking into your charter flight.
Boarding the Ship: After a quick flight, you will go through customs in Greenland and hop on a bus with your group to get to the dock. You will ride a zodiac to the ship from shore so be sure to have your waterproof pants accessible. The Quark Expeditions staff will be there with you every step of the way, making the boarding process seamless and easy!
Our Ship – Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Quark Expeditions has 2 expedition ships that make the voyage through The Northwest Passage. One of which is the Ultramarine, a state of the art ship designed specifically for exploration of the Polar Regions. This ship is absolutely stunning and truly redefines luxury and exploration in polar travel. This modern vessel offers:
Spacious Cabins: The ship has a variety of cabin options to choose from. We had the pleasure of staying in a Balcony Suite. Not only was the suite itself spacious, but the floors in the bathroom were heated, and the large balcony was the perfect place to enjoy our morning coffee as we sailed.
World- Class Amenities: From the gourmet dining options to a wellness center with a spa, sauna and fitness facilities, Ultramarine ensures luxury and comfort in every place around the ship. We loved spending time in the Panorama Lounge and Bar on Deck 7 to spot wildlife, enjoy a coffee or cocktail, or cozy up with one of the books from the well stocked library.
Enhanced Exploration Tools: The ship features Zodiac Boats, sea kayaks, and inflatable kayaks. Ultramarine features two twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopters that are designed to take passengers to explore further once they arrive in the Polar Regions. On our voyage, we had an included flightseeing experience!
Stay Connected: The Ship has a free wifi package, and premium wifi packages available.
You can read more about the ship, its features and the voyages it will be embarking on here! You can also check out their other ships the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer and the newest addition, the World Voyager on their website.
Our Experience on the Quark Expeditions
Once aboard, the sense of adventure and excitement amongst travellers and the crew was palpable. Quark Expeditions really excels at creating an experience that’s both luxurious and deeply connected to nature. Here are some highlights from our journey and what you can expect on your own expedition!
Our Biggest Piece of Advice
If we can give you one piece of advice before visiting the Arctic, it would be to come with an open mind and patience. The Arctic, even in the summer months, can have unpredictable weather and can alter the stops and itinerary during your trip.
The Quark Expeditions team will provide a tentative daily schedule during your evening debrief the night before. They also will have posted on the screens around the ship with the stops for the next day and whether it is a Zodiac cruise or a landing.
We also want you to keep in mind that wildlife in the Arctic —Polar Bears, Whales, Seals, and Birds—appear unpredictably, often showing up when you least expect them too. So again, we recommend going into the expedition with an open mind and patience to make the best of your experience.
What to Expect During your Expedition
Zodiac Cruising:
During the first day on the ship, the staff will separate the entire ship into different groups. The staff will invite each group of guests—identified by their group name or colour—to come down to the mudroom and put on the appropriate gear for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Zodiac Cruising was a great way to explore a vast area. Each Zodiac boat has an expedition team member that guides you through the area. We managed to have a different team member for every one of our Zodiac Cruises which we thought was great because each one has a unique background and offers different information and perspectives on each area we visited.
Wildlife Encounters:
The wildlife encounters we had on this expedition were so special. We were lucky enough to see multiple Polar Bears. Both from a distance while ship cruising, and at a safe distance on a Zodiac cruise.
We also saw a pod of over 200+ Narwhal pass through a Fjord which was a rare encounter that we will never forget. The Expedition Leader and staff at the landing site helped each and every guest to spot them, which is a true testament to how much the Quark Expeditions team cares and wants their guests to have the best experience possible. We also had some incredible encounters with Bowhead Whales, Seals, and many species of Birds.
Landing Sites and Hiking:
Both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic have rich history and incredible landscapes. Some of our landings were community visits where we learned more about the Inuit Culture and even got to witness some incredible dancing, throat singing and try some local dishes.
Other landing sites had archeological significance such as Beechy Island, where gravesites from the lost Franklin Expedition are, to Thule historic sites. The onboard historian and archaeologist were at each landing site, taking their time to educate guests on the significance and history.
Hiking was also possible at some of the landing sites. The expedition staff briefed all guests onboard about the different groups for hikes based on fitness level. Each group went at a pace and distance that was comfortable and safe for those who joined it. We were in the “Super Chargers” group and were able to hike and scramble to some amazing lookout points, including an old Polar Bear research station from the 1970s.
Sailing Uncharted Waters:
Ultramarine has technology onboard to deploy a Zodiac Boat and communicate the depth of the waters we sailed through back to the Bridge. During our voyage, the Expedition staff deployed this technology and we were able to sail literal uncharted waters and go deeper into a Fjord than any ship our size has ever done.
The Polar Plunge:
Deemed a right of passage for a polar expedition, the Polar Plunge was an exciting moment for us. The team had fun music going to get everyone excited while they waited for their turn. After you did the plunge, you were rewarded with a badge that said you did it and a hot chocolate (with or without Irish cream) or a shot of Vodka! We definitely recommend visiting the sauna after your plunge!
Adventure Options and Extras on Ultramarine
Quark Expeditions offers a variety of adventure options and extras to make your Northwest Passage journey even more memorable. They sell out quickly so make sure to sign up for them as soon as you can! Here are some of the exciting activities you can try:
Tundra To Table
Tundra to Table is a groundbreaking culinary experience that shares the culinary traditions of Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut. Guests who participate in this optional add-on will enjoy dishes from these Arctic regions prepared by Inuit chefs, and learn about local Inuit culture and culinary traditions!
It is important to note that this is only available on select expeditions. You can find voyages with the Tundra to Table experience here!
Sea Kayaking:
This program is a great opportunity to be surrounded by epic Arctic landscapes and curious wildlife. It’s an intimate and serene way to experience the magic of Arctic Canada and Greenland. To enter the Sea Kayaking program, they do recommend having some prior experience. The sea kayakers will go out every opportunity they get throughout the entire voyage so be prepared for a lot of great adventures!
Paddle Excursion:
Set off in an inflatable and sturdy two person kayak to paddle through pristine waters in the Arctic. This excursion requires no prior experience and is offered as a one time excursion to make incredible memories. We had the opportunity to partake in this adventure option and we absolutely loved it!
Additional Flight seeing Experiences:
With great weather through our voyage, the expedition team was able to get every single guest up for their included flight seeing experience in one day. This meant that they could offer additional flightseeing experiences to those interested on another day, weather and location permitting.
Final Thoughts
Sailing through the Northwest Passage was a thrilling adventure. Our expedition cruise with Quark Expeditions was the perfect way to experience Greendland and the Canadian Arctic, and we can’t recommend it enough. Whether it’s sailing the exact waters that the explorers centuries ago attempted to navigate, meeting communities and learning about their culture and traditions or simply standing in awe of the towering landscapes on the horizon, this is one adventure that is going to stay with us forever.
Ready to plan your own Arctic adventure? Let us know in the comments and head over to Quark Expeditions to start planning.
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