Canada’s Remote Arctic Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
Starting from
- Calgary, Canada
Expedition Overview
Here, at the top of the world, you will be able to experience the planet in its most pure and natural state. You’ll witness a polar landscape preserved in all of its astonishing beauty—unsullied by human development, free of the blemishes of unfettered civilization. On this exciting itinerary, we follow the natural guides of sea and ice to showcase the region’s cultural, historic and geographic treasures, aiming to approach the farthest stretches of this rugged, rarely visited landscape. Our goals for this voyage are to visit Nunavut’s northernmost islands: Axel Heiberg, and Ellesmere. Our game changing expedition vessel Ultramarine’s unprecedented range of Adventure Options, including activities such as helicopter flightseeing, gives you an unrivaled polar experience. You’ll be able to view the magnificent wildlife that make their home in this forbidding region, including polar bears, whales, seals, walrus, caribou, and muskox. You’ll also learn about the rich Inuit culture that has persevered against all odds. From soaring cliffs to spectacular glacial formations, to stunning alpine vistas, expansive waterways to sheltered shores, Canada’s Remote Arctic provides the
definitive experience of a mysterious, magical region few ever get to see.
Our ship, Ultramarine, equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, enables you to explore this breathtaking environment from brand new perspectives. You’ll experience the same sense of wonder felt by early explorers as they navigated the region’s formidable bays, inlets and channels.
Highlights
Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and muskoxen
Learn about indigenous culture from Inuit guides onboard and ashore
Enjoy unforgettable flightseeing aboard Ultramarine’s two helicopters
Zodiac along the face of an active glacier
Channel your inner explorer as we set out to reach Canada’s most northerly islands: Axel Heiberg and Ellesmere Island
Find Your Ideal Itinerary
Your Life Onboard
Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.
Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.
Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.
Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.
Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.
What’s Included
Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.
Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.
On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.
Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.
Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.
International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Included Activities
Flightseeing
Zodiac Cruising
Hiking
Polar Plunge
Presentations
Photography
Upgrade Your Expedition
Find out what add-on options are available for your expedition.
Adventure Options
These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary, destination and are weather permitting.
Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter, or shore landing.
Departure Dates & Cabins
Know Before You Go
For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.
Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.
Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.
If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.
Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack
Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at customerops@exodus.co.uk.