Arctic & Alaska

Canada’s Remote Arctic – Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

12 Days aboard Ultramarine. From USD $13,295$11,301pp.
Details

Overview

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. Ultramarine’s unprecedented range of adventure options, including activities such as helicopter flightseeing, gives you an unrivalled polar experience. You’ll be able to view the magnificent wildlife that make their home in this forbidding region: sea mammals, polar bears, muskox, and possibly even the elusive arctic wolf. From soaring cliffs to mummified forests, 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.

Save 15%
Triple Bonus Offer

• $1,500 USD Flight Credit
• Free Transfer Package
• Priority Pass Lounge Access (2x lounge visits)
Book by 31st March 2025

Itinerary 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 and heli-landings 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

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, Canada
  • Day 2: Fly to Resolute and Embark
  • Day 3 to 10: Exploring Canada's High Arctic
  • Day 11: Disembark in Resolute, Canada and Fly to Calgary
  • Day 12: Depart Calgary

Travelling with Eclipse

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Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
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Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, Canada

Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant city on your own before you spend the night enjoying the comforts and amenities of your designated hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Resolute and Embark

This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute, Nunavut. Upon arrival, you may have a chance to check out this small hamlet on foot before being transferred to your ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on ship location and weather conditions).

Day 3 to 10: Exploring Canada's High Arctic

Cruising around the remote islands of the Canadian High Arctic aboard Ultramarine, the newest ship in our fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Designed to give polar adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest- to-reach places on the planet—and equipped with two onboard twin- engine helicopters for unparalleled access to areas only the Ultramarine can bring you—this one-of-a-kind ship will take you beyond the familiar in polar exploration. Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer, including reaching Canada’s most northerly islands: Axel Heiberg Island and the rarely visited Ellesmere Island, at the top of the world.

Remember that no two polar voyages are alike, since each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions. While this voyage has no fixed itinerary, our objective is to visit as many of the incredible highlights the season has to offer, using our extensive expertise to give you the best experience. Each day, your highly skilled Expedition Team will read the conditions and choose the best course to set, but despite their knowledge of these areas, each visit brings something new to discover. That said, our expeditions will have some elements in common, including daily Zodiac cruising, land excursions, a robust education program, a community visit and wildlife viewing opportunities. And thanks to our onboard helicopters, you’ll also discover the ultimate polar expedition experience: While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea and on land, the view from the air is uniquely stunning. Conditions permitting, you’ll enjoy an ultra-immersive flightseeing activity (short sightseeing flights around your ship and surrounding areas) unique to Ultramarine, giving you an awe-inspiring polar experience like no other.

While this waterway is known to European cultures as the Northwest Passage, this area has nurtured and sustained the Inuit and their predecessors who have called these shores home for almost 5,000 years. Moving through these remote landscapes you will be traveling through the ancestral homelands of this ancient culture, illuminated in person by Inuit guides onboard and ashore. Nunavut is an Inuktitut word meaning “our land” and the Nunavummiut (the people of Nunavut) are renowned for their incredible resourcefulness, hospitality, good humor, and a deep knowledge of the land and animals that has allowed them to thrive in the far north for millennia.

Ultimately, your Expedition Team will keep its eye northward, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the lucky few polar adventurers who have transited through the famous Hell Gate to reach the top of the world, the spectacular Ellesmere Island. If conditions are right, the soaring, ominous snow-capped peaks of this polar desert will come into focus as we approach. The northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Ellesmere is one of the most remote places on the planet, a land of deep fjords, jagged mountains and massive ice shelves. If we’re fortunate enough to reach here, you will be among the few polar explorers to do so. One of the goals of this expedition is to introduce guests to the unique glaciology of Axel Heiberg Island, Canada’s second-most northernly island, one-third of which is covered in glaciers. A glacier that spreads out as a wide lobe as it leaves a narrow mountain valley to enter a wider valley or a plain. Axel Heiberg is home to the most dramatic and impressive Piedmont glaciers in the world. The Piedmont glacier spreads out as a wide lobe as it makes it way out of a narrow mountain valley into a wider valley or a plain. Birders will want to have their binoculars and cameras at the ready, as the island also affords opportunities for sightings of snow buntings, ptarmigans, jaegers and arctic terns, among others.

Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed, as many of the areas we hope to explore are home to a surprising number of birds and mammals that thrive in this challenging environment. You may see polar bears, muskoxen and several bird species, such as gyrfalcons and dovekies (little auks). If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive narwhal or arctic wolf, though sightings of these iconic creatures in the wild are rare, even in these areas where we have the highest chances of encountering them.

Coburg Island, for instance, is a wildlife reserve for such birds as snowy owls and peregrine falcons, while the impressive vertical cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are dotted with nesting seabirds like northern fulmars and black guillemots. The sheltered shores and steep cliffs of Arctic Bay, a hamlet located off of Admiralty Inlet, provide an ideal nesting habitat for various High Arctic birds such as snow geese, thick-billed murres (Brünnich’s guillemots) and kittiwakes. The region has been inhabited by Inuit and Thule cultures for almost 5,000 years. This community is an ideal spot to go ashore and learn more about the Inuit culture, sampling the local cuisine and mingling with artists, perhaps picking up carvings or other handicrafts as a memento of your polar adventure.

Devon Island is another possible locale for wildlife encounters, as walrus, polar bears and muskoxen inhabit the area, which is also the location of the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost, established at Dundas Harbour in 1924 to curb foreign whaling and other activities. Nearby is a small cemetery, one of Canada’s most northerly, still maintained by the RCMP to this day. Another exciting excursion your Expedition Team might offer, conditions permitting, is the opportunity to fly up to explore the Devon ice cap, one of the largest in the Canadian Arctic. History buffs will also be intrigued by the chance to visit an abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at Fort Ross, at the southern end of Somerset Island, and pay their respects to the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845–46 at the gravesite of three crew members on Beechey Island, one of Canada’s most significant Arctic exploration sites.

You may have the opportunity to cruise in a Zodiac along the face of an active glacier near Croker Bay and possibly even witness the wonders of calving ice, at a safe distance. Listen closely for the steady crackle and deep roars as slabs of ice break off and crash into the water below. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for the walrus that are often seen in the area.

There is no shortage of natural beauty, wildlife and history in Canada’s High Arctic. Each day, you’ll discover something new and inspiring, whether it is admiration of the tundra flora to survive the extremely rugged environment, a rare bird species soaring overhead, a polar bear on the hunt in its natural habitat, or the ancient remains of a Thule dwelling, predecessors of the Inuit who live here today.

Day 11: Disembark in Resolute, Canada and Fly to Calgary

After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Calgary, where you’ll spend the night at your included hotel.

Day 12: Depart Calgary

Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend the day exploring this fascinating city.

Next Departure Date: 09 Sep 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
09 Sep 2025 - 20 Sep 2025 USD$11301ppExpand to view offers
Explorer TripleUSD $13295ppUSD$11301ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Explorer SuiteUSD $17595ppUSD$14956ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Balcony SuiteUSD $19395ppUSD$16486ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Deluxe Balcony SuiteUSD $22895ppUSD$19461ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Terrace SuiteUSD $23695ppUSD$20141ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Solo Panorama CabinUSD $24695ppUSD$20991ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Penthouse SuiteUSD $24695ppUSD$20991ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Owner's SuiteUSD $31695ppUSD$26941ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%
Ultra SuiteUSD $34995ppUSD$29746ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 15%

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Solo Panorama Cabin

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Solo Panorama Cabin
Solo Panorama Cabin
Explorer Triple

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Triple
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Suite
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Deluxe Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Terrace Suite
Terrace Suite
Penthouse Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
Ultra Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Ultra Suite
Ultra Suite

Ultramarine Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Staff and Crew: 140
  • Guests: 199
  • Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
  • Length: 420 ft (128m)
  • Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
  • Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
  • Registration: Marshall Islands
  • Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed

Whats included?

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)

What’s not included?

  • Mandatory Transfer Package (see notes)
  • Mandatory 5% Goods and Services Federal Tax (GST) on top of all amounts paid. This will be included on your invoice upon booking
  • International airfare
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Calgary
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Notes

Mandatory Transfer Package

Includes:

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary
  • Group transfer from the Calgary hotel to the airport on Day 2
  • Charter flights between Calgary and Resolute
  • Group transfers between the Resolute airport and the ship
  • Group transfer from Calgary airport to hotel on disembarkation day
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary

Package Price: $1,995 USD

Adventure Options:

  • Sea Kayak: US$1,795

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

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Canada’s Remote Arctic – Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

12 Days aboard Ultramarine. From USD $13,295$11,301pp.