Gateway to the Northwest Passage: Greenland and Canada | Endurance | iExpedition

High Arctic Archipelago: Canada and Greenland

  • Overview

    Explore the icy reaches of the High Arctic on a grand polar adventure that traces the icy shores of Northern Greenland and Arctic Canada. Sail into dramatic fjords, narrow straits, and breathtaking bays, and call on remote villages where Inuit communities have lived off the land for centuries. Search for the mighty polar bear, musk ox, and other iconic wildlife from whales to walrus.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Venture into the dramatic high Arctic islands, up to the ice edge and learn dramatic stories of explorers and adventurers who sought this remarkable, icy frontier

    • Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site

    • Explore Ellesmere Island with binoculars at the ready to spot polar bears, ringed seals, bowhead whales, and the elusive narwhal

    • Enjoy a presentation of local Inuit performances in music, dance, sorties, and traditional Inuit athletics at Pond Inlet

    • Marvel at the unique volcanic black-sand beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls of Disko Island

    Duration: 24 days
    Passengers: 148 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavík, Iceland
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavík, Iceland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: Unavailable
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Reykjavík, Iceland

      Arrive in Reykjavík. Enjoy a morning excursion in the Reykjavík region as your first introduction to the land of Fire and Ice.  After lunch, check into your centrally located hotel in Reykjavík and enjoy exploring the quaint capital city streets at your leisure.

    • Day 2 - Nuuk, Greenland

      Fly from Reykjavík by chartered aircraft to Nuuk, Greenland's capital thriving capital city. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a scenic sailing out of the Nuuk fjord and into the open water of the Davis Strait, as we navigate north along the coastline.

    • Day 3 - Greenland’s West Coast and Sisimiut

      Upon arrival to Sisimiut, a former whaling port, enjoy your choice of guided walks through the sights and sounds of the village, including Dog Town or Sallinnguit, a small island with centuries of history from Inuit culture through colonization and current day industry. In your free time, enjoy a local food tasting, visit the open-air museum, or explore the local artisan workshops.

    • Day 4 - Disko Bay

      Sail into Qeqertarsuup Tunua, also known as Disko Bay, and be welcomed by floating icebergs calved off the world's most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. On Disko Island, the second largest in Baffin Bay, enjoy a day of expedition activities as conditions permit, including backcountry hiking, photo walks, and naturalist led botany walks. This evening, we sail away from the Greenlandic Coast and venture to the west and the Canadian Arctic.

    • Day 5/11 - Shores of the Northwest Passage

      The Northwest Passage begins in the Davis Strait between Greenland and Canada. Our exploration takes us along the beautiful bays and inlets of Baffin Island’s Lancaster Sound, a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is also the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago, where European explorers like William Baffin first ventured in the 17th century to search for the Northwest Passage. We continue our exploration of the Canadian High Arctic with a visit to the small Inuit community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, an area that has been inhabited by Inuit for over 1000 years.

      As we continue our exploration into Lancaster Sound, days are spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. Visit Devon Island and take a walk with our ship’s archaeologist to learn about the Thule people—ancestors of the modern Inuit—that once inhabited this region.

    • Day 12/16 - Exploring the Queen Elizabeth Islands

      We explore the ice-laden channels and glacier-carved islands that stretch for hundreds of miles—a stunning display of raw geology. We explore the rocky, Mars-like terrain of uninhabited Devon Island. We take our cues from nature: following wildlife, stopping for hikes on the tundra, dropping anchor in a beautiful fjord or an iceberg-strewn bay to explore and kayak beneath massive ice sculptures and soaring cliffs. Sail past the northernmost part of mainland North America in the Bellot Strait, one of the narrowest and most infamous of the passage. We learn about the Inuit peoples who have hunted and fished here for thousands of years. As well, we are on the lookout for the animals that call this region home such as
      ringed seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales.

    • Day 17/21 - Exploring Ellesmere Island and Northern Greenland

      Heading ever northward, we make our way up the beautiful and remote east coast of Ellesmere Island. Cruise along scenic Smith Bay (a.k.a. Skog Inlet, named for Leif Skog, Lindblad's own renowned ice captain and world explorer) bordered by a steep wall of mountains, with a glacial ice tongue which pours down the mountains on either side. Be up on the bridge as we search for a patch of “polar bear ice,” the mixture of first-year and multi-year sea ice that is the preferred habitat of the ice bears. Our binoculars seek out any small ivory-colored dot on an otherwise white ice surface. With luck, these small dots will be local polar bears exploring the ice and making their way across the landscape of the Arctic Archipelago.

      After exploring to the edge of the ice, we turn our attention eastward to the largest island in the world: Greenland. The shores of northern Greenland continue to challenge explorers and locals alike to carve out their daily lives among some of the most beautiful and harsh conditions. We will kayak in sheltered coves, embark on hikes (when the coast is clear of polar bears), and visit local communities that continue the traditional hunting practices.

    • Day 22 - Ilulissat

      Sail back into Qeqertarsuup Tunua, or Disko Bay, and enjoy an extraordinary cruise aboard local boats among towering icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ilulissat Icefjord. Visit the town of Ilulissat and hike into the Sermermiut Valley, once an Inuit settlement and now the home to a peaceful boardwalk overlooking the Icefjord. This evening, we sail away south along the coast, spend time on the bridge with your Naturalists and Bridge team keeping watch for whales and glimpses of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet.

    • Day 23/24 - Nuuk / Disembark Ship / Reykjavík, Iceland

      Sail back into Nuuk and disembark the ship. Take an evening charter flight to Reykjavík and transfer to the to our overnight hotel close to the airport. On our final morning, transfer to the airport for flights home.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
    - Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
    - Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
    - Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
    - 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
    - Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
    - Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
    - Complimentary reusable water bottle
    - Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
    - Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
    - Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
    - Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
    - All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Passport, visa, and immigration fees
    - Travel protection plans
    - Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
    - Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
    - Pre- and post-expedition extensions
    - Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
    - Private transfers
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation.

    Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.

     

    TOOLS FOR EXPLORATION:

    Expedition Landing Craft
    Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 8 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use is 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.

    Remotely Operated Vehicle
    Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colourful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.

    Kayaks
    National Geographic Endurance will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.

    Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.

    Underwater camera
    Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colourful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrives in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.

    Video microscope
    Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.

    Hydrophone
    This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real-time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.

    Electronic charts
    An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.

    Open bridge
    You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

     

     

     

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 126
    Crew #:
    Ice Class: PC5
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2020
    Length: 124m
    Width:
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 1250
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets: 2 Flat
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We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
national geographic endurance cat 1 cabin

Category 1

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Fore Deck, with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, and a closet.
USD$ 50,510pp
USD$ 50,510pp
national geographic endurance cat 2 cabin

Category 2

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Fore Deck, with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, 2 seat sofa, coffee table, armchair, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 53,885pp
USD$ 53,885pp
national geographic endurance cat 3 cabin

Category 3

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 62,610pp
USD$ 62,610pp
national geographic endurance cat 4 cabin

Category 4

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, hammock, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 70,347pp
USD$ 70,347pp
national geographic endurance cat SA cabin

Category SA (Single)

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs and a table; single bed, writing desk with an office chair, bedside table, and a closet.
USD$ 75,765pp
USD$ 75,765pp
national geographic endurance cat 5 cabin

Category 5

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 80,817pp
USD$ 80,817pp
national geographic endurance cat 6 cabin

Category 6

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 92,939pp
USD$ 92,939pp
national geographic endurance cat SB cabin

Category SB (Single)

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed, bedside table, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
USD$ 93,915pp
USD$ 93,915pp
national geographic endurance cat 7 cabin

Category 7

26 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025
Large Balcony Suite that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen. Large Suite sized bathroom with double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, rain shower, separate bathroom with toilet. Sofa bed, coffee table, writing desk and chair, hammock, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Suites include a Bose Bluetooth player.
USD$ 101,044pp
USD$ 101,044pp