Explorers’ Route: 15-Night Aurora Northwest Passage Voyage

Few voyages carry the history of the Northwest Passage, the Arctic sea route that defeated explorers for centuries. This 15-night Aurora Expeditions voyage aboard Sylvia Earle begins in Calgary on September 12, 2027, with a flight north to Kugluktuk, Nunavut, to board the ship, and ends with a flight from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Reykjavík on September 27. It suits seasoned travelers, history lovers and anyone drawn to truly remote places.

Heading east, the ship visits Port Epworth and Cambridge Bay, one of the larger communities in the Canadian Arctic. King William Island is closely tied to the story of the lost Franklin expedition of the 1840s, whose ships were found in nearby waters in 2014 and 2016. Bellot Strait, the narrow channel between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula, marks the northernmost point of mainland North America.

Farther east, Radstock Bay, Maxwell Bay, Croker Bay and Dundas Harbour on Devon Island offer glaciers, wildlife and remnants of past Arctic outposts. Crossing to Greenland, Kullorsuaq and the striking Devil’s Thumb rock spire mark Melville Bay. Ilulissat is home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where enormous icebergs drift out to sea. Final stops at Ukivik and Nipisat lead to Kangerlussuaq. Every day is Captain’s Choice, and in the Passage, ice conditions ultimately set the route.

Sylvia Earle is a small, purpose-built expedition ship designed for polar travel. Aurora’s expedition team includes naturalists and historians, and the line is known for Zodiac excursions and citizen science. Inclusions vary by fare, so we’ll confirm what’s covered, including the flights noted in the itinerary.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, and we’ll help you plan arrival in Calgary and onward travel from Reykjavík. Get in touch with your dates and cabin preferences and we’ll check what’s open.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to sail the Northwest Passage?
Late August and September are when sea ice is usually at its lowest, which is why expeditions sail then. Even so, ice can block channels, so the route stays flexible.

Are flights included on Aurora’s Northwest Passage voyage?
The itinerary includes a flight from Calgary to Kugluktuk to board the ship and a flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík at the end. You’ll need your own flights to Calgary and home from Reykjavík, which we can help arrange.

Do I need a passport for a Northwest Passage cruise?
Yes. The voyage starts in Canada and finishes via Greenland and Iceland, each with its own entry rules depending on your citizenship. We’ll confirm current requirements.