Ocean Explorer - 138 Guests
Northwest Passage
Epic High Arctic

The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage has gripped imaginations for centuries. On this captivating 17-day voyage, we invite you aboard our game-changing new vessel, Ocean Explorer, to explore this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of on-board comforts and off-ship adventures no other vessel can offer. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, guests will journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, navigating the waters explored by sailors from different lands while visiting areas that Inuit people have made their home for thousands of years.

Marvel at highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast, stopping at Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, whose Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves off enormous icebergs. And keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures who make their home in these harsh, remote landscapes, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears. Come aboard Ocean Explorer, venture to the legendary route that for centuries held explorers in its thrall, and return home forever bound to the spirit of Arctic adventure.



 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland
  • Visit Inuit and Greenlandic communities
  • View Arctic wildlife, such as whales, walrus and muskoxen
  • Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to explore icebergs, glaciers, fjords and more

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateDeluxe Veranda FwdStudio SingleVeranda StateroomVeranda SuiteJunior SuiteStudio Veranda SinglePenthouse SuiteOwner's Suite
Aug 21, 2026Sep 06, 202624,29531,89525,49527,09531,89534,39536,99539,495
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:
Package Price: USD 1,195

Includes
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
  • Group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the airport on Day 2
  • Charter flight from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq
  • Group transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day
  • Group transfer from the ship to the Resolute airport on disembarkation day
  • Charter flight from Resolute to Calgary
  • Group transfer from Calgary airport to hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd Date(Starting from)
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
(Mid-range)
Junior Suite
(High-end)
Owner's Suite
Aug 21, 2026Sep 06, 202624,29531,89539,495
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:
Package Price: USD 1,195

Includes
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
  • Group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the airport on Day 2
  • Charter flight from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq
  • Group transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship on embarkation day
  • Group transfer from the ship to the Resolute airport on disembarkation day
  • Charter flight from Resolute to Calgary
  • Group transfer from Calgary airport to hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Calgary


ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, Canada
Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Resolute and Embark
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you’ll have a chance to walk around this small Arctic town before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your ship.

Day 3 to 6: Exploring Canada’s High Arctic
Cruising around the remote regions of the Canadian 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 Quark Expeditions 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 at the top of the world.

Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. It’s an important stop on our voyage, as this is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a remote windswept raised beach, were discovered in 1851 by the crew of British and American vessels searching for signs of Franklin’s lost expedition.  

Radstock Bay is a popular research location for observing polar bears, which are often seen here in summer. An impressive Thule archaeological site provides insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived in the Far North.

For almost 5,000 years, the hamlet of Arctic Bay and its surrounding area has been occupied by Inuit people who were previously nomads migrating from the west. Surrounded by soaring cliffs teeming with seabirds, this is a great spot to go ashore and learn about the Inuit community’s traditional way of life.

The eastern end of Lancaster Sound affords hiking and cruising opportunities on Devon Island. At Dundas Harbour, trek along a beach to a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost. We’ll anchor at Croker Bay, where we’ll cruise near enough to appreciate the splendor of glacial textures and calving ice, while always keeping a safe distance. Walrus frequent the waters here, so be sure to have your camera handy.  

Canada’s most northern settlement, Grise Fiord will be your final shore visit in the Canadian High Arctic. Now home to about 150 residents, the mostly Inuit community was created in 1953, when the federal government forcefully relocated eight Inuit families from northern Quebec. Hunting and fishing are a significant part of their way of life. Visit the monument to the first Inuit settlers, as well as the remnants of the “old camp” where they lived.

Day 7 & 8: Exploring Smith Sound
Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll try to cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.

Day 9: Qaanaaq, Greenland
Your first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world. Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, and the museum sheds more light on what it’s like living near the top of the world.

Day 10: Cruising
As we sail south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations by our on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 11 to 15: Exploring West Greenland
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless.

Nuussuaq (formerly known as Kraulshavn) is the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.

Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. It’s not surprising that the red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises up behind gave this traditional village its name (Uummannaq means “heart-like” in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here.

In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also written as Qilakitsoq), you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient settlement, where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair of hunters. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 A.D., are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.

Cruising farther south rewards with spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the icy waters is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland, and we hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance. We may also go ashore to explore nearby.

Just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, is the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s . Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay.

In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word that the English borrowed) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, Itilleq is situated about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle, in a scenic hollow on a small island. It is the southern limit of the Greenlandic sled dog. To keep the breed pure, the dogs are not permitted south of this community and all other dog breeds are prohibited this far north. It’s also known as a welcoming community, where you might experience “kaffemik,” a Greenlandic tradition of inviting visitors in for coffee, cakes and conversation. Explore the town’s charming wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals, whose main trade is fishing, and maybe challenge them to a game of football (soccer) —it won’t be long before you’re experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe.

Day 16: Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and Fly to Reykjavik
Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, you will be transferred to your included hotel.

Day 17: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this fascinating city.

Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

(Click image to view Ship details)

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.

Adventure Options:
  • Flightseeing in the Arctic, Aboard Ultramarine
  • Hiking in the Arctic
  • Zodiac Cruising in the Arctic
  • Polar Plunge in the Arctic

 

Contact Epic Polar!
We can assist in finding you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts not advertised on our site. Find out more by completing the form or call toll free USA 1 888 423 4535 or Mobile/WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.