Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere & Axel Heiberg Islands

Find the perfect trip

12 days from

£12265.5

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Follow the footsteps of polar explorers and experience highlights of the Canadian Arctic
  • Search for iconic Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and muskox
  • Enjoy flightseeing and heli landings with Ultramarine’s two onboard helicopters
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from our onboard polar experts

Highlights

  • Follow the footsteps of polar explorers and experience highlights of the Canadian Arctic
  • Search for iconic Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and muskox
  • Enjoy flightseeing and heli landings with Ultramarine’s two onboard helicopters
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from our onboard polar experts
Capacity: 199, Type: Single cabins

Here, at the top of the world, nature has created unique wonders in astonishing variety. Our game-changing new expedition vessel 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.

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.

MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:

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

  • Follow the footsteps of polar explorers and experience highlights of the Canadian Arctic
  • Search for iconic Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and muskox
  • Enjoy flightseeing and heli landings with Ultramarine’s two onboard helicopters
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from our onboard polar experts
09 September, 2025 to 20 September, 2025 on Ultramarine
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Explorer Triple. From
£ 12265 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Explorer Triple. From
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travelers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests. Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Terrace Suite. From
£ 20629 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Terrace Suite. From
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Balcony Suite. From
£ 17161 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Balcony Suite. From
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Solo Panorama. From
£ 21394 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Solo Panorama. From
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class. Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Deluxe Balcony Suite. From
£ 19966 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Deluxe Balcony Suite. From
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Explorer Suite. From
£ 15733 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Explorer Suite. From
Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Penthouse Suite. From
£ 21394 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Penthouse Suite. From
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Owner's Suite. From
£ 27004 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Owner's Suite. From
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
Ultra Suite. From
£ 29656 GBP pp (+ MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE £1536 GBP pp)
Ultra Suite. From
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travelers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Toronto, Canada
Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. 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 may have a chance to check out some of the town’s sites before being transferred to your ship via Zodiac or helicopter (depending on ship location and weather conditions).
Days 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 Quark Expeditions can bring you—this one-of-a-kind ship, in its inaugural year, 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 this season has to offer, using the opportunities provided by the weather and ice 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 extensive expertise in 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: As stunning as polar landscapes are from your ship, they’re even more striking from the air! Conditions permitting, you’ll enjoy ultra-immersive activities like flightseeing (short sightseeing flights around your ship and surrounding areas) and heli-landings (flying to places we could not otherwise access for shore excursions), two breathtaking options that are unique to Ultramarine and give 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, 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 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 loud roars as pieces 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 rugged environment, a rare bird species soaring overhead, a polar bear on the hunt in its natural habitat, or the remains of a century-old hut.
Day 11 — Disembark in Resolute, Canada & fly to Toronto
After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Toronto, where you’ll spend the night at your included hotel.
Day 12 — Depart Toronto
Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend the day exploring this fascinating city.
Please note:
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Ultramarine
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ult…

Ultramarine

Length: 128m
Passenger capacity 199
Launched 2020

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Cabin - Spacious Entryways, Personal Safes, Spa-inspired Bathrooms, Heated Bathroom Floors, Premium beds and bed linens, Convertible Beds, Individual Temperature Controls, HD Flatscreen Televisions, Oversized Windows With Sweeping Views, Electrical Supply: 220V

Aboard - 2 Dining Areas, 4 Bars, Panorama Lounge, Lecture Theater, Library, Polar Boutique, Spa & Fitness Center, Oceanview Sauna, Zodiac Hangar with 4 Embarkation Points, 2 Ready Rooms with Individual Lockers, Walkaround Deck, Bridge

Activities -  Flightseeing (Included), Zodiac Cruising (Included), Hiking (Included), Lectures (Included), Camping (Optional), Sea Kayaking (Optional), Stand-Up Paddleboarding (Optional), Paddle Excursions (Optional), Cross Country Skiing (Optional), Mountaineering (Optional)

 

Cabin layout for Ultramarine
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

12 days from £12265.5

Find your favorite region