Following in the footsteps of early polar explorers, navigating the Canadian Arctic offers an adventure through largely uncharted waters. The 2016 discovery of the HMS Terror wreck off King William Island, Nunavut, after 168 years missing, and the earlier find of its sister ship, HMS Erebus, revealed critical pieces of the enigmatic Franklin Expedition puzzle. Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 19th-century voyage, aimed at finding the elusive Northwest Passage—a seasonal route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—captured the imagination of Victorian England, stirring tales of cannibalism, shamanism, and mutiny.
The Canadian Arctic’s High Coastline and the surrounding Northwest Passage remain largely uncharted due to icebound conditions outside the summer months. However, it presents an exhilarating opportunity for adventurous maritime exploration. The few small ships that navigate these waters must be vigilant for dangerous wildlife, shifting pack ice, and shallow waters. Experienced crews use rigid inflatable boats to ferry passengers ashore, maneuvering past seals on ice floes and gyrfalcons soaring overhead. Treks along scree-strewn shores offer encounters with polar bears and musk oxen, while guides keep a watchful eye on the fauna.
At night, ships venture into the dark Arctic waters where narwhals thrive, and the aurora borealis might illuminate the scene with its green glow. Despite its remoteness, the Arctic is inhabited by Inuit communities living in isolated towns such as Resolute on Cornwallis Island. Here, subsistence living is complemented by traditional soapstone carvings, depicting ice bears and reflecting the deep connection between humans and animals in Inuit culture. These island communities have played a crucial role in uncovering details of the Franklin Expedition, with oral histories and artifact discoveries leading to the ships’ rediscovery.
With summer sea ice receding, the commerce once envisioned by early explorers is becoming a reality. However, the increasing number of non-Inuit (Qallunaaq) ships arriving in Nunavut’s waters brings both opportunities and conservation challenges. For now, traversing these waters remains a rare privilege, reliant on favorable weather conditions and guided by local expertise.
How to Do It
To embark on an adventure through the Northwest Passage, itineraries typically range from 10 to 17 days and are available in August and September. Prices start around £8,000 per person, all-inclusive, excluding international flights. For booking, consider operators such as:
Six More to Try
- Sail the Great Lakes
Embark on a 15-day Viking Expeditions cruise visiting all five Great Lakes and Niagara Falls, traveling from Toronto to Minnesota. Activities include kayaking over shipwrecks, hiking lake shores, and learning about Indigenous Anishinaabe heritage. From £10,095 per person, all-inclusive, international flights extra.
- Explore Torngat Mountains National Park
This 3,745 sq mile wilderness in northern Labrador is managed entirely by Inuit staff. With no roads or permanent settlements, it offers tailor-made multi-day backpacking treks, kayaking, and rigid inflatable boat exploration. Prices on request.
- Canoe on the Yukon River
Witness the world’s toughest marathon paddling race from Whitehorse to Dawson City, a 444-mile challenge. The event attracts international canoeists, with a ‘half quest’ alternative for experienced paddlers. The event is held from July 4-7, 2023.
- Navigate the High Arctic
Canoe the Thomsen River in Aulavik National Park, the world’s most northerly canoeable river. This area is a haven for wildlife, particularly muskoxen. Guided canoeing and camping trips last 13 nights and cost from £7,000 per person, all-inclusive, with flights extra.
- Ride the Rideau Canal
Explore the 125-mile Rideau Canal, linking Kingston to Ottawa, on a 36ft-long boat. No experience or license is needed. Moor at quaint waterside hamlets and swim at various spots. Seven nights from £1,894 per five-berth boat.
- Canoe & Camp in Quebec
Enjoy Quebec’s backcountry with options like kayaking the Saguenay Fjord or canoeing near Mont-Tremblant. Some parks offer pre-erected tents and glamping options, with guides available. Prices start from £68 per person per night, including pitch, canoe, and equipment. Book via Sépaq.