Northwest Passage & Canadian Arctic Expedition
The Northwest Passage is a water route between Nuuk in Greenland and Nome in Alaska. Journey through the islands of northern Canada connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Experience one of the World’s illusive shipping routes that explorers had sought for centuries. The quest began as a search for a shorter shipping route between Europe and Asia and is now available to experience for a limited period of time each year on specialist Expedition ships
Northwest Passage Season
The Northwest Passage is only accessible by ship between July and September. This is the time when the the sea ice has reduced enough to allow a crossing attempt. Expeditions are timed for July and August, which are the peak months to spot wildlife. Polar bears are particularly active at this time, hunting along the floating sea ice. This far north you get to enjoy long summer days, which help to maximise the chances of wildlife sightings
Northwest Passage FAQ
The Northwest Passage is such a unique journey, we asked our Cruise Specialists to answer the Frequently asked questions
HX usually operate their two electric hybrid ships on this route, The Roald Amundsen and the Fridtjof Nansen. These ships typically take around 490 guests on this unique expedition
Yes, HX Expeditions provide an expedition jacket that you can keep after the voyage. Ensure you take warm layers and thermal clothes with you
HX Expeditions arrange special rubber muck-style boots onboard, which are mandatory for wet landings. You will receive a pre-expedition order form to arrange these before your trip
Yes, each ship usually carries 17 Zodiacs: up to 10 guests per zodiac for scenic cruising and up to 12 for transfers
Yes, But remember, every itinerary is weather and ice dependent so can change. HX Expeditions plan to visit Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Pond Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay and Ulukhaktok
This can vary by expedition, the goal is to see Polar Bears, Walrus, Narwhals and Belugas if possible, remember sightings are never guaranteed and can be season or weather dependent
Yes, the Northwest passage route can be affected by both sea ice and weather conditions. HX may alter the route if the passage is closed or unsafe. Your Expedition team onboard keep you informed of the day ahead with daily briefings, which is part of the adventure of expedition travel
Sorry No, Personal drones are not permitted on the ship or on the excursions due to the remoteness of the region
Yes, we hope you wont need it, but there is a medical centre onboard with a doctor and at least one nurse. Ensure you bring enough prescription medication with you for the whole trip, plus some spare to cover in the event of any delays
Important Note re Northwest Passage Expeditions
Indicative prices shown are for cruise only and do not include the mandatory flights from or to Nome, Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq and pre or post cruise hotels. Please submit a request for your preferred date and our team will check the best available current pricing for you for the full package to make this a seamless experience in this remote region. You can also view below our Greenland & Canadian Arctic Expeditions