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Alberta/Ontario/Greenland

The Legendary Northwest Passage: An Arctic Expedition

Program No. 21408RJ
Set sail for the storied Northwest Passage, the explorers’ Holy Grail that wasn’t discovered until 1906, and witness unbelievable arctic environments on this extraordinary expedition.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
20 days
Program Begins
Yellowknife
Program Concludes
Toronto
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
56 ( 19B, 18L, 19D )
Activity Level
As long ago as the Age of Discovery, European explorers dreamed of a northern sea route to the Pacific. This “Northwest Passage” would not be successfully transited, though, until the legendary adventurer Roald Amundsen did it between 1903 and 1906 — spending nearly two of those years immobilized by ice. Soon, the long-hoped-for possibility of using the passage as a shipping shortcut may become reality due to climate change. Now is the time to sail this storied route and experience the otherworldly Arctic environment on an expedition aboard an ice-rated small ship.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Visit the "place that never thaws," Canada's Aujuittuq.
  • Sail the Ilulissat Icefjord via zodiac, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world's fastest-moving glacier.
  • Enhance your knowledge with unique access to Adventure Canada's seasoned onboard staff, each professionals in their fields including culturalists, photographers and naturalists.
General Notes
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and ice. The program is limited to 24 participants and the ship holds 198 passengers.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing for up to three hours per day over hilly, rocky, uneven terrain. Climbing stairs between decks on board as well as external gangway stairs to transfer between the ship and Zodiacs. Most embarkations and disembarkations will be via Zodiac, which require stepping up or down about 12 inches. Zodiac landings will generally entail disembarking onto rocky or gravelly beaches, and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (53 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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