Compare Classic Northwest Passage and Baffin Island by Adventure Unbound vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures

Day 1: Edmonton

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Depart Edmonton on your charter flight to Cambridge Bay, a remote outpost on the southern shores of Victoria Island. It’s a hub for hunting and fishing in the region and Amundsen spent two winters here, learning to dog-sled from locals in the lead up to his attempt on the South Pole. Embark your expedition ship, the Akademik loffe, in the afternoon and set sail for the Northwest Passage.

Day 2: Victory Point

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

As we cruise through the Northwest Passage, discover the mystery of Sir John Franklin and his “lost expedition” before encountering the vessels which were left abandoned in the ice of Victoria Strait. Today they are being brought back to life by the ongoing efforts of Parks Canada’s marine archaeological team and the recent Victoria Strait Expedition. We hope to visit Victory Point where you can see an abandoned lifeboat, cutlery and skeletons from this expedition, before passing as close as possible to the location of the HMS Erebus wreck.

Day 3: Coningham Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This morning we will arrive at Coningham Bay on the shores of Prince Of Wales Island. It’s renowned as a polar bear hotspot, with these iconic creatures coming to hunt for beluga whales which often get caught in the rocky shallows. Seeing these hunters in their natural habitat is one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in the Arctic.

Day 4: Bellot Strait

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This morning we will transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait which is renowned for its abundant marine species, including harp seals, bearded seals and polar bears. We’ll continue to the historic site of Fort Ross which is situated on Somerset Island. This former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost is surrounded by a number of fascinating archaeological sites which detail more than one thousand years of Inuit inhabitation.

Day 5: Beechey Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Today we will visit Beechey Island where Sir John Franklin’s expedition spent its last winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy wilderness. Step ashore to visit the grave markers which have been placed on a remote beach here and wonder at the bravery of these pioneering explorers.

Day 6: Devon Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This morning we will enter Lancaster Sound which has been dubbed a wildlife “super highway”. Waters from the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet here, creating an abundant source of nutrients for both marine life and bird species. We will visit the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour which is situated on the southern shores of Devon Island, then search for musk ox and Arctic hare on a hiking excursion.

Day 7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

As we approach the wild north coast of Baffin Island, we’ll navigate through Navy Board Inlet, which is surrounded by Sirmilik National Park, to visit the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik. Learn about the culture and history of these northern people on a visit the Natinnak Center, see traditional games being demonstrated and shop for beautiful Inuit carvings, jewelry and traditional crafts to help support the local community.

Day 8: Gibbs Fjord

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This morning we will enter magnificent Gibbs Fjord where soaring peaks and snowy glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop as we cruise along its dark waters - likened by one guest to a “scene from Lord of the Rings”.

Day 9: Baffin Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Cruise into beautiful Niginganiq (Isabella Bay) which provides an important summer habitat and feeding ground for the endangered bowhead whale which is able to break sea ice using the crown of its head. Also keep an eye out for hunting polar bears, ringed seals, narwhal and Canada geese as we navigate these waters.

Day 10: Ilulissat Icefjord

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

This morning we will arrive in Sunshine Fjord which straddles the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north. You may embark on an extended hike to soak up the spectacular views or opt for a less strenuous option along the picturesque coastline. Paddlers can also use this opportunity to go kayaking in the sheltered waters of the fjord.

Day 11: Pangnirtung

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov

With a picturesque setting between the mountains and waters in Cumberland Sound, the small village of Pangnirtung serves as the western gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. Explore this remote community which has made a name for its traditional and contemporary arts, including carvings, prints and textiles, or visit the Angmarlik Visitor Center to gain a better insight into the history and lifestyle of the Thule and modern Inuit people.

Day 12: Monumental Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe or Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Today we’ll launch the zodiacs to explore the shores of Monumental Island in the Davis Strait. This area is renowned for its encounters with walruses (and their cute pups), together with polar bears which come to hunt these fascinating creatures.

In the evening we will celebrate your final night on board with a farewell dinner hosted by the Captain.

Day 13: Ottawa

By the time you wake this morning we will be anchored off the beach of Iqaluit which is the largest community on Baffin Island. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ottawa where your expedition comes to an end.

Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke

Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.

Day 2 Sooke

After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.

Day 3 Sooke

Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.

Day 4 Sooke/Parksville

In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.

Day 5 Parksville/Squamish

Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.

Day 6 Squamish

Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.

Day 7 Squamish/Whistler

In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the ​​Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.

Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver

Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.

Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.