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Ponant invites adventurers on an extraordinary 20-day expedition aboard Le Boréal, delving deep into the heart of the Northwest Passage. This journey begins and ends in the settlement of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. With British photo ambassador and polar specialist Sue Flood on board, travellers explore breathtaking landscapes and encounter rich Arctic wildlife. The expedition navigates the storied waters of Baffin Bay, unveiling icy magnificence at Disko Bay's UNESCO-listed icebergs and vibrant Greenlandic villages.
Travellers sail onwards to Nunavut, Canada, traversing the historic maritime route once charted by explorers like Amundsen and Franklin. En route, the expedition offers glimpses of unprecedented Arctic beauty—from the sheer cliffs of Devon Island at Dundas Harbour to the barren beauty of Beechey Island, a poignant memorial of past explorations. The onboard naturalists enrich this polar journey, sharpening adventurers' appreciation for Arctic fauna, glimpsing polar bears and mischievous belugas in their natural habitat. As with every Ponant expedition, this voyage promises a unique and memorable connection to the Arctic's unmarred splendour, enhanced by the insights and expertise of its seasoned crew.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: The name Kangerlussuaq means 'Big Fjord' in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands surrounding the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna, including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.
Kitsissuarsuit, Greenland: This picturesque village located in Greenland is known for its traditional Greenlandic lifestyle, with locals engaging in seal hunting and fishing. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Kitsissuarsuit offers an authentic glimpse into the cultural heritage of Greenland.
Disko Bay, Greenland: Renowned for its incredible natural beauty, Disko Bay is home to towering icebergs and a rich marine environment. This region is known for whale watching opportunities, particularly during summer, as various species such as humpback and minke whales frequent these waters.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada: Located in northern Baffin Island, Pond Inlet is a predominantly Inuit community with a population of roughly 1,500. British explorer John Ross named a nearby bay after English astronomer John Pond in 1818. Today, Pond Inlet is treasured as one of Canada’s 'jewels of the North', adorned with several picturesque glaciers and mountain ranges. The area boasts many archaeological sites of ancient Dorset and Thule peoples. The Inuit initially hunted local fauna such as caribou and seal, long before European and American whalers arrived. Today, Pond Inlet is a prominent centre for Inuit art, including printmaking and stone carving showcased in local galleries.
Philpots Island, Nunavut, Canada: Queen Harbour on Philpots Island is an area rich with history and natural beauty. This location offers stunning Arctic landscapes and is a haven for various local wildlife, providing visitors the opportunity to experience the serene and pristine beauty of the Arctic environment.
Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada: Dundas Harbour lies on the southeast of Devon Island, Canada’s sixth largest island. This desolate yet beautiful location first gained European attention in 1616. Named after Devon, England by explorer William Edward Parry, local language refers to it as Talluruti, meaning 'a woman’s chin with tattoos' due to deep crevasses that appear like facial tattoos. The area contains remnants of a Thule settlement from 1000 A.D. and an abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost, originally established in 1924 to curb illegal activities in the Northwest Passage.
Croker Bay, Nunavut, Canada: Nestled in the Arctic landscape, Croker Bay is famed for its enormous glacier and the stunning icebergs calving into the bay. This site provides a magical setting to observe the sheer scale of nature’s beauty and impressive ice formations.
Prince Leopold Island, Nunavut, Canada: A significant sanctuary for fauna, Prince Leopold Island is recognised for its large breeding colonies of various bird species, including Thick-billed Murres and Northern Fulmars. This spectacular site lauds opportunities for bird watching amidst breathtaking Arctic scenes.
Fort Ross, Nunavut, Canada: Fort Ross sits at the south side of Somerset Island and holds historical importance as a former Hudson’s Bay Company outpost. Abandoned in 1948, it remains a testament to past endeavours to establish trade stations in the harsh Arctic conditions.
Coningham Bay, Nunavut, Canada: Noted for its polar bear population, Coningham Bay is an exciting spot to observe these majestic creatures along with belugas that frequently visit the area. This location is distinctive for its natural beauty and Arctic wildlife sightings.
Prescott Island, Nunavut, Canada: A lesser-known but extraordinary destination nestled in the Arctic archipelago, offering stunning natural vistas and an opportunity to experience the Arctic wilderness in its untouched form.
Beechey Island, Nunavut, Canada: Off Devon Island’s southwest coast, Beechey Island is marked by its historical significance. During winter 1845-46, Sir John Franklin camped here as part of his ill-fated Northwest Passage expedition. The mummified remains of Franklin’s crew were discovered here, shedding light on their journey. Surveyed in 1850 and visited by Roald Amundsen in 1903, Beechey Island became a 'Territorial Historic Site' in 1975.
Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada: Situated on Devon Island, Radstock Bay showcases rich Thule culture history with qarmat home remains. The bay is near important bird areas like Prince Leopold Island, housing bird species such as Murres and Kittiwakes.
Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Canada: This beautiful and remote community provides insight into traditional Inuit life, with opportunities to explore and appreciate the stunning Arctic tundra landscapes, local wildlife, and cultural heritage of the region.
Tremblay Sound, Canada: Tremblay Sound is renowned for its dramatic fjord landscapes and fascinating Arctic wildlife, providing a picturesque and serene natural environment to reflect upon the beauty and power of Arctic nature.
Icy Arm Fjord, Canada: Enveloped by rugged landscapes and towering ice formations, Icy Arm Fjord offers a breathtaking marine experience with opportunities to witness the pristine beauty of the Arctic waters and the rich array of wildlife that inhabit its waters.
Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Greenland: Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut marks the northernmost Greenlandic town where the port stays ice-free through winters. Historically reliant on sled travel, Sisimiut’s economy thrives on commercial fishing, paving way for this fast-growing business centre.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: Once again at Kangerlussuaq, end the exploration where Greenland's largest commercial airport is located, providing a gateway to the region’s rugged Arctic landscapes and wildlife.
We endeavour to ensure that the information provided on our website regarding itineraries and schedules is accurate and up-to-date. Please be aware, however, that this information is offered in good faith and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this regard.
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