Two of our Sydney team members, Katie and Suzette, have just returned from unforgettable Arctic expeditions through the Northwest Passage — one of the world’s most remote and storied sea routes.
Sailing aboard the Greg Mortimer, they explored spectacular landscapes across Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, encountered incredible wildlife, and experienced the warmth of Inuit culture along the way. Explore their highlights below and discover why you should join a Northwest Passage expedition.
Exploring the Northwest Passage: Katie’s Unforgettable Journey
Seeing the Greg Mortimer for the first time in Nuuk was such a special moment — it felt like the beginning of a true adventure. The colourful houses of Sisimiut clinging to the hillsides were just beautiful, and Zodiac cruising through the icebergs off Ilulissat was simply breathtaking.
One of my favourite surprises was a Zodiac cruise around Apaat Island, where the waterfalls and geological formations were stunning.
When we reached Pond Inlet, we were welcomed to Canada with Inuit song, dance, and a lively demonstration of the Arctic Games, it was such a joyful, heart-warming experience. At Bethune Inlet, we admired the vast ice cap descending from Devon Island, stretching for kilometres along the coast. During our Zodiac cruise, we spotted walrus sunning themselves on the shore.
In Dundas Harbour, fresh snow covered the rocky terrain as we hiked to the remains of an abandoned RCMP camp and cemetery. It’s amazing to think they were stationed in such a remote and desolate place.
Another unforgettable stop was Beechey Island, one of the most iconic sites in Arctic exploration. Standing at the small, windswept graveyard where three members of Sir John Franklin’s doomed expedition rest was incredibly moving. The Expedition Team’s storytelling brought that history of hardship, hope, and tragedy vividly to life.
Wildlife sightings were a huge highlight of this expedition, we saw five polar bears in Crocker Bay, including a mother with two cubs, and later a young bear walking along the beach at Prince Leopold Island. On Prince of Wales Island, we were thrilled to spot a pod of narwhals, the ‘unicorns of the sea’.
When we disembarked in Cambridge Bay, we were welcomed by the local community. Small groups of schoolchildren led us on walking tours through their town, it was the perfect way to end an incredible voyage.
Suzette’s Top Moments Exploring the Northwest Passage
The temperature change between getting on the charter flight in Calgary and stepping off in Cambridge Bay was remarkable, from 20°C (68°F) down to 4°C (39°F) in just four hours! Make sure you have your warm jacket handy before you board.
My top highlight of the expedition was the Ilulissat Icefjord, the birthplace of icebergs. The sheer scale of it took my breath away, a vast sheet of ice stretching far beyond the horizon. The Icefjord Centre itself is a masterpiece of architecture, and the walk to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed viewpoint was both easy and spectacular.
Visiting Beechey Island was another deeply memorable experience. Standing at the graves of Franklin’s men, you can really feel the history and mystery of their ill-fated attempt to sail through the Northwest Passage.
We were incredibly lucky with wildlife, spotting polar bears, narwhals, bowhead whales, beluga whales, and musk ox all in one trip. Every day brought a new surprise.
The lectures onboard added so much depth to the journey. Geela, our local Inuk guide, shared fascinating stories about Inuit culture, history, and even taught us a few words in Inuktitut. Linda’s talk, “Death in the Northwest Passage: The Curious Case of the Franklin Expedition,” gave a fascinating spin on the tragedy that unfolded here nearly two centuries ago.
My top tip for anyone joining a Northwest Passage voyage — bring binoculars! You never know what you’ll see just beyond the bow.
Why Explore the Northwest Passage with Aurora Expeditions?
A Northwest Passage cruise offers a rare chance to trace the route of legendary explorers through the heart of the Arctic. From Greenland’s glacial fjords to the wildlife-rich islands of Arctic Canada, each day reveals new wonders: immense icebergs, remote communities, and the iconic wildlife of the north.
Join us aboard one of our purpose-built expedition ships for an Arctic voyage through this extraordinary region and experience the timeless allure of the Northwest Passage where history, nature, and adventure meet.
There’s never been a better time to experience the Northwest Passage for yourself — save up to 15% off and enjoy a bonus air credit on our 2026 Traversing the Northwest Passage expedition!
