Into the Wild: A Firsthand Journey Through the Northwest Passage

There’s nothing quite like hearing from a client when they return home from a trip, especially when they’ve just experienced something as extraordinary as the Northwest Passage.

My clients Norm and Annemiek recently travelled through the Northwest Passage with Adventure Canada aboard the Ocean Victory. Along the way, they encountered polar bears, Arctic foxes and walruses, explored the tundra and fjords of Greenland, shared hot chocolate with a Zodiac full of polar bears, and learned from Inuit guides, including a former Prime Minister of Greenland. They also came home with a deeper appreciation for the incredible size and remoteness of Canada's Arctic.

Here’s what they had to say about their experience.

The photos featured throughout this post were taken by Norm and Annemiek during their journey. Fellow passenger William captured this incredible photo of the polar bear on the iceberg while kayaking.

What made you say “yes” to the Northwest Passage in the first place?

N&A: In the past few years, we had travelled to the west (Yukon) and the east (Newfoundland). We wanted to discover some of this very vast part of Canada we had not seen before.

When did you have your first “wow, we’re really here” moment?

Norm: The first morning of the cruise, opening the curtains of our cabin and seeing the fjord in Greenland up close.

Annemiek: The first hike in Greenland, walking on soft, bouncy ground with plants growing horizontally in shades of colours I had never seen before.

What was the biggest surprise of the trip?

Norm and Annemiek: On one of our first excursions, having the hike stopped by the bear monitors. We were quickly turned around to head back to the ship. We hadn’t realized a polar bear might be so close! The staff took our safety very seriously.

What was your most unforgettable wildlife encounter?

Norm: The polar bears were great, but seeing a young Arctic fox at close quarters was the best.

Annemiek: Seeing walruses draped on the rocks in such a way that they were hard to see. They were basking in the sun and pretty well motionless.

Was there a particular landscape or place that took your breath away?

Norm: There were so many! The fjords and glaciers in Greenland, and the mountains of the north coast of Baffin Bay, were especially beautiful.

Annemiek: Sun shining on the flowers and plants revealing beautiful, unexpected colours! Plants grow mostly horizontally for lack of sun and the presence of wind and unfriendly cold.

What was your favourite shore landing or Zodiac adventure, and why?

Norm: Several times on our hikes we walked on tundra – it’s very spongy, due to the permafrost beneath.

Annemiek: There were a few very rough and chilly Zodiac rides. During one of these, a boat full of staff all dressed as polar bears suddenly appeared alongside our boat, reaching out to us with paper cups filled with hot chocolate and a shot of Baileys (if desired).

Did anything happen that you completely didn’t expect?

Annemiek: We didn’t expect the Captain to suddenly turn the ship around because he had passed 4 polar bears about 200 metres inland. But we suddenly received an announcement from our leader that that was exactly what the captain was about to do.

What was your favourite part about being onboard the Ocean Victory?

Norm: The other passengers were very congenial, happy to engage at meals or in activities. Our cabin was very comfortable, and the meals were excellent.

Annemiek: All of the staff were so friendly and many actually used our name when greeting us.

Was there a meal, activity or evening onboard that stands out in your memory?

Norm: There were several presentations from the experts on staff that were outstanding. Aleqa, an Inuit from Greenland (and former prime minister!) in particular, communicated her culture and heritage beautifully.

What’s one thing you learned about the Arctic or the Northwest Passage that you didn’t know before going?

Norm: My understanding of Inuit culture has become so much deeper after interacting with the Inuit staff. Talking with Aleqa and Joe about hunting expeditions – seeing the communities – gave an appreciation that I couldn’t have gained any other way.

Annemiek: Witnessing in our travel, the actual enormous size of the Canadian Arctic and how sparsely populated it is.

What would you say to someone who is considering an expedition like this but isn't sure if it’s for them?

Norm: Just go for it! The Adventure Canada Staff is most accommodating! The oldest member of our cruise was 91!

Ready to explore the Arctic for yourself?

A journey through the Northwest Passage is unlike a traditional cruise. The itinerary can change based on wildlife, weather and ice conditions, and much of the experience comes from being able to step off the ship and experience the landscape, wildlife and communities firsthand. Adventure Canada’s Northwest Passage journeys aboard the Ocean Victoryinclude guided activities, Zodiac excursions, expert-led educational programming and opportunities to connect with Inuit communities and educators.

If an expedition like this has been sitting on your travel wish list, Lawrence Park Travel can help you make it happen.I’ll help you find the right itinerary, ship and cabin, understand what to expect, and take care of the details from the initial planning through to your return home.

Ready to start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Get in touch with Lawrence Park Travel.