We celebrate the centenary of the first successful voyage through the Northwest Passage by attempting to repeat the journey completed by the world's most successful polar explorer, Roald Amundson in 1905. Aboard the Peregrine Mariner, we believe our expedition will be the first Australian voyage traveling from east to west through the Passage, and it promises to be as much a journey of discovery as was Amundsen's exploration.
We'll travel the northern coast of mainland Canada, challenging the vast expanses of sea ice as we sail through the Arctic Archipelago on the lookout for the plethora of wildlife that flourish in the region from polar bears to whales. Here we'll find evidence of the European legends of discovery, including the most notorious of all, the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845.
The journey begins in the small community of Resolute and from there, our route takes us south to Bellot Strait, where Point Zenith on Boothia Peninsula marks the most northerly point of Canada's mainland. We continue through Franklin Strait, and then sail west through Coronation Gulf attempting to touch the waters of the Beaufort Sea to complete the full extent of the Northwest Passage. Then we turn back making our eastward voyage back to Resolute. At the conclusion of our expedition, we'll hope to travel further east and explore the last known winter camp of the Franklin expedition at Beechey Island. Here, we end our journey paying tribute to all of the Arctic explorers that shared the spirit of adventure before us.
Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Charter flight from Ottawa to Resolute, and board vessel. The journey begins
| | Day 2 | Sail south to Peel Sound
| | Day 3 | Bellot Strait and Franklin Strait
| | Day 4 | Attempt to land at Victory Point Cairn on King William Island
| | Day 5 | Queen Maud Gulf and Cambridge Bay
| | Days 6 - 9 | Coronation Gulf to the Beaufort Sea and back to Cambridge Bay
| | Day 10 | Icebreaker Channel
| | Day 11 | Larson Sound and the Boothia Peninsula
| | Day 12 | Peel Sound or Prince Regent Inlet, ice and weather permitting
| | Day 13 | Lancaster Sound and Beechey Island
| | Day 14 | Return to Resolute to meet charter flight back to Ottawa
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Day 1: Ottawa
Your expedition begins at the Peregrine meeting point, the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Ottawa. You'll be transferred to the airport to board a charter flight bound for Resolute. The flight is a great opportunity to take in the 'big picture' view of the Canadian north, with views from the flight including Hudson Bay and Baffin Island scenery. We'll be met once we land, and in the afternoon we'll begin zodiac embarkation to our ship, the Peregrine Mariner, which will be our home for the next 13 nights.
We'll set sail in the evening, heading almost directly south, aiming for Peel Sound. Once on board, we'll be introduced to the expedition team and have our first briefing on the adventure to come. A critical factor on our journey will be the state of the ice. Our expedition leader and ice pilot will bring us up to date on the prevailing conditions and explain how we'll best make our way through the Passage. Ice and weather conditions may make it necessary for us to make changes to our itinerary, but this unpredictability is all part of the exploratory experience we may expect on this remarkable adventure.
Day 2: Peel Sound
Overnight, we'll cross Barrow Strait and wake in the morning, deep in the waters of Peel Sound that run between Somerset and Prince of Wales Islands. The names evoke the European exploration tradition in this area. John Barrow, Second Secretary to the British Admiralty sent explorers in the early 1800s to the farthest reaches of the world, including northern Canada. His most famous explorer was almost certainly John Franklin whose ill-fated expedition in 1845 aboard the Erebus and the Terror ventured into Peel Sound and beyond, but never returned.
We'll explore this area, which is known for rapidly-moving ice, while keeping a lookout for narwhal and beluga, which feed in Peel Sound during summer.
Day 3: Bellot Strait
Today, as we continue down Peel Sound and into Franklin Strait, we will view Bellot Strait, and if conditions permit, will stop to explore the western end of this narrow channel that separates the Boothia Peninsula from somerset Island. The strait was discovered in 1852 and named after the French naval officer who was part of Captain William Kennedy's search for the Franklin expedition.
Bellot Strait is narrow (3-13 km wide and only 48 km long), so narrow in fact that it was missed by explorer John Ross when he passed by the area in 1829. The channel scenery is spectacular with both the north and south shores rising up steeply to almost 750 m in some places.
Day 4: King William Island
Today we hope to stop on an island that will undoubtedly be one of the historical highlights of our trip, in a place where the mystery surrounding the notorious Franklin expedition still prevails. Here within 25 km of King William Island, Franklin's HMS Erebus and Terror remained trapped in ice for two winters. The ships were abandoned on April 22nd, 1848, north-northwest of Victory Point.
The only written record ever recovered from the expedition was found 10 years after its disappearance. Francis McClintock's expedition discovered the evidence buried in a cairn at Victory Point. Other traces have been found scattered along the coast of the island, but no trace of the ships has ever been discovered.
In contrast to Franklin's disastrous expedition, in 1903 and 1904, Roald Amundsen, with very little trouble, sailed down the West Coast of King William Island. He set up scientific instrumentation in several locations and then located the magnetic North Pole, which at that time was very near King William Island.
Day 5: Cambridge Bay
By Day 5, we'll expect to be deep in the southern parts of the Arctic Archipelago, near Queen Maud Gulf and the small community of Cambridge Bay. For its size, the Gulf is a very shallow basin - less than 100m deep on average. It generally has landfast sea ice covering most of its surface for at least nine months of the year. These shallow waters are rich in marine life including Arctic char and even the toothed narwhal, which is small enough to be comfortable in this confined sea. We'll also find several seal species here as well the iconic polar bear and an impressive area of seabirds and waterfowl protected through the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
If conditions are favourable, we'll visit the small community of Cambridge Bay, on the southern shores of Victoria Island. Cambridge Bay, also known as Ikaluktutiak or ''good fishing place'' is a centre for hunting, trapping, and fishing. Local Inuit have had summer camps in the locality for hundreds of years. Today ships visit the region annually bringing supplies. Amundsen spent two winters in this area, learning how to master dog sledding from the locals. Previous to this, McClintock found solid evidence of the Franklin Expedition here in 1859, including naval artifacts, sledges, graves and letters.
Days 6 - 9: Coronation Gulf to the Beaufort Sea
Now, hopefully deep in the Arctic Archipelago, we'll be exploring areas that non ice-breaking ships seldom manage to navigate. Our course will depend on the ice and currents, but we'll aim west for the Beaufort Sea. We'll be sailing in shallow, iced over seas, passing beyond the channels used by Canadian Icebreakers to escort provisioning vessels into Cambridge Bay. Here, we'll follow the polar bear through the ice as they track ringed seals and watch as seabirds feed in the open stretches of water between ice floes.
Many explorers have aimed for these waters, but few have succeeded. The first European, who many credit with the original traverse of this part of the world, was Robert McClure in 1853 to 1854. Travelling from west to east, his journey took him across land, and he used sledges to break through sea ice.
It wasn't until Roald Amundsen that the Northwest Passage was finally successfully traversed east to west. The Norwegian explorer began in 1903, and finally completed the amazing feat in 1906 aboard his little ship the Gjoa. The trip west to east was not successfully made until 1942. Henry Larsen, on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Vessel St Roch, made the trip through the southern-most Arctic archipelago waters.
Every corner of this almost unexplored land is beautiful, harsh and bountiful. The low tundra provides an incredible array of wildlife and plant life that in turn supports a flourishing Inuit society. Landing wherever we can, we'll have a chance to satisfy our own curiosity about this fabled region so revered by previous explorers.
Day 10: Icebreaker Channel
All of the waters south of Banks and Victoria Islands are known for challenging ice conditions, and in the highly unlikely event we haven't yet run into any major icy obstacles by this time, we'll now make sure we do before turning back to the north. The Peregrine Mariner is ice-strengthened, and our Captain and crew are highly trained in ice navigation. Although it is said that the fastest way through ice is around it, we will ensure that we experience the thrill of being in the ice and we'll be sure to enjoy the ride as we pass through the narrow channels and out into the more open waters towards Larsen Sound.
Day 11: Boothia Peninsula
As we sail northwards, we'll tuck in next to Boothia Peninsula, and explore some of the little bays and coves along its coastline. The peninsula, named in honour of Sir Felix Booth, a patron of John Ross' expedition, was first explored in 1829. While in the area, we'll search for caribou, whales and seals that have brought the Inuit to this region for hundreds of years.
Day 12: Prince Regent Inlet
If ice and tide conditions permit, we will navigate the challenging Bellot Strait making our way into Prince Regent Inlet, another summer feeding ground for narwhal and beluga, both rare and unusual marine mammals that summer in this region. Male narwhals (and a few rare females) produce an unusually long single tooth that can grow over two metres long. Made of ivory, this tooth was highly prized by Europeans during the period of exploration. The source of narwhal ivory was obscured by the legend of the unicorn, which served to protect the profits of those in the know.
If conditions are favourable, we may cross over to the Brodeur Peninsula of Baffin Island, and follow that coastline north again towards Lancaster Sound.
Day 13: Lancaster Sound & Beechey Island
Having reached the eastern region of the Northwest Passage, we hope to sail to Beechey Island, where the Franklin Expedition wintered over before it sailed for Peel Sound.
Many of the expeditions sent to discover the fate of the Franklin Expedition stopped at Beechey Island, and the remains of these expeditions are visible in the outlines of Northumberland House and the cross made from the tin supplies left behind. There are also four graves, three of which are from the Franklin Expedition. Despite its bleakness, this site nevertheless commemorates the determination of the British to explore and open up the Arctic, no matter the cost. It stands as a reminder of all the courageous people that died exploring this vast land. It's also a fitting place to end our voyage of exploration. From Beechey, we'll turn back to the west and sail for Resolute.
Day 14: Resolute
Once in Resolute, we'll disembark the ship, via zodiac and transfer to the airport for our charter flight back to Ottawa. Flying south, we will get a last look at the expanses of ice, water and land that make up the Arctic Archipelago before returning to the green grass and tall trees of southern Canada. Upon arrival in Ottawa in the evening you'll be transferred back to the Peregrine meeting point, the Hotel Crowne Plaza.
Ship's Notes for the Peregrine Mariner (the 'AKADEMIK IOFFE')
These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine's Antarctic Trip Information Guide.
The Peregrine Mariner is a modern, ice strengthened vessel that is very comfortable and ideally suited for polar exploration. There is ample space for meetings of the full group as well as smaller rooms for more intimate meetings. Slide and video projection equipment are available, as well as overhead projection. There is a separate bar, lounge, library, video room, and dining space for the full passenger complement in one seating. There is also a gymnasium, sauna and swimming pool.
Comfort
As a relatively new Scandinavian-built exploration vessel, the Peregrine Mariner is very comfortable, especially following refitting and refurbishment over the last five years. All passenger areas are thoroughly heated and air-conditioned. Cabins are tastefully and pleasantly decorated. The vessel is maintained to the highest standards and is kept immaculately clean.
As the ship was built to perform delicate and sensitive hydroacoustic work, she is also designed to run very quietly. In cabins and public spaces there is very little if any ambient noise from engines or machinery. Further, most passenger cabins (except the Main Deck cabins) are on a separate deck from the well-used public spaces and lounge areas, so noise is seldom a bother.
Stability and Safety
This vessel has external stabilizers on her hull. She also has a built-in trimming system which is operated by the flow of water ballast from tanks in either side of the ship. A series of valves causes the water to flow to the side where its presence guarantees greatest stability. Added to her modern hull design, these systems make for a very stable ship.
The Peregrine Mariner carries all current certifications required by law for ensuring passenger safety and wellbeing. All equipment and systems are inspected and tested regularly. A lifeboat briefing and drill will be conducted early in each expedition to ensure that all passengers are familiar with the location of life jackets and lifeboats, and the procedures to be followed in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.
With her two powerful engines this ship rarely suffers significant delays due to inclement weather. She has a cruising speed of 14.5 knots in still-wind/sea conditions. The ship's speed capabilities allow us added flexibility in planning our itineraries.
Bar
On the main deck to the aft of the lobby there is a separate room which is operated as a bar, with an adjacent lounge area. It is a very comfortable room with outside views and an exit to the main outer deck and has seating for about 25 people in comfortable sofas, armchairs. There are also a number of traditional bar stools surrounding a large semi-circular bar. There is a stereo with CD player in the bar area. If you are interested in where we are going, there is also a television monitor showing video of the view from the bridge at all times as well as a modern chartplotter located in the corner.
Bridge
On Deck 6 the ship's bridge is open to passengers virtually 24 hours each day. With an officer and sailor (and often the captain) on watch, you are always able to learn something. The chart and navigation room is open to everyone, as are places to view the equipment and instruments. The bridge is a fascinating part of the ship and often a great place for sightseeing and bird watching - it provides a great view!
Communications
The ship carries all required communications and navigation facilities and equipment. She has Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. She also carries fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment.
Dining Room
Located on the main deck our dining room seats all passengers comfortably in one sitting. It is attractively lit and comfortably furnished. There are outside windows and it is immaculately maintained. In one corner there is a bar which is used for meal times. There is also a comfortable lounge area in this corner. Lunches and dinners are served to the table by our ship's stewards, and breakfast is served here also but is buffet style. In the dining room there is also a television monitor relaying video images of the view from the bridge at all times.
Elevator
In addition to the stairs between decks, there is one lift/elevator on the ship operating between all passenger deck levels and to the bridge level. (Please note that this does not remove the need for passengers to have a reasonable level of mobility, as ship access to and from zodiacs is by way of a staired gangway (please see Trip Information Guide).
Gift Shop
On the Main Deck there is a small kiosk and gift shop. It carries a selection of souvenir items such as postcards, hats, t-shirts, and books to bring home from a voyage. It also has a basic supply of toiletries such as sunscreen, lip balm, usually some film and some camera batteries. It is open each day.
Gynasium
There is a small gymnasium on the ship with a set of free weights, exercise bike, rowing machine, and step trainer.
Infirmary
(Please refer also to Peregrine's Antarctic Trip Information Guide.)
On Deck 5 there is a basic infirmary and crew doctor available for passengers. As the ship was designed for extended projects, she carries an impressive list of equipment and supplies. However, passengers are reminded that this facility is intended as a basic or emergency service. While the inventory of medicines and equipment is extensive, passengers should bring their own basic firstaid kit as detailed in the Trip Information Guide for any minor problems, and if using specific medications should ensure they bring a supply adequate to last the entire journey. If there is a need to consult the ship's doctor and to receive medications, etc., from the infirmary passengers will be invoiced for the cost of any items supplied.
Library
On deck five and forward, situated in a quiet part of the ship, there is a library area. With a large conference table, comfortable chairs, and sophisticated decor this serves as a great, quiet space to read from our selection of expedition reference materials, atlases, magazines, novels and the like. There are attractive wooden bookcases and quality lighting. There are also windows which overlook the bow of the ship for good sightseeing from indoors.
Just outside the library itself there is another quiet area with good lighting and very comfortable armchairs which is usually also reserved as a reading room. The library also has a slide screen and whiteboard for smaller discussions and meetings. It seats about 20.
Lounge
In the aft part of the ship and reached through the bar is the television lounge. It seats about 25 and has an exit to the main outer deck space. It also has outside views. There is a television and VCR for educational and entertainment programming as well as watching the relayed video images of the view from the bridge. There is a collection of games and puzzles, maps, and a piano. This area, along with our bar, serves as the main social area of the vessel.
Mud Room
Towards the aft section of the main deck, and not far from where you will disembark from the zodiacs, there is a "mud room" where you can change out of your wet-weather gear on returning from shore excursions and leave your waterproof rubber boots.
Presentation Room
Our presentations take place in the dining room. All passengers can be seated there at the same time and it has a PA system to ensure everyone can hear talks and announcements. It has a TV and VCR to help in programming as well as modern projection facilities and screens.
Sauna and Swimming Pool
On Deck 5 there is a small swimming pool and a sauna. A plunge pool really, the former is filled on special occasions or on request and is on the outer deck just outside the sauna. It gets a certain level of use, even in the Antarctic waters! The sauna is open each afternoon and evening and seats about six people - it is a great place to relax after your shore excursions. It also has a change room and shower room.
Top Deck
There is also a spacious open top deck; from here you can enjoy spectacular views.
Prices per person:
| Main Deck Triple Cabin | £3,600 |
| Main Deck Double | £4,570 |
| Upper Deck | £4,750 |
| Superior | £5,030 |
| Superior Plus | £5,335 |
| Peregrine Suite | £5,575 |
| Cook Suite | £5,880 |
| Deposit | £10% of cost |
Kayaking option |
£240 |
Please note that the above prices may still be subject to change.
Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability.
Travel: Flights from regional UK airports may also be available; please enquire for details.
Leaders: Guides from Peregrine Adventures
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of transfer from Peregrine meeting point in Ottawa to airport on day one & vice versa on last day of the voyage, charter flights to/from Resolute airport from Ottawa airport and port transfers & vice versa in Resolute, shipboard accommodation, all onboard meals, afternoon teas most days if not on shore, shore excursions by zodiac boat and onboard lectures, videos, slide and film shows, highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers, access to public viewing areas, onboard medical officer, port taxes, and comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual
The prices exclude flights UK/Ottawa, Canada (allow around £800 pp for flights, accommodation and transfers), arrival and departures in Ottawa, travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses. passport and visa expenses (if applicable), government arrival and departure taxes, pre-cruise or post-cruise accommodation, meals ashore, supplement for single hotel accommodations, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges and optional tips to leaders and crew.
Other:
These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine's Arctic - Trip Information Guide booklet that is provided to you shortly after booking (or which can be requested prior to booking). A second manual dealing with Arctic history, geology, geography, marine and birdlife will also be provided prior to departure.
1. Itinerary. Please note that due to the exploratory nature of this expedition, weather, ice, wildlife or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints. We shall fit in as many stops as is practical along the way allowing you to experience as much as possible of this wonderful area. The locations mentioned in this itinerary are just some of the highlights of our fascinating expedition of discovery and exploration and we shall attempt further landings wherever and whenever time and local conditions permit.
2. Budgeting. In addition to funds for on-board expenses, it is possible to purchase souvenirs in some locations in the form of books, t-shirts, stamps, postcards, wind-cheaters, caps and especially really good knitwear on many of the shore excursions which include visits to towns or villages. In addition some museums and sites charge entry fees, and in some locations you may wish to buy some food and drink (although the meals on the ship are very good and plentiful!). Canadian communities will accept local currency, and sometimes $US. Credit cards are of limited use. Please note, however, that there is almost nowhere in Greenland that will take credit cards and very, very few places willing to accept foreign currency. Danish Kroner are a must for Greenland and they should be purchased before your trip starts.
3. Clothes. Please read our Arctic - Trip Information Guide booklet carefully. You do not need to make expensive, specialist clothing purchases, but you must have adequate protection against the cold, and against possible wet conditions.
(Sea spray is common onboard zodiacs). It's recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Iqaluit to protect against inclement weather. A zodiac transfer from the pier to the ship will take place on Day 1 so please be prepared with appropriate clothing.
4. Onboard. Some of your sailing will be in the open sea. The Peregrine Mariner is one of the most stable ships in its class but it is impossible to remove all motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
5. Gratuities. We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. The amount can be paid by Visa or Mastercard.
6. Sea kayaking is offered on this trip. Please check the relevant sections of our web site, Trip Information Guide and the Kayaking Trip Notes for further information. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home: it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required
7. Arrival/Departure. One night pre-voyage and one night post- voyage in Ottawa is mandatory due to the charter flight schedule. Please be aware that because of the remote airports in Iqaluit and Resolute, charter flights may be delayed or cancelled because of bad weather. Full details of the charter flights and boarding procedures will be supplied with your final expedition documentation.
8. Safety is paramount. Onboard you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and zodiac operations.
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Ross's Gull
Peregrine Mariner/Peregrine Voyager