Canada´s Festival City

Your adventure begins in the city of Edmonton. Enjoy the lively and colorful capital of Alberta during an overnight stay before your flight to Cambridge Bay the following day.  

If you have some extra time, add an optional Pre-programme to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.

Wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay

Wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay

A morning flight from Edmonton brings you to wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay. It is home to fewer than 2,000 residents, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station – an important center for climate change research – and wildlife including Arctic char, musk oxen, and caribou.

It’s only fitting that the first leg of your grand expedition starts here, where Arctic explorers like Roald Amundsen once sheltered before attempting the legendary Northwest Passage.

MS Fram will be ready and waiting. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and meet your Expedition Team, who will talk you through guidelines on protecting wildlife habitats and on the upcoming visits to Arctic communities in a responsible and respectful way.

The Northwest Passage

Crossing a historical sea corridor in the Arctic

Like the pioneering explorers before you, we won’t have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our ice-class ship through the Northwest Passage.

As we explore, we’ll land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and look out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, narwhals, seals, and seabirds.

You’ll go cruising in expedition boats between ice floes and land ashore to experience the pristine wilderness firsthand. Your Expedition Team will adapt activities to ice and weather conditions, giving you the best experience possible.

Depending on the conditions, we plan to land at the following sites:

Gjoa Haven and Fort Ross

At Gjoa Haven, Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we can land here, we’ll take a walking tour to learn more. We’ll continue east to Fort Ross, a former Hudson’s Bay Trading post.

Beechey Island and Devon Island

We may stop at Beechey Island and pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members. On Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth, we hope to visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage.

Pond Inlet and Mittimatalik

On the final stretch, we’ll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island, rounding off an incredible eight days of exhilarating exploration.

Greenland and Atlantic Canada

Discover dramatic landscapes and iconic wildlife

Leaving Canada behind, we’ll cross Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait en route to Greenland.

Join your Expedition Team for more insightful lectures on our historic route. Topics may include historic explorers and expeditions, Greenlandic culture, local wildlife, and geology. You can also pick up some photography tips on how to best capture the awe-inspiring scenery around you.

Weather and sea ice permitting, our time in Greenland will include the following destinations:

Ilulissat

Your Grand Expedition Cruise reaches Disko Bay, a haven for whales and seals. Ilulissat is nestled in the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs, set against a backdrop of colorful houses. Marvel as giant icebergs float by in the deep blue waters, taking on different hues of white, gray, and blue.

Sisimiut

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city, with a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The history of this area spans more than 4,500 years, and old traditions are alive and well. Learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum, pick up a souvenir made of qiviut, the inner wool of musk oxen, or stretch your legs on a hike.

Nuuk

Your expedition cruise continues on to Nuuk, Greenland’s colorful capital. It has a population of 18,000 people and a striking mix of old and new buildings. Admire the contrasting architecture, see Qilakitsoq mummies at the national museum, or join a nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene.

Expedition day

We plan to embark on a daylong expedition to experience Greenland’s west-coast fjord region, featuring sublime scenery carved by ice over millennia. In true expedition style, we won’t know exactly what‘s in store until the day itself, as conditions can vary. We may take you ashore in our small boats (RIBs) for a hike or launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything!

Labrador Sea

Leaving Greenland behind, your Grand Expedition Cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We’ll enter the Davis Strait, known for its abundance of seals, whales, and cod.

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture, and the history of Arctic exploration. Consider joining one of our Citizen Science projects by helping to photograph and track whales or by observing clouds and helping scientists study our climate.

Red Bay

As we approach Red Bay, look out for humpback or minke whales – the very creatures that drew whalers to this harbor in the 17th century. The waters around Red Bay hide a number of wrecked galleons and chalupas – or small whaling boats – making it one of the world’s most important underwater archeological sites.

Visit the local museum to see a 26-foot chalupa and look for whale bones in the protected Red Bay National Historic Site. Try searching for pirate Captain Kidd’s buried treasure around Tracey Hill. You may not find gold doubloons, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic view.

Corner Brook

Following in Captain James Cook’s footsteps, we sail into the Bay of Islands towards the traditional city of Corner Brook. Discover the area’s fascinating history and collection of artifacts at the Corner Brook Museum, take in great views from Crow Hill, or go on a guided hike along the Corner Brook Stream trail. You can also opt for a visit to Gros Morne National Park and the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, which also features a scenic drive.

Before we depart, we’ll enjoy a performance by local folk musicians and storytellers.

Portland 

Situated on a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, the small city of Portland has a history stretching back to European settlers in the 17th century. These days, people come here to enjoy a place where you’re just as likley to find art aficionados as you are outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Compact and charming, Portland is very walkable, so take a stroll around the harbour area where you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, cafes and microbreweries – trying Maine lobster is a must if you enjoy seafood. 

From Portland to Colón

Enjoy oceanography and self-reflection on the Atlantic

Over the next seven days, the Expedition Team will help you deepen your knowledge of the oceans and ecology. At the same time, you can relax and unwind as you settle into the ocean’s rhythm and enjoy the ship’s amenities.

Understanding our oceans

As we sail from Massachusetts to Panama, join lectures, workshops, and classes covering topics like marine biology and the history of sea navigation. Continue to learn from the enthusiastic Expedition Team, explore the ocean’s hidden ecosystems using equipment in the ship’s Science Center, and participate in more Citizen Science projects.

Finding inner peace

Rest and rejuvenation are important, too. Take time to unwind, watch the waves, reflect, and connect with nature. Increasing your awareness and appreciation of the natural environment around us is important for mental and physical well-being. While on deck, scan for dolphins, flying fish, and seabirds. Observe the harmony of their movements and the calming effect this has on you.

Reaching Colón, Panama

A few revitalizing days at sea come to an end in Colón, the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. Wander around this bustling cosmopolitan city, which features hot springs, a thriving handicraft scene, and wonderful restaurants offering local specialties.

From Colón to Valparaíso

Navigate the Panama Canal and explore the Pacific coast

On the next stage of your journey, you’ll navigate the Panama Canal and visit a range of endearing coastal communities across four Latin American countries: Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as Indigenous communities and cultures, local geology, and pre-Columbian history.

As we venture south, here are the remarkable sights we plan to see:

Panama Canal

Stretching 50 miles through natural and artificial waterways, the Panama Canal is a complex network of ingenious locks. We’ll transit the full length of the canal from one great ocean to another. Weather permitting, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project.

Halfway through, we’ll enter the Gatun Lake section, which is one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, surrounded by verdant rain forest. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, and even sloths.

Manta, Ecuador

After seeking Neptune’s blessing in a traditional – and entertaining – ceremony as we cross the Equator, we’ll dock at the port of Manta and visit the town of Montecristi. The town is known for its handicrafts, including genuine Panama hats, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa plant.

Wander around this interesting town and take a look at the imposing white church, or take in the colorful street art. Returning to Manta, we’ll stop at the archeological museum.

Puerto Bolívar, Ecuador

We have a fruitful day ahead exploring Puerto Bolívar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and masses of bananas. Machala itself has all the charm you’d expect from a small coastal city, including friendly locals, quaint plazas, and striking monuments. You can try delicious fresh seafood at the harbor restaurants, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. You can also explore the local markets, plazas, and the Casa de la Cultura museum.

Salaverry, Peru

Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru’s third-largest city, Trujillo. Colorful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches, and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world. Nearby, the ancient ruins of the Chimú city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Moche pyramids of the Sun and the Moon date from even further back in time. Back on the ship, there will be a traditional Peruvian dance performance.

Lima, Peru

Lima’s historical center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a jewel of Spanish-era architecture, featuring colonial churches, monasteries, and elegant mansions. Go further back in time and learn about the city’s pre-Hispanic heritage at the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid.

Lima is also known as the food capital of South America. We recommend trying ceviche, Peru’s national dish. It is fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili.

Paracas, Peru

Just offshore of Paracas are the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. On a boat tour, look for Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca terns, and humpback whales. Alternatively, you can also explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its otherworldly yellow-sand dunes and red beaches. Another option is to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – an experience on many people’s bucket lists.

Arica, Chile

Arica experiences a year-round desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world. On the lively streets of Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi, you can try local treats and visit the El Agro market. Take a short hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. You can also see mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum, trek along Playa Corazones, or explore the Caves of Anzota.

Iquique, Chile

Iquique is an ocean-side city with palm tree-lined promenades. From here, we’ll visit the abandoned saltpeter mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the arid Atacama Desert.

Back in Iquique, you can explore or simply relax in a café with a traditional mango sour and chumbeque, a beloved regional sweet. You can also pay a visit to La Esmeralda, a four-masted corvette from the 19th century that has historical significance.

La Serena, Chile

Chile’s second-oldest city, La Serena, is blessed with beautiful beaches and neocolonial architecture. There are around 30 carefully restored stone churches to discover, and you can visit the Archeological Museum to marvel at precolonial artifacts.

Take a stroll through the city’s manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón. You can also shop for handicrafts at La Recova market. Down the picturesque lane of Patio Colonial, near Balmaceda, you’ll find relaxed cafés and eateries. Before boarding the ship, leave some time to explore the port of Coquimbo.

Valparaíso, Chile

Colorful Valparaíso is known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ and is a UNESCO-listed city. It’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways, colorful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. The exciting scents and sounds are sure to leave an impression. Take it all in on a cable car ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.

Cruising the Chilean fjords

Discover the wonders and beauty of Patagonia

Starting with two days at sea, you will learn about the wonders we’ll encounter during our sailing of the Patagonia region of Chile.

As we make our way along the Chilean fjords and channels, you’ll experience the following highlights:

Castro

Chile’s third-oldest city is set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island. Castro’s waterfront is lined with colorful palafitos, or stilt houses. The city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.

Bring your binoculars, as the island is an important habitat for bird species such as green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, along with penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.

Puerto Edén

The tiny settlement of Puerto Edén, part of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, is only accessible by boat. The ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Its 250 inhabitants include some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people. You will have the chance to talk to them and gain insight into their unique culture.

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on a bus or a hiking tour. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest, and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean flamingos. You may even spot the mighty Andean condor.

Back in Puerto Natales, visit the artisan village of Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

Chilean fjords

Your journey south then leads through the ruggedly beautiful island chains that make up the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.

Whether cruising aboard our small boats (RIBs) or on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various whale species. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.

Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we’ll attempt to land there.

As we navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica, the Expedition Team will give lectures about the frozen continent’s fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution.

Antarctica: another world

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.

During the next seven days, you’ll explore several possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.

Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.

Relax and unwind at sea

The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth

After seven days on your expedition cruise in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of unforgettable sights and sounds and your camera’s memory cards will be bursting with impressive images.

During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and enjoy delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.

You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.

Arrival in Punta Arenas

Onward from Punta Arenas

We arrive in Punta Arenas in the morning as your epic Between the Poles expedition comes to a triumphant end. From here, catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime and a deeper connection to our remarkable planet.

If you’re not ready for your adventure to end just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining our optional Post-Program.