Arctic / Antarctica

CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours
Trip Webinar: Northwest Passage
In preparation for the August - September 2025 trips: "The Northwest Passage", our Polar Destination Expert - Danna Walker - will be hosting a webinar. The intended audience is comprised of three groups:
- For those already booked on the trip
- For those considering booking on the trip
- For those interested in learning more about such trips
DATE: Thursday, 1 May 2025
TIME: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Eastern) / 4:30-5:30PM (Pacific)
Why this trip?
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
The fabled Northwest Passage was just beyond reach for centuries, as explorer after explorer sought but failed to find the short route from Europe to Asia. Frobisher, Hudson, Franklin... all tried, none succeeded.
On this trip, you'll follow in their wake, but in a very comfortable ship. You'll get a first-hand impression of the challenges they faced in their small, ill-fitted wooden vessels. You'll see the land and icescapes they would have seen. Beyond that, you'll have the opportunities to meet the locals in a more congenial way.
These trips have been heavily discounted from published rates as the sailing date approaches. If you've not made any big plans in August or September, and if this is a journey that has appealed to you, now is a good time to embark upon it.
Your itinerary (may be done in reverse order depending on your departure date)
Price / Booking / What's Included
PRICE (very good 40% discount from the original published price): (USD per person, shared)
DEPARTURE 1: 25 August - 9 September 2025 (START: Toronto END: Calgary)
CABIN CLASS | ORIGINAL PRICE | SALE PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
CAT B | $29,195 | $17,517 | 0 |
CAT A | $31,395 | $18,837 | 7 |
Balcony Superior | $34,295 | $20,577 | 1 |
Junior Suite | $42,995 | $25,797 | 0 |
Captain's Suite | $50,995 | $30,597 | 1 |
DEPARTURE 2: 7-22 SEPTEMBER 2025 (START: Calgary END: Toronto)
CABIN CLASS | ORIGINAL PRICE | SALE PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
CAT B | $29,195 | $17,517 | 0 |
CAT A | $31,395 | $18,837 | 14 |
Balcony Superior | $34,295 | $20,577 | 1 |
Junior Suite | $42,995 | $25,797 | 3 |
Captain's Suite | $50,995 | $30,597 | 1 |
HOW DO I BOOK?
GO TO OUR BOOKING FORM HERE We'll invoice you for a deposit, and your place will be secured on payment.
SOLO TRAVELLER LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL MATE?
Let us know if you're travelling solo and open to being matched with another (same sex) solo traveller - we'll do what we can to match you up.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
1st Deposit: USD$2,500 / person on booking
Balance: 25 June 2025
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night's hotel accommodation including breakfast on first and last days (Toronto / Calgary)
- Flights from Toronto / Calgary to ship embarkation point and returning to Calgary / Toronto from disembarkation point
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain's Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage. omprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance (compliments of CNH Tours)
- CNH Tours carbon offsets
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- International or domestic flights - unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers - unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency medical insurance.
- Hotel accommodation and meals - unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: Ice and weather condtions are constantly changing in the Arctic. Though the icepack is at its minimal level during our trip there, and while our ship has a very high ice rating, some places may be inaccessible. Your expedition leader and the captain of the ship will decide, on a day to day basis, where the ship will sail to, and where activities can take place. Your safety is priority #1.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive in Toronto
Having made your way to Toronto, check in at our group hotel at Toronto Airport. Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and also the charter flight to Nuuk tomorrow. You will receive Aurora Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
Accommodation: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel
DAY 2: Charter flight to Nuuk; Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, board our charter flight to Nuuk, capital of Greenland, where the Greg Mortimer awaits. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew.
DAYS 3: At sea; Sisimiut
After a morning sailing north towards the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest town. Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.
Sisimiut offers hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty. The easier trails take you through the town itself, its outskirts and into the mountains, where you will find spectacular vantage points.
Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, the majority of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.
DAY 4: Ilulissat
In the afternoon we arrive in Ilulissat. Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on Earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord viewpoint and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay.
DAYS 5-6: Northwest Greenland Expedition Cruising
Explore the northern stretches of West Greenland, home to traditional settlements and enormous icebergs that Greenland is famous for. Possibilities include Zodiac cruises, hikes and a visit to one of the small communities that are dotted along the coast. Kayakers can enjoy paddling among the icebergs and keeping watch for whales that frequent the area.
Day 7: At Sea
Find a spot in one of our many observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Our talented and knowledgeable expedition members will present informative and entertaining talks about the region that you’re travelling through.
Day 8: Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), Nunavut Territory, Canada
After clearance into Canada, we hope to visit Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), a captivating Inuit community nestled on the northern tip of Baffin Island. Surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine fjords, this remote outpost offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. As you step ashore, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local Inuit, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their culture and lifestyle. Immerse yourself in their traditions through engaging cultural encounters and gain insights into their unique perspective on life in the Arctic.
Days 9-14: Northwest Passage Expedition Cruising
In genuine expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on weather conditions and unpredictable sea ice. The following places are some that we hope to visit.
Devon Island (Tallurutit)
At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker ‘wildlife superhighway’ of the Arctic. Devon Island (Tallurutit) is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay.
Beechey Island (Iluvilik)
At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island (Iluvilik), where we plan to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results – three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Radstock Bay
Just a short distance away, Radstock Bay offers a captivating contrast to the open sea. Here, we’ll disembark via Zodiac onto a beach strewn with remnants of the past. Explore the ruins of a Thule village nestled beneath the imposing Caswell Tower, where well preserved stone dwellings coexist with artifacts from later explorers. Witness the stark beauty of this remote bay, characterised by its dramatic cliffs, gravelly beaches, and the scattered remains of whale skeletons that have shaped the landscape and the lives of those who called it home.
Prince Leopold Island (Appait)
On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island (Appait), a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. Prince Leopold Island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting here in summer. Ringed seals are often spotted on the sea ice around the island and polar bears often lurk nearby.
Port Leopold
Port Leopold, a barren, windswept bay on the northeastern corner of Somerset Island (Inuktitut Kuuganajuk), is steeped in history. Here, the crews of HMS Enterprise and Investigator were forced to endure a harsh winter while searching for the lost Franklin expedition. Their presence is indelibly marked on a rock engraved with "1849" and the ships' initials. The desolate landscape is punctuated by a lone Hudson Bay Company hut, a failed trading post from the 1920s.
We hope to hike and explore the coastline, discovering the historic Hudson Bay Company house and intriguing Inuit archaeological sites. Be amazed by the otherworldly formations shaped by the region’s freezing and thawing cycles, which our expedition team will detail during recap. Nearby, a cairn marks the spot where Ross's rescue expedition left vital supplies.
Bellot Strait
A deep and windy waterway bordered by steep slopes, Bellot Strait is characterised by strong, swirling, tidal currents that require navigation to be undertaken close to times of slack water (four times a day).
Note: Due to swirling currents up to 10 knots, Bellot Strait is better transited during eastbound voyages because if it is blocked, there is the alternative to continue north through Peel Sound. On a westbound voyage, it would be necessary to make a long detour back north through Prince Regent Inlet.
Hazard Inlet (Qariaraajuk)
We hope to visit an Inuit site inhabited by bowhead whale hunters during the 15th and 16th centuries. The remains of over 100 bowheads are scattered across the village and beach, a testament to the community's reliance on this marine giant. Excavations have uncovered around 20 sod houses, though evidence suggests there may have been as many as 40. The cliff face behind the site holds community burial grounds, while caches, kayak, and umiak stands line the shore. This remarkable site offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of these Inuit families, who worked cooperatively to hunt bowhead whales for sustenance and building materials. It's an extraordinary privilege to experience this piece of history firsthand.
Point Zenith
Point Zenith, a rocky promontory jutting into the ocean, offers breathtaking panoramic views. As you step ashore, you'll feel a profound sense of isolation and wonder. This is a place where time seems to stand still, and the only sounds are the wind and the crunch beneath your boots.
Day 15: Disembark in Cambridge Bay, Flight to Calgary
During the early morning, we cruise into Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team before a Zodiac shuttle whisks you ashore. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Calgary for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District.
Day 16: Hotel Check-out - your adventure has come to an end.
Your Ship: The Greg Mortimer
Built in 2019, the Greg Mortimer epitomizes the pinnacle of modern expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian mountaineer, this state-of-the-art vessel was meticulously designed to navigate the world's most remote and challenging waters while providing unparalleled comfort and safety for its passengers.
Constructed with the latest advancements in maritime technology, the ship is an ice-class vessel, capable of voyaging to the polar regions with ease. Its revolutionary design ensures smoother sailing in rough seas, reducing motion sickness and enhancing the overall cruising experience. Equipped with cutting-edge stabilizers and environmentally friendly propulsion systems, the ship minimizes its ecological footprint while maximizing efficiency.
Accommodating up to 132 passengers in stylishly appointed cabins and suites, the Greg Mortimer offers an intimate and personalized expedition experience. 85% of the cabins have a private balcony - and each have panoramic windows, private en-suite facilities, and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable retreat after full days exploring Antarctica. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, a gym, sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Guests can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by talented chefs, served in the elegant dining room with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The ship's spacious lounge areas, observation decks, and outdoor viewing platforms provide ideal vantage points for wildlife sightings and scenic vistas, while expert guides and naturalists offer insightful lectures and lead excursions ashore.
DECK PLAN
(Click here for a higher resolution rendering of the deck plan)
FEATURES
- X-Bow: Used on over 100 vessels in commercial shipping, the distinct Ulstein X-BOW cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances, and makes quicker transits through waves. The bow, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilisers will attenuate (not eliminate) the motion of the ship as it navigates while reducing fuel consumption.
- Efficient zodiac access: The ship carries 15 Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated doors, making boarding as quick, efficient and safe as possible and minimising wait times so you can get closer to the action for longer.
- Activities platform: The Greg Mortimer is designed to support a range of off ship activities on land, in kayaks and more. The platform makes the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible. There is a spacious activity preparation and loading area designed with the input of the guides - who are most familiar with the logistics of moving on and off the ship.
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Hydraulic viewing platforms: In addition to onboard observation areas, the Greg Mortimer features unique hydraulic viewing platforms, which fold out for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds. They can be used during gentle ship cruises or when the ship is stationery when weather conditions allow.
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Responsible travel features: Good for the budget and for emissions reductions, the Greg Mortimer operates with low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver a reduction in emissions. It can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors. All CNH Tours guests have their trip carbon emissions offset in cooperation with The Gold Standard, helping combate climate change and delivering sustainable development.
- Safety features: The Greg Mortimer features industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size with a world class return-to-port equipment, which duplicates the propulsion system, enabling the ship to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure. The ship is Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements. The ship also features a fully-stocked medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.
ON-BOARD AMENITIES
- State of the art lecture facilities: On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.
- Library: With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play cards or board games with newfound friends. Choose from our range of informative nonfiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals and novels. Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on deck 7.
- Mudroom: No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom. The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.
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Gym, sauna and jacuzzis: In between landings, you are welcome to visit the gym or relax in our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge... There are also two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.
- Dining: Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day. Choose from two restaurants: our main venue serving buffet-style meals with à la carte dinner and a reservations-required concept restaurant, Tuscan Grill. Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and the chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.
- Bars and lounges: Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down. The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
Cabins & Suites
If you're going to be spending 12 days at sea, you'll want be sure you'll have a comfortable cabin. The Greg Mortimer offers 8 different cabin classes. All of them have private ensuites, a desk area, 42" television, closets, individually controlled thermostats, room safe and minibar. No matter which cabin you choose, it will be your cozy private haven during the trip.
Captain's Suite (1)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2 (479 ft²)
The largest of all the ship's rooms - for those wanting to go all the way. The Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite. The suite has a separate lounge area, a private balcony and a full-sized window.
Indicative layout of Captain's suite lounge - the junior suite lounge is similar, but a bit smaller.
Indicative layout - Captain's and Junior suite bedroom (Junior suite a little smaller)
Junior Suite (4)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 39m2 (419 ft²)
The Greg Mortimer's Junior Suites (still taking you pretty much all the way) offer you some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony. The suite has a separate lounge area, a private balcony and a full-sized window.
Balcony Stateroom Superior (5)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28.2m2 - 40.2m2 (303.5 ft² - 433 ft²)
With a bit more room than the category A rooms, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Balcony Stateroom Category A (23)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 24.1m2 - 28m2 (259 ft² - 301 ft²)
The Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are the ship's premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. They are a bit larger than the Category B staterooms. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator. The stateroom has a private balcony and a full-sized window.
Balcony Stateroom - indicative layout (twin bed configuration - can be converted to King bed)
Balcony Stateroom Category B (21)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 23.6m2 - 24.8m2 (254 ft² - 267 ft²)
The Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are the standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6. The stateroom has a private balcony and a full-sized window.
Balcony Stateroom Category C (14)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 20.9m2 24.8m2 (225 ft² - 267 ft²)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. The C is the most economical of the balcony staterooms, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 4 and 6. The stateroom has a private balcony and a full-sized window. Beds can be configured as twins or king sized.
Stateroom Twin Share (8)
Cabin size: 15.8m² - 22.8m² (170 ft² - 245 ft²)
The Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action. These staterooms have porthole windows.
Twin stateroom (King bed configuration - can be configured as twin beds)
Stateroom Triple Share (6)
Cabin size: 21.4m² - 22.8m² (230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² )
The Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. These staterooms have porthole windows.