Itinerary
- Day 1
Toronto
You'll arrive at Toronto Airport and head to your hotel. Stop by the AE Expeditions hospitality desk to pick up your luggage cabin tags and get briefed on biosecurity requirements for tomorrow's charter flight to Kangerlussuaq. Make sure to label your tags clearly with your name and cabin number.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Toronto Westin Airport Hotel), Hotel (Toronto Westin Airport Hotel (or similar))
Landmarks Toronto Airport (YYZ) 
- Day 2
Toronto to Nuuk
After breakfast, you'll board your charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland. Once there, head straight to the ship and get settled into your cabin. The day includes safety briefings, and you'll meet your expedition team and crew in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Charter flight to Nuuk
- Ship boarding and cabin check-in
- Safety briefings
- Meet expedition team and crew
Landmarks Nuuk 
- Day 3
Sisimiut
The ship takes you to Sisimiut, Greenland's second largest town, sitting about 54 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. You can walk through the old blue church with its whale bone gate, check out the museum for an Inuit turf house reconstruction and local history, then hike one of several trails with great views into the mountains. The midnight sun is visible during summer here.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit old blue church
- Museum visit with Inuit turf house reconstruction
- Hiking trails through town and mountains
Landmarks Sisimiut Blue Church, Sisimiut - Day 4
Ilulissat
You arrive in Ilulissat, known as the birthplace of icebergs. The highlight is hiking past husky sledge dogs to the Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There you'll see the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier (also called Jakobshavn Glacier), which calves about 20 million tonnes of ice daily into the fjord, making it the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Hike to UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord
- View Jakobshavn Glacier (Sermeq Kujalleq)
Landmarks Ilulissat Icefjord Jakobshavn Glacier (Sermeq Kujalleq) 
- Day 5
West Greenland
You'll head into the northern stretches of West Greenland, where traditional settlements and enormous icebergs dot the landscape. This region is what Greenland is known for, and the ship navigates these waters at a relaxed pace.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore northern West Greenland
- Visit traditional settlements
- View icebergs
- Day 6
West Greenland Exploration
Today brings Zodiac cruises, several hikes, and visits to small communities scattered along the West Greenland coast. You'll get up close to the landscape and local settlements, getting a real sense of life in this remote region.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Hiking
- Visit small coastal communities
- Day 7
Kayaking among Icebergs
If you're a kayaker, you'll have the chance to paddle among icebergs while watching for whales in the area. The guides keep watch for marine life, and the conditions usually work well for spotting cetaceans here.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Kayaking among icebergs
- Whale watching
- Day 8
At Sea
Find a spot in one of the observation lounges to relax and take in the landscapes around you. The expedition team gives informative talks throughout the day about the region, and you can move between the comfort of the lounges and the outdoor decks as weather permits.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Expedition team presentations and talks
- Day 9
Pond Inlet
After clearing into Canada, you'll visit Pond Inlet, an Inuit community on the northern tip of Baffin Island. The settlement sits surrounded by ice-capped mountains, glaciers, and pristine fjords. You'll have chances to interact with local Inuit and learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik)
- Cultural encounters with local Inuit
Landmarks Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) 
- Day 10
Devon Island
At almost 75 degrees north, you'll land on Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth. You can walk across the tundra terrain and do some birdwatching at Dundas Harbour. There you'll see the dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of Hudson's Bay Company trading posts, and if you're lucky, spot walruses in the bay.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walk on tundra at Dundas Harbour
- Birdwatching
- View historic RCMP outpost and Hudson's Bay Company trading post
Optional Activities
- Visit Croker Bay
- Visit Maxwell Bay
Landmarks Devon Island (Tallurutit) Dundas Harbour - Day 11
Beechey Island
You'll land on Beechey Island, a Canadian National Historic Site at the western end of Devon Island. This is where you can see graves from the Franklin expedition of 1845-46. The island also marks where Roald Amundsen landed in 1903 during the first successful ship voyage through the Northwest Passage.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Beechey Island National Historic Site
- View Franklin expedition graves
Landmarks Beechey Island (Iluvilik) - Day 12
Radstock Bay
Using Zodiacs, you'll head to Radstock Bay to explore Thule village ruins beneath Caswell Tower. The stone dwellings are well-preserved, and artifacts scatter the ground. The dramatic cliffs, gravelly beaches, and whale skeleton remains tell the story of the people who lived here centuries ago.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Thule village ruins
- View Caswell Tower and stone dwellings
Landmarks Radstock Bay Caswell Tower - Day 13
Flexible Arctic Exploration
From here on, the itinerary changes based on weather and sea ice conditions. Possible stops include Devon Island, Beechey Island, Radstock Bay, Prince Leopold Island, Bellot Strait, and Point Zenith. Your expedition team will decide the actual landing spots day by day to give you the best experience possible.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit Devon Island
- Visit Beechey Island
- Visit Radstock Bay
- Visit Prince Leopold Island
- Visit Bellot Strait
- Visit Point Zenith
Landmarks Prince Leopold Island Bellot Strait Point Zenith - Day 14
Beechey Island
You may visit Beechey Island again, one of Canada's most important Arctic sites and a designated National Historic Site. You can see the graves from the Franklin expedition of 1845-46 and explore where Roald Amundsen landed during the first successful ship voyage through the Northwest Passage in 1903.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Beechey Island National Historic Site
- View Franklin expedition graves
Landmarks Beechey Island (Iluvilik) - Day 15
Radstock Bay
Another possible stop is Radstock Bay via Zodiac to explore the Thule village ruins beneath Caswell Tower. Well-preserved stone dwellings and artifacts remain from this ancient settlement. The dramatic cliffs and scattered whale skeletons show how the landscape shaped life here.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Thule village ruins
- View Caswell Tower and stone dwellings
Landmarks Radstock Bay Caswell Tower - Day 16
Flexible Arctic Exploration
Weather and sea ice will determine if the ship attempts to cross Bellot Strait. This is a deep, windy waterway bordered by steep slopes with strong, swirling tidal currents. Navigation requires timing with slack water, so crossing isn't always possible.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Attempt crossing Bellot Strait if conditions allow
Landmarks Bellot Strait - Day 17
Inuit Whaling Site and Point Zenith
You might visit an Inuit site where bowhead whale hunters lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. Over 100 bowhead remains scatter the village and beach. About 20 excavated sod houses remain, along with community burial grounds in the cliff face. If conditions allow, you'll also visit Point Zenith, a rocky promontory with panoramic views.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit historic Inuit bowhead whale hunting site
- Explore sod house remains and burial grounds
Optional Activities
- Visit Point Zenith
Landmarks Point Zenith - Day 18
Flexible Arctic Exploration
Your expedition team creates daily itineraries based on ice and weather. You might follow the same routes as Franklin and Amundsen, and meet the local people who live in this extreme part of the north. Every day brings something different depending on conditions.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit historic explorer sites
- Meet local Arctic communities
- Day 19
Zodiac Exploration
You'll explore coastlines, bays, and hidden estuaries in Zodiacs. If you're traveling during autumn, you'll catch the changing colors across the landscape, which adds extra color to your time in the region.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Zodiac exploration of coastlines, bays, and estuaries
- Day 20
Franklin Bay Exploration
Possible locations for Zodiac excursions and hikes include Johansen Bay, Port Epworth, and Smoking Hills in Franklin Bay. The exact stops depend on conditions, but each area offers something different to explore.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit Johansen Bay
- Visit Port Epworth
- Visit Smoking Hills
Landmarks Johansen Bay Port Epworth Smoking Hills - Day 21
Johansen Bay and Edinburgh Island
A Zodiac excursion might take you into an estuary at the northeast end of Johansen Bay and up a river toward a lake. You'll watch for caribou, reindeer, arctic foxes, hares, and peregrine falcons. Edinburgh Island has colorful flowering shrubs and beaches with ochre-colored sand. If possible, a walk to a lookout gives spectacular views over lakes, sea, and mountains.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursion through Johansen Bay estuary
- Visit Edinburgh Island (Egloovikan)
Optional Activities
- Walk to lookout for panoramic views
Landmarks Edinburgh Island (Egloovikan) Johansen Bay - Day 22
Tree River, Port Epworth, and Smoking Hills
You could explore Tree River (also known as Port Epworth) on the mainland with its river, shallow lakes, and striking sedimentary rock outcrops. The Smoking Hills display multicolored, fiery natural phenomenon caused by combustible sulfur-rich lignite burning for centuries. Ancient stromatolites, petrified remains of algae mounds from two billion years ago, are also visible.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Tree River area and Port Epworth
- Visit Smoking Hills
Landmarks Smoking Hills Tree River - Day 23
Beaufort Sea
Sailing the Beaufort Sea builds the excitement as you move westward. Whether you're on deck or in an observation lounge, you'll watch the captain navigate the ship through waters that freeze solid most of the year. The experience of sailing here is something few get to do.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Sail the Beaufort Sea on M/V Greg Mortimer
Landmarks Beaufort Sea - Day 24
At Sea
Keep your eyes open for marine wildlife, particularly Beluga whales. These white whales are often seen in these waters, and the expedition team helps spot them and explains their behavior.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Marine wildlife observation
- Day 25
Prudhoe Bay
At Prudhoe Bay, you'll say goodbye to Canada and cross into the United States. This marks a significant point in your journey through the Arctic.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Landmarks Prudhoe Bay - Day 26
Northern Alaska Coastline
The ship sails westward along the northern Alaska coast toward Nome. You'll reflect on your voyage while scanning the water for marine life. This area sits where the U.S. and Russia are only 100 kilometres apart, separated by the Bering Sea.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Sail along northern Alaska coast
- Marine wildlife observation
Landmarks Bering Sea - Day 27
Alaska Highlights
During this leg, you can share and edit photos for the onboard photo competition. Final lectures from the expert team help wrap up what you've learned. Weather permitting, the ship may sail close to Point Hope, Little Diomede, and King Islands in Alaska.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer), Berth / Cabin (M/V Greg Mortimer (or similar))
Included Activities
- Final expert lectures
- Photo competition
Optional Activities
- Ship cruise near Point Hope
- Ship cruise near Little Diomede Island
- Ship cruise near King Island
Landmarks Point Hope Little Diomede Island King Island - Day 28
Nome to Anchorage
In Nome, you'll say goodbye to your expedition team and crew after weeks together in the Arctic. After disembarking, transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Anchorage, where you'll stay overnight.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel in Anchorage to be confirmed), Hotel (Hotel in Anchorage to be confirmed (or similar))
Included Activities
- Disembark in Nome
- Charter flight to Anchorage
Landmarks Nome - Day 29
Anchorage to Departure
You'll transfer to the airport for your onward journey home, concluding your Arctic expedition.
