The Legendary Arctic Sea Route 

​​August 26 - September 16, 2025

​

I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey I’ll never forget—through one of the most remote and storied regions on Earth: the Canadian High Arctic.  For 20 unforgettable nights, I joined a Quark Expeditions voyage aboard Ultramarine, a state-of-the-art ship purpose-built for polar exploration.

​

We followed the path of the legendary Northwest Passage, the elusive Arctic sea route that has fascinated explorers for centuries. The adventure began in Reykjavik, Iceland, and ended in Calgary, Canada, weaving through dramatic coastlines, ancient glaciers, and isolated communities steeped in Inuit heritage.

​

One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the trip was the wildlife. I saw polar bears roaming the ice and resting on the shores, Bowhead whales breaching in icy waters, 100's of Narwhals slicing gracefully through the sea, walrus lounging on sea ice, powerful Gyrfalcons and seabirds wheeling overhead in the vast Arctic sky. Each sighting felt like a rare gift—raw, wild, and deeply moving.

​

What really stood out to me was Quark’s commitment to responsible travel through their Polar Promise. Every aspect of the expedition was grounded in sustainability and respect for the fragile environment and the people who call the Arctic home. The guides were not only experts—they were deeply passionate about the land and eager to share their knowledge.

​

Some of the most memorable parts of the trip?

​

Sailing through the legendary Northwest Passage—such a remote and historic route, and honestly, it felt surreal to be in a place I’d only ever read about in old exploration stories.

​

Cruising alongside massive icebergs and winding through dramatic fjords off the coasts of Greenland and Baffin Island—I couldn’t stop staring out the window (or taking a million photos).

​

Stopping in Inuit communities, where I had the chance to learn firsthand about their traditions, stories, and way of life. Those moments were some of the most meaningful of the entire journey.

​

Heading out every day on Zodiac excursions—sometimes through calm, icy bays, other times bouncing through wind and waves. And the helicopter ride? Absolutely unreal. Seeing the Arctic from above was next-level.

​

Living aboard Ultramarine was its own kind of adventure, too—super comfortable, with incredible food and a crew that felt like family. The onboard lectures by the scientists and historians were fascinating, and the passion they had for the region was contagious.

​

And through it all, knowing I was part of something bigger—Quark’s focus on conservation and responsible travel really made the experience feel purposeful, not just beautiful.

​

This wasn’t just a trip—it was a true expedition. One that changed how I see the natural world, and deepened my appreciation for the Arctic’s beauty, fragility, and strength.

Seeing creatures like Narwhals and Bowhead whales in the wild was something I never imagined I'd witness, and those moments will stay with me forever.

​

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the polar north, this journey was everything I hoped for—and so much more.

​

Please let me know if you have any questions about this adventure as I am more than happy to share a more in depth account of this incredible experience with you!