Port information & tips for Devon Island
Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and a fascinating destination for demanding expedition cruises. This polar wilderness impresses with its monumental silence, gigantic glaciers, and a surreal landscape that is often compared to the surface of Mars due to its geological composition. Absolute highlights include the historic outpost of Dundas Harbour with the remains of a former RCMP station, as well as the imposing Haughton Crater, a scientifically significant impact crater. Since no classic infrastructure exists on the island, ships anchor in protected waters and bring guests safely to natural landing sites like Dundas Harbour or Croker Bay via Zodiac, from where the exploration of the untouched Arctic begins directly and without detours.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is a fascinating destination for expedition cruises and is one of the most remote places in the world. Travel is therefore not direct, but via special logistics routes that usually include a charter flight from a Canadian gateway airport.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves long-haul flights to a Canadian hub such as Ottawa (YOW), Montreal (YUL), or Edmonton (YEG). From there, most expedition cruise lines organize special charter flights that take passengers to the actual embarkation port in the Arctic, often Resolute Bay (YRB) on Cornwallis Island. These charter flights are an integral part of the journey and must usually be booked through the cruise line.
Charter flight
The crucial step to reaching expedition ships heading for Devon Island is the charter flight from a designated Canadian meeting point, such as Ottawa. These flights, usually in smaller aircraft, bridge the vast distance to Arctic communities like Resolute Bay, the most common starting point for expeditions in this region. The flight duration can be several hours, and due to the remote location and weather conditions, flexibility in travel planning is essential.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the long international flights from the DACH region and the need to catch a special charter flight, a pre-cruise overnight stay at the Canadian departure airport (e.g., Ottawa) is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival and ensures that you arrive on time for the charter flight. Many cruise lines also offer a suitable pre-cruise hotel as part of their travel packages.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Landings on the world's largest uninhabited island usually take place by expedition inflatable boat directly on the natural stretches of coastline. Thanks to the professional organization on board, you can enjoy a smooth transfer directly into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic.
Zodiacs
Your ship's maneuverable inflatable boats serve as the primary means of transport, bringing you safely from the anchorage to the beach. These trips also offer the first fascinating views of the barren beauty of the landscape and the island's vast coastline.
On foot
Movement on land takes place exclusively on foot and leads you through the vast tundra to historic sites such as Dundas Harbour or Beechey Island. The hikes are always accompanied by experienced experts and offer you direct access to the impressive silence of the Arctic nature.
Expedition team
All paths and landings are coordinated and secured by your ship's team. Thanks to this professional accompaniment, you can reach the island's most interesting points safely while learning exciting details about the geology and history of this remote region.
To fully savor the fascinating solitude of the world's largest uninhabited island, it is recommended to focus on exploring the spectacular coastal landscapes and significant historical sites.
Dundas Harbour
The abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police station offers deep insight into Arctic settlement history and, thanks to the picturesque backdrop of barren cliffs and ancient graves, is a deeply moving destination for a shore excursion.
Croker Bay
In this spectacular bay, calving glaciers can be marveled at from up close, and the maritime wildlife of the Arctic is also ideally observed during a Zodiac cruise along the massive walls of ice.
Radstock Bay
This area impresses with the striking rock formation of Caswall Tower and is perfect for spotting polar bears as well as visiting centuries-old archaeological remains of the Thule culture.
Dundas Harbour
Historic Dundas Harbour is located directly on the south coast of Devon Island and is easily accessible by Zodiac landing, where you can explore the fascinating remains of an abandoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost as well as ancient Thule settlements. This site, steeped in history, offers an impressive atmosphere of Arctic solitude and is a perfect destination for culture-oriented explorers thanks to its well-preserved ruins and small cemetery. The vast tundra also invites you to observe muskoxen and provides spectacular panoramic views over Lancaster Sound. Ideally, start your shore excursion with the first wave of Zodiacs in the morning to take advantage of the soft light for photos, and plan your return to the landing pier in good time to end your stay in a relaxed manner back on board.
The return journey to the ship on the uninhabited Devon Island takes place exclusively via the landing sites organized by the cruise line, such as Dundas Harbour or Beechey Island.
Zodiac Shuttle
The sturdy inflatable boats serve as your direct shuttle and bring you safely from the shore back to the gangway of the cruise ship. Thanks to the continuous trips by the expedition teams, you can return to the ship at any time, comfortably and without long waiting periods.
Guided Return
As there are no taxis or public transport in the Arctic wilderness, the route to the landing site is secured by trained expedition guides. These professionals ensure a punctual and protected return for all guests to the meeting point on the beach through their constant presence and radio contact.
Meeting points on the shore
The way back on foot leads across natural terrain directly to the marked meeting points on the shore, which are easily recognizable thanks to the prominent flags and the guides. Simply follow the specified lines of sight and arrive at the beach in time for the last scheduled Zodiac trip.
