Port information & tips for Expedition Ellesmere Island
Ellesmere Island is the ultimate destination for Arctic explorers and, as Canada's northernmost island, lies in the heart of the High Arctic. The untouched wilderness impresses with monumental silence as well as gigantic glacial landscapes and offers an incomparable backdrop under the midnight sun thanks to its majestic mountain ranges. Highlights include Quttinirpaaq National Park, observing muskoxen and polar bears, and visits to Grise Fiord, the country's northernmost settlement. Since no classic terminals exist, ships anchor in protected waters such as Tanquary Fiord or off Grise Fiord. Landings are carried out safely by Zodiac directly on the natural shore, providing immediate access to the spectacular Arctic tundra and the authentic Inuit communities.
For an expedition to Ellesmere Island, travel from the DACH region typically takes the form of a Fly & Cruise package via Canada. Due to the extremely remote location and the necessity of charter flights, careful planning and arrival at least one day before embarkation are essential. There are no direct highway or rail connections to the embarkation point.
Airplane
The journey typically begins with a long-haul flight to a major Canadian gateway such as Ottawa (YOW) or Montreal (YUL), which offer direct connections from Europe. From there, charter flights or scheduled flights with regional airlines usually take you to smaller Arctic airports that serve as embarkation points for Ellesmere Island expeditions – a common starting point is, for example, Resolute Bay (YRB) in Nunavut. The flight time from Ottawa to Resolute Bay is approximately 4-5 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
At remote embarkation points such as Resolute Bay, transfers from the airport to the ship or to the mooring location of the Zodiacs/tender boats are usually organized by the respective cruise line. Due to the infrastructure in these Arctic settlements, there are no public transfer services in the traditional sense. You will receive the exact details regarding the transfers with your travel documents.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the often weather-dependent charter flights into the Arctic, an overnight stay in a major Canadian city like Ottawa or Montreal before the onward flight is highly recommended. This allows time delays caused by flight cancellations or delays to be buffered. There are also limited hotel capacities in Resolute Bay, which are often booked by the cruise lines for passengers should an overnight stay at the embarkation point be necessary.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually 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 as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
For an expedition to Ellesmere Island, travel from the DACH region typically takes the form of a Fly & Cruise package via Canada. Due to the extremely remote location and the necessity of charter flights, careful planning and arrival at least one day before embarkation are essential. There are no direct highway or rail connections to the embarkation point.
Airplane
The journey typically begins with a long-haul flight to a major Canadian gateway such as Ottawa (YOW) or Montreal (YUL), which offer direct connections from Europe. From there, charter flights or scheduled flights with regional airlines usually take you to smaller Arctic airports that serve as embarkation points for Ellesmere Island expeditions – a common starting point is, for example, Resolute Bay (YRB) in Nunavut. The flight time from Ottawa to Resolute Bay is approximately 4-5 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
At remote embarkation points such as Resolute Bay, transfers from the airport to the ship or to the mooring location of the Zodiacs/tender boats are usually organized by the respective cruise line. Due to the infrastructure in these Arctic settlements, there are no public transfer services in the traditional sense. You will receive the exact details regarding the transfers with your travel documents.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the often weather-dependent charter flights into the Arctic, an overnight stay in a major Canadian city like Ottawa or Montreal before the onward flight is highly recommended. This allows time delays caused by flight cancellations or delays to be buffered. There are also limited hotel capacities in Resolute Bay, which are often booked by the cruise lines for passengers should an overnight stay at the embarkation point be necessary.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually 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 as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
On expedition cruises, landings on Ellesmere Island usually take place directly on the coast or in the small settlement of Grise Fiord. Thanks to the maneuverable shipboard inflatable boats, you can get ashore easily and immerse yourself immediately in the fascinating Arctic wilderness.
Zodiac Inflatable Boats
The transfer from the ship to the shore is carried out with stable Zodiacs and is an integral part of the adventure. These boats bring you safely to pristine beaches as well as remote fjords and also allow for exciting wildlife viewing directly from the water.
On Foot
In the northernmost settlement of Grise Fiord, all important points can be easily reached on foot within a few minutes. The paths also offer wonderful opportunities for spontaneous encounters with the locals and lead directly to the impressive viewpoints in the nearby area.
Local Expedition Vehicles
For explorations into the wider surrounding area, all-terrain vehicles from local guides are often available. These accompany you safely through the rugged terrain while sharing their deep knowledge of the Arctic nature and local culture with you.
On an expedition to Ellesmere Island, it is recommended to focus entirely on the untouched Arctic wilderness and the fascinating culture of Canada's northernmost community.
Grise Fiord (Aujuittuq)
The northernmost civilian settlement in Canada offers a deep insight into Inuit life and also fascinates with its dramatic location between steep mountain walls and the wide Jones Sound. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the residents and the authentic atmosphere, this place is perfect for cultural encounters at the end of the world.
Quttinirpaaq National Park
This spectacular national park in the high north of the island impresses with its monumental glaciers as well as the endless expanse of the Arctic tundra and is also an ideal place for observing muskoxen and Arctic foxes. The untouched primeval landscape, with its silence and majesty, offers an incomparable natural experience for every expedition guest.
Alexandra Fiord
This history-steeped bay is known for the remains of a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police station and, thanks to its protected location, transforms into a blooming polar oasis during the short summer. The combination of historical heritage and a surprisingly diverse flora makes the fjord a perfect destination for explorers and nature photographers.
Grise Fiord (Aujuittuq)
The community of Grise Fiord, which is usually reached directly by Zodiac landing during an expedition, is the northernmost permanent settlement in Canada and offers travelers an authentic insight into the fascinating Inuit culture as well as a breathtaking backdrop of steep mountains and glittering glaciers. This location is perfectly suited for cultural encounters, with the monument to the "High Arctic Exiles" and the small community center with its exquisite arts and crafts standing out in particular. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the residents, you will experience an atmosphere of peace and constancy here amidst the wild Arctic nature. Ideally, visit the settlement immediately after the first landing in the morning to take advantage of the clear light for unique panoramic photographs, and return to the shore early to enjoy the transfer back to the ship in a relaxed manner while the sea is calm.
Due to the lack of infrastructure in this Arctic wilderness, the return to your cruise ship is coordinated and safe via the ship's own tenders.
Expedition Zodiacs
The transfer back to the ship takes place exclusively with the agile Zodiac boats, which pick you up directly from the original landing site on the shore. Thanks to the constant radio communication between the shore team and the ship, a punctual return transport is guaranteed at all times, even with changing ice conditions.
On Foot in Grise Fiord
In the small community of Grise Fiord, you can easily walk back to the landing pier via the central gravel road. The settlement is so compact and manageable that you can reach the port area from any location in a very short time and orient yourself excellently thanks to the clear lines of sight.
Accompanied by the Expedition Team
Experienced guides secure the gathering point on the shore and assist you when boarding the boats for the return trip. Take advantage of the firmly defined time windows for the return journey and rely on the professional coordination by the crew, who ensure a safe passage to the gangway.
