Adventure cruise operator HX Expeditions is redefining Arctic travel with a first-of-its-kind, community-led excursion program in Nunavut, Canada. Developed in direct partnership with local Inuit residents, Elders, and staff, the new offerings mark a turning point for both the cruise industry and Arctic tourism — and ensure that every dollar earned flows back to the communities themselves.
A Collaborative Model in the Canadian Arctic
The new excursions, launched for the summer 2025 season, are built on deep collaboration with the Inuit communities of Nunavut, a remote territory only accessible by air or sea. HX’s 25-day Northwest Passage voyages — among the rarest in the world — are the launchpad for these experiences, which are available on westbound sailings from Greenland to Alaska (aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen) and eastbound from Alaska to Greenland (aboard MS Roald Amundsen).
Mariah Erkloo, a Nunavut native and HX Product Planner, emphasized the importance of local ownership and voice:
“This kind of collaboration is exactly what’s needed in Arctic tourism. If this model continues to grow with care, it will strengthen the experience for both locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact it will have for our communities and travelers alike.”
How It Works: Revenue for the Community, Experiences for Travelers
In a cruise industry first, HX Expeditions ensures that 100% of excursion revenue is directed to individuals and businesses in Nunavut. This approach is designed to support community economic growth and keep the programs locally owned and operated.
The excursions were crafted with direct input from Inuit Elders and local residents, with each experience designed to reflect the daily lives, traditions, and stories of Nunavut’s people.
What Travelers Can Expect
Guests on HX’s Northwest Passage cruises can choose from a curated set of small-group excursions — typically limited to 10–12 guests per outing. Options include:
- Guided hikes accompanied by Inuit storytelling and discussions on northern life.
- Traditional Arctic char fishing, learning techniques passed down through generations.
- Meaningful cultural exchanges in Pond Inlet, Gjøa Haven, and Cambridge Bay — the three Nunavut communities at the heart of the program.
Excursion prices range from $50 CAD (about $36 USD) to $425 CAD ($305 USD), making these exclusive experiences accessible to a wide range of travelers.
The Future of Exploration: Local Voices at the Center
HX’s Chief Expedition Officer, Alex McNeil, calls this only the beginning:
“These intimate excursions are an opportunity for travellers to create meaningful personal connections with local residents and experience the beauty of Inuit hospitality like never before. We believe the future of exploration lies in collaboration—with the people who have called these regions home for generations.”
With a model built on partnership, respect, and local investment, HX Expeditions is setting a new standard for Arctic tourism — and offering travelers a rare chance to engage with one of the planet’s most remote and resilient cultures.
For detailed itineraries and up-to-date pricing, visit travelhx.com.
