2026 SOI Arctic Expedition Journey

Kalee, Matiusie

It's Not About the Destination

Curious about where this adventure will take you? From our first port to our final landing, this section gives you a sneak peek at where we’re headed—our general sailing route, the communities we’ll visit, and the key dates along the way. Think of it as your tentative roadmap to the journey ahead. Bon Voyage!

Gwi focused as she crosses her first tree top obstacle at Camp Fortune.

Pre-Expedition Programming

Before the expedition even begins, the journey starts with a few exciting days of pre-expedition programming in our gateway city—usually Ottawa. This is where you’ll meet the SOI team and start getting to know the other youth you’ll be travelling with through team-building activities, shared meals, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun along the way.

Depending on the year, you might explore the Canadian Museum of Nature (sometimes we’re treated to a behind-the-scenes tour through the archives), get a taste of outdoor adventure at Camp Fortune, or visit Rideau Hall and meet the Governor General. More than anything, pre-programming is about building community—so by the time you board the ship, you’ll already feel connected, supported, and part of the expedition team.

Read on for some of the finer details about pre-expedition programming.

Things to Know Before You Go

Maxime

Flights

If you are a scholarship recipient, SOI will coordinate and book all of your travel to and from the gateway city (Ottawa), and we’ll be in close communication with you to make sure all logistics work smoothly. If your journey includes an overnight layover between your home community and the gateway city, SOI will arrange an overnight chaperone to support you along the way.

Transportation

SOI's team will meet you at the airport when you arrive in Ottawa for pre-expedition programming and drive you to your accommodations and anywhere else we travel during pre-expedition programming. From the time you touch down in the gateway city until you are on the plane home, all transportation related to expedition programming will be provided by SOI. You are responsible for getting to and from the airport in your home community.

Accommodations

If you are travelling on a scholarship, SOI will coordinate and pay for all accommodations throughout the program, including during pre-programming. While in Ottawa, you'll typically stay in student accommodations at one of the city’s universities or colleges.

Meekai

Northern Youth

We know that travelling from remote Northern communities can be complex, and we don't expect you to navigate it alone. SOI works closely with Northern youth, their families, and our partners to coordinate flights, timing, and support along the way—helping ensure safe, smooth travel to and from the gateway city, with additional care provided when needed.

Travel Policy

When travelling with SOI, youth are ambassadors for both the program and their home communities. We expect all participants to travel responsibly, treat others with respect, follow guidance from airport and airline staff, and uphold SOI and community values from departure to return.

Other Considerations

During pre-expedition programming, you may have a bit of personal downtime, and you might want to bring some spending money if you’re interested in buying souvenirs or taking part in optional activities. This is totally up to you, but having a small amount on hand can give you a little extra flexibility to enjoy your time in the gateway city.

Emergency Number

As always, you can reach out to our team with any questions that you have. We are available at apply@soifoundation.org or toll-free at 1-866-336-6423. We have also activated SOI's Emergency Phone, which can be called or texted for support while travelling or with last-minute issues at 1-873-354-3290.

Dom, first air, kangerlussuaq

Self-Funded Participants

If you are a self-funded participant, you are responsible for booking and covering all travel-related costs, including all flights. SOI will coordinate the accommodations during pre-expedition programming, but you are expected to cover the costs of staying in the student dorms in Ottawa. While you’re in the gateway city, SOI will provide group transportation for program activities, but any other travel costs are your responsibility. Our team can help you think through your travel plans if you need support.

High-Level Expedition Itinerary

Our itinerary is a guide—not a strict schedule. Weather, learning opportunities, and unexpected moments all shape how each day unfolds. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from the unexpected. So we stay flexible!

Pre-Programming

You and your fellow participants will join the expedition team in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, for a couple of days to get to know each other while enjoying some fun team-building activities.

Canada C3 participants arrive at the MS Ocean Endeavour for breakfast before heading into Pond Inlet together for the announcement.

Day 1

Iqaluit, Nunavut

The team will fly together to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, where we'll spend a short time roaming the city before boarding the MV Ocean Nova. We’ll set sail and head south through Frobisher Bay, a deep trough created by tectonic events and heavy glaciation during the Pleistocene era, before we get our first chance to jump into the Zodiacs!

Days 2-4

Monumental Island, Cumberland Sound, Pangnirtung, Auyuittuq

We'll board Zodiacs to cruise along the shoreline of Oomienwa (Monumental Island) for a chance to see wildlife up close. After, we'll sail across the Cumberland Sound between Baffin Island's Hall Peninsula and its Cumberland Peninsula to Pangnirtung. Fondly called ‘Pang’ for short, this artistic community is famous for its sculptures, woven tapestries, and lithographic prints.

Days 5-6

Davis Strait

We will spend these days at sea crossing the Davis Strait, which is rich in marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds. It's a perfect opportunity for onboard workshops and wildlife observation.

Days 7-9

Greenland's Western Coast

After landing near Sisimiut, we'll sail northward for a few days to Uummannaq, taking every opportunity we can to navigate the complex coastal waterway by zodiac! Uummannaq is Green;and's eighth-largest community and sits at the base of a heart-shaped mountain that rises straight out of the ocean. Uummannaq means “heart-shaped” in Kalaallisut.

Day 10

Ilulissat

We will land in Ilulissat, which is famous for its massive icebergs calving from the nearby Sermeq Kujalleq glacier (Jakobshavn Glacier), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the fastest-declining glaciers in the world.

Day 11

Sisimiut

We'll then head south to Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities like dog sledding, and stunning fjord landscapes.

Day 12

Kangerlussuaq

We will disembark the Ocean Nova in Kangerlussuaq, say farewell to our expedition teammates and journey home! Our journey as SOI alums will begin...

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The Journey underline