4. Greenland to Canada: Arctic Encounters

Welcome to the capital of Greenland

You’ll have an early start today as we depart Reykjavík and fly to Nuuk.

Nuuk is Greenland’s colorful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Danish missionary Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, look out for the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue for a striking juxtaposition of two cultures.

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and then enjoy your first dinner on board.

Prepare for adventure as we head south

While sailing toward South Greenland, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these fascinating and important presentations.

You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on topics such as ornithology, geology and culture. You’ll also learn about the Citizen Science projects we run on board the ship.

The coast of Greenland is carved by many fjords. Depending on the conditions, in the afternoon we may be able to cruise deep into one of our favorites, Kuannersooq Fjord, as it’s known in Greenlandic, or Kvanerfjord in Danish.

Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice cap

South Greenland offers curious travelers an intriguing blend of Norse history, Inuit culture and breathtaking landscapes.

You can explore Viking settler ruins here and discover colorful small towns, marveling at awe-inspiring fjords, mountains, glaciers and icebergs along the way. Combining rich cultural experiences with thrilling outdoor adventures, both history enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enraptured.

Over the next two days, our possible destinations and landing sites include:

For more detailed information about each of these locations, along with our explorer’s guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.

Sailing to the gates of the Torngat Mountains

After a few days of exploration, enjoy a day at sea and prepare for what lies ahead as we continue westward along the route of the Vikings, across Baffin Bay to the rugged coast of Labrador.

Why not listen to another fascinating presentation from the Expedition Team, perhaps on biology, ornithology or the history of the region? They’ll continue to entertain and educate with their series of lectures and demonstrations. There will be storytelling, art and craft workshops, and perhaps even some singing. In September at this latitude, there may also be the opportunity to see the northern lights. If they appear in the middle of the night, be prepared for a gentle wake-up call!

Witness the immense Torngat Mountains

Welcome to Canada! After clearing customs, we’ll be joined by park rangers who’ll accompany us as we explore Torngat Mountains National Park over the coming days.

Meaning “place of spirits” in Inuktitut, the national park spans some 6,000 miles, extending from Saglek Fjord to Labrador’s tip, and from the Atlantic coast to the Québec border. This wilderness is peppered with small glaciers, and it’s home to polar bears and caribou. It also has a rich Inuit heritage of hunting and fishing.

While exploring this magnificent area, we hope to visit:

For more detailed information about each of these locations, along with our explorer’s guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.

Head back in time and delve into the history of Labrador

Over the next five days, we’ll cruise south, unearthing the fascinating history of coastal Labrador and discovering its rich cultural heritage.

This area is home to some of Labrador’s most important Moravian settlements and a once busy fishing village that’s now a National Historic Site. There are also breathtaking waterways to transit and a whaling past to uncover. Over the next five days, our potential destinations may include:

For more detailed information about each of these locations, along with our explorer’s guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.

Relive the Tales of Vikings, Pioneers and Early Explorers

Your cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that’s colorful and diverse, Newfoundland is sure to enchant.

As we explore, you can delve into the island’s past, from pioneering missionaries and early explorers to as far back as Viking settlers. Over the next two days, we hope to visit:

For more detailed information about each of these locations, along with our explorer’s guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.

End your adventure on a colorful note

We say a fond farewell to our ship as we end our expedition in St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital.

As one of the oldest cities in North America, St. John’s is nothing but charming. Colorful houses are etched into the steep and rugged hillside along the coast, and proud Cabot Tower on Signal Hill watches over the city from above. It’s well worth exploring the city further if you have time before your onward journey.

Whatever your next steps are, you’ll take with you a wealth of memories that will no doubt endure, along with experiences that will change the way you see the world.