This 14-day Greenland to Newfoundland is one of the only itineraries that features Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic and the East Coast of Canada. This brand-new itinerary is also unique because it enables you to explore both Arctic and boreal environments. This means you’ll have the opportunity to experience boreal biomes— also known as taiga—which are cold, dense forests dominated by coniferous trees, boreal woodlands and boreal wildlife such as caribou, black bears, red and Arctic foxes, and peregrine falcons. This is a sharp contrast to what you’ll experience in Arctic biomes, treeless regions marked by extreme winters, low vegetation consisting mostly of mosses and lichens, and wildlife species such as polar bears, seals and migratory birds call home.

Experience the unique features of both Arctic and boreal environments
Witness countless icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord
Visit the Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the unrivalled wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park
Experience northern Indigenous cultures in Greenland and Labrador
End your voyage in St. John’s, Newfoundland, one of the oldest cities in North America.

Map/Itinerary

Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Day 1Arrive in Iceland

Upon your arrival at Keflavik International Airport, make your way independently to your included hotel in downtown Reykjavik, approximately 45 minutes from the airport. If your arrival schedule allows, you’ll have time to explore the fascinating Icelandic capital on your own. Many major tourist attractions and historic sites are within walking distance of the city center.

Day 2Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to embarkation

This morning you’ll catch your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for great adventures ahead. Expect a welcome and safety briefing from your Expedition Leader.

Day 3Explore Sisimut and Maniitsoq, Fjords, Mountains and Glaciers

Today you’ll explore two towns in the Qeqqata Municipality on the west coast of Greenland along the Davis Strait. The first is Maniitsoq, which translates into “the place of rugged, uneven terrain.” That’s precisely what you see in the surrounding terrain: towering mountains, pristine rivers, seemingly endless glaciers and incredibly deep f jords. In fact, one of the day’s highlights is a journey along Eternity Fjord, which is 75 kilometers (47 miles) long and reaches a depth of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Later in the day you’ll have time to wander through the historic town of Sisimiut, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, one of which is Bethel Church. Just look for the striking blue-and-red wooden place of worship. Today’s activities also include a demonstration of the traditional art of kayak making. Experiencing a cultural resurgence, the kayak is a symbol of Greenland and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transportation. For those inclined to other modes of transport, mountain biking is another option during our visit to Sisimiut.

Day 4Ilulissat: Iceberg viewing at the UNESCO World Heritage site

Ilulissat, Greenlandic for icebergs, is one of the highlights of any journey along west Greenland. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, Ilulissat Icefjord gives birth to countless icebergs. In fact, it’s home to one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq (also known as Jakobshavn Glacier). A Zodiac excursion is a unique way to enjoy the spectacle of enormous bergs floating out to Disko Bay. We plan to Zodiac cruise ashore to visit the nearby town of Ilulissat, and from there we’ll hike to the icefjord, where you can view this incredible parade of icebergs from the rocky shore. Expect to see a lot of dogs while you’re in town. There was a time when sled dogs actually outnumbered citizens in Ilulissat, which, unsurprisingly, is the birthplace of the first European to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, explorer Knud Rasmussen. If time allows, you can visit a local museum dedicated to his memory.

Day 5At Sea: Corssing the Davis Strait

As your ship navigates across the Davis Strait, onboard polar experts will present on a variety of topics to deepen your understanding of the places featured in the itinerary. Our experts include glaciologists, historians, wildlife specialists and other polar specialists.

Day 6Pangnirtung: Stronghold of Inuit culture

Today is our first day exploring the Canadian Arctic as we arrive in Nunavut, Canada’s youngest territory. Nunavut, which means “our land” in the Inuktitut language, stretches north of the Arctic Circle and covers over 1.8 million square kilometers, and is considered the homeland of the Inuit in Canada. Guests will get to spend time in Pangnirtung, located at the mouth of Pangnirtung Fjord, which merges with Cumberland Sound. It’s a stronghold of the Inuit community, and an ideal place to learn about Inuit culture while admiring finely crafted traditional art, especially the textiles. You may want to purchase a famous Pang toque, a must-have knit cap for anyone visiting the community.

Day 7Cape Mercy: A fascinating history lesson

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Cape Mercy, an isolated cove at the southern tip of Cumberland Sound in Nunavut. Cape Mercy was named by British explorer John Davis, who sailed through this part of the Arctic in 1585. Fastforward several centuries to the 1950s when Cape Mercy was selected as the site of a Distant Early Warning Line (DEW) installation, a system of radar stations set up during the Cold War to detect nuclear attacks. It should be noted that the Inuit hunted and fished in Cape Mercy and the surrounding area long before the arrival of European explorers. You can join a guided shore walk to enjoy incredible views of the vast Davis Strait, which connects Baffin Bay to the Labrador Sea

Day 8-9Torngat Mountain National Park: Exploring the boreal wilderness

Torngat Mountains National Park will leave you awestruck. Within the 10,000 square-kilometer national park, established in 2008, are Canada’s highest mountains east of the venerable Rockies. The park is a wilderness landscape painting brought to life: breathtaking f jords, dramatic glacial formations, stunning landscapes, boreal woodlands and wildlife. For students of Indigenous history, Torngat Mountain National Park is especially meaningful: the park is located at the northern edge of autonomous Nunatsiavut territory, which was recognized as the homeland of the Labrador Inuit in 2005, operating under its own constitution and administration. In fact, these lands have been home to the Nunatsiavut and their predecessors for over 7,500 years. We are honored to explore this majestic wilderness territory with you. Torngat, in Inuktitut, means “place of the spirits,” which reflects the spiritual significance of the region to the Inuit communities. As a national park, this wilderness domain offers protection to boreal woodland caribou, black bears, Labrador wolves, red and Arctic foxes, polar bears, and peregrine falcons, among other species. You will have opportunities to explore this national wilderness area during Zodiac and kayaking excursions, as well as guided hikes.

Day 10Nain, Nunatsiavut: Home of the Labrador Inuit

Nain, which has a population of approximately 1,200, is the administrative capital of Nunatsiavut, the semi-autonomous region in northern Labrador claimed by the Inuit. Visitors can learn about Labrador Inuit heritage through interactive exhibits, artwork, and cultural programs at the very modern-looking Illusuak Cultural Centre. Then, to learn about the other cultural group that influenced the region, stroll through town to discover the historic Moravian Mission complex, established in 1771. The white-painted church and mission house bear witness to centuries of cultural exchanges between the Inuit and European missionaries. You’ll have time to engage with friendly locals to hear stories passed down through the generations, and sample traditional foods like arctic char and cloudberries. There will be a guided hike to take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and sea.

Day 11At Sea: Observing the ever-changing terrain

As our ship heads south, enjoy the views of the southern coast of Baffin Island Labrador. While at sea for the day, join expedition staff out on deck as they look for whales and birdlife. This is also your chance to relax with a glass of wine or hot tea and simply take in the wondrous beauty around you.

Day 12L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site: Viking and Norse history

Consider the wooden longboats that transported the Vikings an incredible 2,180 kilometers (842 square miles) from Greenland to Newfoundland in 1000 AD. Today, you’re going to visit the archeological remains at the place they landed in their hand-hewn vessels. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the only confirmed Norse or Viking settlement in North America. Join a guided tour to see where Norseman Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have founded “Vinland” (the East Coast area including what would later be known as Newfoundland) around 1000 AD. Explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins throughout the historic site—proof that Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus’ much-chronicled arrival.

Day 13At Sea the music Continues

Your final at-sea day is a great opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions you have for our team of onboard experts, attend one last polar presentation, relax in Tundra Spa & Sauna or in one the outdoor Jacuzzis.

Day 14Disembark in St. John's, Newfoundland

Your ship arrives at the pier in St. John’s for a morning disembarkation. After breakfast, you may make your way to St. John’s International Airport to connect with your onward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

Mandatory Transfer Package Included (Flight-Hotel & Trasfer)

Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities.
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program.
All shore landings as per the daily program.
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals).
Acohol, select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
WiFi
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
All luggage handling aboard the ship.
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person.
Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

This expedition excludes

Passport and visa expenses.
Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers.
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended.
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified.
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location).
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Additional overnight accommodation.
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.

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