Wilderness Explorer: Greenland, Labrador & Newfoundland

Day 1 - Kangerlussuaq, Greenland:

Our flight from Toronto will land at the former US air base of Kangerlussuaq. From there, we follow the longest road in Greenland - at twenty kilometres! (12 miles) -  to our disembarkation point, where Zodiacs await to take us to the vessel. From there, 168km (104 miles) of superb scenery await us as we sail spectacular Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world.

Day 2 - Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord:

West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location. We’ll explore this sublime landscape by ship and by Zodiac.

Day 3 - Nuuk:

Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the one of the world’s northernmost capital cities! Nuuk, meaning ‘the headland’ is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system. Established as Greenland’s first town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling centre of the country today. The town is home to the University of Greenland, a cathedral dating back to 1849, and Greenland’s National Museum. We’ll have a guided orientation of this bustling metropolis and an opportunity to visit the National Museum—where the Qilakitsoq mummies are housed—before free time to explore on your own.

Day 4 - At Sea, Davis Strait:

Our presentation series takes centre stage as we head across Davis Strait towards landfall in Canada. Time spent on deck can be rewarding as well: keep your eyes peeled for minke and humpback whales (and other marine mammals), as well as the seabirds that are sure to accompany our passage.

Day 5 - Kangiqsualujjuaq (George River):

Twenty-five kilometers (fifteen miles) upstream from Ungava Bay, in the shelter of a commanding granite rock outcrop we find the community of Kangiqsualujjuaq. The ebb and flow of the tremendous tides define the summer lives of the people and wildlife of this area. Arctic flora thrives in the protected valley. The traditional calving grounds of the critically declining George River caribou herd are nearby. After our community welcome, we will have the freedom to explore, meet with locals and strike out of town for a hike on the tundra.

Days 6 to 8 - Torngat Mountains National Park:

The Torngat Mountains have been home to Inuit and their predecessors for millennia, with archaeological evidence reaching back almost 7,000 years. The fjords here reach deep into the heart of the mountains, bounded by cliffs peaking at 1700m (5577ft) - the highest point of land in Labrador. The rugged, spectacular beauty of the Torngat Mountains underscores their role as the spiritual homeland of Nunatsiavut. Polar bears, caribou, falcons, and eagles are among the species hardy enough to make their homes here. We’ll spend our time here getting out on the land for hikes, searching for wildlife, visiting archaeological sites, and Zodiac cruising through some of Canada’s most dramatic landscapes.

Day 9 - Hebron:

In a highly controversial move, the former Moravian Mission station dating from the 1830s was abandoned in 1959 with the departure of the Moravians, forcing the relocation of the Inuit who resided there. In 2005, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams apologized to people affected by the relocations, and in August of 2009, the provincial government unveiled a monument at the site. Today, some of the buildings at Hebron are being repurposed as a cultural interpretation centre. They form a lonely monument to the cultural past of the area, with hopes for the future of Nunatsiavut. 

Day 10 - Nain:

Today we explore the vibrant Inuit community of Nain. The administrative capital of Nunatsiavut, Nain is the most northerly community in Labrador. We'll visit the beautiful Moravian Church, the Nunatsiavut Building with its Labradorite stone and the Illusuak Cultural Centre. Local leaders will share the fascinating history of the township, and we will have a chance to visit with the community. 

Days 11 & 12 - Labrador Coast:

The lower Labrador coast boasts five of Labrador’s ten provincial eco-regions, including coastal barrens, high subarctic tundra, high boreal forest, mid-boreal forest, and string bog. The Mealy Mountain range in this area reaches heights of more than 1000m (3280ft). A significant portion of the mountain range and surrounding area has been designated a National Park Reserve, a move which followed lobbying for the preservation of the area since the early 1970s. We plan to visit the Wonderstands, a stunning fifty-six-kilometere stretch of beach, referenced in Viking sagas.

Day 13 - L’Anse aux Meadows:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic site, L’Anse aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000AD. Amazingly, the location of the ruins was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Today, a superb interpretive centre and reconstructions of the several Norse-style sod buildings make L’Anse aux Meadows a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland. 

Day 14 - Northeast Newfoundland:

The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores. We’ll find harbour in one of these unique communities. We look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival. Photographers will have their work cut out for them capturing all the special charm of classic island communities and picturesque coastlines.

Day 15 - St John’s:

Sailing into the port of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed; Signal Hill keeps watch over the world-famous Narrows and the charming houses of The Battery will have cameras whirring! The bustling city of St. John's with its colourful houses and steep streets makes a spectacular backdrop to the legendary harbour where we will bring our journey to a close.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.