Explore the remote bays and fjords of Canada's east coast on this 12-day small ship Arctic expedition from Louisbourg to Kangerlussuag. This voyage features numerous encounters with Arctic's wildlife species, a visit to Torngat Mountains National Park, and encounters with the Nunatsiavut people in communities along the coastline of Labrador. During the voyage, you will visit numerous historic locations on Canada’s East Coast before your journey northwards from the more temperate climate found in the Maritimes onto higher latitudes. Subtle changes to vegetation and wildlife species can be noticed and our expert guides will interpret and explain these changes throughout the journey.
Highlights
Go ashore and visit the World Heritage-listed Gros Morne National Park
Visit L'Anse aux Meadows to see reconstructed sod huts & Norse ruins
Admire the walls of Nachvak Fjord, almost 900 meters tall
Enjoy wildlife spotting opportunities - including polar bears and walruses
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your adventure begins in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You will transfer to the historic port town of Louisbourg. During the 18th century, Louisbourg was the third busiest seaport in North America. You'll board the ship in the late afternoon and sail out past the lighthouse, across the Gulf of St Lawrence towards Newfoundland, Labrador and eventually Greenland
This morning you are anchored off the coastal hamlet of Trout River, the access point into Gros Morne National Park. The Zodiacs take you ashore and you are transferred by bus for a visit to the World Heritage-listed Tablelands. This incredible location is noted for its unique geology and exceptional scenery. You will visit the Discovery Center, before arriving at Woody Point, located in Bonne Bay. You meet the ship here and continue your voyage northwards.
Today tells a story a thousand years in the making. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is where Norseman, Leif Erikson, (son of Eric the Red) - is thought to have founded “Vinland”. As you explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins with the resident archaeologist, You'll see evidence that the Vikings discovered North America some five hundred years prior to the arrival of Columbus. Tonight you will leave the coastline of Newfoundland, crossing the Strait of Belle Isle towards Labrador.
Overnight, you have arrived along a historic stretch of coastline, named the Wonderstrands. The location appears in the Viking saga of Eric the Red – which calls the location ‘furdustrandir’ - the Wonder Strands. Other than one rocky promontory, the beach is almost 50km long – a rarity on the famously rocky east coast of Canada. There are some excellent hiking options along the shoreline and hinterland while Zodiac cruising and exploring in the sea kayaks provides additional means of discovering the area.
Today you will venture ashore by Zodiac to visit the Hopedale Moravian Mission – built in 1782 and said to be the oldest building east of Quebec. It’s a fascinating place and you will learn of the influence of the early Christian missionaries on the Inuit people of Northern Labrador. This location has been designated a Canadian National Historic Site. You'll plan a visit to the local museum for a deeper insight. The local Inuit produce ornate carvings and other crafts which make for wonderful souvenirs.
Day 6: Torngat Mountains National Park, Saglek Fjord
As you sail into Saglek Fjord, you arrive at the southern gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve. The Park covers almost 10,000 square kilometers of Northern Labrador. It is bordered by Quebec on one side, and the Labrador Coast on the other. It is home to Canada’s highest mountains east of the Rockies, and features breathtaking fjords, remnant glacial systems and stunning landscapes.
Day 7: Torngat Mountains National Park, Nachvak Fjord
Nachvak Fjord is exceptionally beautiful. The fjord is deep and narrow and stretches more than 20 kilometers. The rocky walls of the fjord soar almost 900 meters above you at several points. Many species migrate through the area during the short boreal summer. Numerous seal species may be encountered including ring, hooded, harp and harbor seals. Minke whales have been known to linger in the fjords, while larger species, including fin and humpback, tend to stay offshore. This is an outstanding location for landscape photography with endless subjects, a dynamic color range and interesting lighting.
As you reach the far northern stretches of coastal Labrador, you'll learn of the remarkable events at Martin Bay. Here a German U-boat made the only known armed landing in North America during WWII. Later in the day, you will visit the Button Islands, named after Thomas Button who explored the area in 1612. The islands are in the middle of the upwelling of nutrients on the edge of the continental shelf. This action makes it a magnet for thousands of seabirds and other marine mammals.
You will awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day your onboard experts educate you with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife, history and the locations you will visit in the coming days. This is an important migration corridor for birds and whales, and keep your eyes out for signs of wildlife from the outer decks.
Nuuk is the small capital of Greenland and home to a population of around 18,000 - almost a third of the entire population of the country. The small city is a fascinating blend of both the historic and contemporary. The National Museum of Greenland is located right by the harbor and is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts, traditional costumes and textiles and other items. Nuuk is easily explored on foot and there will be plenty of options for you to choose from today.
By morning you have navigated north and into one of the longest fjords on the planet. At the head of the fjord sits the town of Kangerlussuaq – a key outpost on the west coast of Greenland. An exciting day lies ahead as experienced guides take you to view and experience the vast expanse of the Greenland ice cap. Your trip takes you through fabulous scenery and there’s a good chance of seeing muskox, reindeer and local birdlife. You will return to the ship and tonight your chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey.
Day 12: Kangerlussuag, Greenland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning bid farewell to your expedition team and make your way to the airport. A special charter flight returns you to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa where your journey comes to an end. A transfer is also provided from the airport to a downtown location for those staying on.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Main Deck Triple
Select a Date
Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
Select a Date
One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.