North Atlantic Adventure

Day 1 Kangerlussuaq , Greenland

Arrive in Kangerlussuaq by specially chartered flight from Copenhagen, and enjoy your first Zodiac ride to the Silver Explorer, waiting at anchor. Once all guests have embarked, depart on your exciting 18-day expedition – North Atlantic Adventure. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and attend a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 Sisimiut, Greenland

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there exists enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, traveling by sledge has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. Today meet a sledge dog team and their owners, who will tell you all about sledding and how the Greenlandic sledge dog has been bred to be amongst the strongest working dogs in the world.

Sisimiut is also renowned for its archaeological sites that date back to the year 1200, the time period of the prehistoric Thule. The staple diet in this region has always included walrus, seal and whale, and this is still true today. At a local restaurant have the opportunity to sample a variety of regional specialties as a local guide explains about traditional hunting methods and food preparations.

Day 3 Saqqaq, Greenland

As you continue your exploration of the Disko Bay area, stop of at one of the smallest settlements you will encounter during your explorations. During your visit share the tradition of morning kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) with the locals, learning more about their culture and lifestyle. Before departing enjoy a Zodiac tour of the rugged coastline and the many icebergs that get stranded here after breaking off from the Jakobshavn Glacier.

Day 4 Ilulissat, Greenland

Just after sunrise, be out on deck to see the northern hemisphere’s most active glacier – Jakobshavn – often surrounded by icebergs in all shapes and sizes and in varying shades of white and turquoise. Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate is a bit colder due to its proximity to the fjord. While here, have the opportunity to see a demonstration of ancient fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught and prepared fish. During your guided walking tour of Ilulissat, visit the local history museum. The afternoon tour continues via fishing boat, as you navigate amongst the many icebergs at the fjord’s entrance. Alternatively, guests have the option to purchase an exciting helicopter excursion to see the magnificent Jakobshavn Icefjord by air.

Day 5 At Sea Cruising Baffin Bay

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Your knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 6 Nuuk, Greenland

This afternoon arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland”. A leisurely walk through this picturesque harbour town allows you to take in Nuuk’s natural beauty, and also to see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum have the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, and will, of course, leave time to visit Father Christmas’ post office with the world’s largest mailbox.

Day 7 Cruising the Labrador Sea

Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy a fine cognac at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 8 Qassiarsuk & Igaliku, Greenland

Encircled by a wealth of Norse ruins, Qassiarsuk (or Brattahlid) is where you will begin your day. Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Danish name. Here tour the foundation remains of the manor house of Erik the Red founded Greenland after being banished from Iceland and Norway for murder. Visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America, see a recently unearthed Norse graveyard that contains remains of 144 Norse colonists, and have a chance to admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

Back aboard the Silver Explorer, enjoy a spot of lunch while repositioning south toward the settlement of Igaliku (or Gar∂ar). Land west of Igaliku and hike with local guides to observe more of the Medieval Norse cultural landscape including Garðar Cathedral, a cross-shaped church built of sandstone in the 12th century.

Day 9 Qaqortoq, Greenland

This morning arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place’, but today, instead of snow, admire the hillsides of colorful houses painted in bright primary shades. Your local guide will take you to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork.

Strolling through the streets of Qaqortoq is like meandering through a sculpture garden. In the mid 1990s, renowned local artist and sculptor Aka Høegh gathered 18 Scandinavian artists together to carve faces into the granite bedrock found throughout the town. Whilst the initial project only lasted two summers, it continues to draw artists each year.

Before leaving, enjoy an impressive demonstration of the kayak, which has long been an important mode of transportation in Greenland and was also used for hunting by the prehistoric Thule people in the 10th century.

Days 10-11 Crossing the Labrador Sea

Bid farewell to Greenland as you sail towards North America. Did you know? All expedition lectures are broadcast from The Theatre so that should you prefer, you can enjoy from the comfort of your suite or stateroom.

Day 12 St Anthony, Newfoundland & L’Anse Aux Meadow, Labrador

Your day begins on the northern tip of Newfoundland with an exploration of St Anthony. This area was once the staging point for many northern expeditions. Arctic explorers used its sheltered harbour to take on sled dogs and other supplies as the world raced for the North Pole. Visit the Grenfell Interpretation Center and the Grenfell House to learn of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, a young English doctor renowned for bringing medicine and education to the Inuit and poor European settlers along the harsh Labrador Coast, and view the artifacts gathered from his life of Arctic adventure and global philanthropy.

This afternoon, a traditional Viking feast is served in the great hall at Leifsburdir overlooking Fishing Point. Your dining hall is a replica of the 1,000-year-old Leif Erickson home at the nearby L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Leifsburdir is covered in sod and nearly invisible from the outside, but inside it takes you back to a time when the Vikings roamed the land. Enjoy the theatrics of a rowdy but merry band of Norse hosts. The meal features a number of authentic Norse dishes including local game and fish plus a local berry dessert.

Following lunch, travel by coach to L’Anse aux Meadows (Land of Meadows) where you will explore the ruins of an entire Viking village dating back to the year 1000. Norseman Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, established this colony in the New World some 500 years before the likes of Christopher Columbus and John Cabot. In 1978, this village was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the L’Anse aux Meadows archaeological site remains natural and unspoilt. Three buildings have been reconstructed near the original site in order to provide visitors insight into the lifestyles of these hardy explorers. During lunch, the Silver Explorer will reposition to L’Anse Aux Meadow where it will await your arrival at the conclusion of your excursion ashore.

Day 13 Woody Point, Bonne Bay, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Via Zodiac, go ashore for a morning of discovery at Gros Morne National Park, where you can actually witness the geological past of your planet. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both exceptional natural scenery and distinctive geological history, Gros Morne National Park provides some of the planet’s great geology lessons. This morning step on the earth’s mantle and experience the harsh landform – the Tablelands – that gave the park its World Heritage status. Learn about the park and Newfoundland at Gros Morne’s Discovery Center (primary interpretation centre). Here you can learn more about Newfoundland’s geology, plant and animal life, marine story and human history.

Your adventure continues as you travel to the start of the Tablelands trail, where your guide will invite you to explore the landform’s unique biology and geology during a 30-minute exploration, or you can accompany a guides along the 2½ mile round trip hike to the entrance of Winterhouse Brook Canyon. Pay attention to the plants and learn more about how the geology here comes from the time when the continents of Africa and North America collided, pushing these rocks, originally buried deep beneath the ocean in the earth’s mantle, to their present position on land. Return to the Silver Explorer in time for a leisurely lunch and an afternoon at sea.

Day 14 Havere St. Pierre, Canada

Havre-Saint-Pierre is among the Mingan Islands that lie along the North Shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence on the coast of eastern Quebec. Your adventure today leads us to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve where the ecological integrity of unique “flowerpot” monoliths is protected and preserved. These impressive natural sculptures occur in a thousand and one shapes and sizes on this string of 40 islands. Together with your Expedition Team and local Canada Parks Rangers hope to see osprey, families of eider duck, Atlantic puffins and various other shore birds. The onboard botanist will lead woodland walks, describing the bogs, orchids, insectivorous plants and arctic-alpine flora. The beautiful coastal scenery, cliffs and lakes, contribute to making your outing a true feast for the senses.

Day 15 Bonaventure Island, Canada

Today visit Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock National Park – home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. Its colony of 122,000 northern gannets is the most accessible and the largest in size in the world. Without a doubt, the high point of your visit will be the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island. The island also offers four hiking trails and a historic heritage trail that reflects Bonaventure Island’s prosperous past. Percé Rock is a massive limestone stack containing millions of marine fossils from the Devonian period. Here talk geology and hope to take advantage of a low tide to point out interesting beach organisms.

Day 16 Magdalen Islands, Canada

Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just north of Prince Edward Island, the Magdalen Islands are a group of nine main islands and numerous islets. Magdalen Islanders, who are known for their generous nature, are intimately familiar with their fellow residents, the harp seals. During your tour learn something about life on this small island beginning with a visit to the Fumoir d’antan smokehouse where you will enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Next visit the Fromagerie Pied de Vent cheese factory that produces artisan raw milk cheese. Crossing the Chemin des Montants, discover a small valley and a panoramic view of Havre-aux-Maisons. At the South Dune Beach walk underground through amazing red sandstone caves, sculpted naturally by the sea.

On the north side of the islands, find Belle Anse with its steep red sandstone cliffs that show the effects of year after year of erosion. Upon arriving at La Côte, enjoy some time to browse the boutiques and chat with the local craftsmen and fishermen. Here at the interpretation center learn how about the raising of mussels and scallops in the lagoon. To conclude your excursion, head to the Artisans du Sable for a whole new way to look at sand, and then visit the historical meeting place of La Grave that today offers an aquarium, museum of the sea and several boutiques.

Day 17 Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada

With special permission, land your Zodiacs directly at the Fortress of Louisbourg, the crown jewel of Canada’s national park service. In the early 1700s, the port of Louisbourg was established by the French, who made extensive fortifications and built long rows of drying racks for the salted cod, which once dried were exported as “klipfish”. However, the French would be unable to keep the fortress. It was all but destroyed after several battles for control between the French and the British, with the British finally winning out. Today, mounds of grass-covered stone from original foundation walls have been painstakingly transformed to their former 18th-century splendour. The largest historical reconstruction in the nation’s history is now a Canadian National Historic Site.

Day 18 Halifax, Canada

After breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer.