Journey into the North - Labrador, Torngats & Greenland

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.

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.

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.

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.