Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Fly from Paris to Nuuk, flight selected by Ponant. 

Arrive in Nuuk, where Norse leader Erik the Red once settled after exile. He established a community with fellow Norse settlers, who lived here for centuries before their numbers declined and Inuit communities became dominant. Stand at the entrance to one of the world’s largest fjord systems, where the waters remain ice-free. The town extends toward the Davis Strait and features a historic center that reflects Greenland’s heritage. Notice the brightly painted houses in red, blue, green, and yellow set against the surrounding Arctic landscape.

Visit Qeqertarsuatsiaat on Greenland’s southwest coast, where daily life reflects long-standing Arctic traditions. Surrounded by fjords and rugged mountains, this small community serves as a base for exploring tundra, glacier-fed lakes, and rocky terrain on hikes. Look for wildlife such as whales, seals, and seabirds in the surrounding waters and coastline. Local residents rely on fishing, hunting, and gathering, maintaining a lifestyle closely tied to the environment and seasonal conditions in the Arctic.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Known as Frobisher Bay in the past, before being named Iqaluit in 1987, the capital of Nunavut is the smallest Canadian capital, with 7,000 inhabitants. It is a gateway to the secret, mysterious and wild Arctic, expressing this world of silence, a majestic territory. Strongly rooted in its unique Inuit culture, it holds memories of a millennia-old presence of pre-Dorset, Dorset and Thule cultures. Discoveries indicate that it was a fishing and camping site, called qaluit (“place of fish”) at the time. You’ll appreciate its large ice-covered and isolated spaces steeped in Inuit culture and imbued with a unique “Far North” atmosphere.

To the south of Baffin Island, at the entrance to the fjord leading to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, lies the Grinnell Glacier. Iqaluit’s name is derived from the Inuktitut language; it means “place of many fish”, as the waters of the fjord are teeming with Arctic char. The glacier, which is approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) high, is named after Henry Grinnell, an American philanthropist who funded several polar expeditions in the 19th century. Weather permitting, you will have the privilege of admiring the glacier front from the sea during an outing in an inflatable dinghy, before landing to walk up the valley running along the glacier, in a rocky landscape with tundra vegetation.

In the north-west of Ungava Bay, in Nunavut, the northernmost Canadian province, Akpatok Island reveals its chiseled coastline. Uninhabited by men, it is occupied by the thick-billed murres for which it was named (Akpat is their name in Inuit). Its cliffs, rising up to 200 meters (656 feet) high, make an ideal nesting environment for these birds. Dominated by a vast limestone plateau, the island is also surrounded by numerous beaches where walruses sun themselves in the summertime. From your inflatable dinghy, if the weather conditions allow it, you might also have the chance to glimpse some polar bears roaming along the cliffs in search of food.

Nachvak Fjord is one of the longest fjords on the north coast of Labrador, stretching out over 20 km (12.4 miles). Steep-sided, it is 2 km (1.2 miles) wide and lined with sheer rock faces. On its western end, its two arms, Tallek and Tasiuyak, form the outlet of glacial valleys with a characteristic U shape. The Torngat Mountains, the highest points of the surrounding relief, are Labrador’s tallest. Nachvak Fjord has always been an important fishing spot for the Inuit of Labrador and was once the northernmost trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company. You will be able to admire spectacular views from the ship’s exterior decks, before taking your place aboard an inflatable dinghy to get as close as possible to the coast.

Nain is the northernmost permanent settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, accessible only by air or by sea. The town was established by Moravian missionaries in 1771 and has been inhabited ever since. It now has a population of around 850, composed mainly of Inuit. Fishing is the main income-generating activity, with hunting and traditional trapping activities resuming in the winter months. Accompanied by your naturalist guides and local guides, you will have the chance to discover daily life in Nain, then set off on a hike in the surrounding hills.  There, you will discover a beautiful view of the small wooded valley in which the village lies.

Discover the picturesque community of Rigolet, on the north coast of Labrador. The wooden promenade, looking out onto the spruce forest and the waters of Hamilton Inlet, is one of the longest in the world. The village, located very near Lake Melville, houses a community of 300 inhabitants who are, in the main part, descendants of the Labrador Inuit and the European traders who came to settle in these parts from the 18th century onwards. During your port of call, you’ll admire the beautiful pieces of local craftsmanship: woven baskets, mats, sealskin clothing, sculptures… As for wildlife fans, they will not be disappointed, with the possibility of observing whales, as well as seals, orcas, bears, foxes, otters, and migratory birds.

Located at the Northern extremity of the island of Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only site known to have been established by the Vikings in North America. Its ancient vestiges provide the very first traces of European presence in the New World. The remains found on this splendid 11th-century Scandinavian archaeological site are identical to those found in Iceland. Aboard your ship, cruise in the wake of those first Vikings who discovered the tip of North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus arrived on the shores of the American continent. A memorable adventure in a setting punctuated with coastal peat bogs, grass, and many varieties of shrubs and lichen. 

A small, authentic village on the southern coast of Labrador, Red Bay immerses you in a unique atmosphere, combining wild nature, a fascinating history, and maritime culture. This UNESCO-listed heritage gem is home to one of the world’s best-preserved Basque whaling sites. Fall under the spell of its serenity and imagine the lives of the whalers of old as you visit its museums or explore the neighboring Saddle Island, a wind-beaten land of silence, sea spray and traces of the past.

In the azure setting of the Newfoundland coast, Twillingate stands like a rare jewel, with its jagged cliffs embracing the ocean. This picturesque haven, inhabited for over 3,000 years, was once the fiefdom of intrepid fishermen. The municipality now proudly shelters its secular lighthouse, an immutable sentinel facing the Atlantic. In this area, as soon as you arrive on the island, you will make the most of six walking trails in the heart of the famous Rockcut Twillingate Trails, from where you will be able to admire the striking views of local birdlife, unique geological formations and, if you are lucky, majestic northern moose. These itineraries wind their way through wild and preserved nature, providing a complete immersion in a coastal ecosystem featuring rare beauty. For those wishing to enjoy a more contemplative experience, the local museum, the historic lighthouse and the church make for very rich cultural alternatives, enabling visitors to explore the secrets of Twillingate fascinating maritime heritage, which is remarkably concentrated.

Included Excursion
Hiking in Twillingate
Duration : 4h00
Discover the natural beauty and rich heritage of Twillingate during a guided hiking experience designed to suit different levels of activity. Accompanied by a local guide and members of the expedition team, you will explore the coastal landscapes and charming streets of this historic Newfoundland community.
Participants will be divided into three hiking groups according to their preferred level once on board.
Guests opting for a gentle walk will set off from the pier with a guide to explore the picturesque town of Twillingate. Along the way, you may discover several local highlights, including the Twillingate Museum and the Wooden Boatbuilders Museum. The historic Anglican Church, more than 180 years old, will also be open for visitors, and several local businesses such as White’s Emporium, Scott Lewis’ Pencil Art and the Blue Barrel Gallery Café may welcome guests during the walk.

Those choosing the moderate hike will follow part of the scenic Northside Hiking Trail, starting just across from the dock. Led by your guides, the route leads toward Batrix Island before returning partly along the trail and continuing through the town, offering both coastal views and a glimpse into local life.
For more active walkers, a Zodiac transfer will take you to Wild Cove, where a more challenging hike begins. This route follows varied terrain with uneven sections, occasional inclines and potentially muddy patches, rewarding hikers with beautiful coastal scenery.

The team recommends you to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes.

In the northern confines of Newfoundland, Trinity Bay unfolds like an aquatic jewel set in the granitic case of the Atlantic coast. Its deep azure waters creep into the crevices of the coastline, creating a maze of fjords and inlets that provide refuge for myriad marine species. The jagged cliffs that overlook it, age-old remnants of glacial erosion, offer a splendid spectacle for the contemplative gaze. This maritime enclave, the cradle of abundant biodiversity, remains an eloquent witness to the untamed magnificence of boreal nature.

You will be charmed by the small multi-colored wooden houses hanging to the side of cliffs at the entrance to the bay or edging the small, steep streets of the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their green, blue, red, and yellow colors are reminiscent of fishing boats. This quiet little port at the end of the world, the easternmost in North America, became the first English colony founded on American territory in 1497. Protected by the Gulf Stream, the climate here is relatively mild, and the natural landscapes are spectacular. You’ll be able to enjoy magnificent panoramas from Signal Hill. It was at the summit of this hill that Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.

Included Excursion
Earth's Geological Showcase
Duration : 3h30
The continent's eastern edge (Newfoundland) is a treasure trove of minerals. The story of ancient volcanoes, recent glaciers, visiting icebergs, and rocks from the center of the earth is told at an award-winning world-class geological museum and interpretation center located in St. John’s– the Johnson GeoCenter.
During this tour you will learn about the ages of the earth while enjoying spectacular scenery, 17th century battlefields, and historic buildings. This shore excursion features dramatic vistas of your vessel in port and includes Newfoundland’s most famous landmark, Signal Hill. You also will view the continent’s most easterly point in the distance. You will visit the Geocenter near Gibbett Hill, Signal Hill, and Fort Amherst where you view a geological fault across the spectacular entranceway to St. John's Harbor. While there is not a formal shopping stop built in, the GeoCenter has a large geologically themed gift shop and  itinerary which features independent exploring within the spacious museum will allow for some time to shop.

The team recommends for you to wear comfortable shoes and season appropriate clothing.

Off the Canadian coast, discover Saint Pierre Island, one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, the only French territory in North America. Endowed with a natural harbor, the island, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past today. Whale hunting, cod fishing, and alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for the observation of exceptional fauna, including, among others, whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and petrels.

Included Excursions
Tour Ile-aux-Marins
Duration : 2h15
A mere ten-minute crossing separates Saint-Pierre and Miquelon from the stunning Île aux Marins. However, this minuscule piece of windswept land seems like it is from another time. This site is a privileged witness of the history of local fishing, and in particular cod fishing; the small houses and museum will reveal the secrets of the island, which is gradually coming back to life.
It is hard to imagine that the Île aux Marins, a small strip of land 1,700 meters (5,560 feet) long and sometimes no more than 100 meters (330 feet) wide; had up to 600 inhabitants in the 19th century. Nonetheless, it was once home to significant cod fishing activity, as is evidenced by the ‘graves’, these stretches of stones that were used to dry the nets, and the few fishermen’s houses that have survived the passage of time and are now being carefully renovated by a local association.

Further on, the Pointe-Leconte Lighthouse, erected following too many shipwrecks and maritime tragedies on the archipelago, reminds everyone of the ferocity of the elements that shape this part of the world. Like the wash house, the 1875 cemetery, the Chemin de Croix and the war memorial, it reminds people of the hard daily life of the island’s inhabitants, known as “Red Feet” in the past.
The village school, now a museum, tells the history of how the island’s population left, facing the industrialization of fishing, but also how it refuses to let itself be forgotten and is undergoing a renewal.

This excursion involves walking for around 1 h 45 on dirt paths and stony paths. The team recommends you to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and protect yourself from the sun, wind and rain.

The island of Saint-Pierre on foot
Duration : 1h30
A little part of France off the coast of Canada, the island of Saint-Pierre, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past, a fine blend of French and American traditions.
Listen to the fascinating history of the island of Saint-Pierre as you walk around its narrow and colorful little streets. Whale hunting, cod fishing, French and American heritage: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. During this walk around the island’s capital, admire the traditional wooden houses from the 1960s and 1970s and discover its early-20th-century cathedral, its Town Hall and the town’s oldest house. Finally, visit the Heritage Museum to discover the history and heritage of one of the only French islands - along with the island of Miquelon – on the North American continent.

This excursion is all on foot and involves walking 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven and sometimes sloping ground. The team recommends you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun, rain and wind. This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems. This excursion is for a maximum of 15 participants.

At the entrance of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, not far from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Miquelon is one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago and will delight those with a love of wide open space. Connected by a sand isthmus, with Miquelon in the north and Langlade to the south, this wild land is famous as the home to France’s only boreal forest and has sublime scenery of hills, dotted with ponds, woods, and bogs, and ringed by lagoons and steep cliffs. The rich and varied wildlife will guarantee fine encounters, whether inland, which is populated with white-tailed deer and bald eagles, or on the coast, a refuge to many seabirds and common seals.

Included Excursion
Hike in the Cormorandiere Valley
Duration : 3h00
The Cormorandiere Valley provides an ideal playground for those who love wide open spaces and hilly paths. Jagged cliffs, pristine nature, small lakes visited by white-tailed deer, and breathtaking views are all on the program for this hike in what the region’s inhabitants call the “most beautiful” valley in the archipelago.

This excursion involves walking around 3.5 km (2.2 miles) of uneven and sometimes rocky ground. The team recommends you to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two world wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.