West Greenland: Exploring the Far North

Arrive in Iceland’s capital and head to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport, included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Use the remainder of the day to explore this fascinating city, noted for its Norse history and striking architecture. If you intend to visit Reykjavík, plan for about an hour of travel each way from the airport area.

After breakfast, guests and their luggage transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Upon arrival, guests proceed directly to the ship, Ocean Explorer.

Congratulations, you’ve crossed 66°33’ north latitude. On the first-off ship excursion in the Arctic, you’ll visit Sisimiut, a community rich with Greenlandic history and culture. As you approach via the inner harbor, you’ll spot locals coming and going from the marina, bringing halibut, shrimp and other seafood freshly harvested from Baffin Bay. Upon reaching shore, you’ll walk winding roads through this vibrant town dotted with colorful homes and Arctic cotton grass blooming under the summer sun. While the waterfront may be lively with boat traffic, life uphill moves at a relaxed, peaceful pace. You may hear children laughing, sled dogs barking, and locals exchanging greetings. Greenlandic dogs, often seen in kennels throughout town, reflect the deep bond between owners and their canine teams. As in any Arctic community, always ask before petting or approaching these working dogs. Today’s activities feature a locally guided town walk that includes admission to the museum, and a taste of local Greenlandic food. You can converse with locals who are eager to learn about your part of the world. One scenic walk leads to the Taseralik Cultural House, beside Nalunnguarfiup Tasia, a small tranquil lake at the base of the 780-meter (2,550 feet) Nasaasaaq Mountain. You’ll walk the same paths locals use every day, experiencing not just the look of Sisimiut, but its rhythm, sounds and genuine sense of place. Guests can also book the Mountain Bike Adventure Option (see page 12). Led by local partners, this biking tour includes the town harbor area as well as the tundra surrounding Sisimiut.

In September, Disko Bay is bathed in an ethereal autumn light—a phenomenon specific to the high latitudes. Giant icebergs drift with the currents, many of which can be seen in nearby Illulisat Icefjord, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 because of its outstanding natural beauty and its significance in understanding ice-cap glaciology. You’ll quickly realize that icebergs come in all shapes and sizes— some of them larger than Ocean Explorer. Disko Island shelters the expansive bay, where you hope to make landfall at or near the small community of Qeqertarsuaq. Colorfully painted homes dot the gentle rocky slopes of this quiet community, which moves at a pace set by the changing seasons, the tides, and the steady rhythm of small skiffs heading out from the harbor into the vast surrounding landscape. The sea horizon here feels endless. Icebergs drift past—some bound for Baffin Island, Labrador, or even Newfoundland—reminding you of the vast, interconnected world. From this point, you begin to leave behind the more populated regions of West Greenland and push farther northwards. Shortly after lunch, you set a course northward toward Ultima Thule—the extreme far north.

There’s a good chance you wake up surrounded by icebergs and mountainous landscapes to the east. You continue the push north, arriving at the beautiful community of Upernavik around midday. Although much farther north than most Greenland communities, Upernavik is relatively large, with a population topping 1,000, most of whom live in brightly painted homes that climb the hillside from the sea. The signature quiet of the town amplifies the lap of waves on rock, barking sled dogs, children’s laughter, and the hum of ATVs. Down in the small harbor, you may see fishermen and hunters heading out or just returning from sea. Although Upernavik is an active harbor town, the pace is noticeably slower than in Sisimiut. There’s a deep connection to the sea and sea ice. Here, you’ll meet friendly, welcoming locals—proud of their home and local culture. You may visit the grave of Navarana, the wife of famous Arctic explorer Peter Freuchen, who was buried here in the 1920s. Navarana, a seasoned Arctic traveler, joined her husband and Knud Rasmussen on numerous expeditions, using her vast knowledge to guide them through the coastlines, ice, and cultures of northern Baffin Bay. You aim to leave Upernavik after dinner to continue your epic journey to the high north.

Reaching Ultima Thule, at the highest latitude on your voyage, is no small feat—it requires covering great distances at sea. Today you’ll be able to relax on board, gaze out at the horizon, spot icebergs and possibly marine mammals. The Expedition Team hosts a variety of presentations as they recap recent experiences and set the stage for what lies ahead. Sea days also offer opportunities to connect with fellow travelers from around the world—united by a shared passion for Arctic travel. Conversations flow easily here, many leading to lifelong friendships.

Today marks the northernmost point of your journey, in the region of Kap Alexander and Smith Sound—the famous narrow body of water separating Greenland and Canada by less than 55 kilometers (35 miles). On clear days, both coastlines may be visible from Smith Sound. This dynamic area is shaped by drifting sea ice from the Arctic Basin. Conditions vary daily—packed sea ice one day, open water the next. Your Expedition Team navigates accordingly to make the most of your time in Kap Alexander. You may Zodiac cruise here, immersed in the remote, far-north landscapes—where drifting ice, resilient wildlife, and distant mountains of Greenland and Canada surround you. Shore landings may be possible in places few have ever set foot. In early September, migratory birds often gather, and other iconic Arctic species— polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and belugas—are sometimes spotted. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but always worth watching for. Reaching this latitude is a rare privilege, and you’ll feel just how different it is here compared to regions 1,000 nautical miles to the south. While daylight hours still offer warmth by day and Northern Lights when darkness falls, you’ll sense the polar night approaching—ready to return and cloak this region in darkness for months. Here, time isn’t marked by conventional sunrises or weekdays, but by polar extremes. Take a moment to look north, deeper into Smith Sound, and let your imagination follow the Arctic wilderness as it stretches into the Arctic Basin and across the polar ice to Siberia. This is a place where nature—not the clock—sets the rhythm.

Approaching Qaanaaq (home to fewer than 700 people) along Inglefield Fjord, near the entrance to Smith Sound, you’ll likely encounter large icebergs drifting or resting in the waters around town. The ship navigates through this maze of ice to reach Greenland’s northernmost community—and the second northernmost town in the world (after Longyearbyen, Svalbard). But unlike Longyearbyen, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually, Qaanaaq is far more remote and receives only a small fraction of that number. You’ll reach this community by Zodiac, arriving at the end of the pier where you’ll likely be greeted by smiling children— just as curious as you are about their High Arctic way of life. In town, you’re welcome to wander among the colorful homes, where you’ll meet friendly locals and see many working sled dogs. As mentioned above, always ask before petting these dogs, who spend much of their life out on the sea ice. In town, visit Qaanaaq Katersugaasivia (Qaanaaq Museum), which showcases the ingenious tools of Inuit hunters—including collapsible barbed hooks crafted from ivory, bone and animal hide. Historic photographs offer a glimpse into life at these northern extremes, and the friendly museum staff are happy to answer questions. Locals may also share stories of life on the sea ice, where hunting and fishing remain vital to survival. The legacies of explorers like Knud Rasmussen, Robert Peary, and Peter Freuchen and his Greenlandic Inuit wife, Arctic guide Navarana, are also celebrated in this museum. For those keen to explore outdoors, short hikes above town may be possible, weather permitting, of course. Keep your camera ready to capture the sweeping views of endless landscapes and seascapes. While this itinerary includes several community visits, Qaanaaq often leaves the strongest impression in terms of its deep, ongoing relationship with the surrounding wilderness. Located hundreds of miles farther north than most settlements, Qaanaaq is difficult to reach by boat, helicopter or plane. As a result, the community continues to rely on traditional skills refined over centuries of adaptation to this high Arctic environment. Expect to see a mix of modern conveniences—as well as tried-and-true practices of past generations. For example, while skiffs with outboard motors are anchored off shore, you also see traditional kayaks, propelled by hand-carved paddles, gliding through the water. As you sail south, many travelers leave with a deep appreciation for this remarkable, remote community— wishing they could stay just a little longer.

Spend two full days journeying southward until you reach the fjords just north of Disko Bay, where you visit areas unexplored earlier in your voyage. Indulge in the amenities of Ocean Explorer: the two-story, light-filled library at the bow of the ship; two outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna and fitness center; the unique observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 that allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography; and stylish lounges where you can share a drink with new-found friends while enjoying even more incredible views.

You arrive in Uummannaq Fjord in the morning and cruise toward the community of Uummannaq, which, in Greenlandic, translates to “heartshaped,” inspired by the dramatic mountain that rises above the town. Visiting this remote community is a rare privilege. You reach town by Zodiac and may be greeted by locals—and the ever-smiling chief of police. It’s been said that smiles in Uummannaq are as common as drifting icebergs. Winding roads take you past colorful homes before reaching a meadow of turf houses and a stone church. You can visit the local museum and artisan market for a glimpse of life in northern Greenland. Another nearby museum honors artist Rockwell Kent, who was inspired by the landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay. You may choose to join a guided walk or explore on your own. Several homes may open for kaffemik—a social gathering with warm drinks, light snacks, and a chance for locals and visitors to connect. Rest assured, the people of Uummannaq are curious about your part of the world. Shy smiles and translated conversations are natural parts of these authentic cultural exchanges—and often become some of the most memorable moments of your time in this remote Greenlandic community. A parting gift from one local fisherman: “Keep life simple—simple is beautiful.”

Today you’ll explore the northern regions of Disko Bay, possibly including the Eqi Glacier—known locally as Eqip Sermia. This tidewater glacier is a highlight for many reasons. Its wide glacial face makes it one of Greenland’s most active glaciers, regularly calving ice into the sea. You’ll likely see icebergs drifting in the bay, along with smaller pieces called brash ice. On quiet days, you can hear the ice popping and crackling—and if you’re lucky, the thunderous rumble of the calving glacier. Though the glacier is the main attraction, the surrounding landscapes make for interesting shore excursions. Whether you prefer a slow walk among the tundra, taking in autumn vegetation and sweeping views, or a more vigorous hike for elevated glacial vistas, the terrain suits all levels. Underfoot, expect a mix of rock and vegetation, and you’ll tread carefully to protect the fragile plant life that thrives during the brief Arctic summer.

Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, which serves as the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from the world’s fastest-moving glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. A small boardwalk leads to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. The overlook, a rocky outcropping, gives the feeling of standing at the edge of town and the beginning of a vast wilderness. Looking out over the ice evokes a humbling sense of scale. As you explore, notice the Arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers thriving in theslong daylight hours. The inner harbor often holds evidence of the icefjord’s reach, with drifting icebergs mingling among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring, and has become one of Greenland’s top destinations. Recent years have brought growth— colorful homes now sit beside new restaurants, boutique hotels and small businesses. History buffs are excited to know Ilulissat is the birthplace of Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, who traveled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska (and briefly Siberia) during the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924). Fluent in Kalaallisut, he moved slowly, learning from and documenting the Circumpolar Inuit he met—considered one of the Arctic’s greatest expeditions. The dramatic landscapes around Ilulissat inspired Rasmussen’s life of exploration. And as you approach town, watch out for whales, which occasionally frequent the iceberg-laden waters.

The small settlement of Itilleq is a favorite among guests and Expedition Team members, thanks to the warm welcome you’ve received over the years. When it comes to community charm, Itilleq stands out. Approximately 100 residents live among brightly painted homes—greens, pinks, purples, baby blues, mustard yellows, and chocolate browns. Many people earn their living at sea, as evidenced by the small seafood processing building near the pier. Despite its size, the village is full of life, from respected elders to playful children. You may be invited to a kaffemik (where people socialize over coffee and cake), or follow a short dirt road to a viewpoint near the cemetery. The view into the fjord and surrounding mountains is worth the walk. Watch your step— lichens, succulents, and mushrooms thrive underfoot. A longstanding tradition is a friendly football (soccer) match with locals, including guests, staff, crew, and residents. It’s a fun, memorable experience—whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines.

Today, you disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Søndre Strømfjord, and transfer you to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel, both of which are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

Today, after breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your flight home, or continue your personal travel plans as prearranged.