Greenland & Wild Labrador

Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will be transferred by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour. With 190 kilometres of superb scenery, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) is one of the longest fjords in the world. We begin our adventure by sailing down this dramatic fjord, crossing the Arctic Circle as we go, spending time on deck watching for aurora borealis.

West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways include glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location. We’ll explore this sublime landscape by ship and by Zodiac.

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. Nuuk is known for great art, shopping, and cafes. The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the worldfamous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.

Our onboard presentation series will continue as we steam across Davis Strait towards Canada. This is an excellent time to enjoy workshops, watch a documentary, and get out on deck looking for whales, seabirds, and other marine wildlife.

Some of Canada’s highest peaks east of the Rockies are found in Torngat Mountains National Park. Here, Inuit of Nunatsiavut will be our guides in their spiritual homeland. Polar bears, black bears, caribou, falcons, and eagles are among the species we hope to spot. We’ll also be on the lookout for marine mammals. We’ll spend our time hiking, searching for wildlife, visiting archaeological sites, and Zodiac cruising.

This haunting site preserves a Moravian Mission station dating from the 1830s. The mission was abandoned in 1959, forcing the relocation of Inuit who resided there. In 2005, the government of Newfoundland & Labrador issued an apology to people affected by the relocations. Former Hebron residents and their kin continue to visit the site, and to hunt and fish nearby.

The administrative capital of Nunatsiavut, Nain is the most northerly community in Labrador. We’ll visit Illusuak, the stunning new cultural centre, and the beautiful Moravian Church among other community highlights. We always enjoy a warm cultural welcome here. Expect music, food, and handicrafts at this dynamic visit.

Along the Labrador coast we find coastal barrens, high subarctic tundra, high boreal forest, mid-boreal forest, and string bog. The area is dotted with islands and we'll select a landing based on the conditions of the day.

L’Anse aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 CE. Today, a superb interpretation centre and several reconstructed Norse-style sod buildings evoke the spirit of the Viking voyages.

The east coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores. We’ll find harbour in one of these unique communities. We look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival. Photographers will have their work cut out for them capturing the special charm of classic island communities and picturesque coastlines.

Sailing into the port of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed. Watch for locals waving from Signal Hill as we take on our pilot and enter the world-famous Narrows to North America's oldest city. The colourful houses of the Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs! Today we disembark the Ocean Endeavour. We will say our farewells and the expedition team will be on hand to assist you with luggage and transportation arrangements.