Heart of the Arctic

Day 1: Charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Embarkation 
Early this morning, take a charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. Air Force base on the west coast of Greenland. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the ship by Zodiac. 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. *Note all guests should arrive into Toronto at least one day prior to Day 1 (hotel nights not included in voyage cost). 

Day 2: Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord 
Take a Zodiac Cruise at the Foot of a Glacier. Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature. See why Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord lives up to its name and marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop. Explore this sublime glacial landscape by ship and by Zodiac. The waters here are relatively warm, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Day 3: Nuuk
Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés. Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest. The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.

Day 4: At Sea across the Davis Strait 
Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland. Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Labrador. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Try your hand at athletic feats during an interactive cultural performance of Inuit games. Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the culture and gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse. Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Day 5-6: Ungava Bay
Enjoy Fantastic Birdwatching. Pay a visit to uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay at over nine hundred square kilometres. It’s named for the akpait (thick-billed murres) that nest on ledges of the lofty cliffs and is home to Canada’s largest colony of breeding pairs. Take a Zodiac cruise to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice, keeping your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other marine life. Large and shallow, Ungava Bay is a rich ecosystem and home to a variety of wildlife, including an endangered beluga population.

Day 7–8: Ungava Peninsula, QC
Hike the Tundra. Explore an area of treeless tundra along the Ungava Peninsula of Nunavik. Delve into its geological wonders, immerse yourself in its rich flora and fauna, and connect with Inuit cultural educators who will guide you through their homeland, leaving a lasting impression on your soul. Enjoy great hiking and a Zodiac cruise with our expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation every step of the way. Making the most of every opportunity to explore, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive wildlife that calls this region home. Delight in the opportunity to bask in the tranquility and become one with the land. Listen to stories from Inuit and allow yourself to forge a deep connection to the places we explore. A visit here will leave here with a sense of fulfillment and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Day 9: Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Visit World-Famous Art Studios. Meet the artists and visit the studios that make Kinngait proud—plus, have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art! Have a chance to talk with the old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers who continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for fine art. Kinngait was ground zero for the Inuit art market when, in 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established—the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada.

Day 10: Hudson Strait
Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears. Join the expedition team out on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait. Enjoy exploring alongside Inuit, gaining an intimate understanding of the region’s charming wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife—polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds—to capture the perfect photograph. We’ll make the most of every opportunity to explore whether on foot or by embarking on a Zodiac cruise amidst stunning backdrops, as we search for the abundant wildlife that call this region home.

Day 11: Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
Experience Inuit Culture. Kimmirut means “the heel” in Inuktitut, referring to an outcrop of marble across the bay, but you may also know this hamlet as Lake Harbour. Thanks in part to its sheltered setting, this is among the oldest permanently inhabited spots on Baffin Island, with a storied legacy as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, a producer of Inuit jewellery and ivory scrimshaw art.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of the community as you connect with friendly locals. They’ll regale you with captivating stories and lead you to enchanting sites such as the old Anglican church, the RCMP post, the original Hudson Bay post, the Co-op, and Northern stores. If you’re a hiker, you’ll enjoy walking through Kimmirut’s blooming tundra on the Itijjagiaq Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Day 12: Frobisher Bay
Witness Wildlife, Geology, and Ice. Sail through this beautiful bay named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendour.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Iqaluit & charter flight to Ottawa
Transfer by Zodiac through Iqaluit harbour for your charter flight back home. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital. A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more.

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.