Greenland & Wild Labrador

Voyage Overview

Experience gorgeous colorful fall landscapes, culture and history on this 15 day small ship expedition.

Start your journey just north of the Arctic Circle on the west coast of Greenland. Sail south to experience glacial landscapes and Greenland’s vibrant capital, Nuuk. Continue south to the scenic Torngat National Park and enjoy your time hiking, visiting archaeological sites, zodiac cruising and keeping an eye out for wildlife. As you make your way to St John’s you will have the chance to immerse yourself in Inuit culture, Viking history and explore the wonders of Canada’s most easterly national park. 

Trip Details

Duration: 15 Days

Ship: Ocean Nova , Expedition Ship, 75 Guests

Start: Toronto, ON, Canada

End: St. John’s, NL, Canada

Itinerary

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. Begin your journey by sailing out of Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers. *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 (Evighedsfjorden)
Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord,” while its Danish name—Evighedsfjorden—translates as “the fjord of eternity.” Both capture its vast, unending presence. Explore by Zodiac beneath calving ice and sheer cliffs. Waterfalls thread down the rock face, and floating glacial ice drifts all around in a myriad of blue, white, and silver hues, catching and scattering the light.

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.

Days 5-8: Torngat Mountains National Park, NL, Canada
Hike the Mountainous Tundra and Spot Wildlife. Spend four days exploring an area of treeless, mountainous tundra in Torngat Mountains National Park, where some of Canada’s highest peaks east of the Rockies are found. Enjoy your time hiking, visiting archaeological sites, and Zodiac cruising. Here, Inuit of Nunatsiavut will be your guides in their spiritual homeland. Inuit of Nunavik and Nunatsiavut play a key role as partners in the management of Torngat Mountains National Park, and many see the park as a portal for better understanding of Inuit culture. The word Torngat is derived from the Inuttut word tongait, meaning “place of spirits,” where Inuit shamans travelled to connect with higher powers. It is not hard, even for a visitor, to feel the power of the place. Marvel at the gorgeous fjords, landscapes ablaze with autumn colours, and wonderful wildlife sighting opportunities, including the possibility of both polar and black bears.

Day 9: Hebron
Ponder Poignant History. Step back in time to the historical site of Hebron, which preserves a Moravian Mission station dating from the 1830s. Call in at the old church, which is where Inuit who resided here in 1959 learned they would be forced to relocate. Take a moment to read the plaque that commemorates this history and the apology to people affected by the relocations, issued by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2005. Listen to the stories shared by our guides and meet former Hebron residents and their kin who continue to visit the site and to hunt and fish nearby.

Day 10: Nain
Experience Inuit Culture. Visit Nain, the most northerly community in Labrador and the administrative capital of Nunatsiavut. Stop in at the historic Moravian church, enjoy the vibrant brass band, and visit Illusuak, the stunning cultural centre. Expect a warm welcome and the opportunity to peruse arts and handicrafts at this dynamic visit. This will be your first chance to see trees since the start of your journey!

Day 11-12: The Labrador Coast
Enjoy Hiking and Zodiac Cruises. As we continue south the rugged peaks of the North give way to rolling, forested hills and tranquil inlets. Hundreds of rocky islets interrupt the open Labrador Sea, offering some shelter for vibrant Inuit communities where traditions endure and stories flow with the tides. The modern-day cultural mix of this area makes for a rich blend of stories about both different and shared values, resilience, and the universal love of the land and sea. Conditions allowing, we’ll embark on expedition landings and Zodiac cruises led by our expedition team. Their expert guidance ensures both your safety and a deeper appreciation of the coastal barrens, boreal forests, wetlands, and rugged shorelines of this remarkable region. Come with an open heart, leave with a new understanding of these magnificent Labrador shores.

Day 13: L’Anse aux Meadows
Immerse Yourself in Viking Archaeology. Wander through the reconstructed Viking habitation at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. Learn more about the archaeological remains that date to approximately 1000 CE, and how—amazingly—the site was first found here in 1960 by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Be sure to visit the superb interpretation centre and meet the actors in period costumes as you make your way through the reconstructed Norse-style sod buildings. This is a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador!

Day 14: Northeast Newfoundland
The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores, and 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 architecture.

Day 15: Disembarkation in St. John’s 
Welcome to St. John’s—the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Complete your journey by sailing into historic St. John’s harbour, looking out for Signal Hill as you enter the world-famous Narrows. Photograph the charming houses of the Battery, always a hit with shutterbugs. Say your farewells in this cultural hotspot and what is sometimes called North America’s oldest city.

Published itineraries are examples only, weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned schedules. These sometimes necessary adjustments present exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.