Heart of the Arctic – Canada & Greenland Expedition

Cross the Arctic CircleBegin your journey by sailing out of Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers.Cross the Arctic Circle on your way and spend time on deck watching for aurora borealis.Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base.After your charter flight from Toronto, ON, you’ll transfer to the ship by Zodiac.

Take a Zodiac Cruise at the Foot of a GlacierKangerlussuatsiaq 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.

Visit Museums, Shops, and CafésEnjoy the chance to explore Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the world’s northernmost capital! Nuuk, meaning, “the headland,” sits at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system.Established as the first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling centre of the country today. While here, we may catch sight of humpback whales in the fjord, reindeerroaming the land, and birds soaring overhead. The town itself is home to the University of Greenland, a cathedral dating back to 1849, and Greenland’s National Museum.We’ll enjoy a guided orientation of this bustling metropolis and the opportunity to visit the National Museum where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest. You'll also have time to explore the city at your own leisure.

Learn From Inuit in Their HomelandDeepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Canada. 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 connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Enjoy Fantastic BirdwatchingPay 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.

Hike the TundraExplore 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.Enjoy great hiking and a Zodiac cruise with our expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation every step of the way. As you explore this magnificent landscape, keep an eye out for wildlife and listen to Inuit stories that will deepen your connection to the land, leaving you with a lasting sense of fulfillment and renewed appreciation for nature’s wonders.

Receive a Warm Welcome in an Inuit CommunityJourney to Salluit, the second northernmost community in Nunavik. With a population of approximately 1,500, this vibrant community offers a unique chance to connect with Inuit culture in the heart of the Canadian Arctic.Explore local craftsmanship with the opportunity to purchase community-made products such as carvings, jewelry, mittens, and more.Experience the warm hospitality of the locals as we gather in the community hall, where you’ll learn traditions and contemporary ways of life. Take in the stunning surroundings with a scenic hike, exploring the rugged terrain and gaining a deeper understanding of the land and its people.

Visit World-Famous Art StudiosMeet 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.

Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar BearsJoin the expedition team out on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait.Search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife—polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds—to capture the perfect photograph. Enjoy hearing from Inuit about the region’s wildlife and stunning landscapes as we seek the creatures that inhabit this area.We’ll make the most of every opportunity to explore, whether on foot or by embarking on a Zodiac cruise, amidst breathtaking backdrops.

Witness Wildlife, Geology, and IceSail 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.

Wave a Fond FarewellTransfer 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.As your journey comes to a close, carry with you the lasting impression of the Arctic’s beauty and the richness of its cultures, forever etched in your memories.

Itineraries are subject to change.