Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland – Encounters at the Edge Expedition Cruise

 Explore the world’s northernmost capital, ReykjavíkYour adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.  A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth exploring.  Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins. 

 Welcome to the capital of GreenlandYou'll have an early start today as we depart Reykjavík and fly to Nuuk.  Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of the Danish missionary Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, look out for the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue for a striking juxtaposition between two cultures. Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and then enjoy your first dinner on board.   

 Prepare for adventure as we head southWhile sailing towards South Greenland, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these fascinating and important presentations. You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on topics such as ornithology, geology and culture. You’ll also learn about the Citizen Science projects we run on board the ship. The coast of Greenland is carved by many fjords. Depending on the conditions, in the afternoon we may be able to cruise deep into one of our favourites, Kuannersooq Fjord, as it’s known in Greenlandic, or Kvanerfjord in Danish. 

 Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice capSouth Greenland offers curious travellers an intriguing blend of Norse history, Inuit culture, and breathtaking landscapes.  Here you can explore Viking settler ruins, and discover colourful small towns, marvelling at awe-inspiring fjords, mountains, glaciers and icebergs along the way. Combining rich cultural experiences with thrilling outdoor adventures, both history enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enraptured. Over the next two days, our possible destinations and landing sites include: Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site Qassiarsuk Brattahlíð (Qassiarsuk) Hvalsey Qaqortoq 

 Sailing to the gates of the Torngat MountainsAfter a few days of exploration, enjoy a day at sea and prepare for what lies ahead as we continue westward along the route of the Vikings, across Baffin Bay to the rugged coast of Labrador.  Why not listen to another fascinating presentation from the Expedition Team, perhaps on biology, ornithology or history of the region. They’ll continue to entertain and educate with their series of lectures and demonstrations. There will be storytelling, art and craft workshops and perhaps even some singing. In September at this latitude, there may also be the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. If they appear in the middle of the night, be prepared for a gentle wake-up call!  

 Witness the immense Torngat MountainsWelcome to Canada! After clearing customs, we’ll be joined by Park Rangers who’ll accompany us as we explore the Torngat Mountains National Park over the coming days. Meaning ‘place of spirits’ in Inuktitut, the national park spans some 6,000 miles, extending from Saglek Fjord to Labrador’s tip, and from the Atlantic coast to the Québec border. This wilderness is peppered with small glaciers and it’s home to polar bears and caribou. It also has rich Inuit heritage of hunting and fishing. While exploring this magnificent area, we hope to visit: Saglek Bay Nachvak Fiord Ramah 

 Head back in time and delve into the history of LabradorOver the next five days, we’ll cruise south, unearthing the fascinating history of coastal Labrador and discovering its rich cultural heritage.  This area is home to some of Labrador’s most important Moravian settlements, and a once busy fishing village that’s now a National Historic Site. There are also breathtaking waterways to transit and a whaling past to uncover. Over the next five days, our potential destinations may include: Hebron Mugford Tickle Hopedale Battle Harbour Red Bay 

 Relive the tales of Vikings, pioneers and early explorersYour cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that’s colorful and diverse, Newfoundland is sure to enchant. As we explore, you can delve into the island’s past, from pioneering missionaries and early explorers to as far back as Viking settlers. Over the next two days, we hope to visit: St Anthony UNESCO-listed L’Anse aux Meadows & Norstead Bonavista 

 End your adventure on a colourful noteWe say a fond farewell to our ship as we end our expedition in St John’s, Newfoundland’s capital.  As one of the oldest cities in North America, St John’s is nothing but charming. Colourful houses are etched into the steep and rugged hillside along the coast, and Signal Hill with the proud Cabot Tower watches over the city from above. It’s well worth exploring the city further if you have time before your onward journey. Whatever your next steps are, you’ll take with you a wealth of memories that will no doubt endure, and experiences that will change the way you see the world. 

Itineraries are subject to change.