Antarctica
Travel to see icebergs, penguins and whales
One Ocean Expeditions
Canadian Arctic and Greenland Viking Explorer - Greenland & Eastern Canada 11 nights
The southwestern coast of Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to numerous towns and fishing ports, scenery and wildlife. Colourful houses and buildings dot the sparsely vegetated landscape. The scenery can truly be described as awesome and we explore a maze of iceberg-filled fjords navigating south on our journey towards Canada. History surrounds us and we learn about the earliest inhabitants, the arrival of the Vikings and the Danish colonial period. Crossing the Davis Strait from Greenland to Canada, more Viking history awaits in Newfoundland and we come face to face with natural history in Gros Morne National park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This outstanding small-ship expedition provides fantastic diversity in scenery, history, culture and activity and packs a lot into a relatively compact timeframe.
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Viking Explorer - Greenland & Eastern Canada
Starting Rate: N/A
Number of Nights: 11
Departs from: KANGERLUSSUAQ
Returns to: SYDNEY
From Ottawa we fly to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland via a charter flight.
Experiences:
Available Dates:
Day by Day: What you can experience: Viking Explorer - Greenland & Eastern Canada
Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details. Experience two unique destinations from the huge icebergs and colourful villages of Greenland to the diverse cultures and history of Eastern Canada.
In Greenland we enjoy daily excursions off the ship, exploring in the Zodiac boats to witness glaciers and icebergs, observing wildlife, and strolling through the colourful villages or on longer hikes. Greenlanders are friendly by nature and meeting the locals and learning about their culture and traditions is a highlight. Crossing the Davis Strait from Greenland to Canada we visit Red Bay in Labrador which tells the story of the arrival of Basque whalers and fisherman from southern Europe in the mid-15th century.
Day 1
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
We depart Ottawa this morning on our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon arrival, we enjoy a short tour ...
We depart Ottawa this morning on our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon arrival, we enjoy a short tour of the surrounding tundra and board the ship in the afternoon. After settling into our cabins and exploring the vessel, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers
Day 2
Nuuk
Overnight we have navigated down the coast of western Greenland to arrive in Nuuk, the small capital of Greenland. The National Museum of Greenland...
Overnight we have navigated down the coast of western Greenland to arrive in Nuuk, the small capital of Greenland. The National Museum of Greenland is located right by the harbour and is home to an interesting collection of artefacts, traditional costumes and textiles. Nuuk is easily explored on foot and there will be plenty of options for you to choose from today.
Day 3
Paamiut
The small town of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century and the name means 'the people who live at the mouth' referring to the nearby fjor...
The small town of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century and the name means 'the people who live at the mouth' referring to the nearby fjord. The town is home to a beautiful and ornate wooden church, all the more remarkable when you consider there are no trees in Greenland to provide timber for construction. The town and surrounding area are best known for the resident population of white-tailed eagles which we hope to see, while minke, fin, humpback and orca are known to inhabit this stretch of coastline.
Day 4
Bredefjord & Narsaq
The coast of western Greenland is famous for icebergs which are formed by calving glaciers which snake their way towards the coast from the vast ic...
The coast of western Greenland is famous for icebergs which are formed by calving glaciers which snake their way towards the coast from the vast ice sheet that covers 80% of the entire landmass. Today is our first opportunity to observe glaciers at close quarters as we navigate the ship along Bredefjord. This afternoon we visit the small community of Narsaq. What will surprise many is that the town is a centre for agriculture, including sheep farming, though fishing is still the mainstay of the local economy.
Day 5
Narsarsuaq
This is quintessential Greenland. As we navigate the ship further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Viki...
This is quintessential Greenland. As we navigate the ship further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Vikings were just as impressed and Narsasuaq and surrounds are among the most historically significant locations in the country. The Brattahlid open-air museum is a fascinating spot and features a reconstructed church and Viking longhouse. Nearby is Igaliku, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in the country and home to the ruins of Gardar – a church constructed in the 11th century.
Day 6
Tasermiut Fjord & Nanortalik
For many, today may well be a highlight of the trip. Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towerin...
For many, today may well be a highlight of the trip. Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towering rock formations that surround the narrow waters. The highest peak is over 1800m and it has a sheer granite face of more than a kilometre. This is nature at her most powerful. We return to the small town of Nanortalik and venture into the pretty harbour in the Zodiacs for one final stroll through the colourful houses and town buildings. Tonight, we set sail for Canada.
Day 7
At Sea - Davis Strait
We awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a ...
We awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife, history and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. This is an important migration corridor for birds and whales, and we keep our eyes out for signs of wildlife from the outer decks. There is a chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis this evening.
Day 8
L'anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland
Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise ...
Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise to the rocky shoreline. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is where Norseman, Leif Erikson, (son of Eric the Red) - is thought to have founded “Vinland” around 1000 AD.
Day 9
Red Bay, Labrador
Almost 500 years after the Vikings were known to have established their North America presence, it was visitors from southern Europe who were to pu...
Almost 500 years after the Vikings were known to have established their North America presence, it was visitors from southern Europe who were to put Red Bay on the map. Today it is considered an important underwater archaeological site and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. There is an excellent interpretive centre to learn about the early whaling era and on nearby Saddle Island, relics remain from the period.
Day 10
Woody Point - Gros Morne National Park
This morning we are anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point. This is a Registered Historic District w...
This morning we are anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point. This is a Registered Historic District with several significant structures along the waterfront. Gros Morne is best known for the World Heritage-listed Tablelands and is celebrated for its unique geology and exceptional scenery. We make a visit to the excellent Discovery Centre before continuing through the park. We meet the ship at Trout River reboarding in the afternoon.
Day 11
Ramea
Today we explore the historic town of Ramea providing a quintessential Newfoundland experience. The small town is best explored on foot and there a...
Today we explore the historic town of Ramea providing a quintessential Newfoundland experience. The small town is best explored on foot and there are some great hikes in the vicinity. The protected waters are best explored by Zodiac and this is a great location to explore by sea kayak. This is an important migratory bird flyway and is home to a variety of resident seabird species including two known puffin colonies. Tonight, our chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey as we sail south towards Cape Breton and our final port of Sydney.
Day 12
Sydney, Nova Scotia
This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect...
This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect on the truly memorable journey.
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Dates and Rates
The following departures are available for this voyage
All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
Sea Kayaking in the Arctic: USD695
*From Ottawa we fly to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland via a charter flight.
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