Canada to Greenland - Crossing Baffin Bay

Your adventure starts in St. John's, the oldest and most easterly city in North America. The town still embodies the spirit of an old fishing village and its narrow streets and hidden alleyways are full of character and experience.

With its tiny seaside communities, encompassing forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands, and striking cliffs and shorelines, this area is world-renowned for its complex geology. The wildlife is amazing with large seabird colonies, huge moose and caribou populations, and a rich marine life including several species of whales. With some 10 000 humpback whales visiting the area every year, don’t be surprised if you inadvertently capture a whale in a photograph you take on deck.

In L'Anse aux Meadows you'll find the first known evidence of European presence in America. It is here that a Norse expedition built a small camp around 1 000 years ago. In 1960, two Norwegian archaeologists started excavating in this area and discovered the fascinating remains of a Viking camp. In 1979, L'Anse aux Meadows became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the recreated camp, you can see original artefacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.

We will spend three days sailing along the coast of Labrador and exploring this area. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking along the trails and the countless miles of wilderness to explore, while others will appreciate learning more about the history, cultures and traditions of the area at the numerous his­toric sites we will visit.

One of the places we may visit is Red Bay. The discovery of the wrecks of whale-hunting galleons and chalupas has made Red Bay one of the most exquisite underwater archaeological sites in America. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We may also visit the picturesque town of Rigolet, the southernmost Inuit community in the world. This small, isolated town has a population of just 300 and cannot be accessed by road. However, it is accessible by ship all year around, and in wintertime also via snowmobile. We offer several outings here: You can explore the beautiful waters in a speedboat or go fishing, riding or whale watching. We may also visit Hopedale, originally the Inuit settlement of Agvituk, meaning 'the place of the whales', and Hebron, a former Moravian mission and the northernmost settlement in Labrador.

Baffin Island is a great, wild landscape, the spectacular homeland of Inuit and an accessible Arctic playground for the adventurous. The vast geographical area that is now fondly known as 'Nunavut' has supported a continuous indigenous population for over 4 000 years.

Most historians today identify Baffin Island as the "Helluland" (place of black rocks) described in ancient Norse sagas. It is believed that both the Dorset and Thule inhabitants of the region had regular contact with Norse sailors over 1 000 years ago.

Viking artefacts have been discovered on Baffin Island, including architectural materials, yarn spun from a hare, tally sticks, and a carved wooden face mask depicting white European features.

As we cruise towards Greenland, you can enjoy lectures, the view from the observation lounge or simply relax with a good book.

Qeqertarsuaq is the only town situated on the old volcanic island of Disko. The area offers amazing Arctic experiences. Join optional excursions such as a tour of the town, kayaking or an ice cruising boat tour. If you appreciate archaeology and history, you should definitely pay a visit to the local museum in Qasigiannguit.

Today, you will have a unique opportunity to witness the true power of nature on a visit to the Eqip Sermia Glacier, which calves icebergs into the open ocean. The town of Ilulissat in the Ilulissat Icefjord was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. See enormous icebergs at the mouth of the fjord and enjoy a variety of optional shore excursions such as hikes, historic town walks and a boat tour to the Icefjord.

Itilleq means 'the hollow', and as its name suggests, this small settlement is situated in a hollow, majestically surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. With the Arctic Circle passing just 200 metres south of the village centre, Itilleq can rightly claim the title of ‘the Arctic Circle Village’. The 130 people who live here are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing activities.

As we reach Kangerlussuaq, your expedition comes to an end. Take the opportunity to join a final excursion to the Greenland Ice Sheet, a vast icy wasteland stretching 1 500 miles north. Your plane to Copenhagen leaves late in the evening.

You arrive in the Danish capital early in the morning and may even have the time to explore "Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen" before you head home.