Greenland and Canadian Arctic Cruise

Arrive in Kangerlussuaq by charter flight from Copenhagen, and enjoy your first Zodiac ride to the Silver Explorer, waiting at anchor. Once all guests have embarked, depart on your exciting expedition – North Atlantic Adventure. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and attend a Zodiac briefing.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there exists enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, traveling by sledge has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. Today, meet a sledge dog team and their owners, who will tell all about sledding and how the Greenlandic sledge dog has been bred to be amongst the strongest working dogs in the world.

Sisimiut is also renowned for its archaeological sites that date back to the year 1200, the time period of the prehistoric Thule. The staple diet in this region has always included walrus, seal and whale, and this is still true today. At a local restaurant, you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of regional specialties as a local guide explains about traditional hunting methods and food preparations.

Continue the exploration of the Disko Bay area with a stop at one of the smallest settlements that you will come across during the explorations. During the visit, share the tradition of morning kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) with the locals, learning more about their culture and lifestyle. Before departing enjoy a Zodiac tour of the rugged coastline and the many icebergs that get stranded here after breaking off from the Jakobshavn Glacier.

Just after sunrise, be out on deck to see the northern hemisphere’s most active glacier – Jakobshavn – often surrounded by icebergs in all shapes and sizes and in varying shades of white and turquoise. Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day.

The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate is a bit colder due to its proximity to the fjord. While here, you may have the opportunity to see a demonstration of ancient fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught and prepared fish. During a guided walking tour of Ilulissat, visit the local history museum. The afternoon tour continues via fishing boat, as you navigate amongst the many icebergs at the fjord’s entrance. Alternatively, guests have the option to purchase an exciting helicopter excursion to see the magnificent Jakobshavn Icefjord by air.

Gather in The Theater to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. The knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Center, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

This afternoon arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland.” The leisurely walk through this picturesque harbor town allows you to take in Nuuk’s natural beauty, and also to see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of the Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum, enjoy the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, and time to visit Father Christmas’ post office with the world’s largest mailbox.

Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy a fine cognac at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Encircled by a wealth of Norse ruins, Qassiarsuk (or Brattahlid) is where you begin the day. Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Danish name. Tour the foundation remains of the manor house of Erik the Red. Also, visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America, see a recently unearthed Norse graveyard that contains remains of 144 Norse colonists, and have a chance to admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

Back aboard the Silver Explorer, enjoy a spot of lunch while repositioning south toward the settlement of Igaliku (or Gar∂ar). Land west of Igaliku and hike with local guides to observe more of the Medieval Norse cultural landscape including Gardar Cathedral, a cross-shaped church built of sandstone in the 12th century.

This morning arrive at the picturesque harbor town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place,’ but today, instead of snow, admire the hillsides of colorful houses painted in bright primary shades. The local guide will take you to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artifacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork.

Strolling through the streets of Qaqortoq is like meandering through a sculpture garden. In the mid-1990s, renowned local artist and sculptor Aka Høegh gathered 18 Scandinavian artists together to carve faces into the granite bedrock found throughout the town. Whilst the initial project only lasted two summers, it continues to draw artists each year. Before leaving, enjoy an impressive demonstration of the kayak, which has long been an important mode of transportation in Greenland and was also used for hunting by the prehistoric Thule people in the 10th century.

Take advantage of the Open Bridge policy as you bid farewell to Greenland and sail towards North America. Except when in port and weather permitting, the welcoming Bridge officers are always happy to show guests the sophisticated navigation equipment aboard Silver Explorer. Did you know? All expedition lectures are broadcast from The Theater so that should you prefer, you can enjoy from the comfort of your suite or stateroom.

The day begins on the northern tip of Newfoundland with an exploration of St Anthony. This area was once the staging point for many northern expeditions. Arctic explorers used its sheltered harbor to take on sled dogs and other supplies as the world raced for the North Pole. Visit the Grenfell Interpretation Center and the Grenfell House to learn of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, a young English doctor renowned for bringing medicine and education to the Inuit and poor European settlers along the harsh Labrador Coast, and view the artifacts gathered from his life of Arctic adventure and global philanthropy.

This afternoon, a traditional Viking feast is served in the great hall at Leifsburdir overlooking Fishing Point. Enjoy the theatrics of a rowdy but merry band of Norse hosts. The meal features a number of authentic Norse dishes including local game and fish plus a local berry dessert. Following lunch, travel by coach to L’Anse aux Meadows (Land of Meadows) where you will explore the ruins of an entire Viking village dating back to the year 1000. In 1978, this village was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the L’Anse aux Meadows archaeological site remains natural and unspoilt. During lunch, the Silver Explorer will reposition to L’Anse Aux Meadow where it will await your arrival at the conclusion of the excursion ashore.

Via Zodiac, go ashore for a day of discovery at Gros Morne National Park, where you can actually witness the geological past of your planet. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both exceptional natural scenery and distinctive geological history, Gros Morne National Park is filled with transition. With local guides, plan to visit Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord carved by glaciers 10,000-25,000 years ago. Species in this Canadian Wildlife Service bird sanctuary include ospreys, terns, greater yellowlegs, spotted sandpipers, ptarmigans, harlequin ducks, bald eagles, red-throated loons, cormorants, herons, ibises, cranes, owls and many, many more. Land mammals found in the park range from shrews, bats, hares, squirrels and beavers to black bears, lynx, caribou, moose and foxes. Return to the Silver Explorer in time for a leisurely lunch and an afternoon at sea.

Havre-Saint-Pierre is among the Mingan Islands that lie along the North Shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence on the eastern coast of Quebec. Visit the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, which is devoted to protecting and preserving the ecological integrity of the unique “flowerpot” limestone monoliths. These impressive natural sculptures occur in a thousand and one shapes and sizes on this string of 40 islands. Together with your Expedition Team and local Canada Parks Rangers, you hope to see osprey, families of eider duck, Atlantic puffins and various other shore birds. The onboard botanist will lead woodland walks, describing the bogs, orchids, insectivorous plants and arctic-alpine flora. The beautiful coastal scenery, cliffs and lakes, contribute to making our outing a true feast for the senses.

Visit Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock National Park – home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. Its colony of 122,000 northern gannets is the most accessible and the largest in size in the world. Without a doubt, the high point of your visit will be the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island. The island also offers four hiking trails and a historic heritage trail that reflects Bonaventure Island’s prosperous past. Percé Rock is a massive limestone stack containing millions of marine fossils from the Devonian period. Here, talk geology and hope to take advantage of a low tide to point out interesting beach organisms.

Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just north of Prince Edward Island, the Magdalen Islands are a group of nine main islands and numerous islets. Magdalen Islanders, who are known for their generous nature, are intimately familiar with their fellow residents, the harp seals. During the tour, learn something about life on this small island beginning with a visit to the Fumoir d’antan smokehouse where you will enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Next visit the Fromagerie Pied de Vent cheese factory that produces artisan raw milk cheese. Crossing the Chemin des Montants, discover a small valley and a panoramic view of Havre-aux-Maisons. At the South Dune Beach, walk underground through amazing red sandstone caves, sculpted naturally by the sea.

On the north side of the islands, find Belle Anse with its steep red sandstone cliffs that show the effects of year after year of erosion. Upon arriving at La Côte, enjoy some time to browse the boutiques and chat with the local craftsmen and fishermen. Here at the interpretation center, learn how about the raising of mussels and scallops in the lagoon. To conclude the excursion, head to the Artisans du Sable for a whole new way to look at sand, and then visit the historical meeting place of La Grave that today offers an aquarium, museum of the sea, and several boutiques.

With special permission, land Zodiacs directly at the Fortress of Louisbourg, the crown jewel of Canada’s national park service. In the early 1700s, the port of Louisbourg was established by the French, who made extensive fortifications and built long rows of drying racks for the salted cod, which once dried were exported as “klipfish.” However, the French would be unable to keep the fortress. It was all but destroyed after several battles for control between the French and the British, with the British finally winning out. Today, mounds of grass-covered stone from original foundation walls have been painstakingly transformed to their former 18th-century splendor. The largest historical reconstruction in the nation’s history is now a Canadian National Historic Site.

Disembark the Silver Explorer after breakfast.