Cruise Overview
Arctic Canada Cruise | Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland – Encounters at the Edge
Setting out from Nuuk, join us as we sail down the west coast of Greenland and traverse the Labrador Sea, exploring Newfoundland and sub-Arctic Canada.
Discover the southern fjords of Greenland, the immense Torngat Mountains, quaint settlements in coastal Labrador, and charming Newfoundland.
Delve into the history of settlers as diverse as the Norse, the Inuit and the Basques at this crossroads of cultures.
Four iconic regions of the pristine North
Setting out from Greenland’s picturesque capital Nuuk, we’ll traverse the shores of Baffin Bay – the icy sea that links east and west and binds the cultures of Arctic Canada and Greenland. This all-encompassing expedition cruise reveals the exquisite southern fjords of Greenland, the majestic grandeur of the Torngat Mountains, the historic settlements of coastal Labrador, and the charm of Newfoundland. Sailing expedition-style, days will be filled with awe and wonder as we set foot in some of the most out-of-the-way places on the planet.
Exploration at the edge
As we cruise through biologically rich marine environments and visit remote communities, you’ll learn about the distinct Inuit cultures found in Greenland and Labrador. This region has a captivating past, situated at a crossroads where migrations from the East and the West met. Uncover the diverse histories of European explorers, Viking settlers, Moravian missionaries and Basque whalers, on a fascinating deep dive into the history and ecology of this pristine and under-explored destination.
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Practical information you need to know
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Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Day 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík
Your 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.
Embarkation day in Nuuk
Day 2
Embarkation day in Nuuk
Welcome to the capital of Greenland
You'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.
A day at sea
Day 3
A day at sea
Prepare for adventure as we head south
While 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.
Kujalleq and the Viking settlements
Day 4-5
Kujalleq and the Viking settlements
Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice cap
South 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
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
Relax at sea
Day 6-7
Relax at sea
Sailing to the gates of the Torngat Mountains
After 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!
Northern Labrador
Day 8-10
Northern Labrador
Witness the immense Torngat Mountains
Welcome 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
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
The Labrador coast
Day 11-15
The Labrador coast
Head back in time and delve into the history of Labrador
Over 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
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
Charming Newfoundland
Day 16-17
Charming Newfoundland
Relive the tales of Vikings, pioneers and early explorers
Your cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that’s colourful 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
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
Reaching St John’s
Day 18
Reaching St John’s
End your adventure on a colourful note
We 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.
What's included
Hotel
- Overnight in Reykjavík before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Reykjavík to Nuuk
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Reykjavík before the flight to Nuuk
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nuuk
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel Insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Travelling Solo? | No solo supplement on selected departures
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Excursions & Activities
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