Atlantic Canada and Greenland - Expedition of History, Culture and Nature (Itinerary 1)
About Reykjavik
- Discover Canada’s Atlantic coast across Nova Scotia, Québec, and Newfoundland
- Visit remote, modern-day Inuit communities in southern Greenland
- Fascinating in-depth look at the cultures and histories of Canada and of Greenland
- Opportunities to see wildlife such as whales and a variety of seabird species
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with current scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, sauna, indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small explorer boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
Itinerary
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Capital of Nova Scotia - Halifax
Your journey starts in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. There are red-brick heritage buildings, parks, a landmark citadel, some world-class museums, and a seafront boardwalk. We definitely recommend spending more time exploring Halifax with our Pre-program before embarking MS Fram.
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Where the Past Is Present - Louisbourg
We head for the large island of Cape Breton to reach Louisbourg, home to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg. At this National Historic Site, you can experience what life was like in the bustling French fortified town in 1744, which was then one of the largest European fortifications in North America.
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Deep Acadian Traditions - Cheticamp
This traditional fishing village dates back to 1785 and is an Acadian community that has managed to maintain age-old French traditions and culture. Nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers spectacular sea views, as well as valleys and forests where moose, black bears, and bald eagles can be found.
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Home of the Madelinots - Magdalen Islands
Twelve islands make up the sand archipelago called Îles de la Madeleine. The coastline here is made up of iron-rich red and grey sandstone cliffs that have been shaped by wind and waves to form picturesque bays, which are dotted with multi-colored houses. We dock in Cap-aux-Meules, home to more than half of the archipelago’s population.
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Magnificent Views and Wonderful Wildlife - Percé
Percé Rock, with its natural arch lying just off the coast of this artist’s village, is best seen from the suspended glass platform at the UNESCO Global Geopark. Nearby, Bonaventure Island is one of the most accessible gannet colonies in the world. Rare North Atlantic right whales are known to visit the area as well.
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Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve - Havre-Saint-Pierre
Famous for the largest concentration of limestone monoliths in Canada, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve encompasses close to a thousand islands and islets sprinkled along 93 miles from east to west. We hope to board our small explorer boats and take to the waters to explore this unique landscape of geological wonders.
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Lectures and Scanning for Wildlife on Deck - At Sea
The Expedition Team will continue the lecture program, covering topics like history, the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography, and climate change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife. In the Science Center, observe the samples gathered during this voyage up close with our state-of-the-art microscopes.
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Canada’s Hidden, but Rich, Maritime History - Red Bay
Preserved in ice-cold waters, the remains of several 17th century Basque whaling ships have led to the town being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the local museum that documents this interesting history or take the trail up to Tracey Hill for scenic views, and where, legends say, pirate Captain Kidd buried a treasure.
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Crossing the North Atlantic Ocean - At Sea
Leaving the coast of Canada behind, we head out to sea, and set course for Greenland across a stretch of the North Atlantic. Our days at sea will be filled with lectures and you’ll have time to chat with fellow travellers, perhaps to share what you have seen and done so far.
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Exploration day Kvanefjord - Kvanefjord
We discover the beautiful region of Paamiut by sailing deep into the Kvanefjord. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day. This could be a hike ashore for a scenic view of the area, or possibly small-boat cruising or kayaking.
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Muskoxes and a Norse Settlement - Ivittuut
According to archaeologists, Vikings settled in this area more than a thousand years ago but didn’t remain here. Ivittuut is believed to be the last Norse settlement in Greenland, and also the first to be abandoned. Nowadays, the only inhabitants that might appear in the town are wandering musk oxen, which normally graze in the nearby plains.
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Fertile Farmland and Viking History - Quassiarsuk
Busy farmsteads of green fields dotted with white sheep contrast with the icescapes in the nearby sea. Join a guided walk through the settlement, including a visit to the reconstruction of Viking Erik the Red’s longhouse and the church that Erik’s wife Tjodhildur had him build following his banishment from Iceland.
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Picture-Perfect Greenlandic Town - Qaqortoq
Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colorful houses and photogenic setting. It is the biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but still easy to explore on foot. You can also join one of our optional excursions to get even more insight into local culture.
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Heading to Iceland - Irminger Sea
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, looking at the seabirds which follow our ship, or maybe even spotting whales.
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The Stylish Capital of Iceland - Reykjavík
You arrive in the northernmost capital city in the world early in the morning. The name Reykjavík means 'Smokey Bay,' so called because of the steam that rises from its many natural hot springs. It is well worth booking a Post-program to explore the geysers, mountains, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs before heading home.
