Greenland and Atlantic Canada - The Ultimate Fjord and National Park Expedition (Itinerary 2)
About Nova Scotia
- Join an epic voyage from Iceland to Greenland and to the eastern Canadian coast
- Explore the rarely visited eastern coastline of Greenland and meet the locals who live here
- See spectacular scenery in the largest national park and the largest fjord in the world
- Visit Canadian towns and cities for culture and history
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 with floor-to-ceiling window, indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition 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
- Optional small-group activities with our expedition team
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Medical questionnaire is mandatory
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
Itinerary
-
Capital of Iceland - Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-program to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before embarking MS Fram.
-
Crossing the Denmark Strait - At sea
Learn how to protect the great wilderness, both during our expedition and in the future, as part of the mandatory safety and sustainability briefing. Check out the onboard Science Center to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic.
-
The Most Isolated Settlement - Ittoqqortoormiit
Located on a stunning peninsula that is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year, Ittoqqortoormiit is the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere. Less than 500 hardy souls call this home and they’ll be proud to show you around the community, including a museum, church and even a photo exhibition.
-
The Largest National Park in the World - North East Greenland National Park
We begin our exploration of the largest national park in the world, which is also the least visited national park in the world. Only a small number of expeditions are permitted to visit the park over its very short summer season. Thanks to our expertise and experience here, we are always one of them.
Apart from trapper huts, some science research stations, and two military outposts, there are no traces of human life here. The only others we might be lucky to meet are the Sirius Patrol park rangers who supervise the area on dogsleds.
Once inside the park, there are large fjords, giant icebergs, alpine landscapes, hanging glaciers, and vertical granite cliffs reaching as far as the eye can see. The likes of hares, musk oxen and Arctic foxes roam the coasts and tundra in the summertime. They are usually spread out across this enormous region, making it a real highlight if we do manage to spot one or more of them.
The captain and Expedition Leader will assess the ice conditions and choose the best locations for landings accordingly. You can also participate in exciting optional activities such as kayaking and long guided hikes.
-
Largest Fjord on Earth - Scorebysund
Heading south, we will attempt a landing at the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord. This is the world’s largest fjord system, which extends 217 miles inland and 1,970 feet deep. The fjord’s steep basalt mountains provide a haven for an unusual abundance of Greenlandic wildlife including various species of seabird, seal, and whale.
-
Sailing along the East Coast of Greenland - At sea
Take some time just relaxing on board and allowing the experiences of the past few days to sink in. Lectures by the Expedition Team will also prepare you for the next days to come, including a bit of history about Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen’s crossing over the Greenland ice sheet.
-
A Place in History - Umivik
The gentle bay at Umivik is fringed by many glaciers that calve their icebergs into the sea. This is the place where Fridtjof Nansen launched his legendary journey across the Greenland ice sheet in August 1888. Once ashore yourself, you’ll see the remains of the small Inuit community that welcomed Nansen way back then.
-
“Paradise on Earth” - Skjoldungen
Skjoldungen is a large coastal island in southeastern Greenland and located between two deep fjords. Danish Arctic explorer W.A Graah described the area as “paradise on Earth” when he came here in 1829 to look for a lost Norse settlement. Humpback whales are also known to visit the area in the summertime.
-
Narrow Channel with Spectacular Scenery - Prins Christian Sund
This long fjord is surrounded by mountains that reach over 3,900 feet, and up to 7,280 feet high. Many glaciers go straight into its waters, where they calve icebergs of all shapes, shades, and sizes. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) instead.
-
Heading for Canada - At sea
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course for Canada. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing out on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even engaging in some whale-spotting.
-
Canada’s Hidden but Rich Maritime History - Red Bay
Preserved in the 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 treasure.
-
A Classic Canadian City - Corner Brook
Located at the mouth of the Bay of Islands and Humber River, Corner Brook is the second largest city in the province and local to the core. Explore the city centre or enjoy its many walking trails along the Humber River, decorated at this time of year with vibrant autumn leaves.
-
Spend the day in the Science Center - At sea
Spend a tranquil day at sea, sharing experiences and exchanging stories with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the amenities of our innovative expedition ship and look out for wildlife from the outer decks. In the Science Center, observe the tiniest creatures and samples taken during this voyage up close with our state-of-the-art microscopes.
-
Vibrant City on the Rise - Halifax
Our incredible journey beginning in Iceland, exploring the extremes of Greenland, across to the coasts and culture of Canada, comes to an end in Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia. If you can, we definitely recommend spending an extra day or two here on one of our Post-Programs before you head home.
