12-day North Atlantic Cruise: from Canada to Iceland

Expedition highlights

Follow the Viking routes across high-latitude coasts where glaciers, fjords, and shifting light set the pace, and wildlife watching is part of the day from deck and shore.

Eternety Fjord, Greenland

Ice Fjords

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Wildlife Watching

Look for seabirds, marine life, and coastal species from deck and shore, with the expedition team helping spot and identify what you are seeing.

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Viking Heritage

Sail through the North Atlantic world where Norse seafarers left a lasting mark. Walk ports and coastal sites tied to Viking routes, with stories of settlement, trade, and exploration that still shape local identity.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

As you cross the Labrador Sea, you'll encounter numerous captivating destinations. In Saint-Pierre, a slice of France just off the Newfoundland coast, explore its enduring French heritage. Then, discover the colorful maritime history of St. John’s, the oldest city in North America. Unveil the fascinating history of Greenland in Qassiarsuk, where the legacy of Norse settlers comes to life amid sweeping fjords. In nearby Narsaq, enjoy the town’s lush, flat landscapes framed by snow-dusted peaks, and learn about its traditions of sheep farming and Inuit heritage. Delight in Qaqortoq's colonial architecture and vibrant Inuit culture. Finally, soak in the dynamic charm of Reykjavik. Numerous activities await throughout this journey. Savor serenity on sea days with observation deck views, engage in onboard lectures, or express your artistic flair with photography workshops. With each stop, site tours and cultural explorations promise fascinating insights into the region’s vibrant history and natural beauty

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1. Halifax

Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, is a bustling port city rich in maritime history and culture. With its picturesque harbor, historic waterfront, and lively neighborhoods, Halifax offers a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Citadel, stroll along bustling boardwalks, and savor fresh seafood, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean

Day 2. Day at sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 3. Saint-Pierre

Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago south of Newfoundland, offers diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. The main island, Saint Pierre, serves as the capital and includes a cathedral and the Musée Héritage offering a glimpse into the region's past. Marked trails traverse bogs, subarctic meadows, undergrowth, and coastal paths with chances to spot seals, dolphins, whales and rorquals. Over 300 bird species inhabit the archipelago

Activities:

Included

Panoramic tour of Saint-Pierre

1 hrs 15 min

See the best of Saint-Pierre and surrounding areas by bus. This small piece of France in North America offers a unique blend of French and North American culture. Immerse yourself in Saint-Pierre's unique cultural tapestry as you explore this fascinating French overseas territory and capture breathtaking panoramic views at scenic stops that showcase the island's distinctive coastal landscapes and charming architecture.

Optional

Excursion to Sailor's Island

2 hrs 15 min

Hop aboard for an exceptional adventure on Île-aux-Marins, a timeless island near Saint-Pierre. Just a few minutes by boat, it offers tranquillity and stunning nature. Discover traditional houses, the old school and the church, all witnesses to the lives of long gone fishing families. The island's past is revealed in each building's story, further brought to life through an immersive journey into daily life at the Archipelitude Museum.

Optional

Downtown Saint-Pierre walking tour

1 hrs 15 min

Head out on foot to explore the authentic French charm of Saint-Pierre, where history, culture and stunning landscapes converge. This walking tour navigates picturesque cobblestone streets with colourful houses, showcasing highlights like Saint-Pierre Cathedral and revealing the archipelago's heritage and Prohibition history. The tour culminates at the Heritage Museum, where captivating stories of the island's past enrich your experience.

Day 4. St. John's, NL

St. John’s, North America's easternmost city and capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, traces its history to John Cabot's 1497 voyage. Thriving in the 18th and 19th centuries with the cod fishing industry, the town's architecture, like the row houses on George Street, echoes its maritime past. Water Street, once a bustling port, now hosts shops and galleries in converted warehouses. Signal Hill provides views of the city's colourful houses

Activities:

Included

Signal Hill and the Highlights of Old St. John’s

2.5 hours

Stand where history was rewritten as you retrace Marconi's steps in St. John's, North America's oldest city. Begin at Signal Hill, where Italian physicist Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, and enjoy panoramic views from Cabot Tower. Visit the charming Quidi Vidi village, known for its historic fishing harbour, before exploring St. John's with its Victorian houses, churches and the old Government House.

Included

Puffin Island Adventure - Boat tour

4.5 hours

Explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to North America's largest puffin colony, on this two-hour excursion. Begin with a scenic drive to Bay Bulls, followed by a cruise to the Bird Islands to observe seabirds and marine life, with a chance to see seals, whales, and dolphins.

Included

History Comes Alive Walking Tour

2.5 hours

Uncover St. John's dark past on this unique 2.5 hour walking tour of North America's oldest British colony, exploring a rich history marked by strategic wars, tales of European explorers, pirates and privateers. Marvel at the city's majestic architecture, colourful houses and historic monuments. Listen to gripping stories of political exiles, public hangings and the devastating Great Fire of 1892, which reshaped the city forever.

Day 5. St. Anthony, NL

Newfoundland's former fishing village of St. Anthony, dating back to the 16th-century, brims with excitement despite its sleepy facade. This Arctic gateway comes alive in April to June, offering front-row views to a dazzling natural wonder - the flowing Iceberg Alley, where towering frozen giants glide past. Marvel at these glacial spectacles from Fishing Point. The Grenfell Museum chronicles the life of British Dr. Grenfell's medical missions

Activities:

Included

Tea House Trail and Grenfell Properties

1 hour

Enjoy the moderate 20-minute Tea House Trail hike up Tea House Hill, following Dr. Wilfred Grenfell's footsteps for stunning St. Anthony views, the historic Tea House site, and his burial place. This English doctor arrived in Newfoundland in 1892, establishing a hospital and aiding remote coastal communities via dog sled, with his humanitarian legacy enduring today. Afterward, self-explore Grenfell House Museum (family artifacts), Grenfell Interpretation Centre (displays), and Handicrafts Gift Shop for local souvenirs.

Included

Explore the North Coast by Boat

1 hour

Experience an award-winning eco-cruise on the 46-passenger Cape Islander boat from St. Anthony's Fishing Point, led by a marine environmentalist sharing live insights on wildlife and local culture. Spot dolphins, seals, sea turtles, minke, fin, orca whales, seabirds, and May icebergs while hearing tales of Vikings, moose, salmon, and caribou along the tranquil coast. This unforgettable blend of nature, education, and Newfoundland hospitality ends with farewells before returning to your ship.

Day 6-7. Day at sea

Day 8. Qassiarsuk, Brattahlid

Qassiarsuk's Norse ruins of Brattahlíð, founded by Viking explorer Erik the Red, draw visitors to this Greenlandic village on Tunulliarfik Fjord. Erik's 10th-century estate grew into a 5,000-person Viking settlement, once Greenland's largest. Traces of Norse relics dot the landscape, accompanied by a statue of Erik. Qassiarsuk's subarctic mix of Norse and Greenlandic farming on the Edge of the Ice Cap is part of UNESCO-listed Kujataa Greenland

Activities:

Included

Qassiarsuk UNESCO Site visit

1 hour

Explore Erik the Red’s homestead in Qassiarsuk, Greenland, a thousand-year-old Norse settlement founded after his exile from Iceland, offering reconstructions that immerse visitors in Viking daily life amid a harsh yet fertile fjord landscape. Walk among ruins evoking the resilience of early settlers who cultivated the land and built a community in isolation. This cultural landmark connects modern travelers to tales of exploration, survival, and the foundational chapter of Greenland’s human history.

Included

Farm visit and traditionaql kaffemik at Illunnguujuk

1 hour

This experience brings you to Illunnguujuk Farm in the small settlement of Qassiarsuk. Ellen and her family live in this idyllic setting with their sheep, and they have occupied this valley for many generations. Ellen’s husband is the grandson of the Greenlandic pioneer Otto Frederiksen, who was the first to establish sheep farming as a main occupation in Greenland in 1924. Ellen’s aunt has written a book about the hunter’s life, and she also makes products from her sheep’s wool. It takes around 15 minutes to walk to the farm, where Ellen will welcome you into her home. She will invite you to a typical Kaffemik, a gathering where stories are shared over coffee and homemade cakes. Enjoy a relaxing moment at Ellen’s home, meet her family, and ask as many questions as you wish about life in Greenland and the local sheep-farming culture (her specialty!). After the farm visit, you will walk the 15 minutes back to the pier.

Day 8. Narsaq

Tucked into southern Greenland along the tranquil Tunulliarfik Fjord, Narsaq - which means "the plain" - lives up to its name with lush, flat terrain set against towering, snow-dusted peaks. Known for hiking, whale and seal watching, and sheep farming, the town offers scenic trails

Activities:

Included

Narsaq open town with Museum and Tasting

3 hrs 45 min

Narsaq, a charming town in South Greenland, offers colourful scenery, local tastings, and a glimpse of everyday life. A visit to the Narsaq Museum reveals the history of Norse settlers, Tjodhilde’s first church, and local heritage before you explore the town at leisure.

Included

Hike to Narsap Ilua

4 hours

Join us for a hike to Narsap Ilua, where coastal paths, grazing fields, and mountain views meet rich Viking heritage. The landscape reveals Norse settlements linked to Erik the Red, offering dramatic scenery and a living sense of history.

Included

Qajaq Brewery Tour - taste Arctic beer!

55 min

Qajaq Brewery in Nuuk invites visitors to explore Greenlandic craft brewing, tracing the journey from glacier water through mashing, fermentation, and bottling while highlighting local craftsmanship and sustainable practices. The tour culminates in a guided tasting of signature beers, offering flavors shaped by Greenland’s Arctic environment and a true taste of its brewing heritage.

Day 9. Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq is the largest city in South Greenland and the perfect base to explore the Norse (Viking) ruins encompassed by the extensive UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage Site, a sub-arctic farming landscape. The town is home to 18th-century colonial buildings and the oldest fountain in Greenland; completed in 1932, it depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes. Qaqortoq Museum in the town's oldest building focuses on early settlers

Activities:

Included

Qaqortoq open town & cultural event

1 hrs 50 min

Immerse yourself in Qaqortoq's rich heritage, South Greenland's cultural hub since 1774. Explore the picturesque colonial quarter with the "Stone & Man" art exhibition, featuring Nordic sculptures. Experience a traditional Greenlandic choir performance at the historic church, witness an impressive kayak hunting demo, and visit the local museum showcasing Norse history and unique artifacts in Greenland's oldest colonial building.

Included

Panoramic Qaqortoq by bus

55 min

This Qaqortoq bus tour offers a comfortable way to explore hidden gems and panoramic viewpoints that are difficult to reach on foot, while learning captivating stories about Greenlandic history and culture. With several stops for photos and breathtaking fjord views, the journey culminates in the serene silence of Greenland’s untouched landscapes, providing a rare chance to connect with nature.

Included

Viking Greenland - visit Hvalsey Church UNESCO

2.5 hours

Unlock the secrets of Norse history on a guided visit to Hvalsø Church Ruin, part of Greenland’s UNESCO-listed Kujataa cultural landscape. After a scenic 30-minute boat ride through fjords, explore the well-preserved 14th-century Norse site. Learn about its history, including the last recorded Norse event—a wedding in 1408. Marvel at Arctic views and return to Qaqortoq, enriched by this journey into Greenland's Viking past.

Days 10-11. Day at sea

Day 12. Reykjavik

Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage. A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters