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Greenland to Nova Scotia exploring the Canadian Arctic

Northern Canada Discovery - Greenland & Nova Scotia: From Kangerlussuaq to Halifax 16 Day Discovery Cruise

V2523092115
Dates
09/21/23 - 10/06/23
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
15 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 0
Per Person
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Trip Details

Trace a path along the Northwest Passage on our Northern Canadian Discovery cruise on our boutique expedition ship following part of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers. As we sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, gaze in awe at the ice-filled straits and fjords crammed with gargantuan icebergs. The northern Canada coast around Nunavut is a haven for caribou and polar bears, and in Newfoundland we get the chance to hear the stories of the indigenous Inuit people and discover ancient whaling sites. Combining adventure and culture, this epic voyage is something every traveller should experience in their lifetime.

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Trip Highlights
Follow the path of 16th-century whalers and 19th-century explorers
Marvel at the glistening bergs, growlers and glaciers in the iceberg capital of the world
Immerse yourself in Inuit culture and traditions as you wander their ancestral homelands
Look up at towering cliffs crammed with seabirds while below narwhal swim gracefully
Learn about the history of Viking exploration, and Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Kangerlussuaq Day 1

Kangerlussuaq boasts a WWII airbase history at the head of a long fjord in western Greenland. The airport’s Kangerlussuaq Museum recounts the tale and showcases Greenlandic Inuit artifacts. This glacial area is a haven for wildlife like muskoxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, and gyrfalcons. Around 10,000 musk oxen, native to Greenland, inhabit the tundra, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Inland, the 60-m tall Russell Glacier calves on the edge of the Greenland ice cap.

Day at sea Day 2

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Qeqertarsuaq Day 3

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, the largest island in Greenland, on the west coast and part of Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lyngmark Glacier rises above the town and the area’s lush hills, basalt columns and black sand beaches reflect its volcanic origin. The area is very fertile and home to diverse species not found elsewhere in Greenland. Keep an eye out for its hot springs as we move through floating icebergs and whales.

Expedition Activities
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Disko Island Discovery Walk
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Join your Expedition Team on a hike to discover the island’s stunning black sand beaches and massive volcanoes
  • Spend time in the town and get a feel for the authentic experience and isolation that most Greenlandic communities live with
  • Learn about the longstanding presence of scientists in the region who have had an Arctic Station established for the study of local geology, flora and fauna
Ilulissat, Disko Bay Day 4

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat, formerly Jakobshavn or Jacobshaven, is home to as many sled-dogs as people.

Shore Excursion
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Shuttle to Ilulissat Icefjord, boardwalk and Icefjord centre
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord and see the massive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier at the size of nearly 66,000 football fields wide
  • Hike along the World Heritage Trail boardwalk and discover amazing views of the icefjord and maybe even have some wildlife encounters
  • At the Fjord Centre, learn all about the cycle of the ice, the abundant wildlife around the icefjord and the human existence in the area throughout thousands of years
Sisimiut Day 5

Just north of the Arctic Circle and the northernmost city in Greenland, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport and we have a chance to see abandoned settlements but it also has a cool, modern side. Watch out for humpback whales and walrus between Sisimiut and the Thule district in the north.

Shore Excursion
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Panoramic Sisimiut & Sled-dogs - 2nd departure
  • Duration: 01 h 30 m
  • Included
  • From the comfort of our vehicle, you'll be treated to a panoramic tour of the city's iconic buildings
  • Drive to vantage point at the top of Sisimiut where an awe-inspiring view awaits
  • Visit where the majority of the local sled-dogs are kept and get to know their fascinating lives
Historical Walk to the Tele Island
  • Duration: 02 h 10 m
  • Optional
  • From Tele Island, see Sisimiut’s famous landmark, Nasaasaq Mountain, soaring 785 meters into the sky
  • Enjoy a walking tour of Sisimiut as you learn about the fascinating history if Inuit cultures that have used this location as a hunting grounds for many years
  • Other points of interest you will pass on your visit include a burial ground, the local kayak club and the arts and crafts shop
Panoramic Sisimiut & Sled-dogs
  • Duration: 01 h 30 m
  • Included
  • From the comfort of our vehicle, you'll be treated to a panoramic tour of the city's iconic buildings
  • Drive to vantage point at the top of Sisimiut where an awe-inspiring view awaits
  • Visit where the majority of the local sled-dogs are kept and get to know their fascinating lives
Nuuk Day 6

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk can easily deceive you that you’re travelling through such a wild and secluded country. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), you’ll see the busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral prominent, colourful wooden houses, avant-garde architecture and a wonderful array of fjords with clear ice waters and an unspoiled mountain backdrop. Look out for whales and on land arctic foxes, arctic hares and reindeer.

Shore Excursion
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Nuuk Sightseeing
  • Duration: 01 h 30 m
  • Included
  • See the bustling streets of the Colonial Harbour and admire its beautiful old buildings that have stood the test of time
  • Get to know the history behind this city as you tour past landmarks including the cathedral built in 1849, the award winning Katuaq culture centre and the University of Greenland
Day at sea Day 7

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Iqaluit, NU Day 8

The native Inuit are an integral part of Iqaluit, a remote community at the head of Frobisher Bay. Once-considered the possible entrance of a Northwest Passage, the bay provides insight into Inuit history and culture including dog-sledding on handmade qamutik sleds led by qimmiiq - North America's oldest and rarest purebred canine. Inuit artworks are showcased at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum while Inuit history is evident at Crystal II, an ancient Thule Inuit settlement outside of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.

Shore Excursion
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Inuit Culture and Natural beauty of Iqaluit
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Gain an insight into the rich Inuit heritage, exploring the unique traditions and history of the indigenous people
  • Discover Inuit culture at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, with Inuit artefacts and fine art, and local galleries with Inuit carvings that demonstrate the region's artistic significance
  • Hike in the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park, overlooking the mouth of the river and offering unobstructed views over the ocean
Lady Franklin Island, NU Day 9

Most known for its huge vertical cliffs of Archean rocks, reputedly the oldest stones in Canada, Lady Franklin Island is an uninhabited isle off Hall Peninsula on Baffin Island. Black guillemots, ptarmigan and gulls all nest in this ice-filled area of the Davis Strait. Lumbering walrus haul out to the south at Monumental Island, which is also a well-known denning site for polar bears. Nearby, the Cumberland Sound is home to its own species of beluga whale.

Expedition Activities
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Zodiac Tour, Hiking & Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Marvel at the colossal vertical cliffs of ancient Archean rocks, standing as Canada's oldest stones, shaped over 2.5 to 4 billion years
  • Discover a bird enthusiast's paradise with nesting black guillemots, ptarmigans, and gulls
  • Keep an eye out for walruses, polar bears unique beluga whales that thrive in the icy Davis Strait
Akpatok Island, NU Day 10

With the largest number of breeding thick-billed murres in Canada, Akpatok Island - whose name in Inuktitut means thick-billed murre - is an important birding area. More than half a million pairs make their home on the ledges of the sheer limestone cliffs, while glaucous gulls keep a beady eye out for unprotected chicks and eggs. Seals, walruses and polar bears make up the scene. The brutish act of cannibalism was practiced here as recently as 1900.

Expedition Activities
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Zodiac Tour with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
  • Duration: 01 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Witness the breathtaking beauty of Akpatok Island's towering limestone coastal cliffs, ranging from 150 to 250 m in height, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight
  • Experience the island's diverse wildlife, including thick-billed murres (aka Brunnich's guillemots) and auks
  • Keep an eye out for walruses, seals, and polar bears resting on drifting ice floes, which made Akpatok a traditional hunting ground for the Inuit
Torngat Mountains National Park, NL Day 11

Staffed completely by Inuit, Torngat Mountains National Park takes its name from the Inuktitut word Tongait, meaning place of spirits. We have a rare chance to follow in the footsteps of Inuit as they share their stories of spirits and traditions in their homeland, where for centuries they have been fishing and hunting polar bears and caribou. This magical land made up of dramatically spectacular mountains and deep fjords nudging up to iceberg-filled waters is only accessible by boat.

Expedition Activities
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Cruising & zodiac cruising with Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Torngat Mountains, the ancestral lands of the Labrador Inuit
  • Discover the significance of the park's name, "Tongait" - a place of spirits in Inuktitut - reflecting the deep connection between the land and its people
  • Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the fjords and iceberg-filled waters on a zodiac cruise with your knowledgeable Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (weather permitting)
Day at sea Day 12-13

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Bonne Bay, Woody Point, NL Day 14

Bonne Bay is a fjord located on the west coast of Newfoundland, and Woody Point is a small town on its south side. It is known for its heritage buildings, stunning bay views, and surrounding mountains. Bonne Bay is part of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shore Excursion
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Gros Morne National Park
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Experience the awe-inspiring geological wonders of Gros Morne National Park, where billion-year-old rocks and continental collision history are exposed
  • Discover the region's rich cultural heritage of the Inuit, Maritime Archaic Natives, Beothuk Natives and early European settlers
  • Explore exhibits at Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and learn about the early settlers who made this land their home
Tablelands Hike: A Rare Piece of History
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Explore the surreal barren, orange landscape shaped by eroding mountains over 400 million years
  • Witness the unique Tablelands, inspiring Gros Morne National Park's UNESCO World Heritage Site status
  • Observe remarkable plant adaptations in iron and magnesium-rich soil, defying challenging conditions
Day at sea Day 15

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

Halifax, NS Day 16

Nova Scotia’s lively capital is rich in nautical history and charm. Its seafaring stories can be discovered in the maritime museums, fortresses and bunkers that are peppered throughout the city. There is also an interesting counterculture contingent here, with striking public art and quirky shops on every other corner. Halifax is also home to plenty of fantastic seafood options, from street vendors to fine dining restaurants. The surrounding shorelines are beautiful and also worth exploring. Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse, is a favourite spot.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

More Information

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the bow and aft, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
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Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
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Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
Price From
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Premium Suite
49 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK