“Heart of the Arctic” Cruise – Greenland to Baffin Island

Cross the Arctic Circle

Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat, or Greenland! Begin your journey by sailing down Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometer-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic Circle on your way.

Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base.

Take a Zodiac Cruise at the Foot of a Glacier

Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature.

See why Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord lives up to its name and marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop.

Explore this sublime glacial landscape by ship and by Zodiac. The waters here are relatively warm, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés

Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest.

The old harbor includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.

Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland

Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Canada. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland.

Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Try your hand at athletic feats during an interactive cultural performance of Inuit games.

Through shared experiences and interactions, develop a deep appreciation for the culture and gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.

Enjoy Fantastic Birdwatching

Pay a visit to uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay at over nine hundred square kilometers.

It’s named for the akpait (thick-billed murres) that nest on ledges of the lofty cliffs and is home to Canada’s largest colony of breeding pairs.

Take a Zodiac cruise to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice, keeping your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other marine life.

Large and shallow, Ungava Bay is a rich ecosystem and home to a variety of wildlife, including an endangered beluga population.

Hike the Tundra 

Explore the treeless tundra of Nunavik’s Ungava Peninsula. Delve into its geological wonders, immerse yourself in rich flora and fauna, and connect with Inuit cultural educators who will guide you through their homeland. Enjoy guided hikes and a Zodiac cruise, with interpretation from our expedition team at every step. Keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife and take time to absorb the quiet beauty of this northern landscape. 

Receive a Warm Welcome in an Inuit Community 

Journey to Salluit, the second-northernmost community in Nunavik. With about 1,500 residents, this vibrant settlement offers an authentic opportunity to experience Inuit life. Explore local craftsmanship, view carvings and jewelry, and meet the artisans who create them. Join a community gathering at the local hall to learn about both traditional and contemporary ways of living in the Arctic. Cap the visit with a scenic hike overlooking the spectacular fjord and surrounding tundra. 

Visit World-Famous Art Studios

Meet the artists and visit the studios that make Kinngait proud—plus, have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art!

Have a chance to talk with the old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers who continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for fine art.

Kinngait was ground zero for the Inuit art market when, in 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative was established—the oldest professional Inuit printmaking studio in Canada.

Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears

Join the expedition team out on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait. Enjoy exploring alongside Inuit, gaining an intimate understanding of the region’s charming wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife—polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds—to capture the perfect photograph.

We’ll make the most of every opportunity to explore whether on foot or by embarking on a Zodiac cruise amidst stunning backdrops, as we search for the abundant wildlife that call this region home.

Witness Wildlife, Geology, and Ice

Sail through this beautiful bay named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife.

Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendor.

Wave a Fond Farewell

Transfer by Zodiac through Iqaluit harbor for your charter flight back home. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital.

A population of nearly 8,000 calls the city home. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more.

The vessel for this voyage is the Ocean Nova, a compact and efficient expedition ship designed specifically for polar travel. Built in Denmark for Greenland’s icy waters, it carries just 79 guests, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Its shallow draft and fleet of Zodiacs allow rapid shore landings and flexible exploration in ice-choked waters. 

Guests enjoy a glass-enclosed panoramic lounge, roomy dining area with open seating, and comfortable lounges for presentations and relaxation. Additional amenities include a gym, library, medical clinic, and 24-hour beverage station. Large picture windows throughout the ship keep the focus on the surrounding scenery. 

Ocean Nova’s compact size ensures every guest enjoys close interaction with the expedition team and Arctic environment. 

• No Single Supplement! Solo Adventurers are welcome. Most cabin categories on the ship are available as private cabin to single travelers at no additional cost.
• A recommended packing list will be provided upon booking.

PLEASE NOTE:

This program features activities such as walking, wildlife viewing, and Zodiac cruising, all at a relatively easy to moderate level of exertion. The majority of shore landings are undertaken using Zodiacs. Zodiac embarkations involve descending gangway stairs with double handrails and stepping into the Zodiac from a small platform at water level (assistance is provided).