17-night Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada Cruise

Nuuk was founded by the unfailingly optimistic Hans Egede - the Danish missionary with soul-conversions on his mind - who promptly named the settlement Good Hope. Today Nuuk is small by modern standards, with a total population of only 14,000. Despite a wealth of land and a paucity of people, Nuuk has insisted on housing the population in immense apartment blocks with imaginative names like Blok P - a kind of Gulag on ice - and the urban sprawl is now spreading out along the road to the airport. Kolonihavnen is a pleasant exception to the rest of Nuuk's Lego-city look: it's a picturesque 18th-century fishing village in the heart of Nuuk and gives some idea of what the town looked like before the industrial harbour was built. Nuuk's real attraction lies in its proximity to any number of excellent day hikes into the hinterland and the fabulous views from the tops of the nearby mountains. Organised tours, boat trips and the rental of equipment is easier from the capital.

Iqaluit, formerly known as Frobisher Bay, is the capital and administrative center of Canada's newest territory, Nunavut. Situated in the hills overlooking the Koojesse Inlet, and is only accessible via aircraft, dogsled, snowmobile and some boats. There are a number of cultural attractions in Iqaluit including, the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of Inuit and Arctic items. Iqaluit also has a number of galleries showcasing Inuit art work, available both for viewing and for purchase. Visitors may also want to explore the stunning arctic landscape and the ruins of structure built by the Thule people at nearby Qaummaarviit Territoria Historic Park.

Akpatok Island is located in the Ungava bay of northern Quebec, Canada. Accessible only by air, Akpatok Island rises out of the water as sheer cliffs above the sea surface. A natural wonderland of snow, ice and limestone, this island is know for it's wildlife and hordes of breeding birds making Akpatok a traditional hunting ground for native Inuit people.

L'Anse-aux-Meadows is the oldest European habitation site in North America. Led by Leif Eriksson, son of the Eric the Red, the Scandinavian Vikings crossed the North Atlantic in 1000 AD, becoming the first known Europeans to land in North America. Now protected as a national park, the historic site is set on the edge of the Strait of Belle Isle, across from Labrador, in a rough, rocky northern environment. It's a fascinating place, made special by the unobtrusive, low-key approach taken in its development. The Viking settlement includes replicas of sod buildings, complete with smoky scent, and there are also eight unearthed originals of wood and sod. There's an interpretive center to help make sense of things, and some Viking snacks might even be offered. Two-hour tours on a replica Viking ship are also offered.

Destination Guide

The small town of Twillingate, 170 mi/275 km north of St. John's, is on an island off the north shore of Newfoundland and Labrador—you can reach it by causeway.

Twillingate is a good place to see icebergs in the early summer. The Long Point Lighthouse is a great vantage point for watching them float by—it's also good for spying whales. Twillingate also features a wide, striking harbor.

While in town, visit the Twillingate Museum (eclectic collection of artifacts from the area) and the Prime Berth Historic Fishing Centre. The fishing center has more than you ever wanted to know about the industry, as well as an interesting gift shop.

In July, Twillingate hosts the Fish, Fun and Folk Festival, with music, dancing, storytelling, seafood and crafts.

Fogo Island, home to a series of scenic and remote fishing villages, is nearby and can be reached via a 45-minute ferry ride from Farewell.

Destination Guide

St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.

Destination Guide

St Pierre is the southernmost island of the territory of St Pierre and Miquelon situated in the North Atlantic Ocean south of the coast of Newfoundland. It is a French protectorate consisting of two small groups of islands principally St Pierre, Miquelon, and Langlade. The islands are mostly barren and rocky but are important for cod-fishing.

Destination Guide

Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s center of business, research and education. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of heritage and culture. The Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates downtown Halifax. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of Historic Properties, or a walk in delightful Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Halifax’s sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the trip worthwhile. Housed in former Dominion Building, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features Nova Scotia folk art and maritime artists. A two-hour walk will easily show you the major highlights of historic and scenic Halifax. Visit Historic Properties, St. Paul’s Church and Province House, the latter two being the oldest buildings in the city. Granite Springs is rated one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Atlantic Canada.

Destination Guide