Canadian Arctic Explorer

Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes. Take a possible trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where herds of musk oxen roam free, the Arctic Circle Trail hike begins and you may witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. Back in town at the Kangerlussuaq Museum you find a look at the town’s modern history, as well as that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For scientific minds, discover the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility..

Few travel milestones are as memorable as crossing the fabled Arctic Circle. As your ship sails north, you join the ranks of explorers who have ventured into these high latitudes, where the sun lingers on the horizon and ice-choked seas define the landscape. Many mariners celebrate this passage with the lighthearted tradition of becoming a “Blue Nose,” a symbolic order marking your entry into the true High Arctic. Whether you mark it with a toast on deck or simply savor the view, this moment is a highlight of any polar journey.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

At the end of the Arctic Circle Trail sits Sisimiut, where modern and traditional cultures come together to create a rich tapestry of Greenland’s history. Take a historical hike through Tele Island, known as Sallinnguit, home to the Inuit people for over 4,000 years. Here, ruins from various eras whisper tales of the past. Venture into the wild heart of Sisimiut on an ATV, ready to conquer the rugged terrain that makes this part of Greenland a beacon for adventurous souls. As you amble through the picturesque old town, you’ll be greeted by charming colonial houses that stand as sentinels of history, their colors and architecture narrating stories of bygone times. Stop by a local shop to pick up an authentic muskoxen wool pelt, known as Qiviut, obtained from local hunters.

Within Greenland’s famed Disko Bay you find the awe-inspiring Eqi Glacier. The mesmerizing blue ice shelves inspire a sense of wonder. Often referred to as the Calving Glacier – as it is one of the country’s most active glaciers – if you explore Eqi you’re likely to see chunks of calving ice fall from the mass and into the water with a resounding crack. Lying only about 50 miles north of Ilulissat, you’re also surrounded by towering icebergs upon navigating the glacier. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Disko Bay is a wonderland of shifting light, breaching whales, and iceberg-laden waters. Wildlife thrives here, and sightings range from fin whales, walrus and seabird colonies to the occasional polar bear on a mass of drifting ice. This region also tells a fascinating geological story in the lava flows and basalt formations that shaped the dramatic coastline of the bay’s namesake island, created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. With UNESCO-listed icefjords and some of Greenland’s most active glaciers, every bend in the bay promises a new opportunity for awe, underscoring the expedition’s spirit of discovery. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Located just off Baffin Island’s eastern coast, Qikiqtarjuaq offers an authentic window into Canadian Inuit life. This remote hamlet is known for its mountainous backdrop, iceberg-filled bays, and warm community spirit. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life such as bowhead whales and narwhals, and the region is home to a thriving population of polar bears. Meaning “Big Island” in Inuktitut, Qikiqtarjuaq invites you to discover how Arctic traditions, from hunting and fishing to carving and storytelling, are vital expressions of Inuit culture passed down through generations. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Uninhabited and ecologically rich, Lady Franklin Island is a haven for Arctic wildlife. Zodiac cruising here may reveal polar bears roaming the shoreline, walrus hauled out on ice floes, and seabirds soaring above its rugged cliffs. Steeped in dramatic scenery and remote tranquility, this island on the Davis Strait exemplifies the untamed beauty of the Canadian High Arctic and offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Named for its towering rock formations, Monumental Island is a key destination for spotting polar bears and walrus in the wild. These craggy outcrops rise from frigid waters, often serving as haul-out spots for Arctic wildlife. As you explore by Zodiac, listen for the bark of walrus or watch for the silent movement of polar bears navigating the shoreline. The island also supports thriving bird colonies, making it a photographer’s dream. Remote and untouched, Monumental Island is a quintessential Arctic encounter — raw, real, and exhilarating. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

This scattered chain of small islands near the entrance to Hudson Strait marks a convergence point for Arctic marine species. Zodiac expeditions through the Button Islands can reveal pods of beluga whales, playful seals, and possibly narwhals — all navigating the nutrient-rich currents. The islands are deeply tied to Inuit history as seasonal hunting grounds, lending cultural significance to the diverse wildlife in these waters. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Sailing through Saglek Fjord offers a jaw-dropping introduction to the Torngat Mountains National Park. Sheer granite cliffs rise thousands of feet from the water, while tumbling waterfalls and deep-blue glacial valleys create an unforgettable tableau. The fjord is home to diverse Arctic wildlife — from polar bears prowling the shoreline to beluga whales swimming near its mouth. Co-managed with Inuit partners, this national park reflects a deep connection between land, culture, and traditional heritage. Scenic navigation here is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Hebron Fjord combines breathtaking Arctic scenery with poignant human history. As your yacht glides through towering bluffs and mirrored waters, you’ll be entering the site of a former Moravian mission and Inuit settlement — a place that still holds deep cultural resonance. Though abandoned in the 1950s, Hebron’s haunting remnants stand as a reminder of the colonial and spiritual crossroads of the region. The surrounding cliffs are prime territory for spotting black bears, caribou, and soaring birds of prey, setting meaningful historical reflection against a backdrop of untamed natural beauty. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Known for its wild, glacier-carved terrain and rich wildlife encounters, Tikkoatokak Bay nestles at the base of the Kiglapait Mountains. Sailing through this scenic fjord brings views of rugged peaks and ancient geological formations, along with the possibility of spotting polar bears patrolling the shoreline. This area is part of Inuit homeland territory, and the landscape reflects a living cultural legacy. Icebergs may drift silently past as you take in the serenity of this isolated bay — a testament to the remarkable power of nature and the enduring spirit of the Indigenous people. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Step into history at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located at the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, this archaeological treasure reveals the remains of Viking sod houses dating back over 1,000 years. Walk among the recreated Norse buildings, meet historical interpreters, and imagine life as it was during early transatlantic exploration. Surrounded by windswept shores and wild grasses, this site offers a powerful connection to the spirit of discovery and humanity’s passion for exploration. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

As you sail the Strait of Belle Isle toward the fishing village of Red Bay, keep your binoculars handy to spy majestic whales breaching the surf, playful seals basking on rocky coastlines, and myriad seabirds painting the skies. A shore landing offers the opportunity to hike coastal trails for breathtaking views and discover the region’s cultural tapestry, woven with the stories of Basque whalers who created an outpost here in the 16th century. The UNESCO-listed Red Bay National Historic Site beckons explorers with its tales of the pre-industrial European whaling industry and vivid accounts of maritime life. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Nestled along the shores of Bonne Bay in Gros Morne National Park, Norris Point is a gateway to one of the world’s most geologically significant landscapes. Sailing into the bay offers the chance to explore the park’s dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and unique Tablelands — a rare glimpse of Earth’s exposed mantle. A shore landing in the quiet fishing village receives a warm Newfoundland welcome and provides access to hiking trails, cultural centers, and sweeping views across the water. Whether joining a guided geology walk or simply soaking in the scenery, Norris Point invites connection with nature on a profound scale. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

A charming enclave on Bonne Bay, Woody Point is known for its coastal beauty and deep connection to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A shore landing in the village’s historic waterfront of brightly painted buildings leads to scenic trails and the renowned Discovery Centre, offering insights into the area’s tectonic wonders. Hike across the barren Tablelands — a striking landscape of orange rock formed by an ancient continental collision that exposed Earth’s mantle — and then explore the local music and craft shops. Woody Point pairs geological grandeur with cultural warmth. Captain’s Choice Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and ever-changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. We encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure, spontaneity, and flexibility as your Captain works with your expedition team to determine possible sites for shore landings and Zodiac safaris. While itineraries serve to guide your exploration, all routes are always subject to change in order to prioritize safety and create the optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

A taste of France awaits on the windswept shores of Saint-Pierre, the capital of a small archipelago and French overseas territory just off the coast of Newfoundland. The island exhibits its French flair in narrow streets, baguette-filled bakeries, and charming cafés. Take a stroll along the waterfront and visit local museums that reveal Saint-Pierre’s unique heritage, including its time as a smuggler’s haven during the Prohibition era in America. Shop duty-free for French fare such as fine wines and cheeses, or venture out onto the water in search of the region’s vibrant marine life, including whales, seals, dolphins and puffins.

One of the first European settlements in North America, St. John’s offers a rich history, diverse cultures and beautiful vistas from every angle. Disembarking in the heart of downtown, meander charming streets lined with boutiques, galleries, Irish pubs and the brightly colored homes of Jelly Bean Row. Take in panoramic views through the glass walls of The Rooms, a massive art and history museum where the past meets the future, and hike the North Head Trail to Signal Hill for an equally scenic perspective on the harbor. Descending to the shore, you’ll find the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi, where artisans’ studios stand alongside the boats bobbing in the harbor, and the local brewery serves craft beer made with water sourced from icebergs.