Greenland To Nova Scotia Exploring The Canadian Arctic

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

Departure: 15 Sep 25 / 30 Sep 25 (16 days)
1    Kangerlussuaq        Greenland    Monday, 15 Sep 25
2    Day at sea        At sea    Tuesday, 16 Sep 25
3    Qeqertarsuaq        Greenland    Wednesday, 17 Sep 25-
4    Ilulissat, Disko Bay        Greenland    Thursday, 18 Sep 25 
5    Sisimiut        Greenland    Friday, 19 Sep 25
6    Nuuk        Greenland    Saturday, 20 Sep 25
7    Day at sea        At sea    Sunday, 21 Sep 25
8    Iqaluit, NU        Canada    Monday, 22 Sep 25 
9    Lady Franklin Island, NU        Canada    Tuesday, 23 Sep 25 
10    Torngat Mountains National Park, NL        Canada    Wednesday, 24 Sep 25
11    Hebron, NL        Canada    Thursday, 25 Sep 25
12    Day at sea        At sea    Friday, 26 Sep 25
13    L'Anse Aux Meadows, NL        Canada    Saturday, 27 Sep 25
14    Bonne Bay, Woody Point, NL        Canada    Sunday, 28 Sep 25 
15    Day at sea        At sea    Monday, 29 Sep 25
16    Halifax, NS        Canada    Tuesday, 30 Sep 25

Departure: 25 Sep 24 - 10 Oct 24 (16 days)
1    Kangerlussuaq        Greenland    Wednesday, 25 Sep 24
2    Day at sea        At sea    Thursday, 26 Sep 24
3    Qeqertarsuaq        Greenland    Friday, 27 Sep 24 
4    Ilulissat, Disko Bay        Greenland    Saturday, 28 Sep 24
5    Sisimiut        Greenland    Sunday, 29 Sep 24
6    Nuuk        Greenland    Monday, 30 Sep 24 
7    Day at sea        At sea    Tuesday, 01 Oct 24 
8    Iqaluit, NU        Canada    Wednesday, 02 Oct 24
9    Lady Franklin Island, NU        Canada    Thursday, 03 Oct 24
10    Torngat Mountains National Park, NL        Canada    Friday, 04 Oct 24 
11    Hebron, NL        Canada    Saturday, 05 Oct 24 
12    Day at sea        At sea    Sunday, 06 Oct 24
13    L'Anse Aux Meadows, NL        Canada    Monday, 07 Oct 24
14    Bonne Bay, Woody Point, NL        Canada    Tuesday, 08 Oct 24
15    Day at sea        At sea    Wednesday, 09 Oct 24 
16    Halifax, NS        Canada    Thursday, 10 Oct 24 DAY 1 KANGERLUSSUAQ
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 2 DAY AT SEA
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.

DAY 3 QEQERTARSUAQ
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(See optional activities)

DAY 4 ILULISSAT, DISKO BAY
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(See optional activities)

DAY 5 SISIMIUT
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(See optional activities)

DAY 6 NUUK
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(See optional activities)

DAY 7 DAY AT SEA
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.

DAY 8 IQALUIT, NU
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(See optional activities)

DAY 9 LADY FRANKLIN ISLAND, NU
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(See optional activities)

DAY 10 AKPATOK ISLAND, NU
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(See optional activities)

DAY 11 TORNGAT MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, NL
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(See optional activities)

DAY 12-13 DAY AT SEA
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.

DAY 14 BONNE BAY, WOODY POINT, NL
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(See optional activities)

DAY 15 DAY AT SEA
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.

DAY 16 HALIFAX, NS
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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 3 QEQERTARSUAQ
Expedition Activities

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

DAY 4 ILULISSAT, DISKO BAY
Shore Excursion

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

DAY 5 SISIMIUT
Shore Excursion

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

DAY 6 NUUK
Shore Excursion

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 8 IQALUIT, NU
Shore Excursion

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

DAY 9 LADY FRANKLIN ISLAND, NU
Expedition Activities

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

DAY 10 AKPATOK ISLAND, NU
Expedition Activities

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

DAY 11 TORNGAT MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, NL
Expedition Activities

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 14 BONNE BAY, WOODY POINT, NL
Shore Excursion

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