Join us for a unique voyage to one of Canada's least-visited regions - the coast of northern Labrador. Along the way we visit important historical and archaeological sites, and take the time for a leisurely exploration of the uncharted Fiords and narrow channels formed where the Torngat Mountain Range falls into the deep North Atlantic waters. The views are breathtaking as our voyage takes us steadily deeper into the drifting masses of sea ice and icebergs.
Day 1 St. John's
Come early and enjoy the parks, historical sites, music, food and famous east coast hospitality before we depart. Watch for breaching Humpback whales as we cruise past the Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve, home to some of the world's largest colonies of puffins, storm petrels, and gannets.
Day 2 to 10
Among the places we may visit are:
Makkovik
Rich in natural and cultural heritage, Makkovik is surrounded by many offshore islands, deep bays and several major rivers. We explore the town’s rich combination of Inuit and settler traditions.
L'Anse aux Meadows
The UNESCO world heritage site where Norsman Leif Ericson is thought to have founded "Vinland" in 1000 AD. As we explore hte reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins, we'll see evidence that the Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Columbus.
Battle Harbour
One of the oldest and most picturesque communities along Labroador's south coast. Once a bustling fishery, it is now abandoned and silent. Beautifully resorted, it provides a marvelous place to wander and reflect on how life has changed in such a short period of time.
Hebron
We sail past the dramatic heights of towering rock and Mugford Tickle on our way to Hebron. Inhabited by indigenous peoples at least 6, 000 years ago, Hebron is the site of a Moravian mission station first constructed in 1833. The scenery here is spectacular, as we explore the abandoned buildings and hike out into the hills.
Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve
The north coast of Labrador, where the Torngat Mountain Range rises to more than 1,800 meters (almost 6,000 feet), is among the wildest and most magnificent coastlines in North America. We marvel at the cascading waterfalls and ancient burial grounds that dot the shoreline, and take to our zodiac boats to explore these remote fiords, carved by glaciers millions of years ago - a true photographer's paradise.
Killniq
Killiniq and the Button Islands mark the entrance to the Hudson Strait. The ocean here is rich in nutrients, attracting marine mammals including polar bears, seals and several species of whales. Killniq is the site of an abandoned Moravian mission and until quite recently, was a thriving Inuit village. It is deserted now save for the many polar bears that spend their time waiting for the winter ice to return.
Day 11 Kuujjuaq
Catch the excitement as we carefully manoeuvre up the Koksoak River to our anchorage just outside Kuujjuaq. After a brief tour of the town and buffet lunch, we transfer to the airport and prepare for our journey home, enriched by the many wonderful memories of our northern adventure.
As with all our expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other conditions will dictate our itinerary and shore excursions. Unusually strong tides and currents combined with drifting sea ice means our route and landing sites will vary from one expedition to the next. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favorable conditions.