Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Cruise overview

See the infinity of the boreal expanses unfurl its grandeur during a cruise taking you from Greenland to the Nunavut to reach the coastlines of Labrador and the sumptuous island of Newfoundland. Encounters with local people, the exciting history of the Arctic territories and many unforgettable hikes will mark this 19-day journey aboard L’Austral.

Sisimiut, with its colourful houses facing the ocean, is the first port of call on your exploration before crossing the Labrador Sea to reach the Canadian shores of Nunavut.  When the weather is fine, the mountains are reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the gigantic fjord which will lead you up to the Grinnell Glacier. In Zodiac dinghies and on foot, you will criss-cross the territory that the Inuit share with polar bears, musk oxen, seals and cetaceans. The ramparts formed by the limestone cliffs around Akpatok Island have made it inaccessible to humans, but perfect for the thick-billed murres that nest in its fissures.

A succession of landscapes will leave you with sentiment of tranquillity, inherent to the contemplation of these spaces, which exceed any known proportions. You will soon discover the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and its highest mountains, those encircling the splendid Nachvak Fjord. A little further on, the town of Rigolet – only accessible by the sea – will offer you, along its bay and its lake, a unique observation point to maybe spot rorquals and the region’s birds.

The last part of your cruise will open the doors to the island of Newfoundland and, while it seems very remote, it has a great many historic sites. Your exploration will begin with L’Anse aux Meadows. Like an ancient relic, the archaeological site bears witness to the audacity of the Viking explorers who once set foot on these shores. Further south, Twillingate, an insular jewel, offers you an enchanting network of coastal paths that wind their way along the rugged coastline. Then, picturesque Bonavista, cradle of the discovery of Cabot, will reveal its rich maritime history and its panoramas of breathtakingly spectacular geological formations. Finally, Saint-John’s, the lively capital nestling in a natural haven, gracefully blends its historic heritage with contemporary cultural hustle and bustle, thus crowning this land of striking contrasts.

Your journey continues in the heart of the peaceful Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. In these distant lands, the hilly horizon is dotted with ponds, the forest blends with the peat bogs, and the coastlines alternate between lagoons and sheer cliffs. During a hike, attempt to get a glimpse of the wildlife that is found here, including white-tailed deer.

On the coastlines of Nova Scotia, Halifax – the provincial capital steeped in history –, surrounded by sumptuous nature, marks the end of your odyssey.

Itinerary is subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the naturalists will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.