Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Cruise overview

See the infinity of the polar expanses unfurl its grandeur during an expedition cruise taking you from Greenland to the Canadian Far North 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.

Nuuk, with its colourful houses facing the ocean, is the first port of call on your expedition 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 or on foot, you will criss-cross the territory that the Inuit share with polar bears, musk oxen, seals and whales. 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 spot Minke whales 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. These attest to the presence of the Vikings as far back as 1000 and will plunge you into the past of the first Europeans who arrived on the North American continent for the whaling trade

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, ice, 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 Expedition Leader 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.?