Few destinations on earth can compare to the Arctic, with its ethereal splendor of towering icebergs, glaciers, and majestic fjords, and its fascinating human history revealed at historic sites and tiny fishing villages. The abundant wildlife is equally amazing: spouting whales breach in the sea, arctic fox and hare roam the interior, and polar bears, harp seals, puffins, and other seabirds thrive along the unspoiled seacoast. Our expedition cruise aboard the luxury vessel Clelia II takes us along the rocky Labrador Coast to Baffin Island, then crosses the Davis Strait to Greenland, a spectacular land of glaciers, fjords, and centuries-old villages whose life is closely linked to the sea.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-5
Toronto, Canada / Embark / Montreal

Embarking on the Clelia II in Toronto, we navigate through the renowned Ten Thousand Islands, then enter the St. Lawrence Seaway en route to Montreal, known for its Old World charms and avant-garde ambiance. In Montreal we explore the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal, the old quarter, and walk the hills of Mont-Royal Park, the city’s most famous open space. Days 4 and 5 are at sea.

Days 6-9
The Coast of Labrador

Cruising along the coast of Labrador, we call at Red Bay, established 400 years ago by Basque settlers, and Battle Harbour, both steeped in fishing and maritime traditions. From Cape Harrison, our explorations by Zodiac along the unspoiled and spectacular coast include “Iceberg Alley,” where thousands of icebergs traverse the waters every spring and summer before melting in the warmer waters off Newfoundland. After visiting the Piulimatsivik-Nain Museum, with its exhibits on the indigenous Inuits of Labrador and the Moravian missionary community that settled here in 1771, we head along the coast of northern Labrador. This wilderness of rugged seacoast, fast-running rivers, and breathtaking mountains is rich in marine life and shorebirds, especially puffins, which breed here in large colonies. We spend a day exploring the awesome scenery and rich birdlife and wildlife of the Button Islands by Zodiac.

Days 10-12
Baffin Island / Auyuittuq National Park

After a landing on the seldom-visited archipelago of the Lemieux Islands, we cruise to the Inuit village of Pangnirtung, located on a spectacular fjord. Our explorations include a visit to Auyuittuq National Park, a wonderland of jagged ice-capped peaks and glacier-carved valleys with abundant wildlife, including arctic hare, arctic fox, caribou, and polar bear. The waters off the park are home to ringed, bearded, and harp seals, beluga whales, narwhal, and walrus. Day 12 is at sea.

Days 13-16
The Coast of Greenland

Arriving in Greenland’s Disko Bay, we board Zodiacs to float among the icebergs and floes of the majestic Ilulissat Ice Fjord, an extension of the Greenland Ice Cap. After visiting the Inuit village of Ilulissat, set at the mouth of the fjord, we cruise south along the indented coast to Sismiut, where we visit homes dating from 1756. After disembarking in Kangerlussuaq, we fly to Montreal for an overnight before boarding homeward-bound flights.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks and sightseeing.

Explanation of Trip Levels