Itinerary

IQALUIT
Welcome to the Arctic! Baffin Island is the fifth-largest in the world, and Nunavut’s capital, Iqaluit, sits nestled at the end of its largest bay, Frobisher Bay. It is a growing community, evidenced by the ongoing construction of modern houses, shops and amenities along paved roads. We will travel by Zodiac to board our vessel after landing here on our charter flight.

McLELLAN STRAIT
At the northernmost tip of Labrador, between the mainland and Killiniq Island, the entrance to the Hudson Strait is marked by an increased chance to view wildlife. The area attracts marine mammals such as polar bears, whales and seals due to the mixing of ocean currents from the Labrador Sea.

NUNATSIAVUT (6 days)
Approaching the northern tip of Labrador, we are reminded of northern tundra as we explore rocky outcrops and skerries. Venturing south into the bays and fjords along the Northern Labrador Coast we notice the change in environment to a more lush flora softening the sharp spikes of the Torngat Mountain Range. The fjords here reach well back into the depths of the Torngats as we are overshadowed by cliffs rising straight up from the sea, peaking at 1,700 m (5,600 feet), the highest point of land in Labrador.

Set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, Hebron reveals a heartbreaking story of relocation. This is an excellent starting point for hikes of varying difficulty in the surrounding hills.

Nain is the administrative capital of the newly formed Nunatsiavut government. Formed as the first mission in Canada by the Moravian Church in 1771, Nain is the most northerly living community on the Labrador coast. Many of Labrador’s best known carvers reside in Nain.

Hopedale, a charming and hospitable community, is the capital of the new Nunatsiavut government. There will be opportunities to buy local handicrafts and meet some of the people.

The most southerly Inuit community in the world, Rigolet is located on Hamilton Inlet, at the entrance to freshwater Lake Melville. Although there is no road access for the 350 residents, the salt water keeps Rigolet accessible throughout the winter by ferry. Two ecological terrains sandwich the town, making it an ideal place to observe wildlife known to frequent the coniferous forest and sub-Arctic tundra. We will watch for Minke and Humpback whales as we sail through the waters here.

CAPE PORCUPINE
Just south of Hamilton Inlet and north of Sandwich Bay, on the southern coast of Labrador, the cape divides a long stretch of sand beach known in the Norse Sagas as the Wunderstrands. Along much of the beach length, boreal forest starts abruptly from the highest tide line. There are very few large offshore islands near Cape Porcupine, making it a perfect environment for scenery viewing from our Zodiacs. It is a perfect habitat for seabirds, especially all three species of Scoters.

BATTLE HARBOUR
A bustling fishing community until the codfish moratorium in 1992 forced it to cease its fishing operations, the National Historic District of Battle Harbour has undergone extensive restoration work. Our visit will lead us in an engaging recount of the site’s history.

L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS
L’Anse aux Meadows is the only authenticated Viking site in North America. At the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, it is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.


CONCHE
On the Great Northern Peninsula, the people of Conche welcome us into their charming community. Complete with ties to its history, religion, the fishery and wildlife, Conche is made up of mostly Irish descent. We will explore the colourful town on foot, but don’t be surprised if you are invited in by local residents for a ‘mug up’!

CHANGE ISLANDS
In Hamilton Sound, the Change Islands are an artist’s and photographer’s paradise, rich in geological features and historical architecture. With salt box houses and red ochre fishing stages and stores that hug its charming coves, it is easy to see why these islands have become a very popular location for vacation homes.

ST. JOHN’S
We disembark the M/S Orlova this morning, to make our connections home from St. John’s.