Itinerary
Kuujjuaq
Before it was named Kuujjuaq, early fur traders knew this region as
Fort
Chimo. A mispronunciation of saimuk, which means ‘Let’s
shake hands’, ‘
chimo’ was often used to welcome early fur traders to the post.
Today,
Kuujjuaq, the administrative capital of the Inuit territory of Nunavik,
is a
bustling community combining traditional Inuit culture with the
conveniences of modern day life.
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.
Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve (3 days)
From the Inuktitut word Torngait , meaning “place of spirits”,
the
Torngat Mountains have been home to Inuit and their predecessors for
thousands of years. Venturing south into the bays and fjords along
the
Northern Labrador Coast we notice the change in environment as lush
flora softs 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,
the highest point of land in Labrador. Our intention is to make
expeditionary stops in the northern reaches of Labrador, including
the
Torngat National Park Reserve.
Hebron
This is the site of a Moravian Mission Station, constructed in
1833
complete with church, classrooms, administrative offices and living
quarters. In the 18th century, the first Europeans to settle north
of
Hamilton Inlet were missionaries of the Moravian Church and their
main
concern was the spreading of Christianity. Now undergoing a major
restoration, the site of the old mission is set against a backdrop
of
spectacular scenery. This site is an excellent starting point for
hikes of
varying degrees of difficulty.
Hopedale
Originally called Agvituk meaning ‘place of whales’, Hopedale
was first
established in 1782 by Moravian Missionaries. Today the community
is a
mix of Inuit and settler populations. Traditional Inuit practices
remain
strong and most of the six hundred plus residents are members of
the Labrador
Inuit Association. The Hopedale Mission is considered to be the
oldest
wooden-frame building east of Quebec and has been declared a National
Historic Site. There is a wonderfully run museum located by the
Mission.
Battle
Harbour
A long-time Adventure Canada favourite, Battle Harbour was once a
bustling fishing community until the codfish moratorium in 1992 forced
it to cease its fishing operations. Recently Battle Harbour has undergone
extensive restoration work and now holds the dual designation of National
Historic Site and National Historic District. Our visit will feature
an
engaging recount of the site’s history.
Gros Morne
It has been said that: “Gros Morne is to geology what the Galapagos
are to biology.” Our day is spent exploring the Tablelands, a
600-metre high plateau that forms one of the world’s best examples
of ancient rock exposedfrom the earth’s interior. The spectacular
scenery of Precambrian cliffs,
deep inland fjords and volcanic ‘pillow rocks’ formed as lava cooled
underwater - is home to moose, woodland caribou and giant Arctic
hare,
as well as over 30 species of wild orchids.
La
Poile
La Poile is an isolated fishing community of 180 on the south coast
of the
Newfoundland and is accessible only by ship. The name La Poile
comes
from the presence of citizens from the French islands of St.
Pierre and
Miquelon who would come to the area to fish and collect timber
as early as
the 1700s. Although permanent settlement did not occur until
well into the
1800s, American ships fished in the area of La Poile Bay as early
as 1739.
St. Pierre
A population of approximately 6,500 resides on the island of St. Pierre,
all from various descents includes French, Basque, Breton, and Normand.
St. Pierre’s houses somewhat resemble its history: an eclectic
collection of
colours and style aligned on picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys.
Halifax
Halifax is the cultural, economic and technological centre of Nova Scotia, combining
big city sophistication with small town charm. Our shipboard journey comes to
an end in this historic city and we prepare for the private reception and then
a show that evening showcasing the work produced
during the journey. Overnight in Halifax with flights home the following day.
