ARCTIC AND GREENLAND CRUISE ITINERARY
Day 1 – Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
Located in northern Baffin Island Pond Inlet is a small predominantly Inuit community with a population of roughly 1,500 inhabitants. Pond Inlet is also known as a major centre of Inuit art, especially printmaking and stone carving. The Inuit hunted caribou, ringed and harp seals, fish, polar bears, and walrus, as well as narwhals, geese, ptarmigans and Arctic hares long before European and American whalers came here to harvest bowhead whales.
Day 2 – Cape Hay, Bylot Island, Canada
Cape Hay offers a picturesque pitstop for a fantastic array of Arctic wildlife. The scenery in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada, lets you see amazing wildlife in a stunning landscape of glaciers, mountains, and vast tundra on Bylot Island. Bylot Island is one of the largest uninhabited lands on the planet, it sits next to Baffin Bay’s open waters. This rocky point called Cape Hay juts out into the icy Lancaster Sound, a migration path for seals, whales, and even the rare narwhal. You might even spot a polar bear here!
Day 3 – Buchan Gulf, Canada
Buchan Gulf is an isolated, elongated Arctic fjord located on the northeastern coast of Baffin Island in Canada’s Qikiqtaaluk Region. The closest community is the Inuit settlement of Pond Inlet, which is about 200 kilometres to the north. Buchan Gulf is a remote and dramatic landscape. The gulf is surrounded by tall, weather-worn cliffs. The cliffs are composed of hard Precambrian metamorphic rock. The Buchan Gulf is an Important Bird Area in Canada and is home to a large colony of northern fulmars. These seabirds nest on the cliffs along the gulf. Other wildlife that can be found in the area include polar bears, walruses, and narwhals.
Day 4 – Day at sea
Days at sea offer an ideal opportunity for relaxation and recreation. Whether this involves using the fitness facilities, using the spa amenities, whale watching, catching up on reading, or simply soaking in the sun.
Day 5 – Auyuituq National Park, Canada
In the heart of Canada’s Nunavut, on Baffin Island’s Cumberland Peninsula, lies Auyuittuq National Park. Imagine a classic Arctic landscape brought to life: massive glaciers, jagged peaks piercing the sky, and deep valleys carved by fjords. Auyuittuq National Park offers you one of the most beautiful and striking landscapes in Canada.
Day 6 – Cape Dyer, Nunavut, Canada
Venture deep into Canada’s Nunavut territory, to the southeastern tip of the mighty Baffin Island – the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest in the world! Here, you’ll find Cape Dyer, a remote wilderness paradise tucked above the Arctic Circle. Prepare to be stunned by a classic Arctic landscape – towering cliffs rise dramatically from the icy sea, softened by distant peaks capped in pure white snow. Baffin Island itself is enormous, covering an astounding 507,451 square kilometres.
Day 7 – Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Pangnirtung is a small Inuit hamlet located on Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. Pangnirtung means “place of the bull caribou” and sits at the mouth of a river surrounded by spectacular fiords, roughly 45 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Home to just under 1,500 people, Pangnirtung is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and its thriving Inuit art scene.
Day 7 – Kekerten Island, Canada
Kekerten Island is an uninhabited island in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. It’s the southernmost of the Kikastan Islands, situated in Cumberland Sound, just off Baffin Island’s Cumberland Peninsula. Today, Kekerten Island is a historic site known for its abandoned whaling station. The remains of houses, tools, and graves are scattered around the island, offering a glimpse into the past. Kekerten Island is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing. Polar bears, walruses, and narwhals can all be spotted in the area.
Day 8 – Monumental Island, Canada
Monumental Island, also known as Oomienwa in Inuktitut, is a remote and rugged island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It’s an offshore island of Baffin Island, nestled within the Davis Strait territory of Nunavut. The island is rocky and barren, sculpted by the harsh Arctic environment. It’s a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Black guillemots are the most common seabird, while walruses can be seen lounging on haul-outs around the island. Polar bears might also be spotted patrolling the nearby ice floes, and whales are known to feed offshore.
Day 8 – Lady Franklin Island, Canada
Lady Franklin Island is named in honour of Sir John Franklin’s widow. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of towering cliffs, ancient rock formations, and vast stretches of tundra. Encounter polar bears, caribou, seals, walrus, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat. Learn about the island’s connection to the legendary explorer Sir John Franklin.
Day 9 – Day at sea
Day 10 – Sisimiut, Greenland
Sisimiut, also known as ‘The People of the Fox Holes’, is the second largest city in Greenland and the largest Arctic city in North America. It serves as a connecting point between the warmer South and the colder North of the country. The city has experienced rapid growth and development and has been inhabited for more than four and a half thousand years. During the Danish Colonial Era, Sisimiut became a prominent trade centre and today, visitors can explore its history at the Sisimiut Museum, which features beautifully restored buildings and a diverse collection ranging from ancient turf houses to modern Inuit art. Most of the city’s residents still live in the colourful wooden houses Greenland is famous for.
Day 11 – Kvanefjord, Greenland
This remote fjord is renowned for its pristine natural beauty. Expect towering cliffs, glaciers calving into the icy waters, and a chance to spot marine life such as whales and seals.
Day 12 – Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Greenland
Greenland’s second-largest city offers a blend of Inuit heritage and modern life. Explore its colourful houses, visit the National Museum of South Greenland, and embark on hikes or boat trips to nearby fjords and glaciers.
Day 12 – Hvalsey, Greenland
This historic Norse settlement provides a glimpse into the past. Discover the ruins of the church, imagine life in this remote outpost, and appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery.
Day 13 -Kangitisoq, Greenland
Another charming town, Kangitisoq is a gateway to the Disko Bay region. Enjoy its colourful houses, visit the local museum, and take boat trips to icebergs and bird cliffs.
Day 13 – Cruise Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
This narrow fjord is a highlight of any Greenland cruise. Marvel at the towering cliffs, spot whales and other marine life, and experience the raw beauty of the Arctic.
Day 14 – Skjoldungen, Greenland
This small settlement offers a taste of traditional Greenlandic life. Interact with locals, learn about their way of life, and explore the surrounding wilderness.
Day 15 – Tasiilaq (the largest town in East Greenland), Greenland
As Greenland’s largest town in the east, Tasiilaq offers a vibrant atmosphere. Explore its colourful houses, visit the local museum, and embark on hikes or boat trips to the surrounding fjords and glaciers.
Day 16 – Reykjavik, Iceland
The world’s northernmost capital offers a unique blend of urban culture and natural wonders. Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, visit museums and art galleries, and embark on day trips to glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Day 17 – Reykjavik, Iceland
