Sable Island Wild Horses and Outpost Legacy

Where Stories Begin

Your Sable Island Small Ship Expedition launches from St. John’s—a city as colourful in spirit as in skyline. Perched on the rugged edge of North America, its rainbow-hued row houses, maritime charm, and deep cultural roots make it one of the most iconic harbour cities in the world. This is the oldest continuous European settlement in North America, built upon waters long navigated by the Beothuk people—keepers of these lands and stewards of the sea that has shaped generations.

Standing on deck as we cast off, the energy is unmistakable. We pass through The Narrows, the fabled gateway to the Atlantic, watched over by Signal Hill—once the site of the first transatlantic wireless signal. As Cape Spear, the easternmost point on the continent, slips by on our starboard side, you can feel it: the turning of a page.

The land fades, the horizon opens, and every wave carries you further from the ordinary and deeper into the wild.

Included Meals

Dinner onboard

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Where Learning Meets the Open Ocean

Today we sail deeper into the Atlantic, leaving the coastline behind and stepping fully into expedition mode. The journey becomes your classroom as our expert guides share the remarkable history, ecology, and mysteries of Sable Island—preparing you for the rare encounter that lies ahead. From wild horse genetics to shifting dune systems, you’ll gain insider knowledge that brings the island to life long before we arrive.

Beyond the lecture hall, the sea itself takes center stage. Step onto the observation deck with binoculars in hand—this nutrient-rich corner of the northwest Atlantic is a highway for seabirds, dolphins, and migrating whales. From the comfort of shipboard lounges to the thrill of the open deck, every moment offers a new perspective.

This is the rhythm of expedition life: deep learning, wild sightings, and the quiet joy of watching the horizon stretch endlessly before you.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Where Nature Writes Its Own Story

As the morning mist lifts, Sable Island rises from the Atlantic—an isolated crescent of shifting sand, sculpted endlessly by wind, waves, and time. Few people will ever see this place in their lifetime, and fewer still will step foot on it. Today, you are one of them!

In partnership with Parks Canada, every moment of our visit is guided by deep respect and conservation stewardship. Traveling by Zodiac (weather permitting), we land on windswept shores where thousands of grey seals gather and rare Ipswich sparrows flit through marram grass. Above us, Arctic and common terns wheel in the sky; around us, the soundscape is alive with wild calls and rolling surf.

And then—they appear. Sable Island’s wild horses, emerging like ghosts across the dunes. Their presence ancient and untamed, these horses are not merely symbols of freedom; they are the heartbeat of an ecosystem that has survived against all odds. With patience, you may witness a herd galloping across the ridgeline—hoofbeats echoing across the sands of time.

Guided by naturalists and historians, we’ll step deeper into the island’s powerful story—learning of shipwrecks, survival stations, and the incredible resilience of both wildlife and humans who once called this remote outpost home. Zodiac excursions offer sea-level perspectives of seal colonies, untouched coastline, and the ever-shifting contours of a land that refuses to stay still.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Europe Meets the North Atlantic

Today, we trade wild dunes for cobblestone streets as we arrive in Saint-Pierre, a vibrant outpost of France nestled just off Newfoundland’s southern coast. Though small in size, this island holds an outsized charm—a living remnant of France’s maritime past, where European culture thrives amid Atlantic fog and salty sea breeze.

Home to a community of French, Basque, Breton, and Norman descent, Saint-Pierre feels unmistakably European. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, conversation drifts through the air in melodic French, and shop windows beckon with pastries, cheeses, and wines that rival any Parisian corner. Here, every street corner tells a story of resilience, tradition, and cultural pride.

We’ll enjoy a guided orientation before setting off to explore at your own pace. Wander colourful lanes, step into local museums filled with tales of seafarers and smugglers, or linger at a café with a glass of Bordeaux and a plate of fresh-baked croissants.

This is Europe—without crossing the Atlantic. A rare and enchanting cultural immersion where time slows, senses awaken, and the island’s spirit leaves a lasting imprint.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Journey’s End, Memories Begin

As we sail once more through The Narrows, the gateway to the Atlantic, the familiar sweep of St. John’s comes into view. The colourful saltbox homes of the Battery cling to the cliffs as if to welcome us home, and Signal Hill rises in quiet tribute—standing watch as it has for centuries of explorers returning from the unknown.

Stepping ashore, we say our farewells to the expedition team and fellow travelers who have become companions in discovery. Though the voyage concludes, its impact endures. The wild horses of Sable, the salt winds of the Atlantic, the laughter shared over meals, and the wonder witnessed at every horizon—these are the moments that stay with you, long after the ship’s lines are tied.

Included Meals

Breakfast Onboard

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova