DAY ONE: KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND

We will start our adventure with boarding our northbound charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq.

Kangerlussuaq is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Cue up the Top Gun soundtrack, right? Your first lesson begins with the pronunciation of Kangerlussuaq, which is kaˌŋɜˈɬːusːuɑq in Greenlandic (part of the Inuit family of languages spoken by less than 50,000). Maybe you should try on ‘hello’ for size first. “Aluu!” Or, ‘goodbye,’ which is simply “baaj.”

West Greenlandic is the official language that all children learn in addition to Danish and English. Greenlandic words can be extremely long but they often convey an entire sentence. Kind of like a picture saying a thousand words. Fun fact: ‘computer’ is qarasaasiaq in Greenlandic, meaning ‘artificial brain.’

After a few stumbly aluus and a baaj we will be transferred by Zodiac to the Ocean Endeavour. With 168 kilometres of OMG! scenery to stare at, we begin travelling down the longest fjord in the world, Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), crossing the imaginary but remarkable Arctic Circle as we head southbound.

There’s no need for Netflix with aurora borealis on the reality TV programming schedule. Of course, this kind of magic show can’t be planned or queued up or paused–so, fast forward yourself to the deck and bring your patience and crossed fingers.

DAY TWO: KANGERLUSSUATSIAQ FJORD

Greenland’s west coast is simply stunning—it’s one big panoramic postcard of superlatives. From daunting mountains to the tiniest sprays of tundra flowers, our stop in this area is one that has everyone stamping their feet in a tantrum when it’s time to leave. The waters are relatively warm here due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location but not as warm as the on-board hot tub.

Hikers, birders, poets, photographers, daydreamers and self-proclaimed philosophers will all fall under the coastal spell. You’ve been warned! Later, close your eyes and reflect on the day’s sensory massage in the sauna or hot tub.

DAY THREE: NUUK

Nuuk, the buzzy capital of Greenland and largest city is a collision of nature, modernity and the tight embrace of old traditions. The Old Harbor is a reflection of Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for its cool vibe found in minimalist gallery cafes, upmarket Danish steakhouses, boutique shops and rowdy pubs where you may be pulled into a Greenland Polka dance (really!). Consider this your warning!

Did you know that Nuuk is a uni town? The University of Greenland is Greenland’s only university. Most courses are taught in Danish with a few offered in Greenlandic. 

The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s treasures. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the 15th century Qilakitsoq mummies (move over Tutankhamun! There’s a new mummy in town!) and Inuit skin boats. Part of the collection was repatriated from the National Museum of Denmark. 

DAY FOUR: DAVIS STRAIT

Our engaging onboard presentation series continues as we steam across the Davis Strait towards Canada. The strait splits between southeastern Baffin Island and southwestern Greenland (in case you have a map on your lap and are wondering where the heck you are). Inuit fisherman have relied on these shallow waters for an abundant Arctic char supply. Have you tried char yet? 

Narwhals, bowhead and pilot whales cruise through the Strait in the company of little auks (dovekies) though sightings are always dependent on zooplankton and schools of fish like the Arctic cod. While you may fish for compliments, the auks and whales have another agenda. 

Baffin Bay’s estimated population of 50,000 narwhals accounts for 80 to 90% of the world’s population. The ‘unicorns of the sea’ are playful year-round residents of Baffin Bay, feeding and mating in the winter. Fun fact: the narwhal tusk (most commonly found on males) is actually an enlarged tooth with up to 10 million nerve endings. If they were to promote a toothpaste, it would be Sensodyne! Their tusks can grow to 10 feet in length and some narwhals can have two spiral tusks while others have none!

This is an excellent time to kick back and scout the northern Atlantic for unicorns, auks and other unexpected pop-up wildlife. Find a seat in a workshop, watch a documentary or take advantage of the ship’s amenities! Hang out in the gym or library or bar–there will be wandering Wild Women to keep you company if you want to chat or chill out!

DAY FIVE-SEVEN: TORNGAT MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Canada’s highest peaks east of the Rockies are found in Torngat Mountains National Park, a squeaky new park that opened in 2005–Labrador’s first! The signature saw-tooth skyline is instantly captivating. Denim waters snake through glacier-scraped fjords opening up to the marine highway where icebergs silently glide by like ships.

There are 9,700 square kilometers to hike here though we might not cover them all! The sharp wedge-shaped park sits on continental Canada’s most northerly tip between Northern Québec and the Labrador Sea.

The dramatic subarctic mountains are the homeland of the Inuit of Nunatsiavut, polar bears, black bears and caribou. Birders should be on high alert for red-throated loon, Harlequin duck, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, rock ptarmigan, glaucous gull, snow bunting, Lapland longspur and Northern wheatear! (Depending on the time of year and migratory patterns, of course!)

We’ll hike and cruise in the Zodiacs, seeking out birds and bears and visit archaeological sites for the historians in the crew!

DAY EIGHT: HEBRON

On the northeast coast of Labrador, this haunting site is the surviving remains of a Moravian Mission station. The Hebron Mission National Historic Site of Canada protects the interconnected buildings erected by the Church of the Brethren (the Moravians)in the 1830s. There’s a church, mission house and store, designed in Germanic style with steep, elongated rooflines and small dormer windows. It’s possible that these buildings were pre-fabricated in Germany (IKEA-style). The church’s cupola is a link to the Moravians’ southeast Europe birthplace. The forge, carpenter’s shop and other structures are now left to the imagination.

The Moravian mission was abandoned in 1959, forcing the relocation of the Inuit who resided there. In 2005, Newfoundland & Labrador issued an apology to people affected by the relocations. Former Hebron residents and their kin continue to visit the site and to hunt and fish nearby.

DAY NINE: NAIN

Nain (population: 1,170) is the most northerly community in Labrador and the administrative capital for the Nunatsiavut Government. Ancient history, even more ancient geology and the Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative (the local Arctic char industry) are powerful forces here. The gateway city  to Torngat Mountains National Park is also home to Voisey’s Bay Nickel Mine and the OKalaKatiget Society, a TV and radio agency that delivers weather updates, vessel reports, kid’s songs, Labrador stories and an Inuktitut language program featuring language lessons and recipes.

The recently built Illusuak Cultural Centre was designed by world-renowned architect Todd Saunders (known for designing the drop-dead-gorgeous Fogo Island Inn). Here, you can step inside an igloo and take another step deep into Inutitut culture through stories and song. We’ll also visit the Moravian Church and learn more about the mission efforts of the Moravians.

Expect the warm embrace of the community, an introduction to the art and carved works of Labrador Inuit and of course, savoury samples of local food and music.

DAY TEN- TWELVE: THE LABRADOR COAST

Labrador’s coast is untamed, storm-battered and pristine. It’s an open-air gallery of ancient history. From the ship we’ll see the transition in landscape from coastal barrens and high subarctic tundra to high boreal forest, mid-boreal forest and string bog (also known as strong mires). String bogs are defined by slightly elevated ridges and islands with woody plants that alternate with flat, wet sedge mat areas. They appear like oversized terrariums built with spongy moss, lichen, feathermoss, Labrador tea and dwarf black spruce.

Fun fact: the black spruce is the most abundant tree found in Labrador. It’s also featured on the Labrador flag!

Dotted with islands, the area is equal parts raw and fairytale. We’ll select a landing based on each day’s weather conditions.

DAY THIRTEEN: L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS

L’Anse aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America and is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic site. The archaeological remains of the Norse encampment are over 1,000 years old, making it the oldest known European encampment in North America. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Viking proof was found on the northern peninsula with the discovery of a small bronze cloak pin. Nancy Drew would have had a heyday pulling at the threads of this mystery!

Full-scale replicas of the traditional Norse sod buildings will make you grateful for architecture’s evolution to energy efficient windows and doors. However, it’s awesome to play make-believe and conjure up the sagas of the Viking voyages. Thor, Loki and Eric the Red’s indomitable spirit will impress you. Be sure to climb aboard the Snorri, a replica of the Viking ship that retraced Erickson’s course from Greenland to the Meadows. 

DAY FOURTEEN: EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

The east coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of vibrant villages that colour its rugged shores. We’ll find harbour in one of these  communities to truly experience the generosity and flavour of the most easterly province in Canada.

Photographers will exhaust their SD cards and batteries in an attempt to capture the jagged coastlines, secluded island communities and pulse that is exclusive to The Rock. 

Expect a characteristically warm and jolly Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival–there is no other kind! 

DAY FIFTEEN: ST. JOHN’S

Sailing into the port of St. John’s is a moment that will make you take pause. There is a necessary hush and some sweaty palms at the thought of taking the captain’s wheel to navigate the boat into the famous Narrows.

Watch for locals and tourists alike, madly waving from the iconic Signal Hill just before we slip into the harbour of North America’s oldest city. The carefree and bold paint palette of the houses of The Battery are a pure marvel. Hopefully you will have time to test your quads and climb the hilly streets to see Jellybean Row on foot too. Equally animated, the jumble of rowhouses are no longer defined by one street–the colour pinwheel has become contagious!

We disembark the Ocean Endeavour today with heavy but full hearts. We will say our farewells (and when next?). Rest assured, the expedition team will be on hand to assist you with luggage and transportation arrangements.

We hope you can squeeze in a Screech ceremony to make your landing in Newfoundland 100% official! It’s a Wild Women prerequisite! For everyone who is a “come-from-away” there’s a full, unspoken guarantee that you’ll be back.

OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

The Ocean Endeavour is an opulent 137-metre (450-feet), 198-passenger ice-strengthened vessel with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic and medical clinic offer complete peace of mind. The ship has several lounge areas, a library (Compass Room) and multiple viewing decks to totally chill out by yourself or with your newfound crew!

Please note: This is not an exclusive Wild Women Expeditions or 100% women-only trip. The Wild Women group size on the Ocean Endeavour can range from 10 to 40 women. In addition, the ship’s staff and crew will also be co-ed.

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*Adventure Canada itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice, and sea conditions.