Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland – Encounters at the Edge

The Torngat Mountains are a mountain range on the Labrador Peninsula at the northern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador and eastern Quebec. Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Nuuk. Credit: Espen Mills
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Viking visit St Anthony Canada HX 27062

Join us as we set out from Nuuk, then sail down the west coast of Greenland and traverse the Labrador Sea, exploring Newfoundland and sub-Arctic Canada.  

Discover the southern fjords of Greenland, the immense Torngat Mountains, the quaint settlements in coastal Labrador, and charming Newfoundland.  

Delve into the history of settlers as diverse as the Norse, the Inuit and the Basques at this crossroads of cultures.

Four iconic regions of the pristine North 

Setting out from Greenland’s picturesque capital, Nuuk, we’ll traverse the shores of Baffin Bay—the icy sea that links east and west and binds the cultures of Arctic Canada and Greenland. This all-encompassing expedition cruise reveals the exquisite southern fjords of Greenland, the majestic grandeur of the Torngat Mountains, the historic settlements of coastal Labrador, and the charm of Newfoundland. The days will be filled with awe and wonder as we sail expedition-style and set foot in some of the most out-of-the-way places on the planet. 

Exploration at the edge 

As we cruise through biologically rich marine environments and visit remote communities, you’ll learn about the distinct Inuit cultures found in Greenland and Labrador. Situated at a crossroads where migrations from the East and the West met, this region has a captivating past. Uncover the diverse histories of European explorers, Viking settlers, Moravian missionaries and Basque whalers on a fascinating deep dive into the history and ecology of this pristine and under-explored destination.

In line with AECO

HX is a proud member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). To protect the sensitive environments we explore, we carefully follow AECO standards on available landing sites and safe distances from wildlife, while still giving you an unforgettable expedition experience.

17 days
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Key Expedition Details

17 days
International flights included
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From
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Greenland, Labrador, and Newfoundland—Encounters at the Edge (2027)

Itinerary

Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.

Welcome to the capital of Greenland

Flight from New York to Nuuk. 

Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital with a population of fewer than 20,000. Located just 150 miles from the Arctic Circle, this picturesque city is a striking mix of old and modern buildings, set against a backdrop of the mountainous peaks Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.   

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and then enjoy your first dinner on board.   

Prepare for adventure as we head south

While sailing toward South Greenland, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these fascinating and important presentations. 

You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on topics such as ornithology, geology and culture. You’ll also learn about the Citizen Science projects we run on board the ship. 

The coast of Greenland is carved by many fjords. Depending on the conditions, in the afternoon we may be able to cruise deep into one of our favourites, Kuannersooq Fjord, as it’s known in Greenlandic, or Kvanefjord in Danish.  

Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice cap

South Greenland offers curious travelers an intriguing blend of Norse history, Inuit culture and breathtaking landscapes.  

You can explore Viking settler ruins here and discover colorful small towns, marveling at awe-inspiring fjords, mountains, glaciers and icebergs along the way. Combining rich cultural experiences with thrilling outdoor adventures, both history enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enraptured. 

Over the next two days, our possible destinations and landing sites include: 

  • Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site 

  • Qassiarsuk 

  • Brattahlíð (Qassiarsuk) 

  • Hvalsey 

  • Qaqortoq 

Sailing to the gates of the Torngat Mountains

After a few days of exploration, enjoy a day at sea and prepare for what lies ahead as we continue westward along the route of the Vikings, across Baffin Bay to the rugged coast of Labrador.  

Why not listen to another fascinating presentation from the Expedition Team, perhaps on biology, ornithology or the history of the region? They’ll continue to entertain and educate with their series of lectures and demonstrations. There will be storytelling, art and craft workshops, and perhaps even some singing. In September at this latitude, there may also be the opportunity to see the northern lights. If they appear in the middle of the night, be prepared for a gentle wake-up call!

Witness the immense Torngat Mountains

Welcome to Canada! After clearing customs, we’ll be joined by Park Rangers who’ll accompany us as we explore the Torngat Mountains National Park over the coming days. 

Meaning ‘place of spirits’ in Inuktitut, the national park spans some 6,000 miles, extending from Saglek Fjord to Labrador’s tip, and from the Atlantic coast to the Québec border. This wilderness is peppered with small glaciers and is home to, polar bears, caribou, and the world’s only tundra-dwelling black bears. It also has rich Inuit heritage of hunting and fishing.  

While exploring this magnificent area, we hope to visit: 

  • Saglek Bay 

  • Nachvak Fiord 

  • Ramah 

Head back in time and delve into the history of Labrador

Over the next five days, we’ll cruise south, unearthing the fascinating history of coastal Labrador and discovering its rich cultural heritage.  

This area is home to some of Labrador’s most important Moravian settlements and a once busy fishing village that’s now a National Historic Site. There are also breathtaking waterways to transit and a whaling past to uncover. Over the next five days, our potential destinations may include: 

  • Hebron 

  • Mugford Tickle 

  • Hopedale 

  • Battle Harbour 

  • Red Bay 

Relive the Tales of Vikings, Pioneers and Early Explorers

Your cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that’s colorful and diverse, Newfoundland is sure to enchant. 

As we explore, you can delve into the island’s past, from pioneering missionaries and early explorers to as far back as Viking settlers. Over the next two days, we hope to visit: 

  • St. Anthony 

  • UNESCO-listed L’Anse aux Meadows & Norstead 

  • Bonavista 

End your adventure on a colorful note

We say a fond farewell to our ship as we end our expedition in St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital.  

As one of the oldest cities in North America, St. John’s is nothing but charming. Colorful houses are etched into the steep and rugged hillside along the coast, and proud Cabot Tower on Signal Hill watches over the city from above. It’s well worth exploring the city further if you have time before your onward journey. 

Whatever your next steps are, you’ll take with you a wealth of memories that will no doubt endure, along with experiences that will change the way you see the world.

Included activities & excursions

These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.

What else is included?

Flights

Flight in economy class from New York (planned airport) to Nuuk before the expedition cruise

Transfers

Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nuuk before the expedition cruise

What's not included?

  • International flights  

  • Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to international flight schedules 

  • Travel insurance 

  • Luggage handling 

  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team 

  • Optional treatments in the on-board wellness and spa area

Optional extras

Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.

Our Greenland ship

Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary

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Offers

Enjoy limited-time savings on selected sailings. Combinable on select offers.

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