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Journey into the North – Labrador, Torngats & Greenland

Journey into the North – Labrador, Torngats & Greenland

From USD $5,995

Description

This voyage links numerous historic locations on Canada’s East Coast before we journey northwards from the more temperate climate found in the Maritimes onto higher latitudes. Subtle changes to vegetation and wildlife species can be noticed and our expert guides will interpret and explain these changes throughout the journey. The region features strong cultural diversity and we encounter the Nunatsiavut people in small communities along the coastline of Labrador. Numerous wildlife species are found along this coastline including bears, seals, whales and both migratory and resident birds.

Please Note: This trip commences in the historic port of Louisbourg (Cape Breton). Access is via Sydney
(Nova Scotia). We recommend you arrive in either Sydney or Louisbourg at least one day prior to the voyage departure date. This gives you a buffer in the event of any unexpected travel delays. There are group transfers from Sydney to Louisbourg (approx. 45 minutes) on the day of embarkation. At the conclusion of the trip, we fly from Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) back to Ottawa on a charter flight. This flight arrives in the early evening and we advise staying the night in Ottawa and making your onward travel plans for the following day.

Trip Name
Journey into the North - Labrador, Torngats & Greenland
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Sydney/Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Our adventure begins in Sydney, Nova Scotia. We transfer to the historic port town of Louisbourg. During the 18th century, Louisbourg was the third busiest seaport in North America. We board the ship in the late afternoon and sail out past the lighthouse, across the Gulf of St Lawrence towards Newfoundland, Labrador and eventually Greenland
Day 2 - Day 2 Gros Morne National Park
This morning we are anchored off the coastal hamlet of Trout River, the access point into Gros Morne National Park. The Zodiacs take us ashore and we are transferred by bus for a visit to the World Heritage-listed Tablelands. This incredible location is noted for its unique geology and exceptional scenery. We visit the Discovery Centre, before arriving at Woody Point, located in Bonne Bay. We meet the ship here and continue our voyage northwards.
Day 3 - Day 3 L'anse aux Meadows
Today tells a story a thousand years in the making. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is where Norseman, Leif Erikson, (son of Eric the Red) - is thought to have founded “Vinland”. As we explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins with the resident archaeologist, we see evidence that the Vikings discovered North America some five hundred years prior to the arrival of Columbus. Tonight we leave the coastline of Newfoundland, crossing the Strait of Belle Isle towards Labrador.
Day 4 - Day 4 Wonderstrands, Labrador
Overnight, we have arrived along a historic stretch of coastline, named the Wonderstrands. The location appears in the Viking saga of Eric the Red – which calls the location ‘furdustrandir’ - the Wonder Strands. Other than one rocky promontory, the beach is almost 50km long – a rarity on the famously rocky east coast of Canada. There are some excellent hiking options along the shoreline and hinterland while Zodiac cruising and exploring in the sea kayaks provides additional means of discovering the area.
Day 5 - Day 5 Hopedale
Today we venture ashore by Zodiac to visit the Hopedale Moravian Mission – built in 1782 and said to be the oldest building east of Quebec. It’s a fascinating place and we learn of the influence of the early Christian missionaries on the Inuit people of Northern Labrador. This location has been designated a Canadian National Historic Site. We plan a visit to the local museum for a deeper insight. The local Inuit produce ornate carvings and other crafts which make for wonderful souvenirs.
Day 6 - Day 6 Torngat Mountains National Park, Saglek Fjord
As we sail into Saglek Fjord, we arrive at the southern gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve. The Park covers almost 10,000 square kilometres of Northern Labrador. It is bordered by Quebec on one side, and the Labrador Coast on the other. It is home to Canada’s highest mountains east of the Rockies, and features breathtaking fjords, remnant glacial systems and stunning landscapes.
Day 7 - Day 7 Torngat Mountains National Park, Nachvak Fjord
Nachvak Fjord is exceptionally beautiful. The fjord is deep and narrow and stretches more than 20 kilometres. The rocky walls of the fjord soar almost 900 metres above us at several points. Many species migrate through the area during the short boreal summer. Numerous seal species may be encountered including ring, hooded, harp and harbour seals. Minke whales have been known to linger in the fjords, while larger species, including fin and humpback, tend to stay offshore. This is an outstanding location for landscape photography with endless subjects, a dynamic colour range and interesting lighting.
Day 8 - Day 8 Button Island, Nunavut
As we reach the far northern stretches of coastal Labrador, we learn of the remarkable events at Martin Bay. Here a German U-boat made the only known armed landing in North America during WWII. Later in the day, we visit the Button Islands, named after Thomas Button who explored the area in 1612. The islands are in the middle of the upwelling of nutrients on the edge of the continental shelf. This action makes it a magnet for thousands of seabirds and other marine mammals.
Day 9 - Day 9 At Sea - Davis Strait
We awaken to the vast expanse of the Davis Strait, which separates Greenland from Canada. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife, history and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. This is an important migration corridor for birds and whales, and we keep our eyes out for signs of wildlife from the outer decks.
Day 10 - Day 10 Nuuk
Nuuk is the small capital of Greenland and home to a population of around 18,000 - almost a third of the entire population of the country. The small city is a fascinating blend of both the historic and contemporary. The National Museum of Greenland is located right by the harbour and is home to a fascinating collection of artefacts, traditional costumes and textiles and other items. Nuuk is easily explored on foot and there will be plenty of options for you to choose from today.
Day 11 - Day 11 Sondre Stromfjord & Greenland Icecap
By morning we have navigated north and into one of the longest fjords on the planet. At the head of the fjord sits the town of Kangerlussuaq – a key outpost on the west coast of Greenland. An exciting day lies ahead as experienced guides take us to view and experience the vast expanse of the Greenland ice cap. Our trip takes us through fabulous scenery and there’s a good chance of seeing muskox, reindeer and local birdlife. We return to the ship and tonight our chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey.
Day 12 - Day 12 Kangerlussuag, Greendland
This morning we farewell our expedition team and make our way to the airport. A special charter flight returns us to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa where our journey comes to an end. A transfer is also provided from the airport to a downtown location for those staying on.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Small ship expedition cruising can sometimes be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather andsea conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with theExpedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage ofoptimal weather and sea conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Years of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we haveplenty of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal. A flexible approachis something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $5,995Triple Private
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $7,395Twin Private
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $8,095Superior
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $8,395Superior Plus
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $9,595Shackleton Suite
07-08-202018-08-2020USD $11,595One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit remote ports and local communities along the coast of Labrador and Greenland
    • Inuit and Greenlandic history and culture plus early Viking settlements
    • Towering mountains, wildlife and wilderness of the Torngat National Park
    • Experience the fascinating transition from the Atlantic provinces into the north

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