Expedition from Greenland to Canada's Eastern Coast

Day 1 - Kangerlussuaq Havn

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. This settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is home to Greenland's largest commercial airport, and its economy depends mainly on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands surround the settlement, supporting terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

Day 2 - Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Sisimiut, Greenland: Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains ice-free during winter. However, it marks the southernmost point where there is ample snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. Travelling by sled has been a primary means of winter transportation here for centuries. The area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years, making modern Sisimiut a vibrant business hub in northern Greenland and one of the fastest-growing cities. Commercial fishing is the leading sector in the town's thriving industrial base.

Day 3 - Qikiqtarjuaq

Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada: Nestled on the shores of Broughton Island, Qikiqtarjuaq is renowned for its impressive natural beauty, with dramatic landscapes and rich marine life. Known as the 'Iceberg Capital', visitors may witness towering ice sculptures during their stay. The local community shares a close connection with their environment, offering cultural experiences and a welcoming atmosphere.

Day 5 - Grinnell Glacier

Grinnell Glacier, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada: Majestic and awe-inspiring, Grinnell Glacier offers breathtaking views of towering ice formations and rugged landscapes. The glacier plays a pivotal role in Baffin Island's ecology, with surrounding waters being frequent playgrounds for polar bears and seals, adding to the sense of wilderness for explorers venturing into this untouched region.

Day 6 - Akpatok Island

Akpatok Island, Nunavut, Canada: Akpatok Island, the largest in the middle of Ungava Bay, is south of Baffin Island and north of Quebec. The island’s name references the Thick-billed Murre, which nests here in vast numbers, a testament to its designation as a Canadian Important Bird Area. Wildlife including polar bears, seals, and walruses are common sights. The island’s most distinctive feature is the steep limestone cliffs creating a striking visage, rising 490 to 820 feet into a flat plateau. Although uninhabited, evidence of a Dorset settlement exists at the southern end of the island.

Day 7 - Torngat Mountains National Park

Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Situated on Labrador’s northernmost point, Torngat Mountains National Park features stunning landscapes, often called the “Eastern Rocky Mountains.” The park spans an impressive area of 9,700 km², showcasing remnants of cirque glaciers. Saglek Fjord offers an outstanding array of geological features, with steep cliffs providing insights into Earth's geologic history. Polar bears hunt seals on the ice here, and caribou herds make seasonal migrations, while the Inuit continue traditional hunting practices in this spiritually-connected “Place of Spirits.”

Day 8 - Nain

Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: As the northernmost permanent settlement in Labrador, Nain offers a rich blend of Inuit culture and stunning natural beauty. The community thrives on cultural traditions and strong artistic expressions, while its proximity to Torngat Mountains provides breathtaking landscapes filled with an abundance of wildlife.

Day 9 - Rigolet

Rigolet, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: This quaint settlement, predominantly Inuit, is renowned for its fishing activities and significant historical sites. Nestled at the entrance to Hamilton Inlet, Rigolet’s residents offer insight into a traditional way of life, further enriched by its accomplishment in having one of the longest wooden boardwalks in North America.

Day 10 - Battle Harbor

Battle Harbor, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Steeped in history, Battle Harbor delivers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Once a key fishing station, the site has adapted into a cultural haven reflecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich maritime heritage, charming visitors with its scenic beauty and inviting community.

Day 11 - L'Anse aux Meadows

L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Around the year 1000, Vikings from Greenland and Iceland established the first European settlement in North America, near Newfoundland's northern tip. Although they stayed for only a short period and were forgotten for centuries, the archaeological site has since been rediscovered, bringing tourism to the area. The Viking themes are prevalent, complemented by stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. L'Anse Aux Meadows is a remote community, home to enlightening historic sites and scenic beauty.

Day 12 - Twillingate

Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Declaring itself the ‘Iceberg Capital of the World’, Twillingate is known for its maritime charm and historical significance. The “Prime Berth Museum” provides insights into Newfoundland’s fishing heritage, while several historic buildings housing artefacts are nestled along the picturesque shores, leaving visitors enthralled with local culture and history.

Day 13 - Bonavista

Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: A historic treasure trove, Bonavista is famously known as where John Cabot first landed in 1497. The community offers a rich tapestry of heritage, with scenic coastal views, historical sites, and traditional music reflecting the profound cultural essence of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Day 13 - Trinity Bay

Trinity Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Trinity Bay captivates explorers with its stunning coastlines and deep history. Beyond its natural allure, the area boasts a vibrant artistic community that breathes life into the age-old stories of mariners and settlers, attracting artists and adventurers alike.

Day 14 - Saint-John's

Saint-John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Old meets new in the province's capital, where modern office buildings blend seamlessly with heritage shops and colourful row houses. The city harmonises English and Irish influences with Victorian architecture, enriched by traditional music, rock and roll, and a lively arts scene. St. John's, with its historical ties to the salt cod trade, boasts a relaxing pace yet offers varied attractions, lively festivals, and a compelling mix of the traditional and contemporary.

Day 15 - Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre, Saint Pierre and Miquelon: Located east from Cap-aux-Meules and famously part of France, Saint Pierre is a charming island reflecting its European heritage. Predominantly inhabited by descendants of Normans, Basque, and Bretons, its unique cultural flavour is distinct, showcasing vibrant French traditions, a lively festival scene, and fascinating historical remnants, including connections to the Prohibition era.

Day 16 - Miquelon Island

Miquelon Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon: Miquelon Island forms a diverse setting of nature and culture, linked closely with marine life and wetlands teeming with biodiversity. This serene location creates a quiet escape for visitors seeking to experience traditional Basque heritage blended with the tranquil surroundings and captivating wildlife, leaving a lasting impression of this distinctive island.

Day 18 - Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping and a lively nightlife and festival scene. Though connected to the region's maritime legacy, Halifax boldly integrates its historic past with flourishing contemporary culture, reflected in its bustling harbour and its reputation as a destination thriving in tradition yet constantly evolving.