We strongly recommend that you arrive into Reykjavik today and have a hotel night in the city, ready to begin your adventure tomorrow.

Today you will take a charter flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk on the west coast of Greenland. 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. You will be transferred to the port where you will embark your expedition ship.

You will spend today at sea, sailing north towards the Arctic Circle. Along the way your expedition team will offer a series of lectures and mandatory briefings to prepare you for the journey ahead, presentations on the areas you will visit and the Citizen Science projects run onboard the ship. Be sure to spend some time out on deck to enjoy your stunning surroundings and make use of your ship's state-of-the-art facilities.

You will spend these days exploring along the coast of Baffin Island (Qikiqtaaluk), which are guarded by ice for most of the year. In August, the ice begins to recede allowing for ships to navigate these waters for just a short period of time. The sea ice environment around the island is a natural wonder which creates a rich habitat for wildlife. Your first objective is to reach the small settlement of Qikiqtarjuaq, where you will plan to begin our adventures in Arctic Canada. In true explorer style, your route will be determined by the presence and concentration of sea ice. Your expedition team will plan your excursions and landing sites in consultation with local communities, so as not to disrupt their seasonal activities. Possible destinations include: 

Isabella Bay (Ninginganiq) 
Ninginganiq (Isabella Bay) National Wildlife Area is a critical habitat for Arctic wildlife, most notably bowhead whales. As a summer feeding ground for these massive marine mammals, it’s a crucial area for their conservation.  

Sam Ford Fjord (Kangiqtualuk Uqquqti) and Gibbs Fjord 
With towering peaks and epic glaciers, these fjords are renowned for their impressive scenery and are popular with nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This area is rich in wildlife, with marine mammals like seals and whales, and a variety of bird species.   

Coutts Inlet (Inalugaarjuup Kangiqłua) 
Experience the solitude and serenity of this remote and seldom-visited wilderness. The 50-mile-deep fjord system contains two arms; the ’North Arm‘ and the main inlet itself. One of the Arctic’s most elusive species, the narwhal, can sometimes be found here.

You will spend today at sea, sailing north to the gateway of the Northwest Passage. Enjoy a series of onboard lectures, spend time out on deck watching for whales and icebergs, and visit the onboard Science Centre to take part in the ship's Citizen Science projects.

You will spend these days at sea, exploring part of the Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga) and Devon Island; the gateway to the Northwest Passage. This breathtaking sound is home to incredible scenery, iconic Arctic wildlife and colourful Inuit communities. You will plan to sail deep into the sound, and over the course of three days in the area, explore some of these areas:

Dundas Harbour 
This historic and scenic site is on the southern shores of Devon Island. The harbour is a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) post, and it was also a base for scientific research and exploration. A great spot for a hike, musk oxen are frequently seen along the peninsula.  

Beechey Island (Iluvilik) 
This site holds a significant place in the history of Arctic exploration, known particularly for the ill-fated Franklin expedition in the mid-19th century. The island is home to several well-preserved grave sites of expedition members and a monument commemorating Arctic exploration efforts. 

Croker Bay 
A picturesque bay on the south coast of Devon Island. With two large outlet glaciers streaming down from the island’s ice cap, this is an excellent place for small boat cruising. You may even spot walruses lounging around the calved ice floes. 

 Coburg Island (Nirjutiqarvik) 
This island is a protected National Wildlife Area, and it lives up to its Inuktitut name, Nirjutiqarvik, meaning ’The Place of Animals‘. The island is renowned for its significant seabird colonies, including large populations of Thick-billed Murres and Northern Fulmars, and it’s an important feeding ground for marine mammals. 

Before your adventure continues to Northwest Greenland, you will enjoy a day on expedition in the north of Baffin Bay. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. You may land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and of course always be on the look out for Arctic wildlife such as whales, narwhals, seals and seabirds.   

’Ultima Thule‘ was the term used in the 4th century BC by the Greek explorer Pytheas to describe a mythical land in the far north. Nobody knows for sure which land Pytheas had in mind when he coined this name, but for some, it has come to refer to the far north in Greenland. As you explore here, expect wild beauty at the edge of the inhabitable world. Extreme climatic conditions year-round guarantee isolation and tough living conditions for the inhabitants, and even by Arctic standards the Thule region is harsh and remote. And yet, this was the first region in Greenland ever to be colonised by the forerunners of the Inuit, somewhere around 4,500 years ago. How they managed to survive and thrive in that environment still puzzles Arctic archaeologists. 

The abundant bird and animal life provides sustenance, and the traditional hunting culture has survived better here than elsewhere in Greenland. The polar travel know-how of the locals has been highly sought after on European and American expeditions, either as guides or saviours. In fact, thanks to its position, the region has been the natural starting point for many travellers heading towards the North Pole. Your Captain and expedition team will adapt the daily programme according to the changeable weather and ice conditions here. You will plan to visit some of the local communities, land with expedition boats to marvel at the power of nature, sail through icy channels and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas, narwhals, belugas, and perhaps even polar bears.  

You will spend today at sea crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ’The Great Dog Sledding Place‘, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount of Melville in the mid-19th century. Enjoy your day as you sail well beyond 70 degrees north. Relax on board, join in with wildlife watches out on deck with the Expedition Team, and learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures on topics such as nature, geology and mythology.  

You will spend the final few days of your epic voyage exploring the beautiful fjords of West Greenland and Disko Bay. Known as the ’iceberg factory of the Arctic‘, this area produces the most ice of anywhere in the northern hemisphere. As always nature is in charge and your exact route will depend on the weather and ice conditions on the day. Possible landing sites include:  

Uummannaq Fjord 
In Greenland’s ‘Far North’, the beauty of the land and the relative productivity of the environment have attracted people here for thousands of years. Intriguing archaeological sites are mute witness of the ability of Arctic people to thrive in such a harsh environment. You may visit the community of Uummannaq – a beautiful island town with a heart-shaped mountain – or the archaeological site of Qilakitsok, where the famed Greenland mummies were discovered. 

Viagat Sound 
Also called Sullorsuaq Strait, this beautiful waterway sits between two rugged land masses at the north end of Disko Bay. Depending on the weather and wildlife conditions, your expedition team might use the small expedition boats to land on a beach or perhaps get up close to a glacier. Have your binoculars and camera ready as wildlife sightings in this region can include humpbacks, orcas and bowhead whales, as well as several types of seals.  

UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord 
This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland. Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Visit the Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to drink in the incredible views. 

Today you will arrive back into Nuuk, having completed a circumnavigation of Baffin Bay. Nuuk  is a relative metropolis compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks, and it's a fascinating window into modern Greenland. From here, you will take a charter flight back to Reykjavík for the end of your expedition, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt stay with you forever. 

We strongly recommend that you plan to stay at least one night in Reykjavik at the end of your voyage to accommodate an afternoon flight arrival and to mitigate against any potential sailing or flight delays.

You can arrive into Reykjavik at any time today and will make your way to your included hotel where you will stay for one night on a B&B basis (hotel TBC, likely to be an airport hotel in Keflavik).

After an early breakfast you will be transferred back to Reykjavik Airport for your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq. On arrival, you will be met and directed to a bus transfer to the port and your ship, the SH Vega. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time free today to explore before embarkation. Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen.

You will embark your ship this afternoon, ready to start exploring some of the west coast of Greenland. After dinner onboard you will have the rest of the evening free to settle into your cabin. Be sure to spend some time out on deck to enjoy the views.

The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colourful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland.

The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

You will spend today at sea, crossing the Davis Strait to Iqaluit on Baffin Island.

The native Inuit are an integral part of Iqaluit, a remote community at the head of Frobisher Bay. The bay provides insight into Inuit history and culture including dog-sledding on handmade qamutik sleds led by qimmiq - North America's oldest and rarest purebred canine. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum displays Inuit artwork while Crystal II, an ancient Thule Inuit settlement, lies outside of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.

Most known for its huge vertical cliffs of Archean rocks, reputedly the oldest stones in Canada, Lady Franklin Island is an uninhabited isle off Hall Peninsula on Baffin Island. Black guillemots, ptarmigan and gulls all nest in this ice-filled area of the Davis Strait. Lumbering walrus haul out to the south at Monumental Island, a well-known denning site for polar bears. Nearby, the Cumberland Sound is home to its own species of beluga whale.

Nestled along the rugged Labrador coast, the park is a sanctuary of towering peaks, dramatic fjords, and pristine Arctic landscapes. Nachvak Fjord, a striking glacial inlet within the park, offers awe-inspiring views of ice-carved cliffs and abundant wildlife. This is a rare chance to explore untouched nature, rich Indigenous culture, and the raw beauty of the North in an intimate and respectful way.

Nain, the northernmost permanent settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a gateway to the vast wilderness of Labrador. This small Inuit community offers a glimpse into Indigenous culture and traditions that have thrived here for centuries. Surrounded by rugged coastline, fjords, and boreal forests, Nain is a place where nature and heritage come together, inviting visitors to experience authentic Arctic life and stunning natural beauty.

You will spend today at sea, sailing south along the east coast of Canada

The 1,000-year-old Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows (Meadows Cove), on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, is the first and only authenticated Viking site in the Americas, believed to have been occupied by Leif Erikson. He was the first European to explore Canada's east coast in around 1021. Some of the 800 original Norse artefacts and eight sod houses are on view during a tour of the recreated village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norris Point lies on the northern side of Bonne Bay at the junction of the south and east arms, connected by a 15-minute ferry ride to Woody Point. Established as a fishing community centred on herring fishing, it later became a fur trading post and town grew with settlers from England, Ireland and Scotland. It still maintains its coastal charm with a close-knit community and access to natural beauty within Gros Morne National Park.

Bonne Bay, located near the charming town of Woody Point in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a stunning natural inlet framed by steep cliffs and lush forests. This tranquil fjord is part of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers. Visitors to Bonne Bay can enjoy peaceful waters, abundant wildlife, and the small-town charm of Woody Point, making it an ideal spot to connect with nature and local culture.

You will spend today at sea, sailing further south towards your final destination of Halifax.

You will arrive into Halifax today where you will disembark.

Halifax - the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia - is a bustling port city rich in maritime history and culture. With its picturesque harbour, historic waterfront, and lively neighbourhoods, Halifax offers a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Citadel, stroll along bustling boardwalks, and savour fresh seafood, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean

We recommend that you consider spending a night in Halifax tonight to mitigate against any potential sailing delays before taking an international flight home.

About the itinerary - Polar exploration can be highly unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and will likely change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximise encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean that  a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may block out planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.