Under the Northern Lights: Greenland, Baffin Bay and Newfoundland
15 Days / 4 Nights On Board
Nuuk to Halifax
Sail beneath the northern lights to discover the best of Greenland and Northern Canada. On this voyage we depart from Nuuk—site of the ancient Norse Western Settlement—and sail west through dramatic Arctic waters along the coast of Greenland to Baffin Island, Labrador, and Newfoundland, before concluding in bustling Halifax. Inspired by the ancient Norse sagas, this journey follows Leif Erikson’s path to the rocky shores of Helluland, the forested beaches of Markland, and the fertile lands of Vinland—North America’s earliest European encounter, centuries before Columbus. Along the way, immerse yourself in the diversity of Inuit culture, explore barren islands, coastal forests and majestic fjords, and witness Arctic wildlife against Canada’s rugged backdrop. As autumn sets in and darkness returns, the Northern Lights may appear above the ship’s deck, crowning your adventure with celestial grandeur. This voyage weaves together myth, history, culture and nature into an unforgettable North Atlantic odyssey.
Expedition Dates
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: All aboard in Nuuk!
- Day 2: Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden
- Day 3: At Sea – Crossing Davis Strait
- Day 4: Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
- Day 5: Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands
- Day 6: Lower Savage Islands
- Day 7: Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec, Canada
- Day 8: Akpatok Island, Nunavut
- Day 9: Qassiarsuk and Itilleq KujalleqTorngat Mountains National Park, Labrador
- Day 10: At Sea – South Along Labrador Coast
- Day 11: Rigolet, Labrador
- Day 12: St Anthony, Newfoundland
- Day 13: Woody Point, Newfoundland
- Day 14: At Sea – En Route to Halifax
- Day 15: Disembarkation
Day 1, All aboard in Nuuk!
Your adventure begins in Nuuk, Greenland’s small yet vibrant capital, where traditional wooden houses sit beside modern high-rises. Embark the Ocean Albatros, settle into your comfy cabin, meet your expert Expedition Team, and toast the start of your journey as we sail along Greenland’s coast.
Day 2, Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden
Kangaamiut is a traditional hunting and fishing village with panoramic hiking trails and vibrant local culture around every corner. In the afternoon, we Zodiac cruise through Evighedsfjorden—“Eternity Fjord”— where dramatic cliffs, glaciers, and birdlife create an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
Day 3, At Sea – Crossing Davis Strait
As we cross the historic Davis Strait between Greenland and Canada, enjoy lectures from our Expedition Team, relax on board, and watch for whales and seabirds from the deck.
Day 4, Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Nestled beneath sweeping mountains in the tranquil Kuugarjuaq fjord off Cumberland Sound, Pangnirtung is one of the Arctic’s most scenic Inuit communities. Surrounded by glacier-capped mountains and pristine tundra, its name means “The Place of Bull Caribou.” The modern town was established as a trading post about 100 years ago, and Pangnirtung has since grown into a town of around 1,500 people. Known as the “Switzerland of the Arctic” for its stunning alpine beauty, it’s also celebrated for its vibrant Inuit art scene, with locally crafted carvings, prints, and the iconic Pang Hat sought worldwide.
Day 5, Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands
These remote, wildlife-rich islands off Baffin Island’s coast are havens for Arctic wildlife. Keep an eye out for polar bears, walrus, and nesting seabirds as we explore this rugged landscape by Zodiac.
Day 6, Lower Savage Islands
Carved by ice and sea over millennia, these stark islands at the mouth of Frobisher Bay offer excellent Zodiac cruising through two narrow channels carved into the ancient rock. The region’s powerful tides fuel rich marine life, attracting seals, birds, and possibly polar bears.
Day 7, Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec, Canada
Kangiqsujuaq, meaning “The Big Bay” in Inuktitut, is one of the larger towns in Nunavik, northern Quebec’s Inuit homeland. Nestled in a lush valley between mountains and beside a pristine lake, it enjoys a sheltered fjord setting off Ungava Bay. While culturally similar to Nunavut, Nunavik’s language and traditions have subtle differences. The town is famous for its unique winter mussel harvesting, where locals venture into ice caves at low tide. Nearby, a major copper and nickel mine supports the economy, though mining remains controversial. Residents proudly celebrate their Inuit heritage through murals, artwork, and frequent cultural events.
Day 8, Akpatok Island, Nunavut
Accessible only briefly each summer, Akpatok’s towering limestone cliffs evoke an ancient temple or fortress and host thousands of nesting Guillemots. Conditions permitting, we’ll explore this dramatic sanctuary by Zodiac, where Arctic foxes and polar bears prowl for fallen eggs and chicks.
Day 9, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador
Canada’s easternmost mountain range rises in this remote park known as “place of spirits” by local Inuit. Once named ‘Markland’ by Norse explorers, these rugged peaks and fjords remain largely untouched— ideal for scenic cruising and wildlife spotting.
Day 10, At Sea – South Along Labrador Coast
Sailing south along the Labrador coast, enjoy lectures, workshops, and Arctic wildlife sightings. As Autumn sets in and darkness returns to the Arctic, keep watch for the northern lights shimmering above.
Day 11, Rigolet, Labrador
The world’s southernmost Inuit community, Rigolet boasts skilled artisans, sealskin crafts, and North America’s longest boardwalk. Stroll through boreal forests and watch for whales and eagles along the sheltered shores.
Day 12, St Anthony, Newfoundland
From St Anthony, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America. Walk among the reconstructed turf buildings and relive Viking history where Leif Erikson set foot 500 years before Columbus reached the Americas.
Day 13, Woody Point, Newfoundland
Woody Point, gateway to Gros Morne National Park, showcases fjords, lakes, and lush forsts. At the nearby Tablelands, walk a landscape of ancient seafloor rock, revealing Earth’s deep geological past, a Martian landscape hosting ancient and bizarre carnivorous plants.
Day 14, At Sea – En Route to Halifax
Reflect on your voyage during this final day at sea. Enjoy lectures, share stories, or relax in the Nordic Bar with new friends. Join the Captain’s Farewell Party as our unforgettable Arctic adventure nears its conclusion.
Day 15, Halifax, Nova Scotia disembarkation We arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s lively capital and your gateway to further Canadian exploration. After breakfast, bid farewell to Ocean Albatros, the Expedition Team, and your fellow travelers.
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required. Please see Rates & Dates for pricing.
Sign up on board. Available to all guests on all voyages.
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Next-Generation Ship, Decades in the Making
Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros lies decades of learning and adaptation to the harsh Antarctic environment. It’s patented X-BOW offers unprecedented stability and comfort; its many onboard amenities are designed to maximize your Antarctic experience; and its spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors makes zodiac boarding quick, safe and effortless.
All Voyages Include
- One Hotel Night
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
- Beer and wine included with dinner
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities
Albatros:
- Two Outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic views
- Fitness Center & Polar Spa
- Fine cuisine in two restaurants
- Multiple observation decks
