Embark on a 15-day expedition cruise to and from Toronto aboard the Sylvia Earle. Your journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland's northernmost capital, marking the inhabited region on the west coast of the world's largest island. Outside Nuuk, sparse settlements dot the coastline with limited connectivity, accessible only by air or sea. As you journey northward, settlements dwindle, leading you through sea ice to secluded bays adorned with icebergs, a realm less explored by tourists and potentially housing whale sanctuaries.
Highlights
Discover Sisimiut’s historical landmarks, including Inuit houses
Enjoy the rugged landscapes of Qeqertarsuaq
Traverse Uummannaq’s scenic trails and kayak among the icebergs and whales
Visit Upernavik’s open-air museum and explore Greenland’s colonial history
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Upon arrival in Toronto, check in at your group hotel near the airport for an overnight stay. Join the welcome briefing this evening to enjoy a drink and meet fellow expeditioners. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and speak with the ground operations team, who will provide details about pre-embarkation procedures and the charter flight to Nuuk scheduled for tomorrow. Ensure your luggage is labeled with your name and cabin number using the provided tags.
Ensure your luggage is labeled with your name and cabin number using the provided cabin tags. Keep valuables and personal items with you at all times. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin before you board the ship.
After breakfast at the hotel, board your charter flight to Nuuk, where Sylvia Earle awaits. Upon arrival, settle into your cabin before attending the essential safety briefings. Later this evening, meet your expedition team and crew.
Greenland’s second-largest town, Sisimiut, is located approximately 54 kilometers (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during the summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with a gate made of whalebone. In the cozy museum next door to the church, you can find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house and exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.
Sisimiut offers hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty. The more accessible trails take you through the town, its outskirts, and into the mountains, where you can find spectacular vantage points.
Some 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled there. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture came around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s when the Thule culture replaced them, and today, most of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.
This compelling island has more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hot springs, and dramatic lava formations. Appreciate the colorful flowers on the Kuannit Hike, where you can walk through stunning landscapes, see ancient basalt columns, and perhaps spot whales in Disko Bay.
Note: In genuine expeditionary style, your itinerary for the following days heavily depends on weather conditions and unpredictable sea ice. The following places are some that you hope to visit:
Uummannaq
Set on an island of the same name, Uummannaq is 600 km (373 mi) above the Arctic Circle and is famous for its heart-shaped mountain. It's also well-known for the Qilakitsoq mummies, Greenland's oldest, that were discovered nearby. The center of town is compact and easy for you to explore independently, and there are several marked hiking trails, many of which lead to mountain lakes, for those who want to stretch their legs. Kayakers can enjoy paddling among the icebergs and keeping watch for whales that frequent the area.
Upernavik
Set amid a labyrinth of small islands, Upernavik is home to traditional settlements and enormous icebergs for which Greenland is famous. Kayakers can paddle in the serene bay among the glittering icebergs, while other expeditioners can discover the town on walks or hikes in the surrounding area. Upernavik is the world's northernmost open-air museum. A walk through the old part of town, which encompasses the original colonial buildings, tells the area's cultural history, including the colonial and Viking periods. Look out for a traditional old kayak and umiaq boat, highlighting the main mode of transport locals use to navigate the archipelago during summer.
Find a spot in one of the many observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. The talented and knowledgeable expedition members will present informative and entertaining talks about the region that you’re traveling through.
In Qeqertarsuaq, you can enjoy a Zodiac excursion in Disko Bay, often filled with icebergs and a hotspot for marine life, including humpback, fin, minke, and bowhead whales. Enjoy a walk through the settlement, perhaps try some local tea made from fresh local herbs, and learn about the history of Qeqertarsuaq at the museum before walking along the black sand beach towards the colorful colonial buildings.
Known as the 'birthplace of icebergs,' this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on earth. Explore the ice-filled Ataa Sund and hope to experience a few of the active glaciers from a safe distance. In Ilulissat, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe at its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier in Greenland and throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million metric tons of ice daily, floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay.
Visit a Greenlandic settlement near the Aasivissuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the local inhabitants live a traditional fishing and hunting lifestyle that dates back 4,000 years. The settlement also features the remarkable Qaammat Pavilion, built on the ridge at the top overlooking the Ikeertoq fjord. Swedish architect Konstantin Ikonomidis created this stunning, architecturally designed, award-winning crystal structure in cooperation with the local community and the UNESCO team. It is a tribute to nature, the land, and the cultural traditions of the indigenous Inuit people.
Evighedsfjorden, or Eternity Fjord, is one of the more spectacular fjord complexes in west Greenland due to its forested landscape. Hike through a forested valley and witness hills becoming towering snow-capped mountains as countless glaciers pour down from sheer cliff walls. Occasionally, the thunderous sound of a calving glacier breaks the silence in a place where you are unlikely to see another soul.
Day 14: Nuuk | Disembark | Fly to Toronto
1 Breakfast
During the early morning, you cruise into Nuuk and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell to your expedition team before transferring to the airport for a charter flight to Toronto for an overnight stay.
Day 15: Depart Tonronto
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of your room and continue your journey with a transfer to the airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,195
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
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Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
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Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
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Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
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Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
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Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
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Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Toronto on Day 1
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Toronto on Day 14
Return charter flight between Toronto and Nuuk
Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from your group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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