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Visit Greenland! frozen lake in Uummannaq, Greenland

Wild Landscapes of West Greenland

Roundtrip Toronto - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Sylvia Earle
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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.
Kayaking and Zodiac Cruising in Ilulissat Icefjord, GreenlandSisimiut, GreenlandDisko Island, GreenlandZodiac CruisingVisit Greenland! frozen lake in Uummannaq, Greenland
Highlights
  • Explore the midnight sun and hike through Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town
  • Discover the beauty of Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island) with its black sandy beaches and hot springs
  • Visit the world's northernmost open-air museum in Upernavik and spot narwhals and birds
  • Witness the birthplace of icebergs in Ataa Sund, Ilulissat, and take a helicopter flight for breathtaking views
  • Experience the heart-shaped mountain and Qilakitsoq mummies in Uummannaq
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Toronto

Having made your way to Toronto, check in at your group hotel near the airport for an overnight stay. Enjoy a drink and meet fellow expeditioners at your welcome briefing this evening. Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and the charter flight to Nuuk tomorrow. Receive Aurora Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.

Day 2: Nuuk | Embark

Please ensure your luggage has cabin tags clearly labeled with your name and cabin number. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.

After breakfast at the hotel, board your charter flight to Nuuk, where Sylvia Earle awaits. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before the important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew.

Day 3: Sisimiut

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.

Day 4: Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

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.

Day 5-7: Expedition Cruising

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 the enormous icebergs that Greenland is famous for. Kayakers can paddle in the serene bay among the glittering icebergs, while other expeditions 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. Keep an eye out for a traditional old kayak and umiaq boat, highlighting the primary mode of transport locals use to navigate the archipelago during the summer. The shy and elusive narwhal is also known to visit the area, and at nearby Apparsuit, bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to find one of the world's most prominent bird cliffs.

Day 8: At Sea

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.

Day 9: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island

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.

Day 10-11: Ataa Sund | Ilulissat

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.

Ilulissat optional helicopter flight (90 minutes): this excursion is the only way to get close to the gigantic glacier. The 10-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport, sweeping over hills, lakes, and ice fjords. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the glacier's edge with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the enormous icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water just outside the town offer a fantastic finale to this excursion. Please note that this excursion requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate.

Day 12: Aasivissuit- Nipisat

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.

Day 13: Eternity Fjord

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
In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland bid the crew and expedition team farewell and transfer to the airport for your 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.

Ship/Hotel

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle Observation Deck
Sylvia Earle Library

Dates & Prices

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Deals

Up to 20% Off 25917
Book now and save up to 20% off on select 2025 Arctic and beyond departures. Bookings must be made and deposited by December 31, 2024. This promotion is valid for new bookings and is capacity-controlled. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to all departures up to Dec 31, 2025

Go Solo & Save 26211
For a limited time, solo travelers will pay no single supplement on selected Arctic 2025 and all Arctic & Global 2026 expeditions in designated cabins. A non-refundable deposit of $2500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. This promotion is valid on new bookings, is subject to availability, and is capacity-controlled. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Aug 15, 2025 departure

Per person starting at
$21,695 2-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Triple
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.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
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.
Balcony Stateroom C
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.
Balcony Stateroom B
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.
Balcony Stateroom A
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.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
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.
Junior Suite
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.
Captain's Suite
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.
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
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 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
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
  • 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.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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