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Highlights
Take a cruise amongst the beauty of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
Experience a breathtaking Zodiac cruise through a Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord in Greenland, known for its calving glaciers, towering bird cliffs, and cascading streams in a vast Arctic landscape.
Enjoy exceptional birdwatching at Ungava Bay in Akpatok Island, home to Canada’s largest colony of thick-billed murres, while also spotting polar bears and walruses along the shores.
Kinngait (Cape Dorset, Nunavut): Visit the world-renowned Inuit art studios, meet local artists, and explore the birthplace of modern Inuit printmaking.
Embark on Zodiac cruises and on-deck explorations of the Hudson Strait, searching for polar bears, whales, and other Arctic wildlife in this icy waterway while gaining insights from Inuit cultural educators.
The Heart of the Arctic Cruise is back for 2026. This wonderful expedition cruise offers an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes and cultures of Greenland, Nunavik, and the Canadian Arctic.
From navigating the dramatic fjords of Greenland to exploring the rich biodiversity of Ungava Bay and connecting with Inuit communities in Kinngait and Kimmirut, this expedition blends breathtaking scenery with meaningful cultural interactions. Along the way, enjoy Zodiac cruises, hikes, and wildlife spotting opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of Arctic history and the resilience of its people. This adventure provides a profound connection to one of the world’s most remote and fascinating regions.
The Heart of the Arctic Cruise is back for 2026. This wonderful expedition cruise offers an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes and cultures of Greenland, Nunavik, and the Canadian Arctic.
From navigating the dramatic fjords of Greenland to exploring the rich biodiversity of Ungava Bay and connecting with Inuit communities in Kinngait and Kimmirut, this expedition blends breathtaking scenery with meaningful cultural interactions. Along the way, enjoy Zodiac cruises, hikes, and wildlife spotting opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of Arctic history and the resilience of its people. This adventure provides a profound connection to one of the world’s most remote and fascinating regions.
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Heart of the Arctic Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 Cross the Arctic Circle in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Welcome to Kalaallit Nunaat, or Greenland! Begin your journey by sailing down Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic Circle on your way. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Take a Zodiac Cruise at the Foot of a Glacier in Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord
Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature. See why Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord lives up to its name and marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop. Explore this sublime glacial landscape by ship and by Zodiac.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés in Nuuk, Greenland
Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest. The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Learn From Inuit in Their Homeland While at Sea — Davis Strait
Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we sail across the Davis Strait towards Canada. Get the privileged opportunity to engage with and learn from Inuit in their homeland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck! Keep your binoculars ready to spot whales and seabirds who follow in our wake.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5-6 Enjoy Fantastic Birdwatching in Ungava Bay
Pay a visit to uninhabited Akpatok Island, the biggest island in Ungava Bay at over nine hundred square kilometres. It’s named for the akpait (thick-billed murres) that nest on ledges of the lofty cliffs and is home to Canada’s largest colony of breeding pairs. Take a Zodiac cruise to scout the shorelines and any outlying ice, keeping your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other marine life.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Hike the Tundra on the Ungava Peninsula, QC
Explore an area of treeless tundra along the Ungava Peninsula of Nunavik. Delve into its geological wonders, immerse yourself in its rich flora and fauna, and connect with Inuit cultural educators who will guide you through their homeland, leaving a lasting impression on your soul. Enjoy hiking and a Zodiac cruise with our expedition team, who will provide insightful interpretation every step of the way.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Discovering Salluit: A Warm Welcome in an Inuit Community
Travel to Salluit, the second northernmost community in Nunavik, home to around 1,500 residents. This remote Arctic village offers an authentic opportunity to experience Inuit culture at its source.
Browse local craftsmanship and find beautiful handmade carvings, jewelry, mittens, and more. Feel the warmth of Salluit’s hospitality during a community gathering, where you’ll learn about both traditional and modern Inuit life.
Cap off your visit with a scenic hike through the striking Arctic landscape, gaining a deeper appreciation for the land and its resilient people.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Visit World-Famous Art Studios in Kinngait (Cape Dorset)
Meet the artists and visit the studios that make Kinngait proud—plus, have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art! Talk with the old and new generations of outstanding artists, carvers, and printmakers who continue to make Kinngait a proud centre for fine art.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10-11 Seek Whales, Seabirds, and Polar Bears in Hudson Strait
Join the expedition team out on deck while navigating the icy, fast-moving waters of the Hudson Strait. Enjoy exploring alongside Inuit, gaining an intimate understanding of the region’s charming wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Search for breathtaking Arctic wildlife—polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and seabirds—to capture the perfect photograph.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12-13 Witness Wildlife, Geology, and Ice in Frobisher Bay
Sail through this beautiful bay named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher and stay on the lookout for wildlife. Our geologists will have you raving about rocks! Expect compelling scenery and soak up the Arctic splendour.
Overnight Location: Onboard the ship
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 Wave a Fond Farewell in Iqaluit, NU, Canada
Transfer by Zodiac through Iqaluit harbour for your charter flight back home. Iqaluit, at the head of Frobisher Bay, is Nunavut’s capital. Local attractions include the territorial Legislature, igloo-inspired St. Jude’s Cathedral, art shops, and more.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation on Heart of the Arctic Expedition
This tour is based in staying onboard a spacious cruise vessel that features twenty Zodiacs, and advanced navigation equipment. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. There is a limited number of cabins without single supplement charge (from category 3 to 7), however, any other categories or once the free-upgrade single cabins are sold, the single supplement fee will be 1.5-2 times the berth cost.
Night 1-13
Quadruple cabin (Category 1)
These cabins are approx 240 sqf, located on deck no. 4 and are interior. They consist of four lower berths. Enjoy a private bath with amenities such as a hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products. The cabin will also have an intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night 1-13
Triple Cabin (Category 2)
These cabins are approx 200 sqf, located on deck no. 4 and are interior. They consist of three lower berths. Enjoy a two private baths with amenities such as a hair dryer, bathrobe, towels, body wash, and hair care products. The cabin will also have an intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night 1-13
Double / Twin Cabin (Categories 3, 4 and 5)
These cabins vary by size (from 100 to 120 sqf) and consist of two lower berths. The standard ones are interior, however, for a supplement you can upgrade to a cabin with an exterior view (via pothole) or a main view (with a picture window and unobstructed view). All cabins have ensuite baths, intercom, telephone and flat screen TV.
Night 1-13
Upgraded Double / Twin Cabin (Categories 6, 7 and 8)
Choose an upgraded double or twin room based on your preferred size, type of berths (double or twin), deck level and types of windows and views. Cabin view options vary from pothole windows, to picture windows with unobstructed views. These cabins vary in size from 135 to 190 square feet and have numerous amenities.
Night 1-13
Junior Suite / Suite Cabin (Category 9 and 10)
These cabins are 270 - 310 square feet., have matrimonial beds (bigger than double, but smaller than a queen size) and have sitting areas in addition to numerous other amenities. Junior suites have picture windows with unobstructed views while suites have forward-facing picture windows with unobstructed views and are a little bigger. Suites also have a full tub and refrigerator.
What’s Included in the Heart of the Arctic Expedition?
Meals
The itinerary includes a total of 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 13 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
The tour package includes all the transportation necessary for the activities listed.
Also included
- Applicable taxes and credit card fees
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Special access permits, entry, and park fees
- Expert expedition team
- Guided activities
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Port fees
- Pre-departure materials
- Educational program
- Interactive workshops
- Evening entertainment
- All shipboard meals
Not included
- Commercial and charter flights
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Cabin upgrades
- Northbound Charter Flight: Toronto, ON to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Early-morning departure
- Southbound Charter Flight: Iqaluit, NU to Ottawa, ON. Evening arrival
- How hard is the Heart of the Arctic Expedition?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Greenland or Canada?
- Are meals included on the Heart of the Arctic Expedition?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get Kugluktuk, NU (Canada) to start this tour?
- Is the Heart of the Arctic Expedition in English?
- Where does the Heart of the Arctic Expedition end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Heart of the Arctic Expedition?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Heart of the Arctic Expedition?
We rate the difficulty level of this tour as a 3 / 5. The tour involves activities like hiking on uneven tundra, exploring remote Arctic regions by Zodiac, and dealing with potentially cold and unpredictable weather conditions. While the ship provides a comfortable base, participants should be prepared for physical activity and the adventurous nature of the Arctic environment. This tour is best suited for travelers who are in good health, enjoy active exploration, and can handle moderate physical exertion in rugged and remote settings.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
The itinerary includes a total of 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the activities listed in the itinerary. Get your travel insurance.
To get to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, you'll typically follow these steps: Firstly, fly to Copenhagen, Denmark: Most international travelers first fly to Copenhagen, which is a major hub for flights to Greenland. Then, from Copenhagen, you can take a direct flight to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) with Air Greenland. This is the primary airline offering service to Greenland. You can also choose to join a chartered flight from Toronto for your convenience.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Iqaluit, NU, Canada.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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