Autumn Northern Lights - from Greenland to Nova Scotia | 15 Days | Ocean Albatros Cruise

Arrive in Greenland’s vibrant capital of Nuuk, a city blending Inuit tradition with modern Nordic flair. After a scenic drive past the colorful cityscape, embark the Ocean Albatros, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team. Following safety briefings, enjoy your first dinner aboard as the ship sails out into the majestic Greenlandic coastal waters, marking the beginning of your Arctic adventure.

Wake to the sights of Kangaamiut, a charming village clinging to steep fjord walls. Discover Greenlandic culture through local crafts, seal-flensing demonstrations, and sweeping hilltop views. In the afternoon, cruise deep into Evighedsfjorden—“The Eternity Fjord”—where glacial ice meets towering cliffs. Experience a Zodiac excursion in front of Evigheds Glacier, scanning for calving ice and nesting seabirds.

Sail across the historic Davis Strait, once teeming with whaling ships. Today, engage with expert-led lectures on Arctic wildlife, geology, and culture. Relax in the Albatros Polar Spa or watch seabirds glide alongside from the deck’s hot tub. This sea day offers time to rest, learn, and anticipate the adventures ahead.

Enter Canadian waters and visit Pangnirtung, nestled between glacial peaks and tundra. Often called the “Switzerland of the Arctic,” this Inuit community thrives on art, particularly its famous Pang hats and woven goods. Learn about its transformation from Hudson’s Bay outpost to a creative and cultural hub, surrounded by one of the Arctic’s most beautiful landscapes.

Discover two remote wildlife sanctuaries off Baffin Island. These rocky outcrops are a haven for polar bears, walrus, and seabirds. Named for the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, the islands provide an exceptional chance for Arctic wildlife viewing. Binoculars are a must as you explore by Zodiac, scanning cliffs and ice for elusive creatures.

Explore the raw, wind-shaped Lower Savage Islands at the mouth of Frobisher Bay. Cruise through carved channels by Zodiac, drawn by the region’s extreme tides and nutrient-rich waters. This is a hotspot for marine life, offering excellent chances to encounter seals, seabirds, and maybe even whales amidst a surreal, untouched landscape.

Sail into Quebec’s Arctic and visit Kangiqsujuaq, beautifully situated in a green valley between mountains. Famous for under-ice mussel harvesting and bold Inuit art, this town blends nature and culture. Admire murals, hear local stories, and learn how the people here balance traditional ways with modern opportunity, including nearby mineral resources.

Remote and monumental, Akpatok Island rises from Ungava Bay like a limestone fortress. Its cliffs are home to thousands of Brunnich’s Guillemots, while Arctic foxes and polar bears prowl below. Cruise along the base of its layered walls, marveling at geology shaped by ice and time, and watching nature's drama unfold on every ledge.

Sail into the majestic Torngat Mountains—Labrador’s "Place of Spirits"—where fjords cut deep into peaks and polar bears roam freely. This rarely visited national park offers breathtaking views best enjoyed from the safety of your ship. As autumn paints the slopes gold, absorb tales of Viking explorers and Inuit traditions in this otherworldly wilderness.

Journey south through historic Viking waters. Attend workshops and lectures, or relax with a book in the observation lounge. As you leave the Arctic behind, look out for auroras dancing above and whales breaching below. Share stories with new friends over cocktails while enjoying the gentle transition into the Canadian Maritimes.

Arrive in Rigolet, the world’s southernmost Inuit settlement. This small, artsy town boasts a rich history and the longest boardwalk in North America, offering prime views of whales and salmon. Learn about Rigolet’s Hudson’s Bay Company past, admire local craftsmanship, and soak in the beauty of where tundra meets boreal forest.

Disembark in the northern town of St. Anthony and uncover the Norse past at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking site in North America. Explore these UNESCO-listed ruins where Leif Erikson may have once stood. This is where European history in the New World began—half a millennium before Columbus.

Dock at Woody Point, gateway to Gros Morne National Park. Venture into the ancient Tablelands, where Earth's mantle sits exposed, revealing a Martian-like terrain. Discover rare geology, carnivorous plants, and vibrant Mi'kmaq heritage. This is one of the best places in the world to witness Earth’s tectonic history up close.

Reflect on your Arctic odyssey during a relaxing day at sea. Enjoy recap lectures, share photos, or unwind with new friends in the Nordic Bar. As the Ocean Albatros heads toward Nova Scotia, toast your journey at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party—celebrating the wild wonders and memories of the far north.