Greenland & Wild Labrador

Transcription

1 Greenland & Wild Labrador Detailed Itinerary Mar 10/15 This extraordinary sailing showcases a staggering geographic diversity, departing the rocky narrows of St. John s harbour and heading north along the coast of Newfoundland. We ll explore islands and inlets in Notre Dame Bay and stop at L Anse aux Meadows to pay our respects to North America s Viking visitors before leaving Newfoundland behind and heading north into Labrador. Once there, we ll sail along dazzling, rocky coastlines and call at immense beaches and long-abandoned communities. We ll visit the seat of the Inuit government as we move further north, and eventually will find our way into the stunning fjords of the Torngat Mountains National Park. In the park, mountains will tower above us as the azure waters mark our passage below; we will be scanning the horizon for icebergs, whales, polar bears, seals and, of course, the abundance of nesting seabirds. The Labrador coast has to be seen to be believed. We will do more than see it, as we head ashore on daily Zodiac expeditions to hike the secret wilds of Canada s hidden coast. Facts & Highlights 13 days Start in St. John s, finish in Kangerlussuaq All meals on board included Travel aboard the Ocean Endeavour Explore the remote reaches of Newfoundland & Labrador in summer bloom Visit the reconstructed Viking settlement in North America at L Anse aux Meadows Travel with widely respected authors, naturalists and culturalists Sail in heavy ice looking for polar bears, whales and seals Visit the largely inaccessible Torngat Mountains National Park Departure Dates & Price Jun 29 Jul 11, 16 Triple Cabin - $5995 Interior Twin - $7395 Exterior Twin - $8695 Main Twin - $9895 Comfort Twin - $11095 Top Deck Twin - $12295 Superior Twin - $13595 Junior Suite - $14895 Suite - $16195 rates do not include Discovery Fund Fee of $250USD pp. Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough. Wet and dry zodiac landings required. Accommodations All travel aboard the Ocean Endeavour. US/CAN UK INTL

2 We then turn east and ever northward, crossing the Davis Strait en route to Greenland. Once there, we will explore the world s northernmost capital city and plumb the many fjords for which the western coast is famed. Our journey ends as we sail into Kangerlussuaq at the head of Sondre Stromfjord, nestled against one of the largest ice caps in the world. This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such, participants on this tour are not exclusive ElderTreks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks maximum size restrictions of our tours. This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such, participants on this tour are not exclusive Elder- Treks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks maximum size restrictions of our tours. kangerlussuaq greenland nuuk tomgat mountains national park hebron hopedale mealy mountains labrador l anse aux meadows notre dame bay st. john s newfoundland Day 1 St. John s, NL We meet in St. John s Newfoundland s historic, vibrant capital. Picturesque and welcoming, with a world-famous harbour, St. John s has been continuously fished since 1498, allowing it to boast the designation of North America s oldest European settlement. We will arrive in St. John s ready to explore and will offer an optional city tour to interested parties in the afternoon. Afterwards, we will rendezvous at the docks and board the Ocean Endeavour to begin the adventure proper; passengers will meet the staff and crew, and prepare to leave the harbour. Sailing out of St. John s has to be experienced to be believed; Signal Hill keeps watch over the world-famous narrows as we head for open water, passing Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. Day 2 Notre Dame Bay Notre Dame Bay is known for the dozens of quaint 2

3 villages that dot its rocky shores, and it is to one of these small settlements that we will be paying a visit today. We may look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival. The bay itself is home to a plethora of islands and, seasonally, ice bergs that drift in from the Atlantic; the Ocean Endeavour will chart a scenic course through these beautiful obstacles as we head north. Day 3 L Anse aux Meadows A UNESCO World Heritage Site, L Anse aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 AD. Amazingly, the location of the ruins was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Today a superb interpretive centre and reconstructions of the several Norse-style sod buildings make L Anse aux Meadows a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland. Day 4 Wonderstrands, Mealy Mountains Park Reserve When we think of Labrador, we may not think beaches but the Vikings did. Two long trackless crescents of sand, washed by the cold Labrador Sea, backed by the Mealy Mountains were given the name Wunderstrand by the Norse seafarers, and earned a place in their Sagas. Hunted, traveled, and occupied over thousands of years by various peoples, the Wonderstrands are still largely unknown and rarely visited by non-labradorians. The Mealy Mountains encompass five of Labrador s ten provincial eco-regions, including coastal barrens, high subarctic tundra, high boreal forest, mid boreal forest, and string bog. The mountain range reaches heights of more than 1,000 metres. A significant portion of the mountain range and surrounding area has been recently designated a potential National Park Reserve, a move which follows lobbying for the preser vation of the area since the early 1970s. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have agreed to pursue creation of a National Park Reserve, which would see the area managed as if it were a national park, pending settlement of Native land claims. Once settled, the area would likely be designated a national park, comprising approximately twenty thousand square kilometres. Day 5 Hopedale Today finds us entering Nunatsiavut, the first Inuit region in Canada to achieve self-governance. Our stop today is in the town of Hopedale, founded as an Inuit settlement named Agvituk, or place of the whales. In the late eighteenth century, Moravian missionaries from Germany arrived in the settlement to convert the population a population with a long history of traditional nomadic Inuit occupation. The Hopedale Mission is still standing and is thought to be the oldest wooden-frame building in Canada east of Québec. It was named a National Historic Site of Canada in Today, Hopedale is the legislative capital of the Nunatsiavut Government. A new assembly building has recently been opened with local Labradorite stone tiling and sealskin seats. An important historical location for Labrador is thus enjoying continued vitality in the modern lives of its Inuit population. We will be going ashore to meet with locals in the community and to learn about the mission and its history. There will be ample time for walking and 3

4 exploration a nearby abandoned American radar station affords spectacular views of the surrounding area. Day 6 Hebron Long-abandoned Hebron was once one of the most northerly communities on the north Labrador coast. A Moravian Mission station was constructed here from 1829 to 1831 but the main buildings the church, the mission house and the store were not inhabited until In a highly controversial move, the station was abandoned in 1959 with the departure of the Moravians, forcing the relocation of the Inuit who resided there. In 2005, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams apologized to people affected by the relocations. In August of 2009, the provincial government unveiled a monument at the site of Hebron with an inscribed apology for the site closure. Today, some of the buildings at Hebron are being repurposed as a cultural interpretation centre and it is to these buildings that we will be paying a visit. Unlike other Labrador communities that have been relocated, the buildings at Hebron still stand. Today they form a lonely monument to the cultural past of the area, and to the hopes for the future of Nunatsiavut. Days 7-9 Torngat Mountains National Park The Torngat Mountains have been home to Inuit and their predecessors for millennia, with archaeological evidence reaching back almost 7,000 years. The fjords here reach deep into the heart of the mountains, bounded by cliffs peaking at 1,700 metres, the highest point of land in Labrador. The rugged, spectacular beauty and inimitable spirit of the Torngat Mountains has led to their acting as the spiritual homeland of Nunatsiavut, both historically and into the present day. The Torngat Mountains comprise some of the oldest rocks on the planet and provide some of the best exposure of geological history. Polar bears, caribou, falcons, and eagles are among the species hardy enough to make their homes here. Day 10 At Sea - Davis Strait Our presentation series will kick into full swing as we steam across the Davis Strait towards landfall in Greenland. While out on deck keep your eyes peeled for minke, humpback and other marine mammals, as well as the seabirds that are sure to mark our passage. Day 11 Nuuk Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland! Nuuk means the headland and is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord system. Established as the very first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk remains the bustling centre of the country today. We have the chance to spot Humpback whales in the fjord, reindeer roaming the land, and birds soaring in the sky. The town itself is home to Greenland s University, a cathedral dating back to 1849 and Greenland s National Museum. We will visit some of the city s most important sites, and you ll have some free time to explore on your own. Day 12 West Greenland There are a number of charming fishing villages along the west coast of Greenland depending on timing and sea conditions, we will call in at one of these communities to experience small town Greenlandic life, or we may navigate into the 4

5 stunning fjords that line the coast. This is a day in the true spirit of expedition travel and we will avail ourselves of any and all opportunities that present themselves. Day 13 Kangerlussuaq We will make our way down spectacular Sondre Stromfjord, and early risers (or late-nighters) will have a chance to experience its beauty. Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery! Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern mouth, means the big fjord. Although the fjord crosses the Arctic Circle, like the oceans here, it does not freeze. Locals can thank ocean currents for this, making this part of Greenland a centre for whaling and fishing all year. The United States built an air base at Kangerlussuaq in WWII due to the relatively mild weather and strategic proximity to Europe. Although the military base closed in 1992, the strip is now Greenland s main international and domestic airport. The area is distinguished by fantastic nature and rich biodiversity. There is nowhere else in Greenland where it is so easy to go so far into the interior and the world s largest ice cap can be reached in less than an hour. The landscape features enormous glacier formations, which have ploughed deep into the dramatic tundra. On the plain between the fjord and the inland ice you may find Greenland s biggest herds of musk ox, reindeer, arctic foxes as well as the highest concentration of peregrine falcons in Greenland and more than 250 species of plants. 5

6 The Ocean Endeavour details: Maximum: 198 passengers Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, the Ocean Endeavour is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and Aurora Lounge aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Exterior Twin Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour. 6

7 Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? The Ocean Endeavour is a 198 passenger vessel. On board there will also be resource staff. 2.what is included in the tour price? From day 1 to disembarkation meals, entrance fees, and accommodations are included. 3.what is not included in the tour price? International & charter flights, tips, Discovery Fund fee of ($250USD). Personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, internet & laundry are not included and put onto their ship board account which is payable in USD the night prior to disembarkation. Ships crew gratuities are not included, we suggest between $10-$14 per day per passenger.this goes into a lump sum and distributed to the entire crew equally. 4.what is the Discovery Fund? The Discovery Fund is the result of committed passengers longing for a way to give back to the regions they have visited during their expeditions. Our local supplier has made a point to support local organizations and groups focusing on the environmental, cultural and educational needs of each region you will visit. Our local supplier, in cooperation with their friends in the North, assess where the demand is the greatest and supports each cause through monetary donations. Each passenger who travels with our local supplier donates an additional $250 USD to ensure the longevity and success of the initiatives in these regions. Throughout the voyage you will see some of the projects that we have funded over the years. Your donation goes a long way and helps ensure that many of these important organizations, many at the grassroots level, are able to carry on. Most of these local initiatives do not have charitable status and thus do not have the ability to issue tax receipts. If it is essential for you to obtain a tax receipt for your donation, the local supplier will send your portion to an organization which has this capability. 5. Are these educational tours? Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, educational. We visit museums and local villages. We also have talks and discussions on many aspects of the history and culture Newfoundland, but this is only one aspect of what we do. We believe that it is equally educational to meet new people on a non- commercial basis. Sometimes the most educational moments are spent having a cold drink with the locals. 6. How do we travel during the tour? We cruise on our vessel and often use zodiac s for our adventure excursions. 7.what are our accommodations like? All cabins aboard the ship are outside cabins with private bathrooms. The ship has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers. 8.what about the weather? We travel to Greenland during early summer. In general, Greenland can experience temperatures between F (1-12 C). 9. when is payment due? A non-refundable deposit of $1500USD (plus insurance if you desire it) is due as soon as you decide to go and will reserve your place on the tour. The balance of the land payment is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and these are outlined in the Terms & Conditions section of our brochure. 7

8 10. Is medical insurance required? Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is required for this adventure with a minimum of $75,000 coverage for evacuation insurance, including air ambulance. We strongly recommend cancellation and interruption insurance as well! ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. 11. what meals are included? All meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day. 13. can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries, not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 14. what if I would like more information? If you have any further questions about the adventure, please call our office for more details. A Trip Specialist will be happy to answer your questions. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip. 12.what should I take on the tour? There is a detailed What to Take list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip. 8