Newfoundland & Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure

Bienvenue! Welcome to France. Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of the French Republic. A charter flight is included early this morning from St Johns, Canada. When you arrive, you can admire the colourful shops and the town’s historical character before you board the Ocean Endeavour tonight.

Over the next two days, you’ll journey through the beautiful windswept coast of southern Newfoundland, dotted with bays, coves and a few remote outport communities. Admire outstanding geology and botanical life, explore scenic coastlines and spot abundant birds, whales and other wildlife as your group makes the most of every opportunity with Zodiac cruises and land excursions.

Today, you’ll hike through the incredible Gros Morne National Park. Soak in the extraordinary views of beautiful Bonne Bay and explore the park’s interpretation centre. You’ll also explore the town of Woody Point. Witness the spectacular Tablelands – a 600 m plateau that forms one of the world’s best examples of exposed mantle. Normally found below the Earth’s crust, the mineral-rich rocks support very little life, making the Tablelands an eerie landscape.

Today, you’ll experience the rugged beauty and fascinating history of Battle Harbour – Newfoundland and Labrador's hidden gem. This restored 19th-century fishing village is on a small island in the Labrador Sea, once the saltfish capital of the world. Step back to the 1800s and immerse yourself in the village's rich history as you explore the National Historic District, which has been restored to its original state.

Wander the southern Labrador coast today, where you’ll find coastal barrens, high subarctic tundra, high boreal forest, mid-boreal forest, string bog and diverse islands. Your onboard team will look for opportunities for exciting Zodiac cruises or hikes whenever possible during expedition landings.

Today you’ll visit thriving Nain – the most northerly community in Labrador and the administrative capital of Nunatsiavut. Stop in at the historic Moravian church and learn about its history, listen to the brass band and visit Illusuak – the new cultural centre by the waterfront. The cultural centre showcases the history, language and culture of the Inuit of Labrador and is a place where the community gathers. Get to know the locals and see the abundant arts and handicrafts throughout Nain, where many of your expedition team members call home. Explore the community through walking tours and scenic hikes and take the opportunity to create long-lasting cultural connections.

Step back to the historical site of Hebron today, which preserves a Moravian Mission station dating back to the 1830s. Visit the old church, where Inuit who resided in 1959 learned they would be forced to relocate. A plaque here commemorates this history and the apology to people affected by the relocations issued by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2005. Listen to the stories your guides share and meet former Hebron residents and their kin, who continue to visit the site to hunt and fish nearby.

Spend the next four days exploring treeless, mountainous tundra in Torngat Mountains National Park, where some of Canada’s highest peaks east of the Rockies can be found. Hike, visit archaeological sites and hop on daily Zodiac cruising excursions. Inuit of Nunatsiavut will be your guides through their spiritual homeland, as they play a key role as partners in the management of the park. Many see the park as a portal for the understanding of Inuit culture. Torngat is derived from the Inuttut word ‘tongait’, meaning ‘place of spirits’, where Inuit shamans travelled to connect with higher powers. During your adventures, look out for marine mammals, polar bears, black bears, caribou, falcons and eagles.

Over the next two days, you’ll sail through the beautiful bay of Hudson Strait – named for bygone explorer Martin Frobisher. Stay on the lookout for wildlife, such as polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and different species of whales and seals. Your geologists aboard the ship will also teach you about the fascinating geology of the area – don’t be surprised if, after this trip, you have a new affinity for rocks! Take in the sweeping scenery and the wonder of the Arctic.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to the Ocean Endeavour and head to Iqaluit, where you’ll take a charter flight to Ottawa, Canada. This is where your trip comes to an end. If you need to book accommodation in Ottawa, just speak to your booking agent.