The company Atlas Ocean Voyages, known for its luxury expedition voyages, has announced a brand-new polar expedition for 2026, offering adventurers a unique opportunity to explore the remote and magnificent regions of the Canadian Arctic. It is an exclusive 17-day journey titled “Canadian Arctic Discovery,” which will take place on the modern expedition yacht World Voyager. The start of this unforgettable adventure is scheduled for September 21, 2026, departing from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland and ending in the picturesque St. John’s, Newfoundland. This journey is not just an ordinary cruise; it is a deep immersion into untouched wilderness, rich cultural encounters, and wildlife observation in their natural habitat.
The Adventure Begins in Greenland
The journey starts in Kangerlussuaq, a settlement at the end of the 160-kilometer-long fjord of the same name, which serves as Greenland’s main airport and gateway for Arctic adventures. Travelers will get their first impression of the vastness and harshness of the Arctic landscape here. The first major stop after setting sail is Disco Bay, known for its monumental icebergs that break off from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most active in the northern hemisphere. Travelers will have the chance to experience Zodiac safaris, sailing between these blue ice giants, providing incredible photographic opportunities and a sense of closeness to nature. This region is also a whale habitat, so encounters with humpback whales and other marine mammals are very likely.
The next stop is Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town, where modern life meets ancient traditions. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture, visit the workshops of artisans preserving ancient Inuit skills, and learn about a community that has thrived in these challenging conditions for millennia.
Exploring the Canadian Arctic Wilderness
After Greenland, the World Voyager crosses the Davis Strait into Canadian waters, heading towards Broughton Island, or Qikiqtarjuaq. This area is home to the Canadian Inuit, and a visit here offers a deep insight into their culture and art. Interacting with local artists allows travelers to understand their connection to nature and the traditions passed down through generations.
The journey continues south into the Nachvak Fjord, part of Torngat Mountains National Park. Known in Inuktitut as the “place of spirits,” this park boasts dramatic mountain peaks, deep fjords, and untouched wilderness. Cruising through the icy waters of the fjord provides spectacular views, and this area is often visited by black bears.
Next, the expedition will visit the ruins of the Moravian mission in Hebron, an abandoned settlement that sheds light on the history of European missionaries and their impact on Inuit life. This national historic site is an important testament to the region’s complex past.
Encounters with the Polar World and UNESCO Heritage
A highlight of the expedition is visiting the Button Islands, located at the northern tip of Labrador. These islands are vital habitats for polar bears, walruses, and various seal species. Zodiac excursions around the islands allow travelers to observe these magnificent animals up close from a safe distance, along with numerous seabirds that nest here.
The journey then leads to Red Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the best-preserved remains of a 16th-century Basque whaling station. The archaeological sites, including shipwrecks and whaling artifacts, provide a fascinating insight into early industrial history and the transatlantic connections between Europe and North America.
Another unforgettable stop is the unique archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. This small French overseas collectivity just off the Canadian coast offers a touch of French culture, with picturesque colorful houses, charming bakeries, and cultural contrasts that enrich the Arctic experience.
A Magnificent Finale in Newfoundland
Before arriving in St. John’s, the final major stop is Gros Morne National Park, another gem on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This park is celebrated for its extraordinary geological diversity, with the famous Tablelands, a massive plateau of rocks from the Earth’s mantle, pushed to the surface by tectonic shifts. Walking on this orange-brown landscape, reminiscent of Mars, creates a memorable experience. The park boasts spectacular fjords, such as Western Brook Pond, high cliffs, and a rich array of flora and fauna.
The itinerary also includes “Captain’s Choice” days, where the captain and expedition leader may decide on spontaneous landings in unexplored locations based on weather conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities, providing an authentic sense of exploration.
Superb Comfort and Expert Guidance
Atlas Ocean Voyages, which began operations in 2021 with the ship World Navigator, has expanded its fleet with World Traveller (2022) and World Voyager (2023). They specialize in expedition cruises on intimate yachts with fewer than 100 suites and cabins, ensuring personalized service and a sense of exclusivity. The onboard experience is all-inclusive, covering cultural excursions, beverages—including craft beers and freshly squeezed juices—luxurious L’OCCITANE cosmetics in bathrooms, coffee machines in rooms, prepaid gratuities, and emergency medical evacuation insurance.
For the upcoming 2025 Arctic season, the company has hired experienced expedition leaders, including Jonathan Zaccaria, a French spectrometry engineer turned polar guide with over a decade of experience, and Ekaterina “Katia” Uryupova from Siberia, with expertise in marine biology and environmental advocacy.
Although the new Canadian Arctic expedition is planned for 2026, Atlas Ocean Voyages notes that interest remains high for the remaining voyages in the 2025 Arctic season. Available trips include a nine-day route from Tromsø to Longyearbyen on August 17, 2025, a nine-day round trip from Longyearbyen on August 26, 2025, and a ten-day journey from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík on August 19, 2025. For reservations or more information, interested travelers can contact their travel agent or visit the official website www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.