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This tour explores the northern extremes of Labrador. The highlight of the trip is the new Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve. In addition to Mountains over 1,600 metres, the fjords that slash into them for miles make for a dramatic landscape. Polar Bears and Black Bears both patrol the territory and icebergs parade south from Greenland. The trip is based from an active Inuit owned fishing vessel. Our days will be filled walking in the mountains and kayaking the fjords. Meals will feature local foods and the entire trip will be an exploration of local culture as much as the landscape. Also included is a flightseeing tour over the mountains and seashore to see “The Big Land”, icebergs and animals from the sky. When we set out to explore the Torngats we were prepared to be awestruck by the scenery. What we hadn’t anticipated was the culture becoming the lens through which the entire experience of The Big Land would be seen. Our clients agree – living day to day with our Inuit partners not only brought their history alive but also added unexpected depth to our understating of the land and the sea. Traditional food was our daily fare, from fresh arctic char on deck at sunset to snacking on traditional plants as we hike. In all our adventures we endeavour to remove anything that can come between the traveler and the experience. In Labrador one of the subtlest barriers to truly appreciating the land and the civilization is our own culture. Step away from the trappings of western society and allow our Inuit hosts to introduce you to an ancient and still vibrant world. We travel only with what we need to remain safe and comfortable but leave behind the excess accoutrements that actually separate us from appreciating the experience. Goals:
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Day 1 |
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Fly into Nain via Goose Bay. On arrival in Nain, (headquarters for the new Torngat Mountain National Park Reserve) enjoy a welcoming orientation session and meal to meet your local Inuit Captain and guides to educate the travelers about the park, our guidelines and the rules required for safe and sensitive enjoyment of the land. Overnight in Nain. |
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Day 2 |
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Fly north and land in Saglek fjord. Overnight in the compound in Saglek fjord where guests can chat with park staff and researchers who are stationed in northern Labrador to develop a better understanding of this eco-system. |
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Day 3 & 4 |
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Explore Saglek fjord via boat and foot. Kayaking is another option for those that want to explore in silence. Rose Island is must-see. The sod hut remains are combined with individual and group stone graves to make this a truly ethereal land. Add to that that you are looking at rocks that are almost 4 billion years old and you understand the impermanence of our visit. |
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Day 5 |
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Continuing north to hike to Ramah. This is the site of remarkable chert that has been worked into tools for thousands of years. The presence of this chert in far-flung archeological digs lends proof to the surprising trading that occurred thousands of years ago. Last year we enjoyed the mist settling around us as we hiked and the silence that allowed us to hear the breathing of the animals as they passed us, unseen. |
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Day 6 & 7 |
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Nachvak. Hiking, kayaking and, for the hardy folks, swimming. I know it sounds chilly but our last group spent 20 minutes swimming with huge arctic char. This is a popular spot for the polar bears having a dip as well so we may have to let them take their turn first. You won’t know whether to look up at the peaks around you or at your feet for the tiny plants. Ancient archeological sites provide a base for hiking into the mountains to follow traditional routes where the paths are kept alive by the caribou and bear. |
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Day 8 |
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South to Hebron. The restoration of the Moravian church is an impressive undertaking, even in modern times. To think that this massive building was brought and assembled here in the 1800s is even more astounding. While in Hebron be certain to visit the cemeteries of German missionaries and ancient stone graves dating back thousands of years. As we steam south your challenge is to spot the animals scattered about the mountains before the experienced eyes of our guides see them. |
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Day 9 |
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In and around Nain. This is your chance to meet local artists to view their carvings before you have to fly out to rejoin reality. |
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Who should join us: Travelers who understand the value of cultural diversity as well as biological diversity are ideally suited to this geographic and spiritual journey. If standing in 5,000 year old tent rings while hearing stories of our Captain’s 13 year old Grandmother’s solo journeys appeals to you, please join us. If gathering your meals from what the land provides and helping to prepare it in traditional recipes sounds exciting, join us. If letting nature set the itinerary as it always has in this remote land allows your soul to get back in synch with nature, join us. Contingencies: The itinerary is subject to change depending on the vagaries of Labrador weather. We have contingencies for weather if we are unable to head north from Nain. If, during the final days of the trip, inclement weather is forecast we plan to head south early and spend the remainder of the time in the sheltered water around Nain. Safety: Our primary concern is safety. Our guides are as highly trained, certified in kayaking, climbing, avalanche awareness, caving, and survival. This culture of safety will be applied to our trips in Labrador. Vessel: is a 55 ft fishing vessel with onboard cabins with privacy curtain and washroom. Important note: The sleeping accommodation on board is clean and comfortable but by no means are the facilities “cruise like”. This boat was built for the sea and ice conditions that occur in this powerful expanse of ocean while being small enough to allow us to explore the inner waterways. Our choice of vessel was given a vote of confidence shortly after we left the Torngats. A barge full of 90,000 litres of diesel broke free and grounded just off Hebron. The conditions have made it impossible for Coast Guard to re-float or empty the barge but they have chartered our boat to remain on standby. I am comfortable that if the Coast Guard puts this faith in our boat and crew, we can relax. Kayaks: We provide kayaks for optional exploring sheltered waters. These are double kayaks to maximize safety. Our pace will also allow for quiet time to merely sit and relax. We do not plan to spend excessive periods of time just motoring along the coastline, as spectacular as it is! Price:$4,000 Includes:
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