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" (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, in Newfoundland. This journey is not just an ordinary cruise, but a deep immersion into untouched wilderness, an encounter with rich cultural diversity, and wildlife observation in their natural habitat.

The adventure begins in Greenland

The journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, a settlement located at the end of the 160-kilometer-long fjord of the same name, which serves as Greenland's main airport and the gateway for Arctic adventures. Here, travelers get their first impression of the vastness and harshness of the Arctic landscape. 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. Here, travelers will have the opportunity to experience Zodiac safaris, sailing in small and agile boats between blue ice giants, which provides incredible photographic opportunities and a sense of closeness to the mighty nature. The bay is also known as a whale habitat, so encounters with humpback whales and other marine mammals are very likely. The next stop is Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland, where the modern meets the traditional. Travelers will be able to immerse themselves in the local culture, visit the workshops of local artisans who preserve ancient Inuit skills, and learn more about the history and daily life of a community that has survived in these challenging conditions for millennia.

Exploring the Canadian Arctic wilderness

After Greenland, the World Voyager crosses the Davis Strait and enters Canadian waters, heading towards Broughton Island, or Qikiqtarjuaq. This area is home to the Canadian Inuit, and a visit offers a deep insight into their culture and art. Interaction with the local population and artists is an opportunity to understand their connection to nature and the traditions passed down from generation to generation. The journey continues south, entering the Nachvak Fjord, located within the Torngat Mountains National Park. This park, whose name in Inuktitut means "place of spirits," is characterized by dramatic mountain peaks, deep fjords, and untouched wilderness. Cruising through the icy waters of the fjord offers spectacular views, and this is also an area where black bears can be spotted. The next point on the itinerary is the ruins of the Moravian mission in Hebron, an abandoned settlement that testifies to the history of European missionaries and their impact on the lives of the Inuit. This national historic site provides a melancholic but important insight into the complex past of the region.

Encounters with the polar world and UNESCO heritage

One of the highlights of the expedition is certainly the visit to the Button Islands, located at the very northern tip of Labrador. These islands are a key habitat for polar bears, walruses, and various species of seals. Zodiac excursions around the islands allow travelers to observe these magnificent animals up close from a safe distance in their natural environment, as well as numerous seabirds that nest here. The journey then leads to Red Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are the best-preserved remains of a 16th-century Basque whaling station. Archaeological sites, including shipwrecks and objects used in whaling, provide a fascinating insight into early industrial history and the transatlantic connections between Europe and North America. Before the end of the journey, the expedition will also visit the unique archipelago of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. This small French overseas collectivity, located just off the coast of Canada, offers a touch of French culture with its picturesque colorful houses, bakeries, and unique charm, representing an unexpected cultural contrast on this Arctic journey.

A magnificent finale in Newfoundland

The last major stop before arriving in St. John's is Gros Morne National Park, another gem on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The park is known for its extraordinary geological diversity, with the most famous part being the 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, is a unique experience. The park also offers spectacular fjords, such as Western Brook Pond, high cliffs, and a rich flora and fauna. The itinerary also includes several "Captain's Choice" days, when the captain and expedition leader, depending on weather conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities, decide on spontaneous landings in unexplored locations, providing travelers with an authentic sense of expeditionary exploration. The entire journey is carefully designed to combine adventure with luxury and education, and is led by experienced experts.

Superb comfort and expert guidance

The company Atlas Ocean Voyages, which began operations in 2021 with the ship World Navigator, and then expanded its fleet with World Traveller (2022) and World Voyager (2023), specializes in expedition cruises on small, intimate yachts with fewer than 100 suites and cabins. This ensures personalized service and a sense of exclusivity. The onboard experience is all-inclusive and includes cultural excursions, all drinks in the bars, including craft beers and freshly squeezed juices, L'OCCITANE cosmetics in the bathrooms, a coffee machine in the room, prepaid gratuities, and emergency medical evacuation insurance. For the 2025 Arctic season, which is already underway, the company has once again hired two experienced expedition leaders. Jonathan Zaccaria, a French spectrometry engineer who became a polar guide with more than a decade of experience, will lead the team on the yacht World Voyager. His career includes work at the famous Dumont d'Urville Station and multiple winterings in Antarctica. He is joined by Ekaterina "Katia" Uryupova, originally from Siberia, with a doctorate in environmental sciences. Katia is the team leader on the yacht World Traveller, and her expertise includes marine biology, climatology, and environmental advocacy.

Although the new Canadian Arctic expedition is planned for 2026, Atlas Ocean Voyages notes that there are extremely few places left for the remaining voyages in the 2025 Arctic season, which testifies to the great interest in this type of adventure. 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 more information and reservations, interested parties can contact their travel agent or visit the official website www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.