Labrador

Polar bears, Inuit culture and mile high mountains in Canada's newest park. Explore northern Labrador in the Torngat Mountains National Park, with mountains over 1,600 metres, rising directly from the water in massive fjords.

2019 Dates:  TBD

 

 

General Details

Men’s Journal has picked this as one of the 4 best ‘Adventure Cruises’ in the world!

Overview:

  • Arrive at Basecamp on your charter flight from Goose Bay.

  • Using the zodiacs and other boats, spend days exploring the fjords that define this coastline.

  • To get a feeling for the shear isolation and scale of northern Labrador, camp out at the base of the mountains.

  • Visit Hebron, the abandoned community host to the historic Moravian church.

  • Helicopter tours are available! Seeing the mile-high mountains from above is an experience not to be missed, particularly for photos.

  • Going home on Day 8? The charter takes you back to Goose Bay. Staying for the optional 4 day hike? Load your pack!

 

This tour explores the northern extremes of Labrador. The highlight of the trip is the Torngat Mountains National Park. With mountains over a mile high, and fjords that slice into them for many miles, it is a dramatic landscape. Polar Bears and Black Bears patrol the territory while icebergs drift south from Greenland. Our days will be filled exploring the coast and fjords by boat and walking in the mountains and on the tundra. Meals will feature local foods and the entire trip will be an exploration of local Inuit culture as much as the landscape. An optional helicopter tour over the mountains and seashore to view the park, icebergs and animals is available. When we set out to explore the Torngats prepare to be awestruck by the magnificent scenery and landscape viewed through an Inuit cultural lens. Our past 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 often our daily fare, from fresh arctic char cooked on hot rocks over an open fire 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 Inuit world 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 we leave behind the excess accoutrements that actually separate us from appreciating the experience.

 

 Goals:

·    Introduce you to the beauty of northern Labrador and Torngat Mountains National Park

·        Highlight Inuit culture and history as an integral part of the tour.

·        Deliver authentic cultural experiences through our Inuit Guides

·        Increase awareness of this truly pristine corner of our province

·        Provide high quality photographic opportunities.

 

Itinerary

The following itinerary is our objective but, needless to say, nature is in control in Labrador more than most places on earth,so flexibility is mandatory. The following daily itinerary can occur in a different order depending upon weather and logistics. At the end of each day there is an evening program hosted by Parks Canada and the Kangidluasuk Inuit Student Program. Programming varies from day to day and week to week depending on the theme for that week and who is in camp. These programs are always full of pleasant surprises. You may even get a chance to display your inner artist!!!

Day 1 – Arrival

Fly north from Goose Bay on our charter flight to Saglek fjord. From the landing strip you are taken by boat to Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station where you will be meet by National Park and Base Camp staff. Lunch will be served,and then an orientation to the camp and the week’s activities, along with a safety briefing, will be provided. This is a good time to meet other guests including researchers who are stationed in northern Labrador to develop a better understanding of this unique arctic eco-system. An afternoon hike from Base Camp will give you a great chance to stretch your legs, meet other guests and staff, and get those first few photos. Overnight at Base Camp in Saglek fjord.

 

Day 2 – Hebron

South to Hebron, where a local Inuit family, who look after the site, will guide you through the history of this abandoned community. 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 1830s is even more astounding. While in Hebron be certain to visit the two cemeteries: one for Inuit and one for the German missionaries. As we steam south your challenge is to spot the animals scattered about the mountains and on the offshore islands before the experienced eyes of our guides see them. Icebergs, whales and seals will accompany you.

 

 Day 3 – Sallikuluk (RoseIsland)

Travel to Sallikuluk by boat, looking for icebergs and polar bears. This site is very important to Inuit and has been designated as a Special Management Area by the park. The island is covered in sod hut remains and numerous individual stone graves which make this a truly ethereal land. We willvisit the sites on the southern tip of the Island. Inuit Elders have asked that the Island be protected and visitation strictly controlled to ensure the site is respected and remains undisturbed. There is a mass grave containing the repatriated remains of over 100 Inuit. Parks Canada staff will introduce you to the powerfully emotional story of this grave.

 

Day 4 & 5 – Overnight in South West Arm

The morning is spent cruising along the islands and shoreline of Saglek Bay looking for Polar bears and experiencing the spectacular fjord scenery. The cliffs of Saglek tell a story of 4 billion years of earth history. Asyou travel deeper into the fjord the cliffs rise ever higher to nearly 4000 ft straight up. By late afternoon you will arrive at your campsite in SW Arm. The valley is lush and green and in stark contrast to the outer islands. Black bears, and wolves regularly visit the campsite while bearded seals fish for arctic char in the river. Supper will consist of freshly caught arctic char cooked over hot rocks. Enjoy the tranquility of the valley, watch the sun setting on the cliff faces and enjoy the tundra aromas. We will spend 2 nights at SW Arm.

 

Day 6 – SW Arm to Base Camp

Wake up and relax with a cup of coffee or tea in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. After a leisurely breakfast we will head to North Arm to explore the valley, visit archaeological sites and, if the weather is nice, take a dip under the waterfall. Then, on the way back to base camp, to build an appetite for supper, we leave the boat to take a hike up Nakvak Brook to the site of an Inukshuk that was erected by Inuit from Labrador and Quebec to commemorate the close ties between them, and to celebrate the connection of Inuit Elders and youth to the land.

 

Day 7 – Bears Gut Fjord

Just north of Saglek Fjord isan ideal spot for char fishing and a popular spot for viewing polar bears. You won’t know whether to look up at the razorback peaks around you or down at your feet for the tiny, hardy alpine 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 bears.

 

Day 8 – Departure

After an early stroll, it is back in the boat for the shuttle to the airstrip and another chance to see the mountains from the air. This is your last chance to chat with local Inuit, scientists, artists, guests and staff who have taken you on, what every guest has felt was, a life - changing journey.

 

 

Safety – Our primary concern is safety. Our guides are experienced on the land and trained in a wide range of emergency situations specific to this area.

 

A bit about Polar Bears:

Polar bears are present in the Torngat Mountains year round. As a consequence we take every precaution to ensure your safety. At all times you will be accompanied by two guides including an armed Inuit guide, and at night you will camp in areas that are surrounded by an electric and alarmed fence. In addition, your Linkum tours guide will have a trained and experienced bear dog that will accompany you on all excursions.

 

Dates: TBD

Group sizes: maximum of 8 people

 

Price: TBD.

 

Price Includes:

•Charter flight from Goose Bay to Saglek and return.

•Accommodations in camps.

•All meals.

•Guides.

•Shuttles around the park by speed boat and longliner.

 

Clients are required to supply their own clothing and sleeping bags. A suggested equipment list will be sent to you. If this adventure appeals to you contact us and we can provide more details.

Space is limited so don’t delay!!!!

 

Rates

Per Person Price: TBD - Please call for 2019 prices.

All prices are in Canadian dollars. Plus applicable taxes.

Photos

Tempted yet? I know how to convince you - have a look at photos from past tours! Please visit: TORNGATS