What a spot for the last Zodiac excursion on One Ocean's Labrador and Torngat Mountains expedition cruise: the Button Islands are located near an upwelling of ocean currents laden with nutrients, which make these barren, low islands the Arctic equivalent of an African watering hole. A frigid Zodiac safari in the Button Islands is likely to encounter sea birds, marine mammals and polar bears.
After an emotional and educational excursion to Hebron, it was back to nature for two days in Torngat Mountains National Park - the only National Park in Labrador. Each year, approximately 500 visitors come by boat, charter plane or helicopter, to visit this remarkable "place of spirits". In addition to Zodiac excursions in Saglek and Nachvak fjords, we had the opportunity to take a short, guided hike at the head of the north arm of Saglek fjord. The people, scenery, geology and wildlife were some of the highlights of the cruise.
Visiting Hebron was the most educational, emotional and impactful experience of our 10-day expedition cruise along the east coast of Canada: an amazing opportunity to learn firsthand about the forced relocation of 58 Inuit families from the Hebron mission to other communities in Labrador, the formal government apology almost half a century later - and …
L'Anse aux Meadows is the only confirmed Norse settlement site in North America. The site was excavated in the 1960s, designated a National Historic Site in 1968 and then a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The remains of eight buildings, along with artifacts such as wood debris, personal items and iron nails, led archaeologists to conclude Vikings settled here about a thousand years ago, for about a decade, and most likely used this temporary settlement as a base for exploration along the east coast of North America.
Our first couple of days aboard the RCGS Resolute for One Ocean's Labrador and Torngat Mountains Explorer cruise took us to places that were not on the published itinerary. What a treat to get to places expedition cruises rarely venture! In fact our second Zodiac excursion was one of the scenic highlights of our trip!