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viking.com | 81 W I N T E R I S S U E 3 0 Into the NORTHWEST PASSAGE Discover the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring nature of the Arctic Circle on one of Viking's expedition voyages. Here is just a sample of the many highlights found in each port on this captivating 13-day itinerary. NUUK, GREENLAND Cosmopolitan Nuuk is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, with just 16,000 residents. Located on the southwest coast, the city is home to the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord—one of the world's largest—whose waters teem with marine life. ITILLEQ FJORD, GREENLAND Greenland's west coast is one of the Arctic region's spectacularly scenic highways and a favoured transpor tation route for Greenlanders. Traveling along the coast, you will pass by ever-changing landscapes, evoking experiences that were once followed by intrepid explorers for centuries. ILULISSAT, GREENLAND Home to a rich Arctic heritage, Ilulissat sits along pristine waters at the mouth of its namesake ice fjord. The town's colour ful houses and dramatic scener y add to its charm. The ice fjord, long studied by glaciologists, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UUMMANNAQ, GREENLAND Founded in 1758, the town's hear t-shaped mountain looms over the majestic landscape and casts a red-hued glow during summer, thanks to the ever-present midnight sun. Historic buildings line the harbour and the town's histor y is well-documented at the Uummannaq Museum. BAFFIN BAY Located between Greenland and Canada, Baffin Bay is named af ter Lieutenant William Baffin, who traversed these waters in May 1616. It is an impor tant par t of the Arctic ecosystem, covered in sea ice for much of the year. Keep watch for bowhead whales, seals and nar whals as you sail through this scenic water way. POND INLET, NUNAVUT, CANADA Pond Inlet sits on the nor thern shores of Baffin Island, at the eastern entrance to the famed Nor thwest Passage. Home to a small but vibrant Inuit community, it is nicknamed the "Jewel of the Nor th." The surrounding Arctic landscape offers a panoramic mix of towering glaciers and rugged mountains. THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC A region of raw natural beauty, the Canadian High Arctic has long been sailed by explorers in search of the Nor thwest Passage. Historic Beechey Island is the final resting place for members of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition. Dundas Harbour was once a remote outpost and became a base for various expeditions. Weather permitting, you may explore some of this breathtaking seascape on a kayak excursion. SISIMIUT, GREENLAND Greenland's second-largest city is considered a gateway to adventure. The town is surrounded by soaring mountains and wide glacial valleys. Several beautiful hiking trails offer spectacular vistas. Traditional kayaks can be seen along the shores, exploring the region as the Inuit do. Experience more of Sisimiut during a ride in a Special Operations Boat or board an AT V and immerse yourself in the picturesque Greenlandic wilderness.