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Canadian Maritimes Planning Tips and Fast Facts

Adventure to the High Latitudes in this Rugged Land of Nature’s Bounty

Our Expert Opinion

Greenland is for the bold explorer, the adventure seeker, heli-skiing enthusiasts or the outdoor photographer, seeking exquisite natural beauty and majestic silence. Charter an expedition yacht that is built to handle the elements and be self-sufficient when you’re miles from nowhere.

What is Destination Known For?

Greenland ice sheet, rugged mountains, lush sheep farms, dog sledding, Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, adrenaline outdoor sports, majestic and rugged beauty.

Location and Size

Greenland is located to the north of North America, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. It has an area of 836,330 sq. miles (2,166,086 sq. km.). The island has a coastline of 27,394 miles (44,087 km.). Greenland is a part of the 5.5 million sq. miles (14.5 million sq. km) Arctic region, which also includes Spitsbergen and the northern parts of Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Russia.

History

The first settlers of Greenland arrived 4,000 to 5,000 years ago by crossing the narrow Thule strait which was frozen solid at that time. Between 500 BC and 800 AD, it is believed that up to six different races migrated into this region, with the immigration of the Thule people in the 9th century being the last.

In 982, Viking explorer Erik the Red arrived in Greenland and established a Norse colony which thrived for roughly five centuries in southern Greenland until its unexplained disappearance in 1500. Ruins of the Brattahlíð colony are located at the Tunulliarfik Fjord’s head northeast of Qassiarsuk.

Thereafter, European expeditions began arriving in Greenland, including the Danish missionary Hans Egede in 1721 who came here in search of the Norse. They weren't to be found; instead, the Europeans got in contact with the Inuits, descendants of the Thule culture, who had by that time spread their roots across the Arctic. Nuuk was established as the capital, and as trade flourished with Europe, many Inuits converted to Lutheran Christianity. As Denmark's influence increased, Greenland became a Danish colony in 1814. After World War II when it became more connected to the economies of Canada and the U.S., its status was converted to an overseas amt. Although still part of Denmark, Home rule was established in 1979.

Over the years, Greenland has turned into a tourism paradise with all modern amenities.

Getting There

Connected by direct and stopover flights with various international locations, Copenhagen in Denmark and Reykjavik in Iceland provide the gateway to Greenland. Direct flights are available to Kangerlussuaq, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk, Ilulissat, Kulusuk and Nerlerit Inaat. Nuuk is the recommended airport for a yacht charter itinerary.

Best Time to Go

The summer months are great for sailing, hiking, whale sightings and watching the Midnight Sun. Whale sightings are possible only between May and September. Heli-skiing is ideal in April and early May; it also ranks among the top 10 things to do in Greenland.

Local Customs to Observe

The term 'Eskimo' is considered pejorative in the Arctic and hence its use should be avoided. Greenlanders are warm, friendly people who appreciate visitors joining their traditional Kaffemik coffee gatherings.

Helpful Fast Facts

Currency: The currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone. Currencies used in other parts of the Arctic are Canadian Dollar, Norwegian Krone and Russian Ruble.

Time Zone: Greenland has four time zones: UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC-01:00 and UTC+00:00. Few other time zones exist across the Arctic, which extend on both sides of the GMT.

Local language: Kalaallisut is the main language of Greenland. Danish and English are also widely spoken in the country. Sami and Inuit are among the other languages spoken in the Arctic region.

Population: Greenland has a population of 56,236.

Airport: Nuuk Airport (GOH).

Entry Requirements: All nationals are required to have a valid passport to enter Greenland. U.S., Canadian, British, Australian and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Departure Tax: None.

Legal Drinking Age: 18 years.

Smoking Regulations: Smoking is prohibited in public places, public transports and enclosed spaces in Greenland.

Staying in touch: Besides landlines, efficient cellphone services, with international roaming plans can be used to stay connected in Greenland. Cellular service is not available in the northern isolated regions.

Medical Information: Queen Ingrid's Hospital in Nuuk is Greenland's central hospital. Ilulissat Regional Hospital, Aasiaat Regional Hospital, Sisimiut Regional Hospital and Qaqortoq Regional Hospital are some of the other hospitals in the country. Certain specialized cases may be referred to hospitals in Denmark.

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (January 1); Epiphany (January 6); Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; Easter Monday; Great Prayer Day; Ascension Day; Whit Monday; National Day (June 21); Christmas Day (December 25); New Year's Eve (December 31).

Tourist Office: Greenland's official tourism website http://www.greenland.com/en/ offers various information on visiting the region.

Shopping Information: The local Kalaaliavaq markets are the best Greenland attractions for shopping. Tupilak soapstone lamps and carved figurines of creatures, who have caused misfortune or death are quite surprisingly, the most popular souvenirs of the country. Seal-skin items and jewelry are also widely purchased here. Duty-free shops are present at the Kangerlussuaq International Airport.

Top Ten "Must Do's"

  • Witness some stunning vistas at the Ilulissat Ice-fjord
  • Engage in whale-watching along the breathtaking coastline
  • Bathe in the Uunartoq Hot Springs
  • Watch the incredible natural spectacle of the Northern Lights- Aurora Borealis
  • Explore the Sermermiut Inuit Settlement
  • Take the polar plunge and scuba with icebergs and historic shipwrecks
  • Take a dog-sled tour of Disco Bay
  • Hike The Flower Valley at Tasiilaq
  • Cast off by helicopter for a day of heli-skiing
  • Carry home your knowledge of the Arctic from The Greenland National Museum in Nuuk

Major Local and Regional Events

  • Return of the Sun – celebrations marking the end of months of darkness in January
  • Nuuk Snow Festival – features exhibitions by snow artists
  • National Day – involves folk dancing, music, kayaking displays and traditional Kaffemik events

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