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Visit Greenland for an amazing outdoor experience

Stunning views lend themselves to quiet reveries.

In a land where sled dogs often outnumber humans, simple statistics point to an essential mode of transportation in and around Ilulissat, the third-largest settlement in Greenland and a prime tourist destination: dog-pulled sleds. The town's population is around 4,500; sled dog population is at least 4,000.

Savvy travelers seeking vacation destinations that are different-yet totally comfortable and friendly-are looking toward Greenland. This vast land, discovered and named in AD 910 by fiery Viking Erik the Red, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and in some ways is as much a part of modern Europe as the euro.

Greenland is home to about 60,000 residents and some of the world's most awesome scenery. It's a land of giant icebergs, wide fjords and colorful villages where the friendly Greenlanders greet guests with warm hospitality. Popular pursuits are hiking, sailing, kayaking, viewing wildlife and soaking up the culture of the Inuit, who have lived in this ancient land through the millennia.

The Great Canadian Travel Company, one of North America's foremost experts in travel to some of the world's least-traveled regions, offers several tour packages to Greenland, including a brand-new tour, "Ilulissat Image of Ice." The company is a specialist in travel to such northern destinations as Iceland, Yukon, Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Denmark's Faroe Islands and Scotland's Shetland Isles.

"Ilulissat Image of Ice" offers a four-day/three-night guided tour of West Greenland (with an additional day for Saturday travelers). Ilulissat is a modern Greenlandic town north of the Polar Circle, situated in unique Disko Bay. Magnificent icebergs fill the fjord right outside of town and can be experienced at close range on a midnight cruise or during a full day excursion to the Eqi glacier. Or sail to small and remote settlements where "old world" Greenlandic traditions live on.

With Ilulissat as your base, visitors have the time and opportunity to enjoy a wide range of optional excursions. These include a city walking tour, boat cruises among the icebergs and a helicopter tour to the ice cap. Active options include fishing, whale-watching and moderate-to-demanding hikes. An exceptional activity is a boat tour to Eqi Glacier to experience the sights and sounds of a calving glacier at close range.

Nature's sky show also charms visitors. Greenland is a prime viewing destination for the Aurora Borealis-the famed "Northern Lights."

A local favorite son was noted polar explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen. He is the focus of a small museum located in a pretty red house in the town center.

A four-day package is priced from $1,869 (based on double occupancy). Included are round trip airfare Keflavik-Ilulissat, round trip airport transfers and four/five nights' accommodations at either the Hvide Falk or the slightly pricier Arctic Hotel. Also included is breakfast ("Welcome Dinner" when staying at the Arctic Hotel) and services of a destination guide.

Departures for four days are Wednesdays July 1-August 26; for five days, Saturdays July 4-August 29).

Reservations and additional information are available from The Great Canadian Travel Company, Ltd., 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

- Rich Steck & Judi Janofsky