Greenland Grandeur

 OVERVIEW

Northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky, towering icebergs glowing in the midnight light, fiery autumn colours scattered across the tundra, and the rich traditions of Greenlandic culture woven into every day, this is Greenland at its most extraordinary.

Join us in September 2027 for an unforgettable photography workshop in Ilulissat and Disko Island, Greenland, where dramatic landscapes and powerful storytelling opportunities await around every corner. From the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord to remote coastal villages, vast tundra landscapes, and the wild beauty of Disko Bay, this journey is designed for photographers who want more than just beautiful images, they want meaningful experiences and creative growth.

Greenland remains one of the world’s most breathtaking and least-photographed destinations, offering endless inspiration for landscape, wildlife, travel, and documentary photography. Imagine photographing enormous sculptural icebergs drifting silently through golden evening light, capturing the surreal glow of the aurora borealis above Arctic waters, and exploring colourful settlements where local culture and daily life create personal visual stories.

Many of us at OFFBEAT have a deep and long-standing connection with Greenland, and we truly believe it is one of the greatest landscape photography destinations on Earth, a place that challenges, inspires, and stays with you forever.

Location: Ilulissat and Disko Bay, Greenland

Dates: September 1-10, 2027*

Tour Leaders*: Kahli April + Stephen DesRoches

*Dates will be close to Sept 1-10 but may change slightly to accommodate the ferry schedule released in Oct 2026

 ITINERARY

(Note: subject to change)

Day 1
Arrival in Ilulissat

Arrive in Ilulissat, one of the most extraordinary photography destinations on Earth and home to the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. As soon as you land, you’ll be surrounded by towering icebergs, crisp Arctic air, and landscapes unlike anywhere else on the planet.

You’ll be transferred from Ilulissat Airport to the hotel, our comfortable and scenic home base for the next few nights. After check-in, take some time to settle in, explore the charming town, and soak in your first views of Disko Bay and its endless parade of drifting icebergs.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Meet & Greet in the Hotel Lobby

We’ll gather as a group for introductions, workshop orientation, and a full overview of the adventure ahead. This is your chance to meet your guides, fellow travellers, and start preparing for the incredible days to come.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Welcome Dinner

Our first evening together begins with a special welcome dinner, where we’ll enjoy a meal while discussing photography goals, shooting conditions, and what to expect throughout the expedition.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – First Sunset Shoot

No time to waste as we head straight into the field for our first photography session. We’ll visit one of our favourite local sunset locations, where dramatic Arctic light, colourful skies, and floating icebergs create the perfect introduction to Greenland photography.

Depending on conditions, this may also be our first opportunity to witness the northern lights.

Day 2
Our first full day begins with one of Greenland’s most iconic locations: the incredible Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Arctic.

We’ll spend the day hiking through the rugged tundra trails surrounding the fjord, photographing enormous sculptural icebergs. This area offers endless opportunities for landscape compositions, intimate details, and storytelling imagery.

As sunset approaches, we board small boats and head directly into Disko Bay for an unforgettable iceberg safari. Surrounded by massive floating giants illuminated by golden evening light, this is one of the most surreal and rewarding photography experiences anywhere in the world.

Late-night aurora watch if skies are clear.

Day 3
Today we explore a different and less-visited section of the Ilulissat Icefjord, seeking fresh perspectives and new compositions away from the more familiar viewpoints.

We’ll work on visual storytelling, advanced composition, and reading Arctic light as we photograph dramatic coastline, frozen textures, local life, and the constantly changing movement of ice in the bay.

This day allows us to slow down creatively, focusing not only on grand landscapes, but also on intimate details, abstracts, and stronger photographic narratives.

As with most evenings in Greenland, we remain ready for the aurora borealis. If conditions align and the skies are clear, we’ll head out late for another chance to photograph the northern lights dancing above the Arctic landscape.

Day 4
Today we leave Ilulissat behind and set sail across the legendary waters of Disko Bay toward one of the true highlights of the workshop: Disko Island.

This journey itself is a major photographic experience, with endless opportunities to capture sea ice, dramatic light, and enormous icebergs drifting silently across the bay.

Disko Island is unlike anywhere else in Greenland, wild, volcanic, and geologically spectacular. Its dramatic black basalt cliffs, sweeping tundra, and remote atmosphere create an entirely different visual world.

We arrive in Qeqertarsuaq, the only town on the island, where we’ll settle in and prepare for several unforgettable days of exploration.

Day 5
Today we begin our deep exploration of mesmerizing Qeqertarsuaq and the surrounding landscapes of Disko Island.

This remote settlement offers incredible opportunities for travel and documentary photography, with colourful buildings, local life, and powerful contrasts between human presence and vast natural surroundings.

If weather conditions cooperate, we’ll take you to what we genuinely believe is one of the most epic stretches of coastline anywhere on Earth with towering cliffs, crashing Arctic seas, and views that feel almost prehistoric.

Expect dramatic sunset light, strong compositions, and landscapes that demand both patience and creativity.

Day 6
Today is all about the raw geological beauty of Disko Island.

We venture deeper into the island to photograph its famous basalt columns, cascading waterfalls, volcanic terrain, and the rich autumn colours that blanket the tundra in September.

This is a dream day for landscape photographers we’ll be on the hunt for textures, leading lines, dramatic foregrounds, and constantly changing weather that creates incredible mood and atmosphere.

We’ll also focus on refining technical skills such as long exposures, exposure blending, foreground design, and making stronger use of scale in vast landscapes.

Day 7
There’s a reason we extended our time on Disko Island, this place is simply unforgettable.

Today we venture into new and lesser-known corners of the island in search of hidden gems: isolated coastlines, unusual geological formations, remote valleys, and floating icebergs framed by volcanic landscapes.

Disko constantly surprises even those of us who know it well, and this extra time allows us to chase conditions rather than rush locations.

Expect flexibility, adventure, and some of the most unique shooting opportunities of the entire trip.

Day 8
Another full day on Disko means another opportunity to dive deeper into its magic.

We continue exploring new areas based on weather, light, and photographic potential. This may include dramatic coastal hikes, abstract iceberg studies, intimate nature work, or returning to favourite locations under completely different conditions.

Day 9
Our final full day in Greenland gives us one last chance to chase the magic.

We return to Ilulissat for one more day in the land of icebergs, revisiting favourite scenes or exploring somewhere new depending on conditions. There’s always one final sunset to chase and one more opportunity for unforgettable light.

And of course there is one final chance for a memorable display of the northern lights.

We close the expedition with a special farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships, photographs, and incredible experiences shared throughout the journey.

Day 10
Departure Day

After the adventure of a lifetime, it’s time to say goodbye to Greenland.

We transfer back to Ilulissat Airport for departing flights, carrying home not only incredible photographs, but memories of one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• Daily instructions/mentorship with your tour leaders, Kahli April + Stephen DesRoches
• Airport pickup/drop-off in Ilulissat.
• Ferry fees to Disko Island.
• All accommodation within Greenland for the duration of the workshop.
• Daily breakfast included.
• Iceberg boat tour.
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to our OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• Airfare to/from Ilulissat.
• Lunches and most dinners.
• Alcohol.
• Travel insurance.
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.

 PLEASE NOTE 

Western Greenland is a wild, wild place where EVERYTHING depends on the weather and transportation is often a challenge. Think of this adventure as an expedition, where we adapt to the weather in order to get the most out of the experience. The unpredictable conditions and remoteness are partly why Greenland is such a special place, and why it’s so rarely visited. While we hope to stick to our intended itinerary as much as possible, there may be delays in flights and ferries. OFFBEAT will not be responsible for extra expenses incurred by weather delays (whether those expenses are related to meals, accommodation or rebookings) and so it is imperative that you have the necessary insurance for this trip. We also highly recommend factoring in buffers in our international travel arrangements.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $11,950

Payment options: Full payment or $1950 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining three payments as listed below.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1950

• Installment Payment #1 CAD $2500 - Oct 31, 2026
• Installment Payment #2: CAD $2500 - Jan 31, 2027
• Installment Payment #3: CAD $2500 - April 30, 2027
• Installment Payment #4: CAD $2500 - July 31, 2027

Single Supplement: CAD $4,300

Spousal rate available: CAD $9,950

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 PARTICIPANTS

• 8 minimum

We require a minimum of 8 participants in order to run this workshop. If the minimum numbers are not reached by January 2025 the workshop may be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.

 ACCOMMODATIONS 

Your time for the duration of the workshop is split between two comfortable hotels, one in Ilulissat, which offers stunning views of giant icebergs passing through the harbour, and the very unique Disko Hotel on the remote and rugged Disko Island.

Important note:   please note that accommodations will be shared (two participants of the same sex per room). Accommodations are always made for friends/spouses traveling together to ensure you room together.  A single room may be available for a supplemental fee.

 MEALS 

Breakfasts will be had at the hotels. Lunches and dinners will be largely on your own (although we of course often op to all eat together!). For those looking for sit down/restaurant meals, both villages offer a variety of restaurants. In Ilulissat, the hotel offers dining options that are excellent, and there’s plenty of choice in and around the town. As we are now quite familiar with the area, we are happy to recommend establishments if need be.

In Qeqertarsuaq, the options are definitely fewer - you’ll see why when you get there. This is the edge of the Earth! The hotel serves great meals and we suspect most will end up there frequently. However, if we’re lucky, a quirky place called the Blue Café will be open to welcome us. There is also a very well-stocked grocery store right in the village.

 TRANSPORTATION

Come expecting to walk through the village of Ilulissat and on Disko Island as opposed to vehicle transportation. The towns are small and it’s a great way to take in the local culture and sights of the town. For reference we found we walked, on average, about two-four kilometres per day in and around town (longer hikes, of course, for access to great photo places).

 WHAT TO EXPECT 

The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible with short hikes.

This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor + night photography, but participants are free to ask questions about and practice portrait photography as well. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite intense in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop/tour. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

  LEAVE NO TRACE 

We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. 

Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.