As National Geographic Explorer entered the Saglek Fjord this early morning, people slowly awoke. This morning the sun was shining through the windows and the blank fjord gave reflective images of the majestic mountains rising on each side.

Before breakfast the first call from the expedition leader sounded out the ship’s speakers, “Black bear ahead, starboard side.”, and as guests made their way to the bridge to see, more and more black bears showed up as we made our way deeper into Torngat Mountains National Park.

As the Zodiacs were lowered down from the ship, an exciting feeling came over us as the side gates opened to the view of mirroring blank water and overwhelming sunshine. Like pearls on a string, the Zodiacs cruised the north arm of the fjord. With its deeply caved glacial U shape, this part of the fjord is meant to be the jewel of Torngat Mountains National Park, and for good reason; thousand-meter cliffs stand on both sides. On southern facing parts, vegetation provided more than enough coverage for the many black bears along the way.