Chances are you’ve read about expeditions to Antarctica. But what about the Arctic? Earth’s polar regions are spectacularly distinct destinations, and no well-traveled adventurer should pass up a trip to explore the Arctic.

The farthest northern reaches of the globe are absolutely unique, even from Antarctica, and the wild, remote experiences you can expect in the Arctic are unmatched anywhere else on Earth. From the northernmost points of Canada to countless points in the north, the Arctic’s rugged beauty and rich culture is an exhilarating delight for even the most seasoned of travelers.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes the Arctic so special and why we think you’ll be amazed by it, too.

The Arctic is Incredibly Diverse

The Arctic simply cannot be described with broad strokes. This polar region encompasses an astonishing 5.5 million square miles. There are several distinct regions in the Arctic, each with its own geographic features and rich cultures.

There is a history of exploration in both the northern and southern polar regions. Despite its obvious appeal in terms of science, geology, the natural beauty, and the wildlife, Antarctica has no permanent communities besides the scientists stationed there on research expeditions. The Arctic, on the other hand, has been inhabited by humans for nearly 20,000 years. The communities that make their home here have rich cultures, beloved traditions, and fascinating histories, inextricably linked to the wild lands they’ve called home for millennia.

Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago in Norway

Here, we highlight five of our favorite regions of the Arctic.

Arctic Norway

With a population of about 393,000 people, Norway’s arctic region is the most populated arctic region in the world. It’s home to dramatic fjords and glaciers, majestic mountains, diverse wildlife, and countless islands.

One of the most fascinating spots in Arctic Norway is the Svalbard Archipelago. Situated about 400 miles north of mainland Norway, halfway to the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas.

Despite its remote location, Svalbard boasts a surprising array of cultural activities, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. It’s even home to the world’s northernmost sushi restaurant.

The eerie beauty of Svalbard’s old mining towns serves as an interesting contrast to the natural vistas of the arctic and its rich wildlife. Like much of the Arctic, the terrain here is simultaneously rugged yet fragile. Svalbard’s frozen tundra shelters a few thousand polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds, Arctic foxes, and marine mammals.

The archipelago has an Arctic climate, but it’s significantly warmer than other places at the same latitude (winters average 3 °F to 10 °F, and summers average 39 °F to 43 °F). And if you visit during the summer, be sure to pack a sleeping mask - this is the land of the “midnight sun” with 24 hours of daylight.

Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island in Svalbard. It has a fascinating cultural and economic history, including whaling, coal mining, research, and tourism.

Arctic Norway is the perfect place to seek out the elusive polar bear, take in other Arctic wildlife, and appreciate the austere beauty of the polar region’s glaciers.

Arctic Greenland

Greenland is the largest island in the world, but its population stands at a mere 56,081. This austere, sparsely inhabited landscape is home to the Greenland ice sheet, the second-largest ice sheet in the world. It covers a whopping 79% of the surface of the country, but it is melting at an alarming rate, contributing almost 1mm annually to sea levels (about 25% of total sea level rise).

Greenland’s fjords, vast stretches of wilderness, and diverse wildlife are a sight to behold for experiential travelers. The tundra, coastal waters, and ice are home to a vast array of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, musk ox, humpback whales, walruses, white-tailed eagles, reindeer, arctic fox, and arctic hares.

A scene from Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Culturally speaking, Greenland is known for the warmth of its people, 89.7% of which are indigenous Inuit or European-Inuit peoples. Inuit arts and crafts are still an important aspect of the culture. Hunting continues to be central to Greenland Inuit culture. Many people still go ice fishing. Dog racing, hiking, and cross-country racing are also popular activities. The majority of the population is Lutheran.

The Canadian High Arctic

Canada has more land mass in the Arctic region than any other country, including more than 35,000 islands. The Canadian High Arctic includes lands in Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut. It encompasses a staggering range of landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, tundra, imposing granite cliffs, remote stretches of arctic coast, and countless bodies of water to explore.

A fantastic way to explore Canada’s High Arctic is on an expedition through the Northwest Passage. You can cruise the seas in luxury and comfort, gaining access to stretches of the Far North that few people get to see. The Northwest Passage connects Europe with Asia, passing from the Atlantic, through the Arctic Ocean, and into the Pacific. And it is nothing short of stunning.

The first successful journey through the entire Northwest Passage (from east to west) wasn’t completed solely by ship until 1906, but explorers have been navigating and trading with Inuit peoples in the area since the Middle Ages.

You can explore the region further on foot, by zodiac, or by kayak. Visit traditional Inuit communities and remote historical sites, and retrace the steps of legendary explorers who’ve been drawn to this astonishing corner of the world for centuries.

The Russian Arctic

An astonishing 20% of Russia’s land mass lies north of the Arctic Circle. The Russian High Arctic is a fascinating region, boasting glacier-covered mountains, jaw-dropping fjords, mossy tundra, and ice as far as the eye can see.

This pristine landscape is incredibly remote. And it’s a rare travel experience you simply have to see to believe.

Seals are among the wildlife that you may be able to spot throughout much of the Arctic region

Explore remote archipelagos like Franz Josef Land, a marine mammal sanctuary that’s home to harp seal, bearded seal, walruses, minke whales, humpback whales, and beluga whales. You might even spot an orca, a narwhal, or a fin whale.

The last major territorial discovery on the planet, Severnaya Zemlya, is home only to scientists and members of the security forces. Wildlife sightings might include birds, lemmings, and wolves. This treeless, stark landscape is covered in snow more than seven months out of the year.

For an even more extreme Arctic experience, visit Novaya Zemlya. 25% of this archipelago is permanently covered in ice, and much of it is considered Arctic desert. The ice-free parts of the islands are mostly tundra and swamp (really!), home to Arctic foxes, lemmings, seals, walruses, and the occasional polar bear.

The North Pole

For a truly unforgettable Arctic adventure, travel to 90° North. For the discerning traveler, the North Pole is an incredibly exclusive destination; few travelers ever venture here.

One interesting—albeit alarming—aspect of travel to the North Pole is the shifting ice. Climate change and global ice losses have resulted in noticeable shifts. In fact, the North Pole has moved several centimeters east each year since 2005.

For a once-in-a-lifetime journey, consider an expedition aboard an icebreaker. These special ships are specifically designed to move and navigate through ice-covered seas (hence the name), thanks to their strengthened hull, ice-clearing shape, and powerful ability to push through sea ice. Very few travelers get to experience this exhilarating adventure through the Arctic. But you can! The experience is both thrilling and luxurious.

Bonus: Alaska and Scandinavia

If you’re considering an adventure to Alaska, it’s worth noting that a portion of the state also falls within the Arctic Circle. This gorgeous region is accessible from Fairbanks or Anchorage via jet or small aircraft.

Seeking out a polar bear in its natural habitat can be an exciting part of an Arctic journey

Or for a special spin on a city-centered Scandinavian itinerary, how about venturing into the Arctic Circle on a Norwegian Coastal voyage? Lapland spans the northernmost stretches of Finland, Norway, and Sweden and is renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional views of the Northern Lights.

There are so many amazing ways to encounter the Arctic, and every one of them offers a completely different experience! You really can’t go wrong.

You Might See a Polar Bear (But Not a Penguin)

Depending on your itinerary and route, you may be fortunate enough to encounter a polar bear. But contrary to what some people publish on the internet, you won’t see any penguins! In fact, polar bears and penguins never mix. Polar bears are only found in the Arctic Circle, and penguins are only found on Antarctica and the neighboring continents. In fact the northernmost penguins, Galapagos penguins, live in Ecuador.

And while penguins are plentiful in Antarctica, Polar bear sightings are increasingly rare in the Arctic. Half the excitement of an Arctic journey is seeking out the polar bears and trying to spot one. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll see one, but if you do, you’ll never forget it.

It’s a Must for Nearly Every Adventure-Loving Traveler

The styles of travel through the Arctic are as varied as the landscapes and cultures you’ll encounter there. As with Antarctica, expeditions to the Arctic can be suited to a variety of different travel styles.

Glaciers in Svalbard are just one of the many geographical features in the Arctic region

It’s important to note that these expeditions are typically relatively active ones. If you’re looking for a super-challenging adrenaline rush, that’s important to know when planning. Or if you’re more of a soft-adventure kind of traveler, that’s good to know, too. There’s an Arctic adventure for you, no matter your personal preferences.

If you haven’t seen the Arctic, there’s never been a better time to plan a future expedition. Some of the itineraries to this region are very limited so this is one of those areas that planning ahead is very important.

But don’t forget that the region is totally distinct from Antarctica. A seasoned traveler should plan to visit the different regions of the Arctic, as well as Antarctica. There’s too much to be appreciated on both poles of our planet to settle for just one or the other. (For more info, check out our recent blog post: 9 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Antarctica.)

Start Dreaming Today

Curious about planning an expedition to the Arctic? Schedule your complimentary consultation here to learn more about how we work with clients to plan the perfect expedition, one of my specialties. There’s no substitute for industry relationships when it comes to matching you to the right expedition for you, and we know the outfitters personally. We’ll match you to the outfitter that’s perfect for your travel style and preferences.

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