The Arctic is visualised as a land of extreme conditions, but actually is a region of stark beauty that offers a wide range of unique experiences for the intrepid traveler.
From unique wildlife encounters, exploring remote Inuit communities to mesmerizing natural phenomena, time spent in this beautiful place offers abundant opportunities that can create lifelong memories.
Here is a fantastic range of Arctic holidays that can be enjoyed in this region that will only help make your journey to this land of ice and sea, all the more special.
Go on an Arctic cruise
Exploring the Arctic by sea offers a unique perspective on this beautiful region as cruise ships can access remote areas, inaccessible by any other mode of transport, and thereby gives the guest a chance to witness diverse remote landscapes and iconic wildlife.
Cruise expeditions around the Svalbard archipelago,the Canadian Arctic and the coast of Greenland are some of the most sought-after by cruise lines and cruisers as they include shore excursions which allow guests to interact with the small communities and also see wildlife from up close.
In Greenland, for example, you can visit Inuit communities and gain an insight on their way of life and how they support themselves using traditional hunting and fishing methods.
In Norway,you can interact with the people of the Sami tribe for a unique cultural experience involving reindeer sledding and singing folk songs. These meetings provide valuable information about their resilience and ability to adapt to the harsh conditions.
Witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also referred to as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the most captivating natural displays that can be witnessed in the Arctic region.
This dazzling phenomenon is caused when the solar wind collides with the magnetic charged particles of the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a stunning visual dance of pink, green and purple lights against the dark night sky.
The winter months, from Late September to early May, is the best time to see the Northern Lights as during this period the days are longer and the skies are darkest, setting the perfect stage to see a magical experience.
Go on a wildlife safari
Despite the harsh environment, the Arctic region has such an abundance of wildlife that cannot be seen anywhere else on earth of which undoubtedly the most iconic is the Polar bear.
To see this magnificent animal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be best enjoyed from the town of Churchill in Canada, known as the polar bear capital of the world.
A polar bear safari, especially during the months of October and November, when the bears collect in large numbers on the shores of Hudson Bay to catch salmon, has to be seen to be believed.
Apart from polar bears, the Arctic is home to a vast variety of other animal species and a superb bird life.Whale watching is a popular activity as is birding across different seasons in this area.
Arctic fox,musk oxen and reindeer can be commonly spotted on an Arctic wildlife safari in prime locations like Greenland and Svalbard.
Admire the ice grottos and glaciers
The ice caves and ice formations found in the Arctic are some of the most spectacular to be seen anywhere else on the planet mainly because of their outward appearance and stunning blue-hued interiors.
Greenland, the largest island in the world, you can experience the incredible scenery of the magnificent fjords, snow-covered mountains and the surreal beauty of the Arctic tundra.
Visit the Viking ruins and local communities and cruise through the waterways of the UNESCO World Heritage listed IIulissat Icefjord to enjoy an adventure of a lifetime.
The Vatnajokull Glacier in Iceland is the best place on earth to explore ice caves, by way of guided tours that provide a safe and informative experience when exploring these beautiful natural wonders.
Go dog sledding
A common Arctic cruise destination is the coastline around Spitsbergen in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago where you can easily book a session of mushing on a husky drawn sledge.
A dog sledding ride is bound to be the most exhilarating experience of your Arctic trip,and may be as good,if not better,than the first sighting of the polar bear.
There are various places in Finland, Sweden and Norway that offer dog sledding tours, ranging from short trips to multi-day expeditions where you are the driver of your own dog team, but under the guidance of expert mushers.
Take the polar plunge
Weird as it may sound, taking a dip in the icy cold waters has become a very popular activity, especially if you are on a cruise ship.
All you need to do is to either jump from a ship, wearing a safety harness,or run from the beach straight into the freezing water which is usually 0°C in peak summer without a wetsuit. While some can stay for several minutes,most people jump out in a few seconds.
Sea kayaking
Since the waters are usually calm at this time of the year, visitors get a great opportunity to kayak alone or in a group to get much closer to the coastline.
Paddling allows you to get close to the gigantic icebergs and more importantly wildlife like seals, whales and seabirds that may otherwise not be possible from a ship or from the land.
Besides it being a good exercise, kayaking promises another unique perspective on the Arctic landscape.
Snowmobiling and snowboarding
The snowboarding terrain in the Arctic is one of the most pristine in the world and ranges from gentle slopes to challenging runs that have something for all levels of snowboarders.
Snowmobiling excursions also provide an adrenaline pumping experience when exploring the vast wilderness of the Arctic.Riding over the frozen lakes through forests is an exhilarating experience and also provides access to remote areas.
Many Arctic destinations, like Svalbard and Lapland in Finland offer snowmobiling excursions that cover ice caves, frozen lakes and waterfalls and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, spending nights in remote lodges and villages.
Take part in a scientific expedition
Those who have a passion for science and exploration can become a part of an Arctic expedition that can offer an out-of-the-world educational experience of this fragile and fast diminishing environment.
These scientific experiments focus mainly on collecting data on climate change, monitoring wildlife and glaciology in order to understand the challenges this ecologically important region faces.
Final thoughts
An Arctic getaway promises such an array of exceptional attractions and experiences,that are not only thrilling, but provide a deeper connection with nature, and one that will leave you in awe with the beauty and resilience of the place as well.