The sheer size of the region means the Arctic offers great diversity in the experiences that can be had, from the wildlife and landscapes, to the historic sites and natural wonders that can be explored.
So how can you tailor the perfect Arctic experience?
Let's dive into details about the most popular destinations for Arctic expeditions.
Greenland
Greenland is where travelers can explore massive, iceberg-choked fjords, experience authentic Inuit and Thule culture, hike the vast wilderness of the Arctic tundra, and search for a vibrant Northern Lights show. Adventurers can go on expert-guided hikes and Zodiac cruises for intimate encounters of the landscape and wildlife, or even get in a kayak for a more intimate view of the rugged Greenland coast.
Three distinct regions, West, South, and East, offer unique experiences ranging from sailing through the icebergs of Scoresby Sund Fjord, the world's largest, to kayaking in Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to engaging with the Inuit communities, many of whom are descendants of the ancient Thule people.
Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The entire group of islands is famously known as the wildlife capital of the Arctic, home to walrus, whales, seabird colonies, reindeer, arctic fox and most famously, polar bears.
Known as the Realm of the Polar Bear, the odds of spotting this iconic resident are fair in Spitsbergen due to the large number that roam this region. Polar bears spend the majority of their timing on the sea ice, hunting for seals; the best way to spot polar bears is on a Zodiac excursion, part of the daily programming of polar expeditions.
North Pole
Few people in history can say that their travel bucket list includes a check next to "Stand at 90 degrees North." Each year, Quark Expeditions is one of just two companies that brings fewer than 250 people to the North Pole, aboard one of the world's most powerful nuclear icebreakers, 50 Years of Victory. Along the journey, passengers can experience life onboard this legendary ship as she powers through multi-year sea ice, sometimes over nine feet thick!
Quark Expeditions' North Pole voyages embark in June or July, when the ice conditions offer passengers a chance to observe polar bears on the hunt. Along the way, helicopter rides give passengers a view of the Arctic few people have ever had, and (weather-permitting) a stop at the mysterious Franz Josef Land adds a terrestrial leg to this otherwise seaborne expedition.
Canadian High Arctic
Nunavut's Somerset Island is home to a world-class beluga whale observation and unique wilderness lodge where visitors can explore the Canadian High Arctic on foot, fatbike, kayak, or ATV seeking out rare Arctic flora and fauna, and observe visit ancient Thule settlements. The season's midnight sun offers adventurers endless opportunities to spot iconic wildlife like arctic fox, polar bears, arctic hare, muskox, ringed seal, beluga whales, caribou, snowy owls, peregrine falcons and others.
North West Passage
Many adventure expeditions take inspiration for their itineraries from legendary feats of exploration. Few journeys today can take modern travelers along the footsteps of iconic explorers like sailing along the North West Passage.
Retracing the journey of Sir John Franklin, we sail through Baffin Bay along the eastern coast of Baffin Bay in search of authentic Inuit arts and culture, and immense wilderness populated by walrus, whales, muskoxen, lemmings, wolves and other wildlife. Adventurers can hike the colorful Arctic tundra to reveal spectacular vistas of mountains and valleys, fjords teeming with icebergs, and ancient rock formations.
Home to the Inuit for thousands of years, Baffin Island is only now being discovered by the rest of the world as a prime arctic adventure destination. Sheer cliffs jutting from the water, challenging terrain, plus hidden and protected inlets are all part of the call for intrepid travelers.
The best Arctic destinations are often incredibly remote, but the rewards are diverse and immense. As the leader in polar adventures, Quark Expeditions has been helping adventurous travelers plan their Arctic expeditions for over two decades. Navigate the highlights of each region by downloading our complete brochure.
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