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Solo Polar bear on arctic tundra at sunset

Best Things to Do in Arctic

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Arctic

The Arctic -- the polar region lying above the Arctic Circle (66 degrees latitude north) -- is best explored by small ship and expedition-style cruise vessels. Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada and the United States all have Arctic lands; Greenland, a largely self-governing Danish territory, is another prominent Arctic region (the Arctic Circle just skirts the northern edges of Iceland). Popular Arctic cruise routes include Canada's Northwest Passage; Scandinavia to Greenland via Iceland; and to the far north Norwegian island of Spitsbergen.

Top Arctic Experiences

Viewing the spectacular view of Mt. McKinley or Denali, North America’s highest mountain along with other natural wonders is Denali National Park, Alaska.

Exploring the nature and wildlife of the Arctic by snowmobile excursion or sledding tour.

Hot-air ballooning at the North Pole.

Taking a small ship expedition style cruise in Arctic waters to view snow-covered mountains, fjords, glaciers, and icebergs.

Spotting the many varied types of wildlife and birds that inhabit the Arctic such as polar bears, whales, dolphins, fur seals, musk ox, walruses, and puffins.

Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.

Glimpsing polar bears - the world’s largest land predator - on the Svalbard Archipelago on a fly-in Arctic photo safari.

Viewing the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) as they illuminate the sky with swirling streaks of green, red, and other vibrant colors. 

Driving your own sled dog team in Alaska, Greenland, Northern Scandinavia, and other polar regions.

Spending time with the locals in a small village in Greenland, gaining insights into their culture and day-to-day lives.

Sleeping overnight in an igloo or ice hotel.

Sail the route of the Vikings from Scotland across the North Sea and along the Norway coastline to Svalbard.

Trekking to the North Cape in Norway - the most northerly point in mainland Europe.

Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.

Whale-watching and seeing narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales.

Kayaking or cruising amidst icebergs through the surreal Blue River in Greenland

Taking a brief dip in the chilly polar waters and earning a certificate from your ship's crew, honoring your feat.

Standing on your ship's deck after dark, basking in the solitude of one of the world's last wildernesses.

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Things to do in Arctic - Expert’s guide

1. North Cape, Norwegian Lapland

Sunrise at North Cape, Norway, the northernmost point in Europe

Stand atop the North Cape, 1,000-foot-high cliff that is considered the northernmost place in Europe, and gaze far out into the Arctic Ocean. This is one of Norway’s top travel destinations and a popular destination for Arctic Circle travelers.

2. Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago

Large snowy expanse in Spitsbergen Svalbard, touring the arctic

The ultimate Arctic destination, the Svalbard polar region has it all - frozen tundra, glistening glaciers, the Northern Lights, Arctic wildlife. Spitsbergen is the only island within the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago that is inhabited through the year.

Visitors on an Arctic cruise will have the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and indigenous people at the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen, enjoy food and drink with people from around the world who were also bitten by the “polar bug” and venture out for Arctic outdoor adventure, from dog sledding to snowmobiling.

3. Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland, Arctic

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord is surreal in its frozen majesty. There are icebergs literally everywhere, and far more below the surface of the water.  This is also the home of the Jakobshavn Glacier, a highly active, fast-moving ice stream - the largest outside of Antarctica.

4. Tromso, Norway

Colorful houses of Tromso Norway, arctic tours

Many Arctic cruises depart from the far northern Norwegian city of Tromso, which itself is worth spending a day of exploration. Pop into the modern Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum to learn about the city’s history as a hunting expedition center.

5. Ice Hotels

Interior of ice hotel in Scandinavia

Scandinavia has made a name for itself as the place for ice hotels; if you can fit it in to your Arctic tour, stay overnight in one of these sub-zero accommodations, built of a mixture of snow and ice (“snice”) in different configurations of guest rooms and public areas - many boast an ice bar with drinking glasses crafted from ice, as well as ice restaurants.

6. Blåisvatnet Lake, Lyngenfjord Region, Norway

Icy blue color and frozen ice of Blaisvatnet Lake in Norway

A hidden gem in Norway, Blåisvatnet Lake is a must for those seeking incredible Arctic photos. The blue color of the water is unlike anything you’ve likely ever seen, the result of a particular combination of clay and fresh glacial waters.

7. Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland

Red house against bright blue icy water in Greenlands arctic circle  

A bucket-list item for adventure travelers in the Arctic, the 124-mile Arctic Circle Trail is one of the world’s best long-distance hikes. It’s a biggie, taking 7 to 12 days to complete depending on fitness level. The hiking season is typically June to August - only about 300 people hike the ACT each year, so it’s likely that trekkers may spend days at a time on their own or with only their travel companions.

8. Churchill, Canada

Churchill Canada polar bear sighting

Travelers to the Churchill region of the Arctic are practically guaranteed polar bear sightings in October and November - and there’s the added bonus of getting as close to these magnificent mammals as humanly possible.

Can’t make it in the fall? A visit to Churchill between January and March means you’ll be in one of the world’s very best spots to view the Northern Lights - a reasonable tradeoff, we think.

Only available in the summer? You’re in luck. In July and August, beluga whales sightings are common in the Churchill River - you can even kayak right up close.

9. North Pole

Traveler with head lamp exploring the North Pole

If only for the bragging rights, the North Pole is high on most Arctic tour bucket lists. You’ll arrive there by massive icebreaker ship, probably see a polar bear or two along the way, have the chance to drift by hot-air balloon over the pole and perhaps even pop into the seldom-visited Franz Josef Land, high in the Russian Arctic and the world’s most northern archipelago.

10. Whales, Whales, and Whales

Spotting orcas on a whale watching cruise in the Arctic

Whale-watchers of the world, head to the Arctic. The northernmost, icy-cold waters of the polar region are home to humpbacks, belugas, bowheads, blue, minkes, fins, orcas and more, depending on the time of year.  Your Arctic tour operator will be able to scout out where and when the whales will be most visible.

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Arctic Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Excellent
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Great
18
Average
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Disappointing
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Terrible
8
Neil Sanderson
·
2023-12-08
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Everything organised by Karen at Chimu …
Everything organised by Karen at Chimu
Went as planned which we were very grateful for. The only drama was the tight scheduling of some of our flights and having to run to get to next gate on time. Latam airline did very well and all our luggage arrived on time . The cruise on OceanEndeavour was truly amazing; the ice, the wildlife and the professional enthusiastic crew made our experience very memorable. Thanks Chimu
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Les Moull
·
2023-12-05
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Doug White has been great in getting…
Doug White has been great in getting everything organised once take off everything should be straight forward and organised
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Kenneth Shappert
·
2023-12-03
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Perfect
Perfect, very helpful and informative
Maria Thomas
·
2023-12-01
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Stephen Easton made the booking process…
Stephen Easton made the booking process and follow up queries effortless. He was always available and professional. Our Antarctica expedition was marvellous. Thank you Chimu and Stephen in particular. Other travellers whom we met and had also used Chimu were also extremely happy with the service. We highly recommend Chimu Travels.
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Ian Jones
·
2023-11-27
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Very easy to work with
Very easy to work with. I booked at the last minute and everything was done very quickly and efficiently. Karen the travel agent was very obliging and got all the arrangements made in a tight timeframe.
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Teresa
·
2023-11-26
Written on
Chimu Adventures Company Reviews by Chimu Adventures
Book your trip with Chimu
After having a terrible experience with a travel agent recently (who let us down with his organisation of our South American trip) and who has been organising our family trips for over 20 years, I called Chimu Adventures and spoke to Karen Scholes - she was fantastic. Within 1 hour we had our South American trip organised. Karen was reliant, gave great advice and suggestions. She always returned calls and replied to our emails very quickly.
I highly recommend Chimu if you are booking a trip to South America and can't thank Karen enough for everything she did for us. THANK YOU
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