Arctic Hiking, Nature Tours & Trip Packages

Arctic Hiking, Nature Tours & Trips

139 Arctic trips. Tours from 62 tour companies. 126 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

34 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Hiking
Nature
Icebergs, Fjords, Polar bears and Arctic wildlife: Svalbard & NE Greenland National Park
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Svalbard

Highlights

  • Arctic wildlife – musk oxen, seals, walrus, whales and migrating birds – as one of the rare travelers to explore Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest and perhaps most remote.
  • Deep fjords with immense tidewater glaciers

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

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Arctic Sights and Northern Lights: East Greenland
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Reykjavík

Highlights

  • An in-depth exploration of remote Scoresby Sund - the world’s most pristine and scenic fjord system
  • A photographer’s paradise with snow-covered mountains, massive glaciers, cathedral like icebergs and resplendent tundra
  • Ancient Thule settlement sites, historic huts and the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

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In-Depth Arctic Expedition & Polar Bear Safari: Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitoya
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard

Highlights

  • Deep fjords with immense tidewater glaciers
  • Rarely visited and ice-covered Kvitøya – White Island – where wildlife abounds in the summer months.
  • Full Arctic experience complete with endemic reindeer, Arctic fox, whales, and possibly polar bears.

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

Trip dates & details
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Arctic Odyssey: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Reykjavík, Svalbard

Highlights

  • The full Arctic experience complete with polar landscapes, historical sites and indigenous culture• the Arctic’s most iconic animals - Arctic hare and herds of muskoxen.
  • The vast and untamed wilderness of Northeast Greenland National Park and Iceland’s charming Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

Trip dates & details
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Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Fly North, Cruise South)
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Reykjavík

Highlights

  • View expansive Greenland landscapes and icescapes
  • Explore the world’s longest and largest fjord system
  • Hike through the arctic treasure of Greenland National Park, the world’s largest
  • Possible whale, musk ox, and polar bear sightings
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing."

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Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge – 10 Days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Yellowknife

Highlights

  • Encounter rarely seen and iconic arctic wildlife and their habitats: polar bears, muskoxen, ringed seals, bird cliffs, fox dens and much more
  • Visit the Cunningham River estuary, seasonal home to hundreds of beluga whales
  • Take advantage of included equipment and activities such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Mercedes Unimog, kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking
  • Visit Cape Anne Thule sites with ancient stone and bone houses
  • Enjoy unique photography opportunities
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing."

Trip dates & details
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Untamed Iceland
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1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Highlights

  • Visit a local horse farm to meet affable Icelandic horses first brought to the country by Viking settlers
  • Discover some of Iceland's Saga-like history at the Settlement Center in Borgarnes.
  • Enjoy views of colorful mountain cliffs, pristine fjords, and fertile valleys where horses graze.
  • Visit a museum dedicated to this once-thriving industry before returning to Akureyri.
  • Visit the stunning Gullfoss waterfall
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Themes

Cultural, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Iceland Family Adventure
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Reykjavík, Snaefellsjökull Glacier, Thingvellir National park

Highlights

  • Explore waterfalls, fjords, caves, volcanoes, and rocky islands in Iceland’s geological wonderland.
  • Visit the soaring Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s westernmost point and home to one of the largest colonies of nesting seabirds in Europe.
  • Go spelunking in a massive cave system formed by lava and water, and meet a leading volcanologist to learn about Iceland’s bubbling, steaming, erupting landscapes.
  • Hear riveting tales of elves, ghosts, and sea monsters from Iceland’s rich folklore tradition.

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Arctic Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
126  Reviews
See all Arctic tour reviews
Excellent
44
Great
7
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful adventure

This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed through the ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Iceland Walking Explorer

An active walking trip through a diverse kaleidoscope of landscapes, from volcanic craters, green verdant hills to snow fields. An excellent way to experience natu...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

TSF 150801 - Iceland Fantastic !

This was a super trip that didn't disappoint in any area. It did exactly what it said in the itinerary. The scenery was fantastic we had a mixed bunch of nationalit...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Outstanding trip!

This was a wonderful holiday which way surpassed my expectations. We were probably lucky in that the weather was warm, dry & clear most of the time &amp...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

ICELAND WALKING EXPLORER

An exciting, challenging and informative trip. The power of Dettifoss, the beauty of lake Myvatn and Bakkagerdi at midnight, my first ever walk on a glacier. Kristi...

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Arctic Tour Selection Trips

  • While Iceland, northern Scandinavia, and northern Canada are easily accessible by air from the United States; Greenland and some other Arctic areas are not-- so the best way to explore the Arctic regions is often by small, expedition-style cruise ships.
  • If you’re cruising the Arctic, plan well ahead - as far as up to two years - to get your top choice of ship. Many of the cruises follow similar itineraries, so the main difference is the ship itself - take time to explore the varying amenities, passenger count, workshops, naturalists on board, etc.
  • While any trip to the Arctic is adventurous by nature, you don't have to rough it. Some ships come with five-star amenities, while some land-tour operators offer luxury tent camping. 
  • Pay attention to timing of your Arctic travel. If you must see the Northern Lights and are excited by the prospect of cold-weather activities, aim for October through May. If you’re seeking Midnight Sun, visit June through September.
  • While there are few "cheap" voyages to the Arctic, look for value adds such as included airfare, helicopter flights into the interior, and gratuities for the ship’s crew.
  • Prices do vary considerably by length of trip, cabin, ship amenities, month of travel, and other factors.
  • Some Arctic land tours - primarily those that fly into the interior - offer adventurous options such as camping, skiing, mountaineering, and trekking.
  • To see many of the 17 different types of whales that are found in the Arctic waters, consider centering your travel on Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic, a top whale-watching destination.
  • No matter which Arctic cruise or land tour you choose, keep an open mind. There is no guarantee of wildlife sightings, Northern Lights, landings at certain spots - this is the Arctic, after all, so remember, it’s about the journey and the fact that you made it here, to the top of the world.

Additional details

What Countries Are Included in the Arctic Region?

So, you want to travel north - far north - to the Arctic Circle. There are eight different countries that have land within the Arctic Circle, though some of these regions are more interesting (and more accessible) to adventure travelers than others.

The Arctic region countries include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (by way of Alaska), Canada (including Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut), Denmark (Greenland) and Iceland (on its offshore island of Grimsey).

What and Where is the Arctic Circle?

It’s going to be impressive enough when you tell your friends you’re traveling to the Arctic for your next vacation. Now, here are a few fun and interesting facts about the Arctic Circle and the Arctic region to throw around with friends and colleagues before you depart:

  • The invisible Arctic Circle marks the area where Midnight Sun occurs during the summer and where, in winter, the sun does night rise.
  • The North Pole is the very center of the Arctic Circle.
  • If you travel to Scandinavia, you can witness natural phenomena any time of year - the Midnight Sun, the Northern Lights and polar nights (when the sun does not rise).
  • The Arctic Circle location changes a little bit all the time, based on the earth’s movement -  it is 1,650 miles south from the North Pole to where the line is located, and it is 66° 33′39″ north of the Equator.

Should I Avoid Arctic Travel in Winter?

If you’re seeking the Northern Lights, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice hotels and other cold-weather Arctic activities, then by all means, don’t shy away from the Arctic region during the winter months. The sun may not appear much during the cold-weather months, but the Arctic Circle shines from November to March in terms of outdoor adventure.

One of the best times to visit the Arctic is right at the tail end of the Arctic winter - March and April, when you can dogsled on firm, snow-packed surfaces, experience the region’s ethereal “blue light” and long shadows, still glimpse the Aurora Borealis (the more north you are), go skiing in East Greenland and Spitsbergen, glimpse Arctic foxes and other awakening wildlife and embark on some of the first expedition cruises of the Arctic sailing season.

This being said, the long hours of darkness may mess with your internal body clock, so veteran Arctic travelers suggest planning your outside activities for the middle of the day when the limited sunlight is shining, then heading inside for museum visits in the later afternoon and early evening.

Packing List for the Arctic

A trip to the Arctic isn’t the time to scale back your packing efforts - you are going to want every layer, every extra pair of socks and every spare phone or camera battery you can possibly fit into your suitcase.

Be sure to pack these essentials for your Arctic cruise and/or Arctic region land tour:

  • Favorite cotton t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
  • Casual pants
  • Wool sweaters
  • Fleece jacket
  • Long-underwear top and bottom
  • Thick, insulated parka
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Thick wool socks for hiking and being outdoors for long periods
  • Wool or cotton socks for indoor time or inside the ship
  • Windproof, waterproof pants
  • Pocket handwarmers and toewarmers
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Winter hat - snug-fitting so it doesn’t blow away!
  • Scarf or balaclava
  • Comfortable, sturdy hiking or trekking shoes or boots
  • Loungewear for inside
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Bathing suit (you never know!)
  • Inside, slip-on shoes
  • Daypack
  • Battery chargers for all of your electric devices
  • Seasickness medication, if you are prone
  • Camera, tripod, etc.
  • Spare camera batteries
  • Refillable water bottle

Your Arctic cruise or tour operator will also usually provide you with a complete packing list, depending on how long, where and by which mode you’ll be traveling throughout the Arctic countries and waters.

Common Arctic Cruise Routes

Considering so much of the Arctic region is comprised of the Arctic Ocean, cruising in the polar region is a popular way to see a lot in a short period of time.

If you have up to two weeks and want to get the most out of an Arctic experience, consider a longer, upscale polar cruise - one of the safest, easiest ways to explore the Arctic Circle and give you more than a little to write home about, we promise. It’s even possible to stand at the North Pole these days - get there by rugged icebreaker and feel like a true Arctic adventurer, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride to the top of the world.

The cruise season in the Arctic is from May to September, during the time of the Midnight Sun or 24-hour daylight. This is a popular time to spot colorful Arctic flora, as well as northern wildlife and their young, and to cruise in areas inaccessible during other points of the year.

(Keep in mind that if your goal is to see the Northern Lights, you’ll have to visit during the polar winter and - while not widely available - there has been an increase in the sailing to the very northern parts of Norway during the winter in order to glimpse this magical natural phenomenon.)

Remember, the Arctic region covers a vast area, so spend some time reviewing various polar cruise options and base your choice on how much time you have and what time of year you’ll be sailing. One of the most accessible Arctic cruise routes is to sail along the coast of Norway into the Arctic Circle. And, for the best polar bear viewing, consider Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago, Greenland or the Canadian Arctic.

Some of the most common Arctic cruise routes include:

1. Svalbard

Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Archipelago is centered around its largest island, Spitsbergen. Cruises in this high Arctic wilderness allow for exploration of glaciers and fjords, crossing 80º N, where you’ll be just 600 nautical miles from the North Pole, searching for polar bears during the long days of Midnight Sun, seeing Edgeøya and Kvitøya and venturing ashore for hiking and wildlife-viewing expeditions.

A Svalbard cruise has the added benefit of time in Longyearbyen, with its Svalbard Museum, rugged mountain vistas and opportunities for dog sledding and glacier walks.

2. Northwest Passage

Follow in the wake of some of the earliest adventurers - including Franklin, Peary and Amundsen - to see the Arctic region as you sail the route through the Canadian Arctic archipelago that links the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears - Nunavut is the polar bear capital of the Arctic - and you will likely have the chance to explore some of Canada’s thriving Inuit communities.

3. Greenland

Fjords, whales and some of the purest air you’ll ever breathe - a Greenland cruise is a highly sought adventure travel destination. From the abundant whales and massive Ilulissat Icefjord of Disko Bay to the Inuit history and culture of Nuuk, there’s so much beyond the icecap in Greenland.

4. North Pole

Check it off the bucket list and stand at the North Pole. You’ll sail by rugged icebreaker to get there, bullying its way through the icy, freezing waters to deliver you to a destination to which few have traveled.

5. Russia

Perhaps the best-known Russian Arctic cruise destination, Wrangel Island can almost guarantee polar sightings for you. Rumor has it that the island boasts the world’s highest density of polar bear dens and an incredibly high number of cubs are born here in the remote region of Chukota.

Russia Arctic cruises are expedition cruising in every sense of the word - this is a polar region that is not often visited, isolated, rugged, wild - an Arctic adventure opportunity full of bird and marine life and the opportunity to learn from indigenous groups who are eager to share their lifestyle and culture.

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