When is the best time to visit the Arctic?

The optimal time to visit the Arctic will depend on your interests and preferences. The Arctic travel season typically runs from May to September. The earlier months, from May to June, offer breathtaking views of the region’s stark landscapes. July to August is the peak time for wildlife viewing, with somewhat milder temperatures and opportunities to experience the midnight sun. September is also a favorable time to visit the Arctic for those interested in observing the northern lights.

Where is the Arctic Circle located and how do I get there?

The Arctic Circle is located at the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere and denotes the boundary of the Arctic region. It passes through eight countries—Norway, Sweden, Finland, the United States (Alaska), Canada, Greenland (Denmark),\u0026nbsp;Iceland and Russia. While access to the Arctic is possible via flights into Alaska, Norway and Greenland, and driving the Dalton Highway out of Fairbanks, Alaska, the optimal choice is via ocean or expedition cruising.

What wildlife can I see in the Arctic?

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed; however, visitors may see polar bears, Arctic foxes and wolves, narwals, beluga whales, Atlantic puffins, guillemots and snowy owls.

What should I pack for an Arctic expedition?

The Arctic is one of the coldest places on Earth, so choosing the right clothing is a must. Base layers should breathe and remain dry, while insulation layers should have some loft (wool or fleece is best) to retain heat. Outer layers should be waterproof, windproof and large enough to fit over your other layers. Visitors should also pack a hat, neck gaiter, gloves and socks, and consider glove and sock liners for those extra chilly days. Sunglasses and goggles are essential for UV protection and to reduce glare, while lip balm and sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) will offer sun and wind protection.

What kind of activities can I do in the Arctic?

In the Arctic, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including wildlife viewing (such as polar bears, whales and Arctic foxes), Zodiac cruising among icebergs, kayaking, hiking across tundra and glaciers and witnessing natural phenomena like the midnight sun or northern lights. Cultural experiences are also a highlight, with opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities, such as the Inuit in Greenland and the Sámi in Norway, and learn about their traditions, crafts and ways of life in the far north.

Embark on an unforgettable Arctic voyage

Experience the awe-inspiring terrain and intriguing cultural heritage of Norway, the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. Read on to learn about the region’s iconic wildlife—from majestic polar bears and playful beluga whales to the elusive Arctic wolf, a “keystone species” vital to the ecosystem. Then, immerse yourself in the flavors of Arctic cuisine, crafted from local ingredients, and explore the enduring traditions of Greenland’s Indigenous Inuit population and Norway’s Sami people.

The Arctic

The Arctic is the northernmost region on Earth. The name derives from the Greek word arktos, meaning “bear,” in reference to the Ursa Major constellation, which shines in the northern sky. The area encompasses territories within the Arctic Circle (latitude 66° 30′ N) where there is at least one annual period of 24 hours where the sun does not set and one where it does not rise.

The Arctic has a polar climate marked by extreme fluctuations between summer and winter temperatures. While some of the land receives permanent snow and ice, three-fifths of the Arctic experiences summer thawing. The Arctic environment is home to iconic predators, such as polar bears and Arctic wolves, and remarkable marine mammals, such as narwhals and beluga whales. Bird watchers visiting the region can enjoy searching for notable bird species, including black-legged kittiwakes and greater snow geese.

Geologically, the Arctic lands have developed around four ancient rock formations. The largest one, the Canadian Shield, underlies all of the Canadian Arctic except for a portion of the Queen Elizabeth Islands. A similar shield underlies most of Greenland, while the Baltic (or Scandinavian) Shield and the Angaran Shield underlie vast portions of Eurasia. The unique landscapes of these shields offer a window into Earth’s distant past, making the Arctic a region of immense geological and ecological importance. Its rugged beauty and historical significance continue to captivate scientists and travelers alike.

Cuisine—Cod, a versatile fish

With such an abundance of fish and marine mammals in Baffin Bay, the Labrador Sea and the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, it is unsurprising that a large portion of Arctic cuisine features ingredients drawn from these pristine waters. In particular, cod is a plentiful, versatile white fish that serves a vital economic and cultural function in the Canadian High Arctic, Norway and Greenland, where harsh climates limit the opportunities for agricultural production.

While fresh and smoked cod are widely available, dried cod, or saarullik panertoq, is the most common preparation in Greenland. July and August are the best months for cod fishing, but when the fish is salted and dehydrated in the sun, it can be preserved for year-round use. Traditionally, Greenlanders also enjoy boiled cod served with a piquant sauce comprised of mustard, fish stock, milk, butter, chopped hard boiled eggs and horseradish.

Dried and salted cod, known as klippfisk, is also a daily staple in Norway, and it is commonly enjoyed as a snack or prepared in soups and other local dishes. Klippfisk traditionally comes in five different grades, with “superior extra” signifying the best quality fish, cured twice with dry salt. This grade of klippfisk is made only from line-caught cod, and more specifically, from skrei, a cod that is caught once a year during the fish’s spawning season, which gives it a high nutritional value, firm texture and a full, gentle flavor.
Culture—Inuits of Greenland

The rich Inuit culture of Greenland is defined by a long tradition of ingenuity and resilience, as well as a deep connection to the natural world. The customs of these Indigenous peoples date back some 2,500 years and have been greatly shaped by the Arctic environment they inhabit.

There are three distinct subgroups of Inuits that migrated to Greenland at different times—the Inughuit, Tunumiit and Kalaallit. Each of these groups was descended from the Thule people, and they journeyed hundreds of miles across a sea of ice from what is now the Canadian Arctic in search of new lands. While they share a common language, there are different dialects among the three groups. Today, most Greenlanders are bilingual speakers of Kalaallisut, the national language, and Danish. Inuits make up close to 90 percent of Greenland’s population, and like their ancestors, they reside mostly on the island’s coastal regions, since the island’s interior is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet.

The Inuits traditionally relied on the sea for sustenance, hunting marine mammals like seals, walruses and whales, as well as cod and halibut. In the summer, they would often set up camps along lakes and streams to fish for Arctic char and trout. These animals were not only a source of food, but also clothing, shelter and tools.

Innovation has been vital to the survival of the Inuits. They constructed igloos and sod houses to protect themselves from fierce Artic winds and storms. They were also the first civilization to build kayaks for hunting and fishing. Even their earliest kayaks were durable, built to move swiftly and smoothly, and could navigate narrow rivers and fjords. In addition, they expertly designed their clothes for the elements, using animal skins to provide maximum insulation from the cold.

Though modern technology and infrastructure have brought great changes to the Inuits, a strong link to their heritage remains. This connection is evident through their art, folktales, annual festivals, traditional clothing and fishing practices.
Nature—The unique characteristics of Arctic wolves

Roaming the vast terrains of northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Norway, the Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is one of the world’s most impressive apex predators. Known for their steely glare and striking white fur, Arctic wolves measure 3 to 6 ft. (0.9 to 1.8 m) in length, though Alpha males can grow larger. Their bodies have adapted over time to withstand their extreme environment. For example, their thick fur, used as camouflage in snowy conditions, also helps them withstand temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C). Additionally, their small ears and nose help them maintain body heat.

Arctic wolves are known as a “keystone species.” Residing at the top of the food chain, their existence is vital to maintaining the balance of the Arctic’s ecosystem. They primarily hunt in packs of four to seven, preying on caribou, musk oxen, hares, seals and lemmings. Permafrost makes digging in soil difficult, so these wolves make their dens in rocky outcroppings and caves instead. Today, Arctic wolves are protected and classified as a species of “Least Concern,” meaning they are not at risk of extinction and will continue to roam the frozen wilderness for years to come.

The Arctic Highlights

Discover one of the most captivating regions of the world as you journey to the rugged Canadian High Arctic, stunning Arctic Norway and majestic Greenland. Although over half of this land is covered by glaciers, a delicate ecosystem thrives here under the midnight sun. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey: