When you are thinking of unique holidays you would also want to consider visiting the Polar Regions. Unlike any other parts of the globe, both Polar Regions can provide you with unique experiences that are surreal. Visiting the Arctic can provide you with experiences of sighting unique wildlife, natural landscapes, remote wilderness and extreme temperatures that are hard to find elsewhere.
If you are preparing for polar expeditions and holidays you need to focus on how you can make the most of the holidays. While many experienced travelers make their custom plans you can always choose experts to help you curate Arctic holidays the way you prefer it.
Here are 7 Arctic destinations you must visit this year.
Svalbard, Norway
One of the top destinations in the Arctic is Svalbard which can provide you with a great experience. This archipelago located between Norway and the North Pole is a perfect place for adventurers and those who want to ski. Apart from skiing, there are many fun things to do without skis in Svalbard that would add to your experience. If you are into wildlife you can sight polar bears and other polar animals and birds. You can also experience watching various seals and whales. The best part about Svalbard is that it is very much accessible and therefore you will find regular flights and cruises that would take you here. Svalbard is also a great place for sighting northern lights.
Lapland, Finland
If you are looking for destinations that look like winter wonderland you should choose Lapland in Finland. This is one of the best Arctic destinations made for those who want to experience extreme temperatures but at the same time offer stunning landscapes. One of the main reasons why many visitors head to Lapland is to see the Aurora Borealis or the northern lights. Apart from being in the Northern Lights Belt region, Lapland is a great place for those who want to experience a snowy getaway. However, you can also experience various saunas in hotels and elsewhere that can provide you with a warm experience. Also, you can experience Arctic animals like reindeer and huskies that are found in the Arctic.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Another Arctic destination that must be on your bucket list is Reykjavik in Iceland. This is one of the most visited destinations that offer you an Arctic experience with excellent amenities and facilities. Being the capital city of Iceland, you can find excellent accommodations that would keep you warm and cosy. However, you should wear the right clothes that would safeguard you from the harsh wintry weather conditions. While you are here you can also visit Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Pingvellir National Park. You can also enjoy some outdoor activities like snowmobiling that would allow you to make the most of your Arctic holidays. Reykjavik also has excellent lodgings and hotels which ensure that you have excellent food choices when you are visiting this place. When you are done exploring the Arctic landscape you can head to the city to explore the local museums, restaurants, bars and even churches that are beautifully designed.
Churchill, Canada
Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill in Canada can offer you Arctic experiences that are so unique. While you might enjoy the remote wilderness that this place has to offer you can also spot some wildlife which you can capture in your camera. While you can easily click pictures of polar bears here you can also spot beluga whales here during the right season. If you are into bird watching you can find many migratory birds that settle here before they head further south. Hence, Churchill is a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers interested in polar animals and birds.
Ilulissat, Greenland
If you are into icebergs, Ilulissat is the place you should choose. Considered as the iceberg capital of the world this is where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape at its best. While you are here you can walk to Ilulissat Icefjord which can provide you with some breathtaking views that no other place can offer. This is also the place where you can find plenty of migrating whales. Hence, this is one of the best spots for whale watching which you should not miss. While the temperature is freezing, snowy and cold you can visit this place in the summer to enjoy outdoor activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing. This would allow you to make the most of your trip and experience its remote wilderness.
Wrangel Island, Russia
Being a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wrangel Island is a great spot if you are looking for Arctic experiences. In terms of landscape, you can enjoy the cold remote wilderness which instantly captures the imagination. Also, in terms of wildlife, you can find plenty of polar bear dens which means you have more chances of sighting polar bears in Wrangel Island. Bird watchers can explore and sight different resident and migratory birds that nest here on the island during the summer months. Wrangel Island is also a great spot for whale watching and you can spot bowhead whales, grey whales and beluga whales here. With the right cruise tour, you can have a great experience exploring this remote island on the planet.
Utqiagvik, Alaska
Formerly known as Barrow, Utqiagvik remains one of the northernmost cities on the planet. The southernmost side of the town is considered to be the downtown area and this is where you will find most of the hotels, restaurants and even a police station. While there are no roads that connect this city to the rest of Alaska you can use Alaska Airlines to visit this place. In terms of wildlife, foxes and caribou are commonly seen here on land. However, during the spring you can also witness beluga whales, bowhead whales and even bearded seals and walruses in the ocean water.
Conclusion
While these Arctic destinations can provide you with stunning sceneries and remote landscapes that look alien you also need to focus on how you can prepare for the trip. With extremely cold temperatures and harsh climates, you need to have the discipline to manage your body during the entire trip. You must also focus on how you can drink plenty of water and eat healthily throughout the tour to replenish your body and mind. June to September is probably the best time to explore these locations when these locations experience high summer. This also provides you with more sunlight to ensure that you can have more time at hand to experience the landscape and sight wildlife.
Photos by Robert Sachowski (Bear) Lloyd Woodham (Svalbard) and Nicolas J Leclercq (N0rthern Lights) on Unsplash
