(content by Eden V)
Lovers of travel, adventure is calling! After a long and difficult year around the globe, it seems promising that leisure travel will be reopening soon. That means it’s time to give in to that itch for travel and start planning your next great escape. For anyone wondering where to take their first trip of the new year, there is no better choice than cruising on an Arctic adventure.
To make the most of any Arctic cruise, knowing the top sights and spots of the region that pique your interest is the right place to start. Now let’s get into what excitement awaits in the amazing Arctic!
Canadian High Arctic
Indulge in breathtaking landscapes, native culture and rich wildlife diversity of the Canadian High Arctic. From the remote rocky shorelines to the towering granite cliffs, this massive Arctic region is full of magnificent experiences just waiting for you to enjoy and explore.
With over 35,563 islands making up the remote Canadian Arctic Archipelago, there are plenty of destination highlights to add to your travel list, such as:
– Pond Inlet – lose yourself in serene views of glaciers, fjords and icebergs of all sizes, but keep an eye on the water for a chance to see large pods of narwhal.
– Tallurutiup Imanga – known as the Lancaster Sound or the “Serengeti of the Arctic”, observe an abundance of polar bears, seals, walruses, narwhals, and migratory birds.
– Grise Fjord – visit the largest Inuit community, a population of 129 people, on Ellesmere Island, the coldest inhabited place on the planet.
Greenland
Embrace your inner adventurer and explore the rugged landscape of Greenland, which is considered to be the birthplace of kayaking. With a beautiful balance of ancient culture and unrivaled wildlife, Greenland is a destination with many highlights to relish in, such as:
– The Northern Lights– see the green, purple and red lights of the Aurora Borealis dance for 50 miles across the clear night sky.
– Wildlife – explore nature preserves to see 40% of the world’s muskoxen, as well as polar bears, whales, ringed seals, and rare Arctic birds.
– Scoresby Sund – see the largest fjord in the world that reaches a depth of 4,700 feet in places.
– Hvalsey Ruins – observe the last written record of Greenlandic Norse culture.
North Pole
Stand where only a few ever have before, at the very top of the planet earth. Make the memory of a lifetime and have a champagne toast while standing at precisely 90 degrees North.
– Visit during the months of June and July to experience 24-hours of sunshine.
Svalbard
Voyage to Spitsbergen, known as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic” or “the land of the midnight sun”. The place where iconic polar bears roam, Spitsbergen is every wildlife enthusiasts dream come true. Get your camera and hiking boots ready to explore picturesque places, such as:
– South Spitsbergen National Park – explore the four bird sanctuaries within.
– Northwest Spitsbergen National Park – the location of the northernmost documented hot springs on earth, and home to Arctic bird species like puffins and purple sandpipers.
