10 reasons to visit the Arctic and North Pole (other than Santa and polar bears)
It’s one of the world’s coolest destinations — literally — but what most people know about the Arctic barely touches the surface.
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It’s one of the world’s coolest destinations — literally — but what most people know about the Arctic barely touches the surface of the extraordinary experiences the region has to offer.
From glaciers and fjords to weird wildlife to World Heritage sites, the North Pole region is about more than just polar bears and being the home of Santa.
Matt McMillan and Tim Farquhar, the directors of Eclipse Travel, which specialises in Arctic travel, share 10 of their top reasons to add the North Pole to your travel bucket list.
1. See unbelievable marine life
Look for blue whales, beluga whales, seals, walrus, and even the unicorn of the sea — the narwhal — when you are in the Arctic.
2. Visit Scoresby Sund
Between spectacular mountains and glaciers, Scoresby Sund in Greenland is one of the longest fjords in the world, and home to abundant wildlife.
3. Track the weird musk ox
This huge hoofed mammal carries a heavy bony plate across its forehead. Although its name may suggest it belongs to the cattle family, it is actually more closely related to sheep and goat than to ox.
4. Visit explorers’ huts and gravesites
Arctic explorations were much tougher 100 years ago. Pay tribute to the early explorers by visiting their huts and gravesites for a different view of the North Pole.
5. Encounter traditional Inuit culture in Ittoqqortoormiit
Ittoqqortoormiit (pronounced “E-took-a-tour-mit”) is the most isolated town in Greenland with a population of about 450 residents. Experience living Inuit culture in the city where hunting and fishing are still vital for survival, or go out for a dog-sledding trip in spring and summer.
6. Incredible birdlife
From guillemots and puffin to terns and auks, the Arctic offers a wide range of amazing birdlife to watch.
7. Drink whisky with glacial ice
This is an unforgettable experience for every whisky lover. You know you want it.
8. Cruise on zodiac in Svalbard
The Norwegian archipelago is about midway between continental Norway and the North Pole. Get up close and personal with the whimsical glaciers and icebergs on a zodiac excursion to channel your inner Elsa.
9. Wander across spectacular tundra
Teeming with vibrant colours and unique landscapes, the Arctic tundra is a hiker’s dream.
10. Take the polar plunge
It may not be for everyone, but it certainly creates a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Originally published as 10 reasons to visit the Arctic and North Pole (other than Santa and polar bears)
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