Planning an Arctic expedition? Explore Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage with expert insights on wildlife, ice, and travel seasons.
The Arctic is the world's most accessible polar wilderness and, yet most travelers who dream of going there, are unsure where "the Arctic" actually starts, which destinations are realistic, and how expedition cruising in the high north compares to other adventure travel options. This guide covers the essentials.
What Counts as "the Arctic"?
The Arctic is generally defined as everything north of the Arctic Circle (66.5° N latitude). The main expedition cruising destinations within this zone are Svalbard (a Norwegian archipelago about halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole), Greenland (the world's largest island, largely covered in ice), Iceland's north coast, the Canadian Arctic, and the fabled Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific through the Canadian archipelago.
Svalbard: The Gateway to High Arctic Expedition
Svalbard is where most first-time Arctic expedition travelers begin, and for good reason. It is accessible by direct flight from Oslo, relatively affordable compared to other high Arctic destinations, and extraordinarily wildlife rich. Polar bears outnumber people on the archipelago. Walrus haul-outs, Arctic fox, reindeer, and millions of seabirds are reliable encounters. In summer, the midnight sun gives you 24-hour photography light. In autumn, the first sea ice forms and the aurora begin to appear.
Greenland: Ice, Culture, and Silence
Greenland offers something different: vast fjord systems lined with calving glaciers, remote Inuit communities accessible only by sea or air, and landscapes of a scale that defy comprehension. The Ilulissat Icefjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site produces some of the most dramatic icebergs on earth. East Greenland remains one of the least-visited coastlines anywhere in the world.
The Northwest Passage: History Made Real
For history lovers, the Northwest Passage is unlike any other expedition. This is the route that defeated Franklin, destroyed his ships, and consumed the imaginations of Victorian Britain for decades. Today, climate change has made it increasingly navigable in summer. Traveling through it on an expedition vessel, past the sites where wooden ships were abandoned in the ice, is one of the most profound journeys in adventure travel.
Explore Expedition Experience's Arctic and Greenland voyages for current itinerary and pricing options.
When to Go
The Arctic expedition season runs June through September. June and July offer the midnight sun and peak wildlife activity. August is optimal for ice-free passages and calving glaciers. September brings early aurora, dramatic light, and the first sea ice formation. spectacular for photography and atmosphere.
Looking for the best Antarctica cruise packages tailored to your budget? Expedition Experience specializes in small-ship expeditions and can help you find exclusive deals, upgrades, and personalized itineraries. Explore available expeditions and start planning your journey today
