Arctic Travel Guide

Author : Unwild Planet

If your adventurer's soul is still looking for a raw, adventurous voyage to feel on top of the world, the Arctic is in store. The Arctic, with parts from several countries of Europe and North America, sits literally on the top of the world with minimum human habitat, diversified polar wildlife, and frozen oceans and lands.

Where is the Arctic?

The Arctic is a unique and vast region that covers parts of eight countries, including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the United States (Alaska).

Climate of Arctic

The region is known for its long, cold winters and short, cool summers, with significant variability in climate across the Arctic. It is characterized by its harsh climate, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for luxury travelers, explorers, photographers, and adventurers.

How to travel to the Arctic?

The most popular way of travelling through the Arctic is by cruise.

You can choose different types of cruises, like large vessels, small ships, and boats, according to your travel goal.
There are separate ports for the Arctic Adventure departure. Depending on which country you’re travelling to, you can go to the nearest airport and further travel by road or small chartered flight to the port.

Possible ports for cruise adventure

For Svalbard Archipelago - Arctic port of Longyearbyen located on Spitsbergen
Iceland - Reykjavik
Canadian Arctic - Resolute, Nunavut
Russia - Murmansk, which is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle
Greenland - Kangerlussuaq
Scotland - Aberdeen

Do you need a VISA for the Arctic?

Traveling to the Arctic Circle from India may require different visa requirements for various regional countries. Here are the visa requirements for the countries Norway, Russia, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland -

Iceland - Indian citizens usually need a Schengen visa to enter Iceland, as it is part of the Schengen Area.

Greenland - Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Indian citizens generally need a Schengen visa to enter Greenland.

Norway - Visitors from India typically need a Schengen visa to enter Norway, as it is part of the Schengen Area.

Russia - Indian citizens usually need a visa to enter Russia. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the visit.

Canada - Indian citizens need a tourist or business visa according to their purpose to enter Canada.

Alaska - Alaska is a state of the United States. Indian citizens generally need a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist visa (B-2 visa) or a business visa (B-1 visa), to enter Alaska.

It's essential to verify the specific visa requirements and application procedures with the embassies or consulates of the respective countries, as visa regulations may change, and individual circumstances can affect the visa application process. Also, apply for respective VISAs at least 3-4 months prior to the trip.

Where to travel in the Arctic and why?

The Arctic is scattered in eight countries, and each region has some unique charisma. We tried to highlight the best among them.

The land of ice & fire - Iceland

Iceland - if the name plays the Game of Thrones jingle in your mind, then fasten your seatbelt; there's more! Immerse into the beauty of misty waterfalls, kayak between the walls of grand fjords, spot whales frolicking in Skjálfandi Bay, black sand beaches, glacier hiking, and dipping in a secret hot spring; Iceland has stored everything that your adventure soul needs! So, stop waiting for the right moment and contact us now to know more!

Highlights:

Waterfall - Goðafoss waterfall
“Waterfall of the Gods” stands not only as a natural wonder but also as a symbol of cultural transformation.
Black Sand Beach
- Reynisfjara - Known for its basalt columns and powerful waves
- Diamond Beach - It features glistening icebergs washed ashore on black sand.
- Stokksnes - Known for its black sand dunes and the iconic Vestrahorn
- Djúpalónssandur - Surrounded by unique rock formations and remnants of an old shipwreck.
Volcanos
- Eyjafjallajökull - Is a glacier-capped volcano, one can witness the aftermath of a historic 2010 volcanic eruption.
- Reykjanes peninsula - Is a 829 sq km area covered with basaltic lava fields, tuyas, hyaloclastite ridges, shield volcanoes, and crater rows.
Popular adventure sport - Kayaking
- Grundarfjordur - Home to the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Isafjordur fjords - Isafjordur is the largest town in the region, surrounded by dramatic fjords and known for its rich maritime history and charming architecture.
Wildlife
- Snæfellsjökull National Park - The park hosts various bird species, including puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes.
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - Is a wilderness paradise with rich birdlife, arctic foxes, and seals, providing a unique opportunity to experience untouched nature.
- Fjallabak Nature Reserve - A habitat for reindeer, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Skjálfandi Bay - Is frequented by humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins

Try Adrenaline-Rush Adventures - Greenland

The world’s largest island, Greenland, in the North Atlantic Ocean, awaits you with the rawest, most isolated, and yet the most adrenaline-rush experiences of your life! It’s the land of glaciers, vast wildlife, unique culture, and a massive scope of adventure sports. In recent times, Greenland has become a hub of adventure sports. Also, some of Greenland’s population is ancient, and this island has beautifully colored houses. Travel to this Arctic island to have a unique experience filled with adventure, wildlife, and knowing about the local community.

Highlights:

Fjords
- Ilulissat Fjord - UNESCO World Heritage site famous for the fast-moving Jakobshavn Glacier
- Scoresbysund Sound - World’s largest fjord 110 km long
Whale & Bird Watching - Disko Bay
Disko Bay in Greenland is a prime location for whale and bird watching, renowned for humpback whales, minke whales, and diverse seabird species amid spectacular icy landscapes.
Wildlife - Scoresbysund Sound
Scoresbysund Sound is a haven for Arctic wildlife, offering opportunities to witness polar bears, seals, and various seabird species amidst its stunning icy landscapes.
Adventure Sports
- Mountain Biking around Ilulissat’s trails
- Hiking in Qwqertarsuaq
- Skiing and skating in Sisimut
- Tasiilaq, kayaking through Scoresbysund
Culture & Museum - Nunuk

The local museum exhibits history, art, and traditions of the Inuit people and the unique Greenlandic way of life.

The Land of Midnight Sun & Prolong Darkness - Svalbard

If you want to enjoy your supper under a glaring sun in the summer and under a glowing sky with brilliant aurora in the winter, Svalbard is the place for you. Along with the other Arctic characteristics, like the icy oceans, snowy landmasses, and glaciers, Svalbard has mine towns, abandoned villages, and whaling station stations. Explore this remote land of aurora which is also rich in land and marine wildlives like white beers, indigenous Svalbard reindeer, arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and whales.

Highlights:

Polar Bear Expedition - Spitsbergen
Svalbard, the archipelago in the Arctic, is home to more polar bears than people, making it a unique destination for polar bear expeditions.

Places to explore
- Longyearbyen - As the largest settlement and capital of Svalbard, Longyearbyen offers a mix of modern amenities and unique arctic experiences, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
- Barentsburg - A Russian mining town on Svalbard, Barentsburg provides a glimpse into the history and culture of Russian presence in the Arctic.
- Ny-Ålesund - Known for its research stations, Ny-Ålesund is one of the world's northernmost settlements and a hub for scientific activities in the Arctic.
Northern Norway
- Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway's winter nights
- Midnight Sun during the Arctic summer
- Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Sami people
- Henningsvær is a picturesque fishing village built on a series of small islands. Also known as the "Venice of the North"

Hiking Trails
Hike up to Platåfjellet in Longyearbyen for a panoramic view of the town, providing a stunning vista of the surrounding Arctic environment.
Cafe and Culture
In Svalbard, cafe culture is a unique experience, where cozy establishments offer warmth against the Arctic chill. You might want to experience in cafe hopping in Reine
Glacier
- Monaco Glacier, Spitsbergen - A hidden world of tunnels and caves lies beneath the icy surface of Monaco Glacier.
- Longyear Glacier, Longyearbyen - A dynamic ice formation, Longyear Glacier constantly shapes its contours, creating an ever-changing landscape.

Following the Early Polar Explorers’ Footsteps - Canadian Arctic

The Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, connects Canada's high Arctic Coastline and scattered islands. Known for its icebound conditions, it was once the golden trade route between Europe and Asia. Experience the extreme climate and witness the polar wildlife, from seals to polar bears, muskox to polar birds, and gyrfalcons. Canada's northwest stretch is the habitat of Inuit communities. Learn about their history and lifestyle. If you're lucky, you catch sight of the narwhals in the inky ocean and brilliant aurora in the sky.

Highlights:

Thomsen River - The world’s most northerly canoeable river.
Must-visit Islands
- Baffin Island - Home to Mount Thor, boasting the world's tallest vertical drop of 1,250 meters, attracting daring rock climbers.
- Victoria Island - Holds the title of the second-largest island in Canada, encompassing diverse ecosystems and geological wonders.
- Melville Island - Serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds, making it a significant location for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
- Prince Patrick Island - Features the Northern Hemisphere's largest ice dome, contributing to the island's distinct polar climate.
Wildlife - Aulavik National Park

Aulavik, meaning "place where people travel" in Inuktitut, is a vital sanctuary for muskoxen and endangered Peary caribou, promoting Arctic biodiversity.

Adventure Activities - Nunavut (Baffin Island)
Culture & Community - Nunavut (Baffin Island) is the home of Inuit communities. Learn about their history and experience their unique lifestyle and cultures.
Polar Bear Expedition
Lancaster Island along the Northwest Passage, Ellesmere Island, and Radstock Bay are all excellent places for Polar Bear Expeditions in the Canadian Arctic. Each location offers unique opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Aurora Borealis
Yellowknife is famous for Aurora, which is visible up to 240 nights yearly. Dawson in Yukon, and Churchill in Manitoba are also places for witnessing Aurora.

Stand on the top of the World - North Pole

Being ‘Top of the World’ won’t be only a mere expression for you; live this dream by exploring the North Pole. Voyage in the icebreaking ships and watch to break your way through the frozen Arctic Ocean by crushing the ice, walk on the ice, or enjoy the white land from up above from a hot air balloon; the North Pole offers adventure in every step you take.

Highlights:

Sledding
Walking around the North Pole Land
Voyage on an ice-breaking ship
Hot air balloon

When should you travel to the Arctic? Explore the popular seasonal activities

Activities/Best Time to Visit	Greenland	Iceland	Svalbard Archipelago	Canadian Arctic	North Pole
Best Time to Visit	June to September, during the high summer.	June to August, during the high summer.	June to August, during the high summer winter for Aurora	Late May to September, during the high summer	June to August, during the high summer
Wildlife	Musk oxen, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, and lemmings	Polar bears, reindeer, and whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales.	Polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and walruses.	Polar bears, muskoxen, caribou, and migratory birds such as snow geese and sandhill cranes,	Polar bears, walruses, and narwhals. The
Adventure Activities	Glacier hiking, kayaking	Glacier hiking, ice caving, and snowmobiling	Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice caving	Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and kayaking	Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice caving

What to expect from your Arctic Tour?

Awestruck Panorama
Surprising weather
Encountering with the Wild Animals

The scope of travelling to the Arctic is enormous. New horizons are opening up for Arctic travel, from adventure activities to wildlife safaris, from aurora expeditions to luxury travel. But with the growing tourist footfall, we must be extremely careful about the vulnerable ecosystem and travel responsibly.