For the adventure traveler looking for a destination truly off the beaten track, the Arctic islands should be at the top of their list. Rugged and stunning landscapes welcome intrepid travelers on their Arctic journey. This seemingly inhospitable environment is home to a thriving sea, mammal, and bird ecosystem. This snow-covered wonderland is one of Earth's coldest and least populated places, yet it has so much to offer the willing visitor.
Several countries own land within the Arctic Circle, including Canada, Russia, Norway, and Greenland. Each destination has a unique culture and personality. The top four destinations for adventure enthusiasts include Svalbard, Greenland, Baffin Island, and Wrangel Island.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The archipelago of Svalbard dubbed the "true Arctic" between Norway and the North Pole, is home to more polar bears than humans. This destination is one of the most accessible islands in the Arctic. Only a 6-hour flight from Oslo and only 1,300 miles from the UK. It is one of the northernmost inhabited regions in the world.
Visitors to Svalbard can experience the extreme geology of the Arctic tundra while still enjoying the modern conveniences of the small capital, Longyearbyen. The Northern Lights can be seen in winter, and the 'midnight sun' or daylight is available 24 hours a day in summer. Polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes are all terrestrial species; walruses, whales, narwhals, and ringed seals are common at sea.
Svalbard prides itself on doing everything possible to reduce human environmental impact. The island is a certified sustainable destination, meaning it is a community that systematically works to preserve the local culture, environment, and natural resources.
It's also home to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which is buried deep in the permafrost and holds more than 4 million seed samples worldwide. Its purpose is to protect the planet's biodiversity during a global catastrophe. Although visits to the vault are off-limits, the entrance is a work of art. Dyveke Sanne's art installation "Perpetual Repercussions" adorns the entrance. Sharp concrete edges rise to reflect light from stainless steel, mirrors, and prisms.
Greenland
Located between North America and Europe, Greenland is the largest island in the world. The second-largest ice sheet in the world covers eighty percent of the island (approximately 660,000 square miles). Many choose to visit the capital, Nuuk, which has a population of 17,000. But South Greenland is also popular for its lush green landscape.
The Arctic Circle Track is a popular trail for experienced backcountry hikers. This 100-mile trail runs north of the Arctic Circle on the island's west side. No cities are along the way; the journey takes 9 to 11 days. Hiking offers solitude and unparalleled beauty for the adventurous. Other popular outdoor activities include dog sledding, kayaking, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Greenland is a photographer's wonderland: quaint, colorful cottages dot the lush green landscape in summer; dramatic ice fjords and icebergs; the magic of the Northern Lights in winter skies. Photographers from all over the world come here to hone their skills in a place like no other.
Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest in the world. Located in Nunavut, Baffin Island has much to offer the adventurous traveler. In addition to the natural wonders of this Arctic country, visitors are greeted by a rich culture of Inuit art and music.
One of Baffin Island's most popular outdoor adventures is exploring Oyutuk and Sirmilik National Parks. Auyuittuq is home to Mount Thor, the tallest vertical mountain in the world, with sheer walls reaching more than 4,000 feet. On a snowmobile arctic wildlife safari in Sirmilik, you can drive to the edge of an ice pack in search of belugas, narwhals, and polar bears. Both national parks are prime locations for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, rock climbing, and more.
Inuit art and culture flourished on Baffin Island. Quammaarviit Territorial Park is an important archaeological site with over 3,000 tools, 20,000 bones, and 11 turf houses, offering a glimpse into the life of the Thule people.
Cape Dorset is an Inuit artist's paradise. You can watch Inuit carvers, tapestry makers, and artists create their masterpieces there. Cape Dorset has more artists per capita than any other city in Canada. Visit shops, galleries, and museums to learn about handicrafts.
Wrangel Island, Russia
Wrangel Island is the most remote place on this list, located north of the Arctic Circle in the Russian Far East. Despite the harsh conditions, the ecosystem is diverse and unique. It is believed to be home to the last woolly mammoths on Earth. Due to its stunning biodiversity and unique history, Wrangel Island Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary aims to protect over 400 rare plant species, snow geese, Pacific walruses, polar bears, and more.
Because the ecosystem is so fragile and unique, tourist exploration on the island is restricted, and visitors must obtain government permission. Private companies offer icebreaker expeditions several times during the summer.
Those lucky enough to snag a spot on one of these excursions will be greeted by the 100 or so residents of the small village of Usahovskoe, the island's only permanent town. The Eastern Siberian Yupik and Chukchi people who live here love to share their native cuisine, dances, and artwork with visitors to the island. Many tourist trips coincide with special celebrations like the annual Bering Strait Regatta and the Chukchi Cultural Festival.
Bird watchers consider Wrangel Island one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world because it is a nesting ground for hundreds of endangered bird species. In summer, puffins, guillemots, snowy owls, skuas, arctic terns, ivory gulls, kittiwakes, etc., nest here.
Whatever Arctic destination you choose, you can rest assured that you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other.
