Arctic

It is said that more people get the opportunity to summit Mount Everest than to visit Northeast Greenland National Park. The Arctic seascapes of the world’s largest national park afford the unique opportunity to explore truly pristine fjords and vivid blue icebergs on a Zodiac safari and hike massive glaciers on landings ashore. Along the way, watch for the narwhals, seals, walrus, musk oxen and polar bears that inhabit these remote regions. Amid the equally wondrous scenery of UNESCO-protected hinterland and icefjords bounded by the country’s most active glaciers, discover the traditional customs and cuisine of the hardy locals that make their homes on Greenland’s southwestern coasts. Some Polar Expeditions may also call on cities in Greenland and nearby Iceland that have the infrastructure to offer an array of optional excursions ashore, from fascinating museum tours to hikes across inland lava fields.

Explore the northern reaches of Canada, where polar tundra meets a historic tradition of thriving civilizations. From the Viking history of Newfoundland to the distinctive cultures of the Inuit, Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous peoples, the diverse heritage of this region tells captivating tales. The natural wonders are just as impressive, from breaching whales in Red Bay to walrus hauled out on rocky islands in the Davis Strait. Some days may present the opportunity to launch Zodiac safaris, perhaps cruising through Saglek Fjord amid the towering granite cliffs of the Torngat Mountains in search of beluga whales and polar bears. Just as exciting are optional shore excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Gros Morne National Park or the ancient Norse settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.

The northernmost region we sail, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is situated in the High Arctic just a few hundred miles from the North Pole. Your expedition team will scout locations for shore landings and Zodiac safaris in this remote wilderness, and astonishing adventures are assured wherever you explore. Glaciers shimmer in the Midnight Sun, icebergs calve into the sea, and striated cliffs frame massive fjords. Human outposts are rare and wildlife abounds, so you may see breaching belugas, nesting puffins, and polar bears on the prowl, as well as seals, walrus, the elusive Arctic fox and countless seabirds. Some Polar Expeditions combine exploration of Svalbard with calls on Norway’s southern coasts or neighboring Iceland, where towns nestled in majestic fjords offer the chance to explore on optional excursions ashore.