It feels like most people out there would like to spend their holidays in warm and humid places, such as tropical islands and beaches, or explore the local surroundings in a campervan rented or bought from Oaktree Motorhomes or dealers alike.
What about going to a much colder place, though? It might not be that pleasant, but the sights can be breathtaking – the northern lights, seas filled with ice, and rare animals; who would not want to see that with their own eyes?
If that sounds interesting to you, this article is definitely for you! Here, you will find a list of arctic destinations you should definitely see before you die, including Prince Leopold Island, West Greenland, Svalbard, Northwest Passage, and Hudson Bay. Check it out, find a place that you like, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Prince Leopold Island, Canada
Prince Leopold Island is located in Nunavut, Canada. It is not that far from the mainland and can be reached by boat or plane. The island can be divided into two parts – the southern one, which is primarily flat, and the northern one, mountainous and rocky.
Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary was established in 1992 and is classified Category IV by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Moreover, the island is a Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site and is classified as a Canadian Important Bird Area.
West Greenland
The West Greenland region is known for its active ice caps, which flow into the sea. The ice flows cause the water to wash out minerals, which are replenished by the ice itself. That is why the water here tastes slightly salty and mineral-rich, making it very healthy and tasty. These unique properties make the west coast of Greenland a popular destination for tourists.
In addition to that, you should see the Scoresby Sund – a huge fjord system of the Greenland Sea, located between Jameson Land to the north and Knud Rasmussen Land to the south. This place is covered with ice for most of the year, but it opens up during the summer, making it an incredible sight. Also, West Greenland is one of the best arctic destinations for people who want to see polar bears in their natural environment.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is located in Norway, in the Arctic Ocean, and is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas. It is an archipelago composed of 9 islands and about three thousand citizens who reside in Longyearbyen. The name Svalbard is derived from the Old Norse words “svalr” and “barð,” which mean “cold edge.” It makes sense, right?
The islands are mostly low-lying, but there are a lot of glaciers and snowfields there. Visitors can see the northern lights, polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes. There is also a glacier cruise that you can take to see the local wildlife.
The Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage is a sea route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, passing through Canada’s Arctic islands. The route was discovered in 1851. It is a significant shipping route nowadays, but it is still dangerous due to the ice floating in the water.
One of the best ways to experience this route is to go on a cruise there. The ice floes are amazing to watch, and they will give you a true sense of how harsh the Arctic weather can be. Today, this route is used mainly by cruise ships that transport tourists to various arctic destinations. It is essential to mention that many shipwrecks are located in this area, making it popular among divers.
Hudson Bay, Canada
Hudson Bay is located in northern Canada and is surrounded by Nunavut and Manitoba. It is the largest bay in Canada and the second-largest bay in the world after the Bay of Bengal.
Many touristic routes are available for transportation throughout this bay, such as guided boat tours and canoe trips. The people who travel around these regions are in for a treat – they will be able to observe some rare species of animals, such as polar bears and belugas.
North Pole
The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, on the northernmost point of the Earth’s surface. It is covered by ice most of the year, which is why you will need a special ship to reach it. Tourists come here to experience the subzero temperatures and take their pictures at the exact geographic North Pole.
There are not many animals in this area, but you can see them from the ship if they get close enough to it. Polar bears are a common sight in the area, as well as snowy owls and reindeer. It is also possible to spot whales and walruses, which can sometimes be seen from the ship, as well.
In Conclusion
That is it! This was our list of arctic destinations that you should visit before you die. As you can see, there are many different choices available for you – some of them might be easier to access than others, but all of them are definitely worth visiting. You will never forget the sights that you will see here – trust us on that!
Great list of destinations with beautiful photos.Thanks for sharing.