Cover Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, is a base for Arctic cruises, snowmobile trips and wildlife tours. (Photo: Svalbard Adventures)
Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, is a base for Arctic cruises, snowmobile trips and wildlife tours. (Photo: Svalbard Adventures)
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Thinking of polar travel? These Arctic destinations highlight nature, culture and adventure worth seeking out
The far north holds a particular magnetism for travellers. With landscapes carved by ice and light, the Arctic presents a realm where nature is both dramatic and delicate. It is not a single country or territory but a vast expanse stretching across parts of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Russia. Each destination offers its own character, shaped by geography and culture, from fjords and glaciers to Sámi traditions and Inuit heritage.
Visiting the Arctic requires preparation, patience and a willingness to embrace extremes. Polar travel here is not about checking off landmarks but experiencing environments that change constantly with the seasons. From winter darkness illuminated by auroras to summer days when the sun barely sets, the Arctic offers a different kind of itinerary that rewards the curious and the attentive. For those considering a journey north, several destinations stand out as particularly compelling places to add to a bucket list.
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Exploring the glaciers and valleys of Svalbard, Norway
Situated midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is known for its glacial terrain and wide valleys. Longyearbyen, the main settlement, serves as a hub for exploring the surrounding fjords and ice fields. Travellers can take guided trips by snowmobile in winter or boat expeditions in summer. Wildlife encounters are possible, from reindeer to seabirds, though most visit with the hope of spotting polar bears. Svalbard also offers research-focused museums and galleries that explore its unique environment and history.
Discovering Greenland’s icefjords and coastal traditions
Greenland’s immense ice sheet dominates its landscape, with coastal settlements offering access to both tradition and wilderness. Ilulissat, on the west coast, is famed for its icefjord, a Unesco World Heritage site where vast icebergs drift out to sea. Smaller communities showcase Greenlandic culture through local food, crafts and kayaking traditions. Summer brings opportunities for hiking along coastal trails, while winter offers dog sledding and northern lights displays. As a destination for polar travel, Greenland remains both accessible and remote, with its scale leaving lasting impressions on visitors.
Experiencing Sámi heritage in Finnish Lapland
Within the Arctic Circle, Finnish Lapland is a region shaped by Sámi heritage and vast boreal forests. Rovaniemi is often used as a gateway, with infrastructure supporting both winter and summer travel. Beyond the city, wilderness areas open to activities such as cross-country skiing, husky sledding and hiking in national parks. The Sámi culture is present in crafts, reindeer herding and festivals, offering an important perspective on life in the Arctic. In summer, the midnight sun transforms the region into an almost continuous daylight experience, adding another dimension to polar travel.
Visiting Iceland’s geothermal landscapes in the north
While Iceland’s south and west attract most visitors, the north coast provides access to geothermal landscapes and Arctic waters. Akureyri, often called the capital of the north, is a base for visiting volcanic craters, hot springs and whale-watching areas. The surrounding region includes fishing villages and dramatic coastlines shaped by lava and glaciers. In winter, the combination of snow-covered terrain and relatively mild conditions compared to deeper Arctic areas makes the north coast appealing for those wanting a balance of comfort and remoteness.
Travelling through the tundra of the Canadian Arctic
Encompassing territories such as Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon, the Canadian Arctic offers varied landscapes from tundra to archipelagos. Communities like Iqaluit and Inuvik provide cultural introductions through Inuit art, music and traditions. Wildlife tours highlight caribou, musk oxen and narwhals in their natural habitats. Polar travel here often requires charter flights or specialised cruises, making it logistically demanding but rich in reward. The vast scale and sparse population emphasise the region’s distinctive character within the Arctic.
Travelling in the Arctic is unlike visiting more conventional destinations. Conditions can change rapidly, distances are significant and infrastructure is limited. This is part of the appeal for many, as each journey is shaped as much by the environment as by the itinerary. Whether exploring Svalbard’s valleys, Greenland’s ice fjords, Lapland’s forests, Iceland’s geothermal coasts or Canada’s tundra, travellers encounter a part of the world that is both fragile and enduring. For those seeking polar travel experiences that extend beyond the ordinary, these regions represent a remarkable addition to any bucket list.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
