The Canadian Arctic is one of the most spectacular places on the earth. Visited by few, it is also one of the last vast and untouched regions on the planet. With raw beauty at every turn, the Arctic is a place of endless wonder.
The Arctic captivates travellers as soon as their boots touch the northern ground. In addition the incredible people, here are the six natural wonders of the Arctic that we think make it so special (click to jump to each wonder):
1. Unique Wildlife
2. Northern Lights
3. Icebergs
4. Midnight Sun
5. Glaciers
6. Floe Edge
1. Unique Wildlife
The Arctic offers opportunities to see and photograph some of the world’s most unique wildlife. The Canadian Arctic is home to more than 60% of the world’s population of polar bears – the north’s most iconic animal. Unicorn of the sea, the elusive narwhal can also be spotted from the floe edge at the northern reaches of Baffin Island. Other incredible wildlife that inhabit the Arctic include walrus, beluga, bowhead whales, Arctic fox, migratory birds and musk ox.
Offering exclusive chances to capture rare photography of these unique creatures among spectacular landscapes, the Arctic is a haven for professional and amateur wildlife photographers alike. The Arctic is a destination like no other, and wildlife photography in the north requires special considerations. Find all our tips to ensure you capture every wildlife moment here.</P
Here are some of the ways you can view wildlife in the Arctic with Arctic Kingdom:
See polar bears almost all year round with us. Opportunities to view them on these trips:
Polar Bear Mother and Newborn Cubs Photo Safari
Spring Polar Bears and Icebergs of Baffin Photo Safari
Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island
Polar Bear Migration Fly-In Safari
Opportunities to see narwhal on these trips:
Narwhal & Polar Bear, A Floe Edge Safari
Opportunities to see beluga on these trips:
Narwhal & Polar Bear. A Floe Edge Safari
Opportunities to see bowhead whales on these trips:
Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island
Opportunities to see migratory birds, musk oxen, caribou and grizzly bears (northern range) on these trips:
Narwhal & Polar Bear, A Floe Edge Safari
2. Northern Lights
One of the most beautiful and spectacular natural phenomena on the earth are the legendary Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Visible in the higher latitudes of the Northern hemisphere, the Canadian Arctic boasts some amazing locations to view the shimmering lights of the aurora, including throughout Nunavut. This incredible light show is the result of collisions between electrically charged particles in the atmosphere, and can appear in many colours. World-renowned, travellers from around the globe visit the north to view this natural wonder.
Learn more about the Northern Lights and how they are caused here.
Northern Lights are visible from late August to May. Get the chance to see the Northern Lights on these trips:
Spring Polar Bears and Icebergs of Baffin Photo Safari
Polar Bear Migration Fly-In Photo Safari
Polar Bear Mother and Newborn Cubs
Guided Northern Lights Getaway
3. Icebergs
Majestic icebergs are another symbol of cold-weather destinations and another wonder of the Arctic. Icebergs are chunks of ice larger than five meters (16 feet) across, and can be as large as a small country. Formed when pieces of ice break off, or calve, from glaciers, ice shelves or other larger icebergs, they travel via ocean currents. Icebergs in Canada mainly originate from west Greenland glaciers. These immense and beautiful floating chunks of ice never fail to mesmerize explorers, artists and photographers.
Typically only one-tenth of an iceberg’s volume exist above water, making it even more spectacular to view them from below while diving on our Baffin Island Dive Safari.
You can also view them from the frozen sea ice, land or boats, and even possibly kayak amongst them on these trips:
Spring Polar Bears and Icebergs of Baffin Photo Safari
Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, A Floe Edge Safari
Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island
4. Midnight Sun
Another iconic northern phenomenon is the midnight sun. In early summer, visitors in the Arctic can experience 24-hours of sunshine, north of 60 degrees latitude. Even near the end of the season in August, travellers can enjoy extended daylight hours (upwards of 17 hours of sun!) and seemingly endless sunsets. Longer days mean more uninterrupted opportunities for adventure and wildlife encounters. Plus, the lighting is incredible for photography.
Experience the midnight sun on these trips:
Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, A Floe Edge Safari
Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island
5. Glaciers
One of nature’s most dramatic and fascinating forces, glaciers are another phenomena that travellers look forward to seeing in the Arctic. These massive, slow-moving masses of ice are formed by years of fallen snow that have compressed into snow. Thanks to gravity, they eventually begin to flow along the land.
The eastern Arctic is home to the biggest and oldest glaciers in Canada – giant wonders that can take your breath away in an instant. Learn more about glaciers here.
Get the chance to see glaciers on these trips:
Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island
Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, A Floe Edge Safari
6. Floe Edge
The classic spring floe edge is where the land-fast ice meets the open sea. Otherwise known as the “line of life”, the floe edge is the one place where all Arctic marine animals co-mingle. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers revel in the possibility to see narwhal, beluga, bowhead whales, polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, under the midnight sun in May and June.
The floe edge offers the opportunity to witness magical, but rare, events including large pods of narwhal and breaching whales amongst a spectacular background of icebergs, glaciers and mountains. Special experiences like this are possible at the top of Baffin Island, in remote and exclusive locations including Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
Experience the floe edge on these trips:
The Arctic is nothing short of wonderful. With inspiration at every turn, photos can’t always do it justice, but we try our best! See photos from our Expedition Leaders and travellers’ journeys on our Instagram. You can also browse the hashtag #ArcticKingdom.
Want to check these six wonders of the Arctic off your bucket list but not sure which trip is for you? Contact us today – we are happy to help you choose or build your own custom adventure.
