A Traveller's Guide to the Arctic & Antarctica

The Arctic sits above 66.5 degrees north, covering the Arctic Ocean and lands in Scandinavia, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the US. On the flip side, Antarctica is located below 66.3 degrees south, encompassing the Southern Ocean, the Antarctic continent, and subantarctic islands.

Despite their apparent similarities, these two regions are not just a frozen mirror of each other. Beyond wildlife and landscapes, they diverge in the travel and tourism experiences they provide. Choosing between them can be a daunting decision, given their unique offerings.

Reasons to visit the Arctic

Amazing Arctic Wildlife

Polar bears steal the spotlight, iconic figures roaming the landscapes of Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and Norway's Svalbard Archipelago.

Dive into the Arctic Ocean, and you'll come across the laid-back community of walruses and the elegant dance of beluga whales. However, not all is smooth sailing for the bowhead whales and ringed seals, both facing the challenges of being endangered in the Arctic Ocean.

And then there are the resilient warriors of the icy terrain—Arctic foxes. These little champions have mastered the art of surviving the extreme weather that defines the Arctic region.

Rare Arctic Bird Cliffs

The Arctic hosts many seabird species, with residents like the Arctic Tern, Ivory Gull, Atlantic Puffins, and charming Arctic wading birds called sanderlings. These seabirds make their nests on islands or refuge on protected cliffs, forming vibrant and bustling bird colonies.

Prince Leopold Island stands out among these avian communities, boasting the highest number of birds and greater diversity than any other location in the Canadian Arctic. Studies from the 1970s went into understanding how climate change within their natural habitat affected the breeding patterns of these feathered residents.

Polar bears

This is enough reason to visit the Arctic. You will have the unique opportunity to encounter the iconic polar bears in their natural environment. Make sure to get on an expedition cruise to spot these majestic creatures as they roam across expansive land and sea ice in pursuit of food. 

You can observe polar bears in Greenland, Wrangle Island, Franz Josef Land in Russia, or Canada. If your primary goal is to witness these incredible animals, a Svalbard expedition cruise is the perfect adventure to experience the Arctic and encounter polar bears in their wild habitat.

Reasons to Visit Antarctica

Get to see penguins

Get on an expedition voyage to witness penguins in all their glory. Whether exploring the Antarctic or the Galápagos, you're in for a treat with various penguin species. For a rendezvous with emperor penguins, head to Snow Hill in the Weddell Sea—the exclusive spot to glimpse these regal birds.

Throughout the region, vast rookeries are scattered, becoming bustling communities where devoted nesting pairs raise their adorable chicks from December to February. The endearing and comical appearance of penguins on land contrasts dramatically with their incredible agility in the water.

The Antarctic chill is beautiful

The cold in Antarctica is a breath of fresh air, literally. The clarity and purity of the atmosphere amplify everything—colours, shapes, your senses. Pristine slopes covered in glistening snow appear as if adorned with jewels. With the right attire—thermal layers and a wind-proof jacket—the Antarctic cold makes you feel more awake, lively, and alive.

Also, proximity to the sea keeps temperatures from plummeting too low, while the farther you venture, the chillier it gets. Brace yourself for robust winds, as Antarctica boasts a constant breeze, ensuring the invigorating cold is a constant companion.

Icebergs

Icebergs are floating wonders from freshwater ice masses that detach from glaciers or ice shelves. They grace the oceans around Antarctica, the Arctic and subarctic seas, fjords in the Arctic, and lakes fed by glaciers. As you approach Antarctica, the sheer scale of the icy landscape becomes evident with every ice floe in your sight.

Prepare to be captivated by Antarctica's icebergs' diverse and stunning array, prompting you to grab your camera every few minutes. On land, colossal hanging glaciers cling to the mountains or carve their way to the water's edge, showcasing the dynamic beauty of the frozen continent.

Country Overviews

Arctic

The Arctic, Earth's northernmost region, revolves around the North Pole. It comprises the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas.

Antarctica

The Antarctic is a chilly and secluded expanse in the Southern Hemisphere, enclosed by the Antarctic Convergence. This convergence marks a distinct latitude line where the frigid southbound Antarctic waters collide with the warmer currents of the world's oceans.

Unique, Interesting or Unusual Places to visit

North Pole

Venturing to the North Pole is a tale of triumph over treacherous icy waters—no one set foot there until 1948. In 1985, the North Pole hosted two legendary explorers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Neil Armstrong, the conquerors of Mt. Everest and the moon, respectively.

Hot air balloon rides 

Could anything surpass the thrill of standing at the top of the world? Now, consider the exhilaration of hot-air ballooning at the North Pole. Envision the breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape unfolding beneath you. Don't worry; the hot air balloon will be securely tethered to the ground, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Northern Lights

Come nighttime, witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, a celestial ballet best observed between November and March. The magic unfolds at midnight when the darkness unveils a canvas for these radiant lights to dance across the Arctic sky. 

It's not just about looking down; gazing upward reveals a spectacle of Arctic birds, snow-capped mountains, and the ethereal Northern Lights, a stunning display born from charged particles and the Earth's magnetic embrace.

Important things to know

For Antarctica, travellers don't need personal permission, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit due to the Antarctic Treaty's protective measures for scientific and peaceful use. The Protocol on Environmental Protection ensures meticulous management of human activity. Travelling to Antarctica without proper permission is considered illegal.

On the flip side, travelling to the Arctic offers various options—from flying to sailing or driving. Flying is the quickest, while a ship adds a touch of adventure. Escorted or independent bus tours are also available.

Budget-wise, a trip to Antarctica can range from $6,000 to $50,000, depending on the duration and luxury level.

Some things to pack for the destination include the following: 

• Woollen layers
• Fleece
• Snow goggles
• Compass
• Zippered jacket and pants
• Face mask
• Thermal underwear
• Thick socks
• Sunglasses
• A camera (and waterproof bag)
• Waterproof walking shoes with traction
• Underlayer gloves
• A face mask
• A warm winter coat
• Waterproof overtrousers

Is it safe to travel

Arctic

In the Arctic, where polar bears roam, safety is paramount. These powerful animals can pose a threat, so always follow your guide's instructions and avoid wandering off alone. In certain areas, like outside Longyearbyen, walking without a firearm isn't permitted due to the real risk of encounters.

Here are some safety tips for the Arctic:

1. Stay hydrated
2. Steer clear of weak ice
3. Avoid getting lost
4. Consume high-calorie, high-fat foods
5. Shield yourself from the wind
6. Insulate against the cold
7. Protect your extremities
8. Stay dry

Antarctica

For Antarctica, travelling may have a potential environmental impact, so it's advisable to avoid any travel that isn't part of an international scientific expedition or organized through a tour operator. Numerous tourism companies can facilitate excursions to the continent.

In both regions, the greatest threats are environmental hazards due to severe elements and unpredictable weather. Common risks include frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents. Always prioritize safety measures and follow the guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey.