Introduction
The Arctic is one of the most remote and untouched places on Earth. It is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including polar bears, narwhals, beluga whales, walruses, and Arctic foxes. If you are an adventurous traveler and a wildlife enthusiast, exploring the Arctic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This guide covers the 10 best places to see Arctic animals in the wild, helping you plan your ultimate Arctic adventure.
1. Svalbard, Norway – The Kingdom of Polar Bears
Polar bear – Photo by Mtanenbaum on Pixabay.
Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Located between Norway and the North Pole, this icy archipelago is also home to Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, and thousands of seabirds. Uncountable arctic animals.
Best time to visit: June – September
How to get there: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main town, and join an expedition cruise.
Top experiences:
- Polar bear safaris by boat or snowmobile.
- Glacier hikes and ice cave explorations.
- Walrus spotting on the drifting ice floes.
2. Greenland – A Land of Ice and Wildlife
Photo by Dassel on Pixabay.
Greenland offers untouched wilderness and stunning Arctic landscapes. It is home to whales, seals, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes.
Best time to visit: June – September
How to get there: Fly to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq from Denmark or Iceland.
Top experiences:
- Boat tours to spot humpback and minke whales.
- Exploring ice fjords and massive glaciers.
- Dog sledding and Arctic hiking adventures.
3. Wrangel Island, Russia – The Last Refuge of Woolly Mammoths
Walruses – Photo by Francesos Ungaro on Unsplash.
Wrangel Island is a remote Arctic animals haven, known for having the highest density of polar bears and walruses.
Best time to visit: July – August
How to get there: Join an Arctic cruise from Russia’s Far East.
Top experiences:
- Walking safaris to see polar bears up close.
- Walrus haul-out sites with hundreds of animals.
- Birdwatching, including snowy owls and Arctic terns.
4. The Canadian High Arctic – Home to Narwhals and Arctic Wolves
The Canadian High Arctic, including Ellesmere Island and Baffin Island, is a paradise for spotting narwhals, Arctic wolves, and caribou.
Best time to visit: July – August
How to get there: Fly to Iqaluit, then take a charter flight or Arctic cruise.
Top experiences:
- Kayaking with narwhals in remote Arctic bays.
- Helicopter tours to spot Arctic wolves.
- Exploring ancient Inuit cultural sites.
5. Churchill, Canada – The Polar Bear Capital
Churchill, located in Manitoba, is famous for its large polar bear population. Every fall, hundreds of bears gather near the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form.
Best time to visit: October – November
How to get there: Fly to Winnipeg, then take a direct flight or train to Churchill.
Top experiences:
- Tundra buggy tours for up-close polar bear encounters.
- Beluga whale watching in the Churchill River (July – August).
- Northern lights viewing in winter.
6. Franz Josef Land, Russia – A Polar Wilderness
Beluga whale – Photo by Yuan Yue on Unsplash.
This remote Russian archipelago is an untouched Arctic animals paradise, home to polar bears, walruses, and beluga whales.
Best time to visit: July – August
How to get there: Join an Arctic cruise from Murmansk, Russia.
Top experiences:
- Zodiac boat tours along iceberg-filled waters.
- Exploring Soviet-era Arctic research stations.
- Wildlife photography opportunities with incredible Arctic backdrops.
7. Tromsø, Norway – Arctic Whale Watching Capital
Norway, Tromsø – Photo by Huichao Ji on Unsplash.
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see orcas and humpback whales as they follow herring migrations.
Best time to visit: November – January
How to get there: Fly to Tromsø, then take a whale-watching boat tour.
Top experiences:
- Orca and humpback whale safaris.
- Northern lights cruises in winter.
- Dog sledding and reindeer safaris.
8. Nunavut, Canada – The Land of the Inuit
Artic Fox – Photo by Mezbahuddin Ahmed on Pixabay.
Nunavut is one of the most remote regions in Canada, offering a chance to see polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes in the wild.
Best time to visit:
June – August
How to get there:
Fly to Iqaluit or Rankin Inlet.
Top experiences:
- Camping under the Midnight Sun.
- Learning Inuit survival skills and traditions.
- Wildlife safaris by boat or snowmobile.
9. Barents Sea – Walrus Colonies and Bird Cliffs
Walrus – Photo by MonicaMaxWest on Pixabay.
The Barents Sea, north of Norway and Russia, is famous for its massive walrus colonies and seabird cliffs.
Best time to visit: June – September
How to get there: Join an Arctic cruise from Svalbard or Murmansk.
Top experiences:
- Visiting walrus haul-out sites with hundreds of animals.
- Exploring remote Arctic islands by boat.
- Birdwatching, including puffins and Arctic skuas.
10. Disko Bay, Greenland – The Kingdom of Icebergs
Humpback whale – Photo by Makabera on Pixabay.
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most spectacular locations, where you can see humpback whales, seals, and Arctic seabirds among towering icebergs.
Best time to visit: June – September
How to get there: Fly to Ilulissat, then take a boat tour.
Top experiences:
- Icefjord boat tours among giant icebergs.
- Whale watching with breathtaking Arctic views.
- Hiking along ancient Inuit trails.
Conclusion
Exploring the Arctic offers some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on Earth. From polar bears in Svalbard to orcas in Norway, each location provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw beauty of Arctic nature. Whether you prefer cruising through icy waters, kayaking with whales, or hiking in the tundra, these 10 destinations will bring you closer to the Arctic’s incredible wildlife.
Start planning your next adventure, Click here for a guide on how to do it.
