The vast open spaces of the Arctic offer multiple outdoor recreation opportunities. With its largely unpopulated landscapes and pristine wilderness areas, a wide range of activities is available to the Arctic visitor. These might include: a sightseeing trip on an icebreaker, cross-country skiing on groomed trails, hiking through tundra country, alpine mountaineering, sea kayaking along rugged coastlines, canoeing interior lakes, dogsledding with Inuit guides, fishing cold Arctic waters, or rafting untamed rivers. Though the planning and costs of such activities can seem considerable, many tour operators are willing to adjust to your budget and offer a wide choice of exciting possibilities.

Ships & Icebreakers

Few visitors are disappointed by a shipboard trip to the Arctic. Whether observing birds and seals along mist-enshrouded coasts, huge icebergs calving off massive glaciers, or simply scanning the vast whiteness of the polar pack ice, the experience is unique and will provide lasting memories. A number of options are available for tourists wishing to travel by ship. These range from relatively benign one-day cruises along Arctic coastlines to week-long icebreaker expeditions to the North Pole. Planning itineraries can be difficult, however, due to the unpredictable nature of weather and ice conditions.

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Hiking & Trekking

With a host of national and international parks to choose from and thousands of square miles of untouched wildnerness, the Arctic is a hiker's paradise. Many countries offer a range of walking, hiking, and trekking opportunities to suit your preferences; from remote backpacking trips in Alaska, Greenland, or Canada to casual walking on the well-marked trail systems and footpaths of northern Scandinavia. Serious backpacking and trekking requires experience, planning and a good deal of common sense.(See What to Bring) In some countries expedition permits are required and visitors are well-advised to familiarize themselves with local camping rules and guidelines. Minimum impact camping is encouraged wherever you go.

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Climbing and Mountaineering

For technical mountaineering, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Norway offer challenging routes and spectacular scenery. Severe weather conditions and remoteness are key factors in the Arctic, with some climbs ressembling Himalayan ascents in terms of logistics, planning, gear, luck, and skill. In Alaska, the Wrangell, Brooks,and St. Elias Ranges are considered premiere climbing destinations. In Canada, several national parks in the Yukon Territory have excellent climbing. Greenland mountaineering is often remote and requires purchasing expensive insurance; though for many, the chance for a first ascent of an unnamed granite spire is worth the cost.

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Skiing

Except for Norway and Finland, alpine ski resorts north of the Arctic Circle are somewhat limited. Most skiing in the Arctic, therefore, is of the backcountry and cross-country varieties. For those hardy individuals seeking a greater wilderness challenge, long distance skiing, glacier skiing, and heli-skiing are all possibilities, many of which involve chartered bush plane flights. Cold weather experience, good maps, and proper equipment are a must for any type of ski travel.

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Canoeing &
White-Water Rafting

Canoeing and white-water rafting possibilities in the Arctic are virtually unlimited. Spectacular scenery and unspoiled wilderness await the Arctic paddler and/or oarsperson. From the tranquil forest-lined lakes of Finland to the roaring class V river rapids of Alaska's north slope, there is something for all tastes and skill levels. Detailed maps, proper safety precautions, and careful planning are strongly recommended. For those with less experience, many outfits offer transportation, rental equipment, and knowledgeable local guides.

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Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking offers the Arctic visitor the chance to experience firsthand the superb scenery and diverse wildlife found along northern coastlines. Some of the finest sea kayaking venues in the Arctic can be found along Canada's pacific coast, Greenland's steep, rocky shores, and Norway's deeply indented fjords. In all northern areas, frigid water temperatures are a real danger, along with jagged ice floes, massive icebergs, strong tides, and unpredictable marine wildlife.

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Fishing

Many areas of the Arctic offer exceptional angling opportunities. Northern lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are often teeming with fish from salmon and grayling, to trout, Arctic char, cod, and many other species. Permitting, regulation, and licensing requirements vary considerably from country to country so it is best to research outings carefully. For those who enjoy sitting on a bench on a frozen lake in the middle of winter, ice fishing is an option, too.

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Dogsledding

Historically the primary means of winter transport in Greenland, Canada, and Alaska, dogsledding has enjoyed a rebirth of sorts with the growing popularity of races such as the Iditarod. Still relatively new to tourists, 'mushing' is best during the late winter months as temperatures have moderated somewhat and there is more light. Several competent outfitters offer trips ranging from two hour samplers around town to two week-long outings through remote terrain. Though experience isn't necessary, proper clothing is a must as wind chills can be severe. The use of caution around sled dogs is advised, as they can be aggressive and unpredictable.