Travel Journal

I had the incredible opportunity to join an expedition cruise from Churchill in Manitoba. The 12-day journey took us through Hudson Bay and across the Davis Strait to the famous ‘iceberg alley’ of Ilulissat in Western Greenland. This adventure remains one of my most cherished travel experiences.

Our adventure began even before we landed in Churchill. As our plane flew over Hudson Bay, we spotted hundreds of beluga whales in the waters below. It was a breathtaking sight. Later that day, we found ourselves cruising in zodiacs among these playful and curious whales, who would pop up right next to us for a closer look. It felt like being part of a magical marine ballet.

Over the next few days, we experienced the Arctic in all its raw beauty. We got as close to polar bears as safety allowed, feeling the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. We stretched our legs with hikes across the Arctic tundra, soaking in the vast, rugged landscapes. The hospitality of the Inuit communities in Northern Canada was a highlight, as we were invited into their homes and learned about their unique way of life.

The adventure didn’t stop there. We kayaked around towering icebergs, swam in the Arctic Ocean wearing dry suits, and watched in awe as massive chunks of ice calved off the Greenland ice cap into the North Atlantic. It was the perfect expedition cruise, blending adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.

Exploring the Arctic is quite different from a trip to Antarctica. There’s plenty of land not covered in snow and ice, allowing for more active exploration. You can walk, climb, and really engage with the environment. The Arctic flora and fauna, resilient in such harsh conditions, offer plenty of moments for quiet contemplation. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is home to year-round communities, and gaining insight into their lives is truly fascinating. And of course, the large mammals like polar bears, musk oxen, and caribou add to the allure.

If you’ve been to Antarctica, you’ll love the Arctic, but it’s an amazing experience in its own right. The Arctic offers a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural encounters that make it unforgettable.