Top 33 Polar Region Places You Can Visit – Arctic & Antarctica

Welcome to this article on the top polar region places you can visit, chosen by our team with decades of experience exploring the polar regions.

From the north and south poles to our favourite places in Greenland and Antarctica, this guide is designed to help you plan where you would like to explore in the polar regions. It includes all our must-see inspiring polar places.

All the polar places in this article can be visited on our expedition cruises and tours. With Polar Escapes, you can search and book the largest selection of expedition cruises and tours to the polar regions. 

Let’s get started!

1. Disko Bay, Greenland

Nowhere in the Arctic region is more iconic than Disko Bay. Located on the coast of West Greenland, Disko Bay is known for its gigantic icebergs that calve off the nearby Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The glacier is the fastest-moving in the world, so when you visit Disko Bay, you will surely see some of the most colossal icebergs in the Arctic. Imagine cruising next to a skyscraper made of ice!

2. Elephant Island, Antarctica

One of my favourite places to visit in Antarctica is Elephant Island. Finding another place in the polar regions that feels more remote and desolate than Point Wild on the island’s north coast is a difficult task. Surrounded by sheer glaciers and a harsh climate, it is home to one of the most extraordinary scenes in polar history. Here, Shackleton and his men became marooned after losing their ship, Endurance, to the pack ice of the Weddell Sea. Shackleton then sailed from Point Wild to South Georgia to seek rescue.

3.Magdalena Fjord, Svalbard

One of the most scenic fjords in Svalbard, the picturesque Magdalena Fjord, is flanked by jagged mountains and glaciers that reach down to the water. The 5-mile (8km) long fjord is one of the prettiest I have seen in Svalbard. It’s a favourite stop for expedition cruise ships cruising the archipelago. Keep an eye out for polar bears, Arctic foxes and walruses that are seen in the area.    

4. Snow Hill Island, Antarctica

Snow Hill Island takes its name from the fact it is almost entirely snow-capped. Located in the Weddell Sea off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is the most northerly breeding colony of Emperor Penguins, with over 4000 breeding pairs. It’s so remote that the colony was not discovered until the mid 1990’s. Ships can’t reach the island due to the heavy sea ice surrounding it. To get to the island, you need to join a specialist expedition and fly from the ship to the island on a helicopter.    

5. Saint Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia

Home to one of the largest colonies of King penguins on Earth, Saint Andrews Bay is a site not to be missed when travelling in the polar regions. You can land on the beach at Saint Andrew’s Bay by Zodiac and walk up to observe the colony. Having been there myself, I can tell you the noise of 400,000 king penguins is immense. The best way to visit is on an expedition cruise from Antarctica.  

6. Scoresby Sund, Greenland

Scoresby Sund is the longest fjord system on Earth, located high above the Arctic Circle on Greenland’s remote east coast. It is an area of pure wilderness and outstanding natural beauty. Huge icebergs that calve off the surrounding glaciers flow through the narrow fjords, and the mountains surrounding the fjord reach heights of over 2000 metres. Musk Ox roam the tundra, and the occasional polar bear can be seen hunting for prey.

7. Wrangel Island, Russian Arctic

Located off the coast of northern Siberia, Wrangel Island is a hot spot for polar bears that come ashore during summer as the sea ice breaks up. The island is a dedicated nature reserve by the Russian government and is recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its biodiversity.

8. Deception Island, Antarctica

Deception Island takes its name from the hidden harbour within the island. Connected to the sea by a narrow gap known as Neptune’s Bellows, the harbour is part of a flooded volcano caldera. Step ashore on the moon-like landscapes created by the last eruption in 1970. Explore the remnants of a former Chilean research station that was destroyed when the island erupted. The island is still active today, evident by the beach’s warm volcanic waters. It’s a perfect place to take a dip!

9.Monaco Glacier, Svalbard

Svalbard has over 2,000 glaciers throughout the archipelago, including the Monaco Glacier, one of its most iconic glaciers. It’s a tidewater glacier that slowly flows into the ocean. During the height of the summer months, huge chunks of ice calve from the face of the glacier. Spitsbergen’s spikey mountains rise from behind the glacier, making it one of Svalbard’s picture-perfect scenes.

10. Baffin Island, Canadian Arctic

The fifth-largest island in the world, Baffin Island, is a neverending wilderness just waiting to be explored. With a population of just over 13,000 people and a landmass of 195,928 square miles, it is one of the least populated places on Earth. It is the perfect place for the traveller to explore on an expedition cruise. From the striking Mount Thor to the colossal cliffs and glaciers, Baffin Island is one of our must-see polar region places.

11. The Geographic North Pole

The most northerly point on Earth is a frozen seascape at the top of the planet. Located in the centre of the frozen Arctic Ocean, the North Pole is a dream for many explorers. It is possible to reach the North Pole on an icebreaker cruise, travelling north through the pack ice from Svalbard for that once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.

12. Prins Christian Sund, Greenland

Prins Christian Sund is a scenic waterway in south Greenland that provides ships with a safe inland passage from the rough waters of Cape Farvel. The fjord system is breathtaking. Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction, and glaciers drop down to the water’s edge. It’s the perfect place to visit on an expedition cruise to Greenland.    

13. Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

The Ross Ice Shelf is an impressive site for visitors to East Antarctica. The largest ice shelf in Antarctica, its towering cliffs of ice measure up to 50 metres in height. The face of the ice sheet, which meets the sea, is 600 miles long, and its total area is the size of France. It’s possible to visit the Ross Ice Shelf on an expedition cruise to Antarctica from New Zealand or Australia.

14. Franz Josef Land, Russian Arctic

Located northeast of Svalbard, Franz Josef Land is an archipelago of 191 heavily glaciated islands. It’s about as far away from civilisation as possible in the Arctic and the most northerly part of Russia. Due to the remoteness, the islands are a haven for wildlife, including over 3,000 walruses, polar bears, bowhead whales and seals.

15. Churchill, Canada

Known as the world’s polar bear capital, Churchill is a town on the shores of Hudson Bay. Each autumn, hundreds of polar bears congregate close to the town to await the freezing of the Hudson Bay. Along with Svalbard, it is one of the best places to see polar bears in the wild.

16. Port Lockroy, Antarctica

A former research station that closed in 1962 is now a museum and post office run by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. It’s the world’s most southerly post office and the perfect stopping point on an Antarctica cruise. It’s the only place in Antarctica where you can send a letter back home. The wooden buildings contrast the stark polar scenery that surrounds it. The gentoo penguins that live all around vastly eclipse the four seasonal staff members working there.

17. Longyerabyen, Svalbard

The most northerly town on Earth is one of the best places in the polar regions to see the northern lights during the long, dark winter. In Longyearbyen, the polar night, with 24 hours of total darkness, lasts from 11 November until 30 January. During the summer months, the midnight sun takes over. Often, travellers to the Arctic pass through Longyearbyen, the main embarkation port for cruises to explore Svalbard.

18. Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia

On the southern tip of South Georgia Island, the Drygalski Fjord carves deep into the land. Framed by beautiful blue glaciers and lofty mountain peaks, the fjord is one of the best places to get close to the island’s majestic scenery. Cruise ships visiting the island often take scenic cruises along the fjord or Zodiac cruises at Larsen Harbour, which connects to the fjord.

19. The South Pole

The South Pole is at the southern extremities of the planet. First reached in 1911, it is today possible to visit by flying as part of a specialist expedition. Unlike the North Pole, the South Pole is on ice-covered land. At an elevation of 2835 metres above sea level, the South Pole is significantly colder than its counterpart in the North.

20. Sirmilik National Park, Canadian Arctic

Located on Bylot Island at the entrance to the Northwest Passage, Sirmilik National Park is a vast wilderness and a wildlife hotspot. During the summer, the waters around the park are home to narwhals and beluga whales. Polar bears can be seen on the coast, and nesting birds flock to the jagged cliffs. The area is known for its hoodoo spires, a strange geological formation of unique rock pinnacles jutting from the ground.

21. Austfonna Ice Cap, Svalbard

During the summer months, meltwater waterfalls dramatically pour over the vertical ice edge of the Austfonna Icecap. For me, it’s one of Svalbard’s most spectacular natural sights. Located in Nordaustlandet, Austfonna is the third-largest glacier in Europe in terms of volume. The ice edge where it meets the sea is over 100km long. To view the Austfonna Icecap, choose a longer expedition cruise to explore the far east of the Svalbard archipelago.

22. Lemaire Channel, Antarctica 

One of Antarctica’s most popular cruise ship destinations, the Lemaire Channel, is a picturesque ice-filled passage framed by steep cliffs. Due to its protection from the Southern Ocean, the passage is often as calm as a mill pond, making for some great reflections. The Una Peaks that mark the entrance are one of Antarctica’s most photographed landscapes. Most expedition cruises to the Antarctic peninsula will visit the Lemaire Channel.

23.Grytviken, South Georgia

Today, the former whaling settlement is home to a small museum that houses a replica of Shackleton’s rescue lifeboat, the James Caird. The whaling station remains have been preserved, and it is the only whaling station on South Georgia Island that is safe to visit. Pay homage to Ernest Shackleton at his grave in a small cemetery close to the edge of the town.

24. Cape Royds, Antarctica

Located in East Antarctica, Cape Royds is the site of Shackleton’s hut from the British Antarctic Expedition of 1907-1909. Today, visitors can go inside the hut and get a glimpse of the lives of early explorers. The hut’s interior has been left very much the way it was for over 100 years. The shelves are still stocked with food from the expedition. It’s a must-do for any curious traveller.

25. Beechey Island, Northwest Passage

Deep inside the Northwest Passage off the coast of Devon Island, Beechey Island is a site of significant historical interest. In 1845, Sir John Franklin set up a winter camp on the island. His ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were never seen again. Today, the island is marked by three graves from the ill-fated expedition.

26.Halfmoon Island, Antarctica

Located on the South Shetland islands, Half Moon Island takes its name from the long crescent-shaped bay. It’s a popular landing spot for expedition cruises visiting the Antarctic Peninsula. The small island is a haven for birdlife, including 2000 pairs of chinstrap penguins and 100 pairs of south polar skuas.  

27. The Drake Passage

No trip to the Antarctic Peninsula is complete without crossing the sometimes turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. Dubbed the roughest ocean on Earth, the passage is known for its stormy weather. Wildlife, such as wandering albatrosses and fin whales, are often seen on the crossing. In our experience, crossing the Drake Passage is usually calmer than most people think, with only around 30% of voyages having a rough crossing.  

28. The Northeast Greenland National Park

One of the least visited places in Greenland, Northeast National Park is the largest on Earth and completely uninhabited. Home to some of the oldest landscapes on the planet, the region consists of mountains and fjords with colossal icebergs that drift and flow with the tide. It’s an awe-inspiring place to explore and perfect for photographers.

29. King George Island, Antarctica

The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island, hosts the yearly Antarctica marathon. If you choose to fly to Antarctica, you will land on King George Island to join your ship. Over 90% of the island is glaciated. The coastal areas are home to Leopard and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, and several species of seabirds.

30.Smeerenburg, Svalbard

One of Svalbard’s top historical sites, Smeerenburg, was founded in 1619 by the Dutch and Danish as a remote whaling settlement. In Dutch, the name Smeerenburg means “blubber town. ” By 1660, it was abandoned as local whale populations were hunted to near extinction. Today, the remains of the blubber ovens can be seen on the beach. A local population of walruses haul out nearby. It is a popular stopping-off point for expedition cruises in Svalbard.

31. Jan Mayen, Arctic

One of the most remote islands in the Arctic, Jan Mayen is situated in the Arctic Ocean between Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland. The mountainous island is home to an active volcano, with no permanent inhabitants. Expedition ships making a passage from Svalbard to Iceland occasionally visit the island, which receives very few visitors each year.

32. Brown Bluff, Antarctica

An important breeding area, Brown Bluff has a colony of 20,000 pairs of Adelie penguins and around 500 gentoo penguins. The penguin breeding sites are overlooked by a striking red and brown cliff face, the remnants of an ancient volcano. The mile-long beach is a place Weddell seals often haul out. It’s one of the most northerly landing sites on the Antarctic peninsula and usually the first place you will step ashore on the 7th continent.

33. Falkland Islands

Whilst the Falkland Islands are not in the polar regions, they are often visited as part of a longer cruise to Antarctica and South Georgia. The Falkland Islands are home to a wealth of bird life, including 1 million penguins with five breeding species. Steeple Jason Island is home to the world’s largest colony of black-browed albatrosses. The islands are known for their picturesque white sand beaches and unique geological formations not found elsewhere. I highly recommend visiting Antarctica as part of a cruise, especially if you are a keen bird watcher or wildlife lover.

I hope our list of places in the Polar Region inspires you to visit. If you need assistance planning your trip to any of the destinations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, who have firsthand experience and have visited all the places in this article.

To find out more about our expedition cruises and tours, please see our Arctic and Antarctica Cruises and tours.

Thanks for reading and happy exploring.