What’s the wildlife scene like in the Arctic?

Given that the Arctic is not an island/continent, like Antarctica, the wildlife here is free to roam about, most animals migrating south during the harshest winter months and then meandering back north as ice melts and temperatures rise.

A few tough creatures, like polar bears and seals, spend the winter on pack ice floating north of the Arctic circle, the former trying to catch the latter and the latter trying to eat fish before the former catches up. Yet polar bears are solitary animals and catching a glimpse of one is hard enough in Summer so the best course of action, what many expedition cruises aim, is to actually follow the colonies of seals. Sometimes, the best way to see an elusive predator is to first find his favourite prey.

Aside from the two most iconic Arctic animals, the collective wildlife scene this far north is simply sensational. Arctic expeditions in Summer are, primarily, wildlife-spotting endeavours with the idyllic conditions of the months between May and October ensuring the best chances of spotting polar and grizzly bears, whales, walruses, caribou, reindeer, no less than five species of seals, ermine, puffins and almost 200 other distinct species of birds. Where in the Arctic you head to will determine which of these regional animals you’re likely to see.

Arctic expeditions can see you explore the northernmost reaches of Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Russia. The most popular springboards are undoubtedly Spitsbergen – Norway (an archipelago revered for being a polar bear crèche), Ottawa – Canada (for visits to both Canada and Greenland Arctic) and Reykjavik- Iceland (for stunning cruises between Iceland and Greenland and explorations of fjords on both sides).

Each of these three Arctic hubs offers multiple options, both for cruising and lodge-based adventures and, given the ease of access, all are easy enough to include on a longer and more comprehensive retirement journey.

Not to be forgotten is the Russian High Arctic, the lesser-known and arguably most breathtaking destination of them all. There’s something about the extra effort (and expense) needed to join a Russian Arctic expedition that sets this destination apart from all the others.