Qaanaaq

Visit one of Qaanaaq’s neighbouring settlements, sail towards the North Pole, watch the ice calving from a glacier face, or go in search of the elusive Narwhal. Thousands of these medium-sized toothed whales (also known as “the unicorn of the sea” thanks to the single long tusk that characterises the males) come to Qaanaaq to breed during the summer. Although they are very shy animals, you have your best chance of spotting one in the area around Qaanaaq.

A pod of narwhals in North Greenland. Photo by Brian Skerry

Other wildlife to keep an eye out for as you sail around Qaanaaq are walrus, seals and little auks.

It is worth noting that challenging weather often grounds flights for several days at a time and, due to sea ice, the resupply ship only makes it as far as Qaanaaq two or three times per year. This means that the community in Qaanaaq still relies on the traditional hunting of animals for their survival. There are strict quotas for this cultural practice that enabled the Inuit to traditionally survive, while ensuring the sustainability of the different wildlife populations.

Dogsledding over the sea ice near Qaanaaq in WInter. Photo by Kim Insuk

During winter, the sea around Qaanaaq freezes over, cementing the impressively large icebergs in place. Riding a dogsled past these ice cathedrals in the constant darkness of the Polar Night with a twinkling starry sky above is an unforgettable experience to be shared with a local musher.

Experience the heartbeat of the Arctic (otherwise known as Greenlandic dog paws pounding on the frozen sea) and learn how to set up a long-line on an ice fishing trip in Qaanaaq. Or explore the frozen ocean on a dog sledding expedition of several days to obtain a true understanding of the hardiness of the local people in Qaanaaq and the close bond between the hunter and his dogs.