There is no downplaying that this gallery of enormous ice sculptures is a spectacular sight. But just as the majority of an iceberg lurks unseen beneath the water, there is more to the Ilulissat Icefjord than its natural beauty. It tells a profound story of the planet’s history, and it is humbling in a time of climate change debate.

There are a handful of ways to experience this wonder of the world, and we like to think we came up with the perfect combination of experiences to fully grasp the scale and significance of the Ilulissat Icefjord.

ICEFJORD FLYBY

For most things in life, it is best to start with an overview, and the Ilulissat Icefjord is no different. This icefjord, one of the northernmost UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a massive collection of icebergs that have calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier one by one. It is necessary to first get a bird’s eye view so you know exactly how grand of a scale the Ilulissat Icefjord has.

Unless you arrive to Ilulissat on the coastal ferry, your first sight of the Ilulissat Icefjord will actually be from the window of an airplane. It’s a nice view, but get an even better look by flightseeing with a helicopter or fixed-wing plane. These smaller aircraft fly slower and lower all the way to the glacier wall, and with only a handful of seats, everyone has the best view in the cabin. You might even feel the rumble of the glacier calving beneath you, and then it really feels like an adventurous ride!