Embark on a Northern Lights Expedition

The Aurora Borealis (i.e. the northern lights) is, along with its counterpart in the South Pole, Mother's Nature's greatest light show. Caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, the result is rippling curtains of green, pink, blue, and violet lighting up the night sky. Tour companies across the Arctic Circle offer light-hunting expeditions. You can opt for a single day, like this new trip from Off the Map [2] that claims to be the most environmentally-friendly northern lights holiday in the world, or embark on a multi-day adventure to several locations, like this 11-day expedition [3] through the Norwegian and Swedish Lapland from Holidays by Rail.

Spend the Night in an Ice Hotel

Sure, anyone can tackle a night in the arctic tucked inside a heated hotel room, but only the brave would opt to sleep in a suite crafted entirely of ice and snow. Ice hotels are surging in popularity, from the ultra swanky to the youthful and thematic. Sleep inside an art suite in the ICEHOTEL in Sweden, warm up in a premium deluxe suite with a private hot tub in Quebec City's Hôtel de Glace, or opt for a themed suite inside Lapland Hotels SnowVillage (a past theme was Game of Thrones!). Reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags come included.

Watch the Night Sky From a Glass Igloo

If sleeping on a bed of ice sounds a bit too intense, you can still get the igloo experience without the chill. Enter the Kakslauttanen, the glass-domed igloo hotel [4] in Greenland, where you can watch the starry night sky from the comfort of a heated room.

Cruise the Northwest Passage

The historic Northwest Passage, the sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is a journey into one of the most remote areas on the planet, where the wilderness is wild and untamed, walrus and polar bears roam free, and calving glaciers extend as far as the eye can see. Follow in the footsteps of many of history's greatest explorers and traverse the once impassable waters [5] onboard a luxury cruise liner [6] for the rare opportunity to explore this vast and mesmerising territory. Company Hurtigruten [7] offers cruises that range from 19 to 29 days long.

Go On a Husky Safari

Very few activities will answer the call of the wild quite like slicing through the snow-drenched wilderness behind an eager pack of huskies – no motors required. It's both an exhilarating and tranquil experience, and, seriously, what could be better than hanging out with a group of adorable dogs all day?

*As with any animal activity, it's important to do your research beforehand to ensure you choose a company [8] that employs ethical treatment of our four-legged friends.

Set Sail on a Whale Watching Tour

From black and white orcas to massive humpbacks, the arctic is home to 17 different whale species. Board a maritime safari and watch in awe as the magnificent mammals glide, breach, and sky-hop in the frosty waters. This tour from Tromsø [9] takes adventurers through Norwegian fjords to watch the whales that come to feed during the Winter season.

Get Your Ice Pick and Go On a Glacier Expedition

Sure, you can take a tour to see a glacier, but why not hike one, too? Glacier tours (like this one in Iceland from Glacier Adventure [10]) take intrepid travellers to the edge of the world, climbing frozen ice caps, journeying through ice tunnels, exploring ice-covered volcanoes, and even venturing inside the glittering walls of a blue ice cave.

Take a Dip in Greenland's Thermal Pools

There's just something about the contrast of hot and cold that leaves your body invigourated. Greenland might be 80 percent ice [11], but it's also a secret thermal spring hotspot, as the country is home to a ton of warm thermal pools that provide much-needed reprieve from the frosty Winter air. Lay back and bask in the warm waters while taking in the views of mountain peaks and drifting icebergs. Many of the springs also boast natural healing properties, helping to zap any tired or achy muscles.

Push Your Limits in an Arctic Bath

An ancient Scandinavian tradition, plunging into a cold bath is said to ease sore and aching muscles and can even aid your central nervous system. The Arctic Bath hotel [12], set in the magical Swedish Lapland, is famed for its immersive spa experiences on the Lule River, complete with a cold bath ritual. Don't worry, the experience includes a hot sauna, too.

Embark On an Overnight Snowmobile Adventure

Think speeding through thick powder on a snowmobile sounds exciting? Try it under the arctic night sky! This snowmobile trip into the polar night [13] in Norway takes travellers up and over snow-capped mountains and into valleys while the Nordic stars sparkle above. On the journey, the guides will regale you with tales of the past and give you a glimpse into how the local Sami culture lived and thrived on the frozen terrain for thousands of years.