The Prices of Polar Tours & Cruises to Canada
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For adventure seekers and nature lovers, polar tours to Canada offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the most remote and pristine landscapes on Earth. Guided tours in the region provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the environment in all of its untouched beauty. From icebergs and glaciers to unique wildlife and stunning natural phenomena like the aurora, polar tours through Canada immerse you in the extreme conditions of the poles while offering unmatched views and experiences. In this article, we'll explore the costs of polar tours, highlight some of the best options, and reveal the destinations that will transport you to the ends of the Earth.
To help you find the perfect polar adventure through Canada, we've thoroughly researched a variety of tours. By comparing price ranges, tour quality, included experiences, and the overall journey, we've identified the best options for those looking to embark on a polar expedition. These tours offer the ultimate in exploration, wildlife viewing, and natural wonders. So, pack your warmest gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world's most remote destinations.
Why does Canada appeal to adventure travelers?
Canada's Arctic landscapes and unique experiences make it a premier destination for polar tours. Visitors will see rugged landscapes, unique local cultures, and possibly even polar wildlife! Canada's pristine environment, accessibility to the Arctic Circle, and focus on sustainable tourism ensure an unforgettable polar adventure.
How much do polar tours and cruises cost in Canada?
The average price per day for polar tours and cruises in Canada is $403, based on our analysis of 21 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $176 to $960 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $256 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $569 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
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The Best Tours in Canada
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable polar tours and cruises in Canada average $256 per day, with daily prices from $176 to $349. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out Northern Lights and Gold Rush Glory from Calgary here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical polar tours and cruises in Canada that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $383 per day. Daily prices range from $354 to $411. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Yukon Northern Lights & Rockies Christmas Premium Tour.
Luxury Tours
Luxury polar tours and cruises in Canada average around $383 per day, with daily costs ranging from $461 to $960. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Arctic Winter Explorer | Ice Road to the Arctic Sea.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer polar tours and cruises in Canada. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Arctic Range Adventure
Arctic Range Adventure offers local northern lights tours through Canada. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 8 days. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Many of their tours are centered around giving visitors a chance to see the northern lights.
See All Tours from Arctic Range Adventure
Frontiers North Adventures
Frontiers North Adventures is a smaller tour company that focuses on Canada. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. The tours offered by Frontiers North Adventures are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.
See All Tours from Frontiers North Adventures
Globus
Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Argentina. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, cooking classes, and wine tasting.
Departure Destinations in Canada
Wondering where tours launch from in Canada? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a popular Canadian city on the west coast. It has a spectacular setting between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. It's also a diverse city with a vibrant Asian population and many great restaurants. Visitors enjoy the cultural opportunities that the city offers, but also appreciate the opportunities to get out into nature in the surrounding areas.
Calgary
Calgary is a growing city that mixes modern skyscrapers with western culture. You'll find rodeos and local festivals that pay tribute to the city's agricultural past, but there are also science museums and a growing art scene. The city serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so many hikers and travelers pass through enroute.
Kamloops
Kamloops is a city that sits at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The area is filled with hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. There's also wildlife and many beautiful parks to explore.
Banff
Banff is a popular ski town in the heart of Banff National Park. It's surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and has a charming downtown. The town offers easy access to three different ski resorts and is near many spectacular hiking trails. During the summer visitors enjoy the natural setting, wildlife spotting, and adventure activities while during the winter it's a famous ski destination.
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Other popular destinations for polar tours through Canada include Whitehorse, Banff National Park, Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Golden.
Polar Tours & Cruises vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're unsure whether to go with an organized tour or plan everything independently, think about the factors that set each experience apart.
Organized Tours
Pros- Guided polar tours provide expert knowledge about the unique wildlife and landscapes.
- Tour operators handle complex logistics such as permits and specialized transportation.
- Guides ensure your safety in harsh and unpredictable polar conditions.
- You have access to professional equipment like ice-rated ships and expedition gear.
- Guided tours offer opportunities to learn from scientists or naturalists onboard.
- Traveling with a group increases the chance to spot rare wildlife.
- The itinerary is planned to maximize the best viewing opportunities for icebergs and wildlife.
- Polar tours often include comfortable accommodations in remote, inhospitable regions.
- You can focus on enjoying the experience while leaving the navigation to the experts.
- Group dynamics create a sense of camaraderie during this unique journey.
- The itinerary is fixed, which limits personal exploration or adjustments.
- Group travel may feel restrictive if you prefer solo adventures.
- You may have to share facilities like zodiacs or observation decks with others.
- Weather conditions may cause sudden changes to the planned itinerary.
Independent Travel
Pros- Independent travel lets you customize your itinerary to focus on your interests.
- You can explore at your own pace without adhering to a group's schedule.
- You have the flexibility to stay longer at places you find especially fascinating.
- Personal planning allows you to seek out lesser-known polar attractions.
- Polar environments are extreme and require extensive knowledge and preparation.
- Arranging transportation and permits for such remote areas is difficult and time-consuming.
- Specialized equipment and gear are costly and may not be readily available.
- Safety is a significant concern without expert guidance or support.
- Lack of local knowledge can result in missed wildlife sightings or key attractions.
- Navigating harsh terrain and icy waters on your own is highly risky.
- Solo travelers may feel isolated in the vast, desolate polar regions.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided polar tours and cruises worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best 3-Day Tours from Algonquin Provincial Park, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Calgary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Montreal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Halifax, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Whitehorse, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Winnipeg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Quebec City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Calgary, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best 10-Day Tours from Toronto, The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver, The Best 2-Week Tours from Toronto, The Best 2-Week Tours from Halifax, The Best 2-Week Tours from Calgary, The Best 2-Week Tours from Whitehorse, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Montreal for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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