The Prices of Polar Tours & Cruises to North America
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For adventure seekers and nature lovers, polar tours to North America 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 North America 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 North America, 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 North America appeal to adventure travelers?
North America'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! North America'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 North America?
The average price per day for polar tours and cruises in North America is $482, based on our analysis of 6 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $326 to $614 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $344 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $600 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 North America
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable polar tours and cruises in North America average $344 per day, with daily prices from $326 to $361. 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 Arctic Winter Heartbeat | Active Winter Adventure here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical polar tours and cruises in North America that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $408 per day. Daily prices range from $408 to $408. 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 Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights.
Luxury Tours
Luxury polar tours and cruises in North America average around $408 per day, with daily costs ranging from $593 to $614. 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 Alaska's Northern Lights featuring the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK).
Which tour companies offer polar tours & cruises?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer polar tours and cruises in North America. 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.
Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. 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 wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
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
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
Polar Destinations in North America
Wondering where polar tours visit in North America? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. It is a cultural city that offers access to stunning landscapes and dramatic beauty. There are many parks and natural areas to explore nearby including Chugach State Park and the Flattop Mountain Trail. Many people arrive or depart from their Alaskan adventure through Anchorage, and the city offers a great overview to the region's culture and natural beauty.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior of Alaska and for many it serves as a gateway to the Arctic. It's a popular destination for seeing the northern lights, but it also has a unique culture and great hiking.
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. It runs along the North Saskatchewan River and it has grown into a cultural city with museums and other entertainment options. This is also one of the coldest cities in the world, but that doesn't slow down the people who live here.
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.
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Other popular destinations for polar tours through North America include Talkeetna, Palmer, Whitehorse, Canmore, and Seward.
Polar Tours & Cruises vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.
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?
Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided polar tours and cruises? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.
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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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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