Voyages to polar regions are rightly sold as wondrous wildlife experiences with dramatic icebound scenery seen nowhere else on Earth. However, as itineraries to the polar regions become more ambitious, history and indigenous culture increasingly share the limelight. I returned recently from a two-week voyage to Antarctica’s Weddell Sea following the exploits of a little-known adventurer, Otto Nordenskjöld. I’ve been privileged to join a themed expedition about the inimitable Sir Ernest Shackleton. In the Arctic, a few years back, the grim fate of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-8 expedition stole centre stage during a Northwest Passage transit. 

Experiencing the human dimension inspires a sense of awe at how explorers and cultures can survive in hostile surroundings and can pique curiosity at morbid outcomes. What drove the Franklin expedition’s men to cannibalism? “What makes the history of the polar regions thrilling is that early explorers, especially in Antarctica, all came near to death but rarely ever died. They had clear goals, worked well in teams, and leaders led from the front,’ said Brad Borkan, author of When Your Life Depends on It: Extreme Decision-making Lessons from the Antarctic. “We can look at decisions made by Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen, who risked their lives for science, discovery, and exploration, and wonder what we would have done in similar circumstances. Would we have been so brave?”.

The historical dimension resonates with passengers. “While the lure of polar wildlife drew me to Antarctica, I’ve become just as enthralled with polar history and the Arctic’s Inuit culture. I’m in awe of the drive of scientists and explorers to understand the secrets of this incredible region,” Misty Macduffee, a passenger from Vancouver, told me on a recent expedition. Most renowned polar explorers have been male, but times are changing as women write powerful narratives in polar exploration. As far back as 1773, Louise Séguin led the way, exploring Antarctica alongside Yves Joseph de Kerguelen.