Polar Bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth, characterised by their thick white fur and powerful build. They are well adapted to the Arctic environment and are found throughout the region, predominantly on sea ice, which they rely on for hunting seals, their primary prey.

Polar bears are often sighted in the Svalbard archipelago, Greenland, Canada, and the Russian Arctic.

Svalbard Archipelago: This Norwegian territory is one of the most reliable places to see polar bears in the wild. Cruises around Svalbard often encounter these animals on ice floes or along the coastlines, especially during the summer when the ice retreats. However, there are strict regulations around viewing Polar Bears and ensuring they are not disrupted within their habitats, and these are being enforced further from 2025. For this reason, binoculars and zoom lenses are essential for seeing them.

Canadian Arctic: Areas like Hudson Bay and the shores of Baffin Island offer prime polar bear viewing, particularly in the late summer and early autumn when bears come ashore as the sea ice melts. Northwest Passage cruises are not presented as wildlife trips, but the chances of seeing polar bears are good. 

Greenland: These less frequented regions still offer opportunities to see polar bears, particularly on remote, ice-covered shores. Polar bears in Greenland are primarily found in the northern and eastern parts of the island, where sea ice is more prevalent. However, they occasionally venture into West Greenland, particularly when the ice extends further south during colder months. The best times to see polar bears in West Greenland are late winter and early spring when the sea ice is still present. As the ice retreats in summer, polar bears tend to move north or farther offshore, following the ice edge.