Qaanaaq and Siorapaluk
Ultima Thule
Welcome to the top of the world only 850 miles from the north pole and 103 miles from Canada.
Qaanaaq is for the brave and patient. This is an excellent blog post that describes the challenges of Qaanaaq and how difficult getting there can be with limited flights, overweight aircraft, shifting priorities and any other obstacle you can imagine. I was personally delayed four days getting there and the person in the blog post was delayed over a week. That’s the way things are. Please read the post or schedule a call with me to discuss Qaanaaq and the challenges of getting there as well as the rewards.
Some people might be able to add it on from the trip to Uummannaq in April or it will be standalone for others. The approximate cost will depend on whether you are able to secure the cheaper airfare (Takuss) on Air Greenland. The flight is usually $3000 USD / 20,000.- kr DKK from Copenhagen. Contrast that with as low as 3100.- kr DKK on the cheapest return fare to Ilulissat. The expense is enormous on the airfare but the lodging is not so bad compared to the rest of Greenland.
Who is this trip for?
Souls interested in an unforgettable cultural experience in the far north of the planet, perhaps Polar Exploration, history, and a preserved traditional way of life that is still actively studied. You will be immersed and this trip will impact the way you see humankind. You will experience the complicated intersection of modern life and timeless traditions that have persisted. The food will be different but the perspective you’ll learn by being disconnected will shape you in ways you never thought possible. It is a rare and special privilege, so the so price tag might be steep for many but it is worth it if any of this paragraph resonates with you.
I do not recommend this trip unless you have a healthy budget and a very strong interest in local culture OR the history of polar exploration from the indigenous perspective in the North Greenland context. It is well documented but needs to be experienced to be understood. There is no substitute in my opinion.
You also need to be fit enough to ride on a dog sled. There is a lot of info out there but in essence, you cannot have any major back problems or other major musculoskeletal issues because of the nature of the sled and the sometimes smooth but sometimes rough and bumpy ride. The nearest hospital with serious medical capabilities is very far away (Canada, Nuuk, US, or UK) so you will need a million dollar medevac policy, and a satellite phone wouldn’t be a bad idea or at a minimum, a personal locator beacon for search and rescue. I use Global Rescue as an annual membership but there are plenty available… just pricey. See the partners section for more info.
It’s also good if have a flexible work schedule because flights can easily get delayed for several days or a week (or more - there was a 14 day + delay from Upernavik in April 2023 over Easter) coming to Qaanaaq.
Internet access is very limited in Qaanaaq specifically because it is satellite and comes at a high cost with local simcards and / or your own wifi hot spot arrangement. I use Keepgo and the local provider Tusass. I have written more about this on my gear page.
If these aren’t you, then Uummannaq is the trip for you and Qaanaaq is for when you command your own schedule. It’s more predictable and a similar experience for a fraction of the price. The distance to Ilulissat is quite close so the flight cancellations can be mitigated more easily than in Upernavik and Qaanaaq. Uummannaq and Ilulissat have high speed internet for working remotely as well.