Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, has long been known to poets, explorers and philosophers as the edge of the known world. Ancient Inuit people were the first pioneers to this rugged region and many cultural traditions are still a part of everyday life. Go kayaking in Baffin Bay or dogsledding through a staggeringly beautiful landscape of sweeping white slopes and craggy mountaintops.
Visit the Qaanaaq Museum to learn about this fascinating outpost’s history. Officially established in 1953 by the American air force, Qaanaaq began as an accompanying township to the Thule Air Base. Chat to local Qaanaaq people to learn the customs of the town, which include traditional hunting and concerts of local Inuit music. Admire local handicrafts made from walrus and narwhal tusks or watch the local choir dressed in Greenlandic costumes. Learn about the expeditions of Robert Peary and Knud Rasmussen and their adventures to the North Pole.
Exceptionally high latitudes mean you can go dogsledding almost year-round. With more huskies than humans, Qaanaaq is the perfect place to experience the snow-laden terrain with a team of dogs. Discover breathtaking landscapes from your sled as the dogs dash over the frozen sea. You can check out the southern mountains or join a local on an ice-fishing trip.
Go on an unforgettable hike under the midnight sun in summertime and wander over the hillsides to glimpse views of Baffin Bay. You can reach Greenland’s Ice Sheet within a few hours on foot. Go sailing around the bay to spot islands and icebergs or visit nearby villages.
Reach Qaanaaq via cruise ship or plane. Get to Qaanaaq Airport via Upernavik from the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. You may need to get permission from the Danish Government to arrive at Thule Air Base. The town is 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from the Canadian border in far northwestern Greenland. Experience 24-hour sunlight between April and late August. Visit Qaanaaq at any time of the year to experience the fortitude of one of the world’s most northerly towns.
