Carol McKee’s Latest Polar Adventure: Exploring Western Greenland with Aurora Expeditions

In Brief: Carol McKee’s latest Arctic journey with Aurora Expeditions took her through Greenland’s wild western fjords, remote villages, and dramatic glacial landscapes — a journey blending adventure, culture, and discovery. This post invites travelers to imagine their own Polar expedition with McKee Travel’s expert guidance.

Carol here and I'm thrilled to tell you about my Arctic trip with Aurora Expeditions. Our recent journey to Western Greenland left an unforgettable impression. Though the entire country has fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, the experience felt vast, rich, and deeply moving. We fell in love with the wild, untouched landscape—where towering granite peaks rise above shimmering glaciers in the fjords and the tundra stretches endlessly under the Arctic sky.

Zodiac rides and Hiking across the tundra revealed incredible geological formations and a sense of timelessness that few places on Earth can match. We explored ancient archaeological sites that offered a glimpse into Greenland’s deep past and met warm, resilient people who shared their stories and traditions with pride. Experiencing the native culture firsthand added depth and meaning to every moment of the trip.

After several expeditions to both Antarctica and now Greenland, I’ve come to appreciate how each offers its own breathtaking mix of ice, wildlife, and culture

Western Greenland may be remote, but its beauty, history, and humanity make a profound impact—one that stays with you long after you return home. We loved our time in Greenland and it far exceeded our expectations!

Our journey started in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town with around 6,000 residents. Guided by a local, we explored the town’s charm and ventured up to Dog Hill to meet members of her 28-dog sled team—a real glimpse into traditional Arctic life. Topping it off with a locally brewed beer under a cool, cloudy sky at 46°F, we truly felt immersed in the local culture and lifestyle.

Next, Disko Island showcased its remarkable geology. Unlike the famous hexagonal columns of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, we encountered fascinating bent lava columns forming unusual shapes—a testament to the geological wonder beneath our feet. Our evening landing took us to an island long used by the Inuit for sustenance hunting, connecting deeply with Greenland’s indigenous heritage.

The quaint island village of Uummannaq, home to just 1,500 people, was often called by our guides “the prettiest little coastal village in Greenland.” Wandering its peaceful streets, it was impossible not to admire the resilience of islanders living so far above the Arctic Circle, where supplies are scarce and fishing is a way of life. The warmth of the locals touched us, especially Mary Ann, who delighted us with traditional drum songs.

Every day, the stunning fjords and glaciers unfolded new scenery that left me speechless. I quickly learned that hiking here isn’t your ordinary walk in the park—there are no worn trails; instead, it’s a challenging mix of unstable rocks and springy tundra that tests your rhythm and balance. Mornings and afternoons were spent hiking at varied intensities: some took vigorous mountain climbs, others opted for gentle photography walks, and all were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the hilltops.

Quilliac offered a glimpse into Greenland’s past as a once-thriving coal mining community now turned quiet ghost town under chilly blue skies—a reflective moment amid our adventure.

One of the highlights was the Ilulissat Fjord, located 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This spectacular fjord, fed by the world’s fastest-moving glacier, stretches over 10 miles wide. Visiting the ice museum and hiking down to the fjord’s edge, I stood humbled by the immense power and ancient beauty of shifting icefields.

Our final day in Nuuk—the capital where almost half of Greenland’s 56,000 people live—was a delicious immersion into Greenlandic cuisine. Sampling scallops, shrimp salad, Arctic char, and musk ox meatballs was a perfect cultural finale to an unforgettable polar expedition.

Aurora Expedition’s Polar Expedition offered more than travel; it was an intimate encounter with the Arctic’s wild spirit and the remarkable people who call it home, led by knowledgeable guides. For those dreaming of a journey that challenges, inspires, and fills you with wonder, the wild landscapes of West Greenland are waiting.

If you’re ready to worry less and travel more, I’m here to help turn your Arctic dreams into reality.

FAQ: Carol’s Latest Polar Expedition

Q: What region of Greenland did Carol explore?

A: Carol traveled through Western Greenland, including stops in Sisimiut, Disko Island, Uummannaq, and finishing in Nuuk.

Q: Which expedition company did she partner with?

A: She traveled with Aurora Expeditions for the Arctic voyage.

Q: What types of activities were included on the trip?

A: Activities ranged from Zodiac rides, hiking across tundra and glaciers, visiting archaeological sites, exploring fjords, and engaging with local Inuit communities.

Q: Was local culture part of the itinerary?

A: Yes — the trip included meeting dog sled teams in Sisimiut, attending traditional drum song performances in Uummannaq, and sampling Greenlandic cuisine in Nuuk.

Q: What makes Greenland’s landscape unique according to Carol?

A: She highlights its vastness, jagged glacial fjords, dramatic rock formations (e.g. bent lava columns on Disko Island), and nearly untouched tundra experiences.

Q: Who is this trip best suited for?

A: This expedition is ideal for travelers seeking immersive, nature-intensive, culturally rich Polar adventures rather than passive sightseeing.

Q: How can a traveler use McKee Travel to plan a similar trip?

A: McKee Travel offers destination expertise, handles logistics, and ensures you “worry less and travel more” by guiding your Polar planning from start to finish.

Q. Curious about what a similar journey looks like in the Southern Hemisphere?

A. Read Antarctica: Everything You Want To Know to learn more about expedition cruising to the White Continent.”