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Travel Guides: Great Activities to Consider When Traveling in the Far North

Nobody likes the cold weather, right? Well, you’d be surprised that many people actually don’t mind the colder parts of North America. In fact, some of the best and most dependable seasonal weather is found in the northern tier of the United States, and in Canada.

Despite frigid temperatures in the winter months, the northern part of our country has much to offer any traveler who chooses to vacation in this region. 

Consider the landscape. You have rugged mountains and picturesque landscapes teeming with wilderness areas all lining the western part of our northern tier. And in the East, you have the Great Lakes region, home to the massive bodies of glacial meltwater that cradles an interesting and complex biodiversity. 

No matter your destination, you’ll find several activities to do when you visit the far North, and here we’ll explore a few of these.

Ice Fishing 

Ice fishing has been a part of northern native culture for over 2000 years, and this is as far back as scholars and archaeologists have been able to trace thus far. In fact, some theories suggest that ice-fishing dates back much farther, to over 10,000 years, as most humans lived in a receding ice-age climate.

Regardless of history, ice fishing is an ancient fishing method that is still practiced today, though much more sophisticated. No longer do you have to chop holes in the ice using a bone axe, and harpoon a passing fish with a spear. You’re certainly welcome to try, but your best bet is to purchase an ice fishing tackle kit and get to work the modern way.

Ice fishing also allows time for solitude and deep contemplation. But, if getting lost in thought isn’t up your alley, many ice fishermen are known to bring games along while they wait for a bite, or a book to read to pass the time. Just talk to the locals, they’ll show you the ropes.

Hiking the Wilderness

Some of the best vistas you’ll ever find will be in the far North, particularly out West in places such as Montana and Washington state. These regions are fairly remote, to say the least, and you might want to plan on not having a cellphone signal while you’re out in the remote wilderness areas.

Hiking in the far North is nothing like what you’ll find in the midwest, southwest, or any other part of the country. Here, wilderness rules the land. Glacial meltwater feeds into rivers, and many of our mightiest rivers have their headwaters in these northern locations. Towns aren’t heavily populated, and the distance between them can be vast in some areas.

The wildlife is also nothing to balk at. Our largest land predators live here, as places such as Wyoming, Montana, and Washington State have healthy populations of Brown and Grizzly bears. And, if you feel like really roughing it and getting the true feel of the wilderness, take a trip to Alaska. Here, you have to have above-average survival skills if you’re to survive on a long weekend trip into the backcountry.

Hockey

If there’s one sport that’s synonymous with the northern country, it’s hockey. This grueling sport hasn’t changed much over the years. In fact, it’s one of the only sports that exist today where you can fight a player on the opposing team and not get prosecuted by the law for assault. 

Hockey clubs are popular in most northern states, and all over Canada, and these fans take the game seriously. 

If you’re willing to learn the ropes and get a few bumps and bruises, learning the art of ice-skating is going to be your first step in attempting to play hockey. So, lace up those skates, and get ready to fly on the ice.

While most people think the far North is only home to snow, ice, and Santa Claus, this magical region holds more wonders than most people can realize. But the best way to experience this enchanting region is to get out there and get involved in the local activities.