Best Artic Polar Region Travel Guides of 2026

Endurance by Alfred Lansing is a gripping and intense story that recounts the harrowing journey of British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men during their 1914 expedition to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. Lansing's vivid narration of the crew's near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic's heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization is both suspenseful and inspiring. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure stories and the heroic age of exploration.

The second edition of Atlas Obscura is a must-read for travel enthusiasts. This book takes readers on a journey to unusual and curious destinations with over 100 new places and dozens of photographs. The book also includes city guides for twelve cities and a foldout map for the ultimate around-the-world road trip. It's a cabinet of curiosities that celebrates the unexpected, the overlooked, the bizarre, and the mysterious. With compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, and maps for every region of the world, it's a book that transports readers to new and exciting places. Overall, Atlas Obscura is a fantastic book that inspires wanderlust and curiosity.

The White Darkness is a gripping non-fiction book by David Grann that tells the story of Henry Worsley, a decorated British special forces officer who was obsessed with the nineteenth-century polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. In 2015, at the age of 55, Worsley embarked on a perilous quest to walk across Antarctica alone, battling the freezing, desolate landscape, life-threatening physical exhaustion, and hidden crevasses. Grann tells Worsley's remarkable story with intensity and power, accompanied by over fifty stunning photographs from Worsley's and Shackleton's journeys. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure, exploration, and the human spirit.

National Park Maps: An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks is a comprehensive guide for those who want to explore America's most scenic treasures. With full-color maps of all 63 U.S. National Parks, hundreds of photos, and driving distance charts, this atlas is an invaluable tool for planning your next national park adventure. The book also provides need-to-know information about permits, crowds, and closures. Michael Joseph Oswald's goal is to help readers make the most of their National Park experience, and he does an excellent job. Overall, this book is exceptionally informative, well-organized, and user-friendly. It's a must-have for any American travel guide and map collection.

Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy is a gripping account of the disastrous 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition and the heroic voyage of the Karluk, a wooden-hulled brigantine. Levy's vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and the harrowing suffering and heroism of the crew are both evocative and chilling. The book focuses on the contrasting leadership styles of the expedition's two leaders, Captain Bob Bartlett and Vilhjalmur Stefansson, and how their decisions shaped the fate of the crew. Overall, Empire of Ice and Stone is a fascinating and unique read that sheds light on one of the most audacious and disastrous expeditions in polar history.

"Madhouse at the End of the Earth" is a gripping true story of an early polar expedition that went horribly wrong. The young Belgian commandant Adrien de Gerlache set sail for a three-year expedition aboard the good ship Belgica with dreams of glory. But the ship got stuck fast in the icy hold of the Bellingshausen Sea and the occupants were condemned to months of endless night. Julian Sancton has produced a thriller that unfolds an epic story of adventure and horror for the ages. Overall, this book is a must-read for all travel and exploration enthusiasts."

The David Yarrow Photography book is a must-have for wildlife photography enthusiasts. This oversized volume showcases 150 of Yarrow's iconic animal portraits, offering a unique and immersive view of some of the world's most compelling creatures. Yarrow's approach to photography sets him apart from others in the field, as he almost always makes his pictures rather than just taking them. The book also includes Yarrow's first-person contextual narrative, providing insight into his relentless pursuit of excellence. All royalties from the book will be donated to conservation. In summary, David Yarrow Photography is an exceptional collection of stunning images that will awaken our collective conscience.

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy is a poignant and thrilling story about Franny Stone, a woman who embarks on a journey to track the last migration of Arctic terns. As Franny's past is slowly revealed, it becomes clear that she is chasing more than just the birds. The novel is a beautiful ode to a disappearing world and a powerful testament to the possibility of hope against all odds. The book's unique blend of adventure, love, and climate change makes it a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction with a touch of suspense.

Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez is a National Book Award-winning classic study of the Far North that delves into the wonders of the region's wildlife, history, and culture. Lopez's passionate and nuanced observations bring to life the exotic beasts of the Arctic, including musk oxen, polar bears, and narwhals. He also explores the parallel narratives of intrepid, often underprepared and subsequently doomed polar explorers. The book is a timeless meditation on the ability of the landscape to shape our dreams and to haunt our imaginations. Overall, Arctic Dreams is an extraordinary masterpiece of nature writing that is both informative and deeply moving.

Moon Alaska is a comprehensive travel guide that promises unforgettable adventure in the remote and wild state. The book provides strategic itineraries for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, road-trippers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more. It features the top outdoor activities, unique experiences, and honest advice from a local. With full-color photos, detailed maps, and practical tips, this book is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Alaska. Overall, Moon Alaska is an excellent resource for travelers seeking to explore the heart of "The Last Frontier."