Solo Photography Expedition to Ilulissat

First Light in the Land of Ice

After what felt like an eternity in transit, trading the familiar peaks of Canmore for the remote landscapes of Greenland, I finally arrived in Ilulissat. The journey, though long, was a necessary pilgrimage to witness and capture the Arctic's raw beauty. I'm eager to share my initial impressions of this unique destination.

The journey here was quite the adventure, starting with the familiar hustle of Calgary Airport before connecting through Reykjavik. The final leg into Ilulissat offered a tantalizing preview of what was to come. As the plane descended, the landscape transformed into a surreal panorama of ice and water. I spotted bright blue meltwater lakes atop glaciers. It was a view I usually have to pay extra for on sightseeing flights, but this time it was part of the arrival experience! The first glimpse of Disko Bay, littered with what appeared to be polystyrene bits, sparked a sense of childlike wonder. It was hard to grasp the scale of the icebergs from above, but the sight of tiny houses along the water's edge provided a humbling perspective.

Touching down at Ilulissat Airport, or Tikkitarfik as the sign reads, I was immediately struck by the crisp, clean air. The arrivals hall was small and efficient, with a single baggage belt. The shuttle from Hotel Hvide Falk was prompt, a welcome relief after such a long journey. The drive into town offered a glimpse of Ilulissat's charm: colorful wooden houses dotting the landscape against a backdrop of rocky terrain and, of course, those incredible icebergs.

Arriving at Hotel Hvide Falk felt like stepping into a cozy refuge. The hotel is centrally located, with stunning views of the harbor. My room is comfortable and welcoming, providing the perfect base for the days of exploration ahead. After settling in, I decided to take a walk around town to stretch my legs and get a feel for the local atmosphere. Ilulissat is a vibrant community where old traditions meet modern life. I saw fishermen preparing their boats, children playing near the harbor, and locals going about their daily routines. The air was filled with the sounds of Greenlandic, a language that is both melodic and mysterious to my ears.


Discover comfort at Hotel Hvide Falk, a pet-friendly haven in the heart of Ilulissat, with easy access to stunning Arctic landscapes and local attractions.

The sheer scale of the icebergs is humbling, a reminder of nature's immense power and artistry.

For lunch, I decided to try the Hotel Hvide Falk Café. I opted for a traditional Greenlandic dish—a hearty fish soup that warmed me from the inside out. It was the perfect way to fuel up for an afternoon of exploring. The café itself was cozy and inviting, with large windows offering panoramic views of Disko Bay. I overheard snippets of conversations in various languages, a testament to Ilulissat's growing popularity as a tourist destination. I made a mental note to try the Greenlandic buffet another day.

One of the first places I visited was the harbor, a hub of activity and a photographer's dream. Fishing boats bobbed gently in the water, framed by towering icebergs in the distance. I watched as fishermen unloaded their catch of the day, their faces weathered by years of working in the Arctic elements. The colorful buildings surrounding the harbor added a touch of whimsy to the scene, a reminder of the human presence in this vast and unforgiving landscape.

I made my way to the iconic Zion Church, its brown wooden facade a stark contrast to the icy blue backdrop of Disko Bay. The church is one of the most photographed landmarks in Greenland, and it's easy to see why. Its simple beauty and stunning location make it a truly special place. Although the church was closed, I spent some time admiring it from the outside, capturing its image from various angles. I learned that the colors of Greenlandic houses had a practical purpose, with each color indicating the building's function.

Before heading back to the hotel, I stopped by a local craft shop. I was impressed by the intricate carvings and colorful textiles on display, each piece telling a story of Greenlandic culture and tradition. I picked up a small carving of a polar bear as a souvenir, a reminder of my time in this magical place. I am always drawn to items that reflect the culture of the places I visit, something to remind me of the experience.

For dinner, I decided to stay in and try the Hotel Hvide Falk Restaurant. I was not disappointed. The menu featured a blend of French, seafood, local, and international cuisines, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. I opted for the grilled halibut, which was cooked to perfection and served with a delicate lemon sauce. The restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The staff was friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on my first impressions of Ilulissat. The town is a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and human resilience. The icebergs are, of course, the main attraction, but there is so much more to discover here. I'm excited to spend the next few days exploring this incredible destination and capturing its essence through my lens. I was particularly excited to learn that Knud Rasmussen, the world-famous polar explorer, was born and grew up in Ilulissat.

One thing I did forget to pack was extra memory cards, hopefully, I can pick some up tomorrow. Also, I really should have packed some sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the ice is quite intense, even this far north. I’ll need to find some tomorrow. I am looking forward to tomorrow. I plan to start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before venturing out to explore more of Ilulissat. Perhaps I’ll visit the Ilulissat Museum to learn more about the town’s history and culture. I also want to hike to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And, of course, I’ll be sure to keep my camera close at hand, ready to capture the breathtaking beauty of this Arctic wonderland.

I am also mindful of the environmental impact of my travels and will strive to minimize my footprint during my time in Greenland. I believe that it's important to travel responsibly and to respect the local culture and environment. I am committed to leaving Ilulissat as pristine as I found it, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Back in my room, I spent some time organizing my photos and jotting down notes in my journal. The long hours of daylight during the summer months mean that it stays light out until late into the night. I found myself wide awake, buzzing with excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. As I finally drifted off to sleep, I dreamed of icebergs, whales, and the magical landscapes of Greenland.