Answer: A 4-day, 3-night polar bear viewing trip to Kaktovik is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available in Alaska. Located on Barter Island along the Arctic Ocean, Kaktovik is a remote Iñupiat village that has become world-renowned for its unique access to polar bears, particularly in late summer and fall when the bears gather near town to feed before the sea ice returns.

Answer: Great question! Visiting Kaktovik in September for polar bear viewing is a very special, but challenging trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on recent information, plus pros, cautions, and some suggested operators and accommodations.