Classic Churchill Polar Bears
Length
6 days / 5 nights
Where it goes
When to go
October - November
Price from
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See polar bears on this wilderness tour
Visit Churchill, Manitoba, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" in October and early November. Polar bears gather in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, waiting for the ice to form on Hudson Bay. Once the ice is stable, they head out to spend the winter hunting seals. In this short time you have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close from the comfort and safety of a purpose-built vehicle called the Tundra Buggy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a ‘must-see’ for wildlife enthusiasts.
Top experiences and features
Explore in a specially designed Tundra Buggy
Your Questions Answered
Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.
What’s Included
Frequently Asked Questions
The peak bear viewing months in Churchill are October and November as the bears wait for the ice to freeze on the Hudson Bay. But you can see the bears and other wildlife (like beluga whales) throughout the summer.
The polar bear migration is a special occasion, and it offers visitors a high probability of seeing the bears in the wild. Our specialized tour operators know the landscape extremely well, and will take you to places where bears are commonly spotted. There is no guarantee of a sighting, however.
A tundra buggy is a large, heated, all-terrain safari vehicle specially designed to travel over taiga and tundra landscape where polar bears live.
Family friendly tours geared towards kids and adults are available. Ask your vacation advisor for more information on these special trips.
During the fall season, temperatures in Winnipeg can vary from -6 degrees C to 11 degrees C (21 degrees F to 51 degrees F). Temperatures in Churchill can vary from -13 degrees C to -2 degrees C (9 degrees F to 29 degrees F). The Tundra Buggies are heated, but it is best to wear warm layers throughout the trip.
We recommend bringing a warm winter coat, snow pants, thick socks, gloves, hat, and other insulated layers. Winter clothing rentals are available if you do not own the appropriate gear. These would be an additional cost and subject to availability. For more information, please speak to your Vacation Advisor.
No problem! We can arrange for clothing rentals to be waiting for you when you arrive.
When you’re not out looking for polar bears there are opportunities to learn about northern Manitoba’s Indigenous culture, history and wildlife by visiting the Itsanitaq Museum, the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre and joining evening talks with a local expert. There’s also a chance to go dogsledding.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Winnipeg
Your polar bear adventure begins! Time permitting, we recommend you head over to Winnipeg's Manitoba Museum or to the Forks, one of the city's most popular gathering places and a great place to purchase souvenirs from local Canadian artisans.
- Meet Your Group and Guides
This evening, meet your host and group of fellow polar bear enthusiasts for a Q&A session. On your trip, you'll enjoy a small group experience (max. 22 guests) led by a knowledgeable guide.
Fly north into polar bear territory
Today the excitement begins as you travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill. Situated on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.
- Fly to Churchill
- Churchill Town and Area Tour
On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.
- Polar Bears International House
Visit Polar Bears International House, hear from a PBI representative, and learn about ongoing polar bear research in the region.
- Parks Canada Centre Visit
Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.
View polar bears up close
The moment has finally come - after a hotel pick up, board a Tundra Buggy and start your search for polar bears.
- Tundra Buggy Adventure
Your journey takes you through Churchill Wildlife Management Area's extensive trail network in search of polar bears.
- The Tundra Buggy Experience
You'll travel in comfort throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area onboard a large, specialized Tundra Buggy vehicle. While a Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40 passengers, your smaller group size means you'll enjoy plenty of room. A hearty picnic lunch will be served onboard.
- Evening Cultural Presentation
Hear the stories of a Churchill resident, such as a local trapper, and learn what it's like to live in the Northern reaches of Canada.
Dogsledding in Churchill
Experience a uniquely northern way of getting around today on a dog sledding tour.
- Dogsledding Adventure
Meet a local Métis musher for an authentic dogsledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.
- Itsanitaq Museum Visit
Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.
Another Tundra Buggy adventure
Head out for another exciting day out on the Tundra searching for polar bears.
- Tundra Buggy Adventure
Enjoy another extraordinary day on board the Tundra Buggy. As well as polar bears, you may see arctic fox, ptarmigan, and snowy owl.
- Fly back to Winnipeg
Depart Winnipeg
Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.
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Accommodations
Tundra Inn
The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax after each day of outdoor adventures.
Personalize This Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
Add nights in Winnipeg
Spend more time in Winnipeg at the beginning or end of your trip and discover this city's hidden gems. Highlights include the Assiniboine Park Zoo (and its 'Journey to Churchill'), the Museum of Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Inuit Art Centre — the first of its kind in the world.
Great Bear Rainforest
Ask us to arrange a visit to one of British Columbia's most unique treasures - the Great Bear Rainforest. Stay in remote yet luxurious accommodations and witness eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, dolphins, whales, wolves, and more in the wild.
What Our Customers Say
It was an adventure of a lifetime
I don't know how to top this trip. It was an adventure of a lifetime. I loved seeing all the polar bears in their natural habitat and the dog sledding.
![Lori and Mike review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/kkpfbbw5r6gtv7pctmk4gc7/Lori_Mike_499?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Lori and Mike
GA, USA
![Anne and Marvin review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/trcm5jvn8mvrr9nhjc6xn58/Anne_Marvin_497?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
![Julie and Suzanne review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/s9kx3v2bz6f963fxj2hbjpn/Julie_Suzanne_496?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
![Emily review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/93xhcvcjpmnqt4j92b6v87/Emily_384?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
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