Lords Of The Wilderness Bear Viewing
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
Grizzly And Polar Wildlife Tour
For just a special few weeks each year, witness both polar bears and grizzly bears in their natural habitat with a naturalist guide. From the lush and abundant Great Bear Rainforest, to the barren arctic tundra of Churchill, no safari better represents Canada’s immense diversity. For the true wildlife enthusiast, this is one of the great natural history vacations. Space is very limited, so be sure to book early!
Trip at a glance
12 Days / 11 Nights
1 night Vancouver → 1 night Campbell River → 2 nights Knight Inlet Lodge → 2 nights Vancouver → 1 night Winnipeg → 3 nights Churchill → 1 night Winnipeg
What you'll love about this trip
Seeing grizzly bears gorging on salmon in anticipation of their upcoming hibernation
Visiting Churchill’s famous polar bears
Traveling on a scenic float plane
Amazing polar bear viewing opportunities onboard the Tundra Buggy
Common Questions
You'll be staying at various local three to five star hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive your detailed digital travel documents, and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal throughout your trip to answer any questions.
Your trip can be as rich as you'd like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can request your personalized trip plan to decide what you'd like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we'll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you're traveling with a group, we'll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your personalized trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
This trip in pictures
Accommodations
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodations. Please call us for the full list and to personalize your experience.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is a luxury hotel and spa providing the perfect overnight stay before or after a flight. Completely soundproofed and located above the US departures terminal the hotel is only a two minute walk to the luggage carousels.
Knight Inlet Lodge
Knight Inlet Lodge is a floating haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This unique accommodation is nestled within a wild and remote area of the BC coastline, offering spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife right on your doorstep. Relax at the lodge after days filled with adventure, and enjoy meals featuring the local catch of the day.
Four Points By Sheraton Winnipeg
Conveniently located adjacent to the Winnipeg International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton offers a number of complimentary amenities that will make your stay as comfortable as home. Enjoy free coffee and bottled water, high speed internet and a 24 hour fitness center.
Tundra Inn
The Tundra Inn is a charming, family run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable, spacious accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax before or after your arctic adventure. Your stay includes continental breakfast, free tea and coffee and high-speed internet.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Day 1 – Bear Viewing Adventure Begins in Vancouver
The perfect combination of nature and big city, it’s no wonder that Vancouver’s population continues to grow. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to just relax and watch the world go by with latte in hand or get out and explore on foot or by bicycle.
Overnight at a Vancouver Airport hotel.
Day 2 – Fly to Campbell River
This morning, fly to Campbell River and check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the “Salmon Fishing Capital of the World”. Today is the day to make sure you have all your camera accessories, memory cards, and batteries ready to go for your adventure tomorrow.
Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 3 – Up Close with Grizzly Bears
Get ready to begin an exciting few days of grizzly bear tours, adventure, and relaxation. The flight heading for Knight Inlet Lodge takes roughly 30 minutes. Spend the rest of the day participating in one of several activities available at the lodge, including kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing or spend the day on a grizzly bear tour.
Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge.
Day 4 – Grizzly Bear Viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge
Your grizzly bear viewing at the rustic Knight Inlet Lodge continues. Relax in the vast west coast wilderness, choose a lodge activity, or spend the day seeking out one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia accompanied by an experienced guide. The choices are limitless!
Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge.
Day 5 – Knight Inlet Lodge/Campbell River to Vancouver
Get up early to soak in the fresh wilderness air, perhaps spotting a grazing deer or two as you sip your coffee. Today you fly back to Campbell River, and then onwards to Vancouver. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 6 – Discover Vancouver
Spend the day relaxing in Vancouver. Ask us about booking a sightseeing tour for you – walking tours, bike tours, food tours, and nature tours are available to suit all interests. Alternately, simply stroll the sea wall and sip coffee at English Bay, to admire the beautiful harbor views, framed by snowy coastal mountains.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 7 – Vancouver to Winnipeg
Spend a leisurely morning in our beautiful West Coast city, before boarding a flight to Winnipeg. Meet your group and guide this evening at your Winnipeg airport hotel, before your polar bear adventure begins early tomorrow morning.
To ensure you are comfortable in Churchill’s cold temperatures, ask us about winter clothing rentals. We highly recommend you do this early, as availability is limited!
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 8 – Winnipeg to Churchill
Head north to the remote town of Churchill, located on the western edge of the Hudson Bay. A guided tour of the town of Churchill and a visit to the Itsanitaq Museum gives you a complete introduction to northern life and culture.
Overnight in Churchill.
Days 9 and 10 – Encounters with Polar Bears
Get almost nose-to-nose with one of the most feared predators in the world. Luckily you will be safe and comfortable in your Tundra Buggy, an all-terrain vehicle specially designed for the northern landscape which gives you access to the best locations for wildlife viewing. With an expert guide and the convenience of small groups your experience will be truly memorable.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 11 – Dogsledding Adventure – Return to Winnipeg
Learn more about the way of the north, as you meet a professional dog sled guide today. Enjoy a thrilling ride as you mush your own team – a true Canadian adventure! Take an afternoon flight back to Winnipeg for the last night of your vacation.
Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 12 – Depart Winnipeg
Much too soon you leave the Canada wilderness behind as your polar bear and grizzly bear vacation package comes to an end.
Note: The order of events will vary at the discretion of your guides – based on their expert knowledge of wildlife behavior at the time and their desire to give you the best experience possible.
What Clients Say
The experience was absolutely awesome!
“ The experience was absolutely awesome! We loved the Knight Inlet Lodge, their staff and guides, and of course all the bears. Our guide in Churchill was also excellent. Seeing polar bears, arctic foxes and other arctic wildlife was tremendous. The helicopter tour (and pilot) was also excellent, and... read more
Mike, MA, USA
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
What's Included In Our Prices
These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.
Accommodations:
• 2 nights in a floating resort (Knight Inlet Lodge)
• 1 night accommodation in a 3-star hotel (Campbell River)
• 3 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (Vancouver)
• 2 nights accommodation in 4-star hotel (Winnipeg airport)
• 3 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel (Churchill)
Knight Inlet Lodge Experiences:
• Welcome Orientation for Wildlife Viewing
• Naturalist-led Grizzly Bear Viewing Tours
• Scenic Boat Ride of Glendale Cove
• Use of Kayaks on Organized Estuary Tours
• Naturalists Services
• Interpretive Programs
• Optional Extra Tours: Additional Bear Viewing, Interpretive Hike of the Kwalate River Valley, Wildlife Tracking, Bald Eagle and Bird Watching Excursions
Polar Bear Experiences:
• Escorted Tour of Churchill and Area
• 2 Full Days on the Tundra Buggy (including lunch)
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Parks Canada Interpretation Center
• Cultural Presentation
• Dogsledding
Meal Inclusions:
• All meals and snacks at Knight Inlet Lodge (including complimentary house wine with dinner)
• All meals while in Churchill
Transportation Inclusions:
• Private transfers between Vancouver airport and hotels
• Roundtrip airfare between Vancouver and Campbell River
• Roundtrip Float Plane between Campbell River and Knight Inlet Lodge
• Transfers to and from the airport, hotel and float plane in Campbell River
• Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill (light meal provided onboard)
Other Inclusions:
• Wilderness Tourism Association Habitat Conservation Fee
• Rain Gear at Knight Inlet Lodge (if required)
• Digital Travel Documents
• Gratuities for guides at Knight Inlet Lodge
• Gratuities for private transfers (unless otherwise noted)
• Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support – from the time you book, you will be assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator with whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.
Not Included
• The following flights:
– Your home to Vancouver
– Vancouver to Winnipeg (one way)
– From Winnipeg to your home
• Meals, except as indicated
• Winter Clothing Rentals (available for Churchill if required)
• Gratuities for your guides, hotel and transfer staff
• Trip Cancellation and Travel Medical Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
Ideas to customize this trip
Think of this trip as just a starting point. These are some of the experiences you can add-on to personalize your trip.
• Make this a truly epic Canadian wilderness experience, and ask us to include a visit to a wilderness lodge in the mountains of British Columbia
• Ask your Fresh Tracks Canada specialist to include the train from Vancouver to Winnipeg, for a beautiful journey through the Canadian Rockies
• Rent a car and visit the Olympic city of Whistler, and why not take in the sights and activities by spending a night or two there
• Add on a few days in the charming capital of British Columbia, Victoria, along with a tour of the world famous Butchart Gardens
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Trip Start Dates
2020 Departure Dates
September 27
October 5, 8, 11
Please note – this trip has additional departure dates from the end of September through to mid October, based on slight customizations of this itinerary. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you require an alternate time frame.
Pricing For This Trip
Our prices vary by departure date, hotel class, train service and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our Canadian Insiders to get your personalized quote, or hit the button below.
On our Wilderness Adventures, you'll enjoy days with experienced naturalist guides, some meals, seamless connections, and accommodations suited to the unique Canadian surroundings.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Why book your trip with us?
- We make planning a trip to Canada really easy!
- We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
- Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
- We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
- Consider us your personal contact in Canada before and during your trip.
- We're based in Vancouver with first-hand ‘insider’ knowledge of Canada.
- Over the past 20 years, we have personalized more than 15,000 Canadian vacations.
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Personalized itineraries
Carefully crafted to your budget and needs. |
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Insider Knowledge
Plan your trip with help from our Canadian Insiders who live and travel in Canada. You'll know when to come, where to stay, which train to take, and lots more... |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
No one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations.
Consumer Protection BC
- License Number: 31202
- The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) provides a possible source of compensation when consumers do not receive the travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.
ABTA
- Membership Number: Y6176
- Our UK clients have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct which means that all package holidays sold by Fresh Tracks Canada in the UK are covered by a full financial protection in the event of the company failure.
- We're one of the only agencies in Canada offering this protection.
BBB
- A BBB Accredited Business since 08/02/2008
- Highest rating: A+
- BBB has determined that Fresh Tracks (Canada) Inc meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
IATA
- Fresh Tracks Canada is an IATA Accredited Agent.
- Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of IATA member airlines. It also allows access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), an efficient interface for invoicing and payment between the agent, airlines and transport providers.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
The experience was absolutely awesome!
“ The experience was absolutely awesome! We loved the Knight Inlet Lodge, their staff and guides, and of course all the bears. Our guide in Churchill was also excellent. Seeing polar bears, arctic foxes and other arctic wildlife... read more was tremendous. The helicopter tour (and pilot) was also excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed the dog sledding. ”
Mike, MA, USA
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
