“ 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 we thoroughly enjoyed the dog sledding. ”
Lords Of The Wilderness Bear Viewing
- Choose your own activities and experiences to make the most of your trip.
- Have all the details of your trip organized and arranged for you.
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 Outline
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
Details of each day Start dates PricingAccommodationsWhat's includedCustomer reviews
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
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Is this an escorted tour?
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.
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Can this trip be made shorter or longer?
Absolutely! We personalize all our clients' trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you'd like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don't interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Canadian Insiders who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.
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Can I customize this trip?
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 get your FREE personalized trip plan and 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.
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Where am I staying on this trip?
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.
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How much does my trip cost?
All our trips are personalized to fit our clients' schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. Please request your personalized quote which will provide you with the detailed information you need.
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What is included in the price?
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.
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What are the best ways to travel around Canada?
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.
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When is the best time to see wildlife?
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.
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Will it be cold when I visit Canada in summer?
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. 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). The interior of British Columbia, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer.
This Trip in Pictures
This journey is our ultimate Canada vacations bear journey – and possibly North America's best safari!
On the west coast of British Columbia in the Fall, salmon return to spawn…
Attracting predators like Grizzly Bears, Bald Eagles and Orca (Killer) Whales…
As well as studying Grizzlies up close, you'll get out on the ocean with the whales…
A Grizzly Bear family comes down to the water to find returning salmon.
An aerial view of the lodge we use for observing the Grizzlies.
The dining room of the lodge.
Then as a wonderful comparison, you'll fly far north … to a very different world.
Here, on the edge of Hudson Bay, you'll go on safari in a 'Tundra Buggy'…
And learn if this is play or fighting - from an expert naturalist.
You can also try dogsledding and learn about the life of a sled-dog.
Recommended Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized trip plan for you that matches your travel style, schedule 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.
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
Prices of this trip vary by departure date, hotel class and the choice of activities. Request your quote to check availability or to book this trip.
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Accommodations
Accommodations
Below are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.
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.
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What's Included
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Customer Reviews (2)
“ We had a great time and loads of bears. Sitting, rolling on their backs, fighting, walking. We were really pleased that we did the lodge rather than going out on the tundra buggies. We were going on a sledge ride and had a great time. If we did it again I think we would have tried to have more time in Vancouver, there is a lot to see and a week would be great. Also the trip on the icefields, rather than just a transfer it would have been good to have a sight seeing tour as well. We were lucky that one of the other passengers was a long lime resident of Jasper and keen walker. She gave us a running commentary all the way to Banff. Many thanks for overall a great trip! ”
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.
Schedule a call or call us directly toll-free:
call1 877 395 5771
