What are the best months to see polar bears?

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.

Is a polar bear sighting guaranteed?

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.

What is a Tundra Buggy?

A tundra buggy is a large, heated, all-terrain safari vehicle specially designed to travel over taiga and tundra landscape where polar bears live.

Are the polar bear tours suitable for children?

Family friendly tours geared towards kids and adults are available. Ask your vacation advisor for more information on these special trips.

What are the expected weather conditions and what clothing is recommended for this polar bear trip?

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.

What if I don't want to bring winter clothing?

No problem! We can arrange for clothing rentals to be waiting for you when you arrive.

What else can I do on a polar bear trip?

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.

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Classic Churchill Polar Bears

5.0

5 reviews

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.

Highlights of your trip

See polar bears in their natural environment

A 22 person maximum on the Tundra Buggy

Exciting day activities like dogsledding

Fantastic wildlife photography opportunities

Top experiences and features

Polar bears walk by a Tundra Buggy vehicle for going over ice

Explore in a specially designed Tundra Buggy

With your interpretive guide, navigate the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears and other subarctic wildlife.

See polar bears in their natural habitat

Large numbers of polar bears congregate near town each fall while they wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay.

Person photographing a polar bear from a vehicle

Enjoy amazing photo opportunities

You'll have the chance to capture incredible, up-close photographs of polar bears.

Three people on a dogsledding ride through the snowy forest in Churchill

Go dogsledding in Churchill

Enjoy an authentic dogsledding experience with a local Métis musher. Hear tales of Arctic racing, meet the pack of lovingly cared-for sled dogs, then feel the exhilaration of racing a team.

Large metal sheds painted with a sleeping polar bear

Explore Churchill and the surrounding area

During the day, see Churchill's top sights: Polar Bears International House, the Polar Bear Holding Facility, Itsanitaq Museum and more.

Man in a yellow shirt looking at a presentation on polar bears in a museum

Visit Polar Bears International House

Stop by the Polar Bears International House to learn about ongoing polar bear research.

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

Hotel accommodation

Wildlife viewing from a specialized Tundra Buggy

Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more

Train station transfers

Flights between Winnipeg and Churchill

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 01

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.

Day 02

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.

Day 03

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.

Day 04

Dogsledding in Churchill

Experience a uniquely northern way of getting around today on a dogsledding tour.

Day 05

Another Tundra Buggy adventure

Head out for another exciting day out on the Tundra searching for polar bears.

Day 06

Depart Winnipeg

Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip. Some of our trips can be done in the reverse direction.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 1
Arrive in Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg
Day 2
Fly north into pola...
Fly north into polar bear territory
Day 3
View polar bears up...
View polar bears up close
Day 4
Dogsledding in Chur...
Dogsledding in Churchill

Arrive in Winnipeg

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.
Suggested Winter Clothing Rental (extra cost)
To ensure you are comfortable in Churchill's cold temperatures, ask us about how you can book winter clothing rentals. Options include Canada Goose parkas and snow pants, plus Baffin snow boots.

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 dogsledding 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.

Download Itinerary

Get more details in a sample itinerary that includes day-tour options and descriptions, departure dates, and suggestions for personalizing your trip

Prices

Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, activities, and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.

Polar Bear Safari

Hotel Accommodations

3 Star

Activities and Wildlife Viewing

Fully Guided

Meals

Most meals included

From

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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

Tundra Inn

Example of a Comfort hotel in Churchill

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.

Lakeview Signature Hotel

Example of a Comfort hotel in Winnipeg

Just one kilometre away from Winnipeg Airport, the Lakeview Signature hotel offers comfortable accommodation and thoughtful amenities. Enjoy on-site dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24/7 fitness centre.

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

Excellent overall rating based on 5 reviews

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

GA, USA

We got to experience the polar bears up close and personal

The learning and discovery during the trip was an amazing experience. Thanks to our wonderful guide and buggy driver, we got to experience the polar bears up close and personal. I...

Anne and Marvin

MI, USA

Our trip was absolutely fabulous

Our trip was absolutely fabulous, I loved everything, seeing the Hudson Bay forming ice, the countryside, finding the bears just stunning. We did a helicopter ride which was amazing.

Julie and Suzanne

VIC, Australia

The guides were fabulous

The guides were fabulous and the tundra buggy was warm with one seat for each of us. Fabulous dog-sledding experience - I enjoyed the presentation, humor and hospitality. The wine...

Emily

FL, USA

Polar bears are amazing

The trip was wonderful. Polar bears are my new favorite animal!

Customers on a Tundra Buggy looking for Polar Bears

Robert

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