Classic Churchill Polar Bears
Length
6 days / 5 nights
Where it goes
When to go
October - November
Price from
Loading... pp
Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:
- Decide your desired budget
- Choose your own activities and experiences
- Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
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.
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
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.
Prices
View full itinerary
Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:
- Day-tour options and descriptions;
- Departure dates;
- Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
Accommodations
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
Discuss your polar-bear tour with a Canadian travel expert
Sign up for travel inspiration
Our newsletter is full of local tips and insights for an unforgettable Canadian vacation.