Go bear watching in Churchill and the Great Bear Rainforest

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.

Temperatures range from 24-35 degrees Fahrenheit in October, and about 3-16 degrees in November. In October, the snow is just starting to accumulate.

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

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.

The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour. Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.

Most wilderness lodge accommodations also provide activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours and more. Some of these can be pre-booked through Fresh Tracks, and some are arranged directly at the lodge.

This trip itinerary includes meals on the train, as well as meals at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill. Most dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Sleeper Plus Class include meals on VIA Rail’s Canadian train. As you travel from Vancouver to Winnipeg, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish.

Meals at Knight Inlet Lodge are from a set menu but can be customized for dietary needs if this information is provided far enough in advance.

A moderate level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge. You may need to walk on uneven ground, including muddy or rocky shorelines for approximately 200 metres.

Most of the polar bear viewing is operated from the Tundra Buggy, so is suitable for guests who are less active. To access the Tundra Buggy, you will need to go up 12 steps.

For other activity details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.