Polar bear tours - Churchill Canada polar bears

Churchill Belugas and Bears Summer Adventure

6

days

starting from US $4,660per person

Star Rating 5

5 of 5 stars
(1 review)

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.

See Belugas And Polar Bears On This Amazing Summer Tour

Accessible only by air and rail, Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay and is home to a myriad of wildlife from polar bears to the elusive arctic fox, and the playful beluga whales who return to the Churchill River following the ice breakup in spring. Grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for wildlife viewing heaven.

Trip at a glance

6 Days / 5 Nights

Arrive Winnipeg 2 nights Winnipeg 3 nights Churchill Depart from Winnipeg

Churchill Belugas and Bears Summer Adventure - Map

Availability

JulAug

Places Visited

WinnipegChurchill

Accommodation Style

Hotel

Activity Level

Easy

What you'll love about this trip

See curious beluga whales in the Churchill River

Chance to view summer polar bears from a Tundra Buggy

Unique interpretive programs - learn about Churchill's history

Summer blooms of the sub-arctic

Small group - maximum of 22 guests

Common Questions

What are the best months to see the 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.

Where do we sleep at night?

You can choose to stay in a cozy hotel in the town of Churchill or sleep aboard the 'Tundra Buggy Lodge'. It's a converted and comfortable Tundra Buggy from which you can view bears round the clock.

Are the tours suitable for children?

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

How cold will it be?

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.

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

No problem - we can arrange for clothing rentals to be waiting for you when you arrive.

This trip in pictures

See curious beluga whales in the Churchill River.
Churchill in summer is spectacular.
Belugas are very small, beautiful whales found only in Arctic waters.
In the brief Arctic summer in Hudson Bay they gather in their hundreds.
Search for summer polar bears onboard a Tundra Buggy.
Explore historic sites, such as the Prince of Wales Fort.

Accommodations

Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodations. Please call us for the full list and to personalize your experience.

Tundra Inn

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 Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671

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 – Arrive in Winnipeg – City Tour and Welcome Dinner
Your vacation begins in Winnipeg, central Canada’s largest city and cultural hub. Spend the day exploring on a city tour, before enjoying a welcome dinner and information session with your group and guide.

Overnight in Winnipeg.

 

Day 2 – Winnipeg to Churchill
This morning you journey north by air to the remote northern town of Churchill. After arrival, visit historic points of interest, stroll along the coastline of the Hudson Bay, and snap photos of the Polar Bear Holding Facility on a guided tour. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Parks Canada Centre to learn more about Churchill’s natural and human history.

Overnight in Churchill.

 

Day 3 – Dog Carting, Whale Watching, and Prince of Wales Fort
This morning experience a thrilling dog-carting ride through the boreal forest. Your expert guide regales you with tales of arctic racing while you meet his loyal sled dogs. Later, visit the Itsanitaq Museum to see a fine display of Dorset, Thule, and Inuit artifacts.

 

This afternoon, you’ll encounter hundreds of beluga whales on a boat tour into the mouth of the Churchill River before visiting the historic Prince of Wales Fort, the oldest most northerly stone fort in Canada.

Overnight in Churchill.

 

Day 4 – Onboard a Tundra Buggy
Today is an exciting excursion in a specially designed Tundra Buggy – the best way to rove across this rugged landscape. You’ll explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of summer polar bears and other wildlife such as fox and hares. Arctic wildflowers will be in full bloom, so have your camera ready!

Overnight in Churchill.

 

Day 5 – Beluga Viewing by Zodiac, then Back to Winnipeg
Cruise up and down the Churchill River looking for pods of curious beluga whales on a zodiac boat. This is a great way for an up-close encounter as the playful whales congregate in the zodiac’s wake.
Say farewell to the north this evening as you fly back to Winnipeg and spend the night.

Overnight in Winnipeg.

 

Day 6 – Departure
In the morning bid farewell to Winnipeg as your trip comes to an end.

What Clients Say

It was beautiful!

It was beautiful!

Star Rating 5

We had a wonderful trip! Who knew we would have to go to Churchill to find summer weather! I believe either the first or second day there Churchill was the hot spot in all of Canada! It was beautiful! The people of Churchill are really wonderful, and their friendly attitude just makes the trip that... read more

Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671

What's Included In Our Prices

These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.

Accommodations:
• 2 nights in Winnipeg
• 3 nights in Churchill

Winnipeg Experiences:
• Winnipeg City Tour

Churchill Experiences:
• Churchill & Area Tour, including Parks Canada Centre admission
• Dog cart adventure
• Itsanitaq Museum visit
• Beluga Whale Watching tour with visit to the Historic Prince of Wales Fort
• Full day adventure onboard the Tundra Buggy
• Half day Zodiac Beluga Watching

Meal Inclusions:
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 5

Transfer Inclusions:
• Return airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill

Other Inclusions:
• Digital Travel Documents
• Fresh Tracks Canada customer service – from the time you book, you are assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.



Not Included

• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities*
• 8.5% Taxes (5% GST and 3.5% PST)
• Airfare to and from Winnipeg (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation and emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory to book this trip)

*Gratuities are included in 2024 prices

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.

• Spend some extra time in Winnipeg, to explore the city and stay in one of the charming downtown hotels
• Combine this trip with one of our west coast fly-in lodge grizzly viewing adventures
• Ask your Fresh Tracks Canada expert to combine this with a train trip across the country
• Upgrade your journey to include a 2-night journey from Winnipeg to Churchill

Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671

Trip Start Dates

2024 Start Dates:
July 14, 20
August 9

Pricing For This Trip

Our prices vary by departure date, hotel class, transportation, and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our Canadian Insiders to get your personalized quote, or hit the button below.

Churchill Belugas and Bears Tour
from US $4,660 to US $5,040 per person

This once in a lifetime Wildlife Viewing Safari takes you to the Canadian Arctic. With an expert naturalist guide, see both polar bears and beluga whales in their natural habitat, just a short drive from the Churchill base.

Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671

Why book your trip with us?

Fresh Tracks Canada Team
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  • We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
  • Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
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  • 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.

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Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671

Customer Reviews & Testimonials

It was beautiful!

Star Rating 5
August 15, 2008

We had a wonderful trip! Who knew we would have to go to Churchill to find summer weather! I believe either the first or second day there Churchill was the hot spot in all of Canada! It was beautiful! The people of Churchill are... read more really wonderful, and their friendly attitude just makes the trip that much more special. Coral, our tour guide for the town tour when we first arrived was fantastic. She is definitely in the right profession. She is obviously passionate about the history, culture and natural aspects of the area, and was a wealth of information. She was also genuinely interested in the people on her tour. The belugas were fantastic! Both boat trips (the big boat and the zodiac) were fantastic. The guides were knowledgeable and very friendly. What an incredible experience. The zodiac trip would be the highlight, I guess of a very wonderful trip! This would be because we were so close to the whales. They are amazing to watch and to listen too. It often sounded like they were talking to us. A bonus of the trip was the aurora borealis. It was like watching music and seeing ghosts dance. It was incredible. Also the food was great. The local bakery, deli and town hang out spot is excellent. The Tundra Inn Restaurant was really, really good. The Aurora Inn was just fine. Clean, the room was large and comfortable. I will definitely recommend you and Fresh Tracks to anyone who is interested. Friendly staff makes such a difference! Thank you for everything!

Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you

Get your trip plan
  • 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:
1 877 395 5671
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