Churchill polar bear tours

Tundra Buggy Lodge Polar Bear Viewing

7

days

starting from US $9,970per person

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.

Overnight On The Tundra Buggy Lodge Surrounded By Polar Bears

Hundreds of Polar Bears gather around Churchill, Manitoba in October and November, waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over. On this safari, you'll stay in the heart of polar bear country in specially designed accommodations called the Tundra Buggy Lodge. This immersive experience allows guests to wake up and see bears right from their window, interact with onboard researchers in the evenings, and gaze at the winter night sky, away from the lights of town.

Trip at a glance

7 Days / 6 Nights

Arrive Winnipeg Churchill Tundra Buggy Lodge & Tours Return to Winnipeg Depart Winnipeg

Tundra Buggy Lodge Polar Bear Viewing - Map

Availability

OctNov

Places Visited

WinnipegChurchill

Accommodation Style

Lodge

Activity Level

Easy

What you'll love about this trip

Staying on the tundra in the Tundra Buggy Lodge

See polar bears up close

Spectacular photo opportunities

A 20 person maximum on your Tundra Buggy day tours

This is a popular trip – book early!

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

This is a slightly longer trip than the Express, giving you more time on Churchill polar bear tours…
During the day, you leave the lodge and go out on safari searching for bears.
And sometimes the bears will be right outside the window of the lodge...
When you stay in the Tundra Buggy Lodge you have a bit more time to observe…

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.

Tundra Buggy Lodge

Tundra Buggy Lodge

The Tundra Buggy Lodge is a truly unique experience where guests can wake up to the site of polar bears wandering past their window. Climb aboard and immerse yourself in the arctic wildlife on your doorstep, all the while enjoying warm, comfortable accommodation and delicious home cooked meals.

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
Your trip begins in Winnipeg, central Canada’s cultural hub. After checking in to your airport hotel for a one-night stay, spend the day exploring on your own. Consider visiting the Manitoba Museum, the Forks Market or strolling down to Provencher Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over the Red River where you’ll find a fun diner and great views of the city. This evening get acquainted with your fellow travelers at an information session led by your hosts.

 

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 a Winnipeg airport hotel.

 

Day 2 – Winnipeg to Churchill
After an early breakfast at your hotel, a scenic flight takes you from Winnipeg to Churchill over the tundra and plains of the North, roughly a three-hour trip. Upon arrival drive past various points of interest around Churchill on an interpretive tour. You’ll have a chance to photograph the Polar Bear Holding facility as well as a beautiful Inukshuk location on the shores of the Hudson Bay. You’ll also visit the Itsanitaq Museum – known for its world class collection of Pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and Inuit artifacts.

Overnight in Churchill.

 

Day 3 – Dog Sledding and the Tundra Buggy Lodge
After some free time in Churchill, set off on an exciting dog sledding excursion. Meet a local musher and hear his incredible tales of Arctic racing and meet his pack sled dogs. After a thorough briefing, feel the exhilaration of racing a team through the boreal forest on a one-mile groomed trail. This excursion is designed for guests of all abilities.

 

After a visit to the Parks Canada Centre to learn more about the wildlife and history of Churchill, depart town for the Tundra Buggy Lodge located at “Polar Bear Point” in the heart of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. This is prime polar bear habitat, so your journey affords plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and taking photographs.

 

Arrive at the Tundra Buggy Lodge for your three-night stay.  Each day you’ll board a roving Tundra Buggy before returning home to enjoy delicious cuisine, presentations by Polar Bears International researchers and your guides, and of course the chance to see polar bears round the clock.

Overnight at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.

 

Days 4 and 5 – Polar Bear Viewing on the Tundra Buggy
Each morning after a hearty breakfast, board your Tundra Buggy to further explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Since the number of visitors to the CWMA is highly restricted, your chances of seeing the bears up close is excellent and your guides know where the ‘hot spots’ are.

 

Spend the evening enjoying presentations and the company of fellow guests at the Lodge. Keep an on the sky, if you’re lucky the Northern Lights may make an appearance during your stay.

Overnight at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.

 

Day 6 – Polar Bear Viewing and Return to Winnipeg
Depart the Tundra Buggy Lodge for your final bear viewing expedition. As well as capturing incredible, up-close photographs of polar bears, you may see other types of wildlife such as arctic fox, ptarmigan, and snowy owl.

 

When you arrive back in Churchill, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Winnipeg.

Overnight at a Winnipeg airport hotel.

 

Day 7 – Depart with Fond Memories
Your polar bear adventure comes as you depart from Winnipeg this morning.

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:
• Hotel accommodations in Winnipeg for 2 nights
• Hotel accommodations in Churchill for 1 night
• 3 nights at the Tundra Buggy Lodge

 

Churchill Experiences:
• 3 Tundra Buggy bear viewing day tours, including lunch
• Churchill and Area Tour
• Parks Canada Center
• Dogsledding
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Services of an interpretive guide

 

Meal Inclusions:
• All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 6

 

Transfer Inclusions:
• Round-trip air transportation between Winnipeg and Churchill
• Transfers while in 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
• Gratuities*
• 8.5% Taxes (5% GST and 3.5% PST)
• Airfare between your home and Winnipeg
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation and evacuation insurance (mandatory to book this trip)
• Winter clothing rental (can be arranged, please don’t hesitate to ask)

*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.

• Enjoy extra nights in Winnipeg before or after your polar bear tour
• Make this a truly epic bear tour, and combine your polar bear trip with grizzly bear viewing

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
October 13, 16, 24, 28
November 3, 12

 

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.

Tundra Buggy Lodge Tour
7 day, 6 night
from US $9,970 to US $10,770 per person

This once in a lifetime Polar Bear Safari takes you to the Canadian Arctic. Enjoy cozy accommodations right onboard the Tundra Buggy Lodge, watching Polar Bears at all hours. Once day breaks, you’ll head out to explore the tundra further.

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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  • 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
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