Churchill Polar Bears Explorer
7 days
Although you are visiting Churchill primarily to see the polar bears, there are other attractions too— the historic gun batteries of Cape Merry; the Port of Churchill, which is Canada’s only Arctic grain terminal; and the wrecked hull of the ore ship “Ithaca.” In town, visit Parks Canada’s displays on Churchill’s early days. The Eskimo Museum is a wonderful place, renowned for its outstanding collection of historic and contemporary Inuit artwork. You will also find a wide variety of art to look at or buy - including Inuit carvings, paintings, prints, moose hair tufting, and other items with a distinctive northern flavour.
These are some of the interesting local tours - consult the inclusions for your particular tour to see what is included.
Cultural Arts Program
Local artists share their interesting lives and explain the creation and meaning of their unique native art forms.
Dog Sledding
Half-day tour includes a slide show of Arctic and Antarctic dog sled travel, presented by John Stetson who has traveled more than 60,000 miles with his dogs. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled.
Eskimo Museum
The museum contains one of Canada's finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.
Parks Canada Interpretive Centre
Look back in time, with museum fur trade exhibits and exciting wildlife dioramas. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area.
Town and Area Tour
A guided bus tour of local and historical points of interest surrounding Churchill, including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and the Polar Bear Compound (weather permitting).
Helicopter Tour
This is the perfect way to wind up your trip of this area. You will see the extent of Churchill’s wild beauty, with its rugged coastline, the mouth of the Churchill River, forest to the south, and treeless tundra to the north. The chances of spotting wildlife such as caribou as well as the polar bears are excellent. The Heli-Tour is included in some of our 6-day trips – please contact us for details.
Every October, hundreds of Polar Bears congregate around Churchill, Manitoba, waiting for the ice to form over Hudson Bay. For these few weeks, it’s possible to safely, comfortably, and memorably discover Polar Bears in the wild.These are some of the interesting local tours - consult the inclusions for your particular tour to see what is included.
Cultural Arts Program
Local artists share their interesting lives and explain the creation and meaning of their unique native art forms.
Dog Sledding
Half-day tour includes a slide show of Arctic and Antarctic dog sled travel, presented by John Stetson who has traveled more than 60,000 miles with his dogs. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled.
Eskimo Museum
The museum contains one of Canada's finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre-Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.
Parks Canada Interpretive Centre
Look back in time, with museum fur trade exhibits and exciting wildlife dioramas. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area.
Town and Area Tour
A guided bus tour of local and historical points of interest surrounding Churchill, including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and the Polar Bear Compound (weather permitting).
Helicopter Tour
This is the perfect way to wind up your trip of this area. You will see the extent of Churchill’s wild beauty, with its rugged coastline, the mouth of the Churchill River, forest to the south, and treeless tundra to the north. The chances of spotting wildlife such as caribou as well as the polar bears are excellent. The Heli-Tour is included in some of our 6-day trips – please contact us for details.
With this package you fly north by roundtrip charter flights to maximize your time with the bears. In addition, you’ll enjoy an interesting introduction to the rich history and culture of Churchill. With a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you spend two days on a specially designed Tundra Buggy out in the wilds watching polar bears. You also get a full day in Churchill to explore the town on a tour and discover the Eskimo Museum and Parks Canada Interpretation Centre. It’s the best of everything Churchill has to offer!
Outline
Arrive Winnipeg
Churchill
Tundra Buggy Tours & activities
Departs Winnipeg
Arrive Winnipeg
Churchill
Tundra Buggy Tours & activities
Departs Winnipeg
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Winnipeg
Your trip begins in Winnipeg, a major hub for rail transport and central Canada's largest city. After checking in to your hotel for a one-night stay, spend the day exploring on your own. Consider visiting the Manitoba Museum, which has nine galleries displaying historical artifacts, or the Royal Canadian Mint to learn about Canadian coins, or strolling down to the Forks, a funky market which is one of the city’s most popular gathering places.
Day 2 - Winnipeg to Churchill
Enjoy a scenic flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, over the tundra and plains of the North, roughly a three-hour trip. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the town, featuring the Eskimo Museum – a memorable and informative introduction to the unique culture of the north. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay this afternoon. Overnight in Churchill.
Days 3-4 - Polar Bear Viewing on the Tundra Buggy
Churchill is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World because large numbers of the bears congregate near town each fall, while they wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay that will lead them to their hunting ground of the ringed seal. With two full days on the specially-designed Tundra Buggy, you’re guaranteed to see these bears at close quarters. You should also keep a sharp eye out for other arctic wildlife such as the illusive arctic fox.
In the evening, take in an informative slide show highlighting Churchill. On day 4 the group sits down for a pleasant dinner - recounting the trip and sharing stories. Overnight in Churchill.
You can also take advantage of exciting winter activities only available in the wild north - go on a snowmobile tour or discover the tundra by air in a helicopter flightseeing adventure. Ask your Fresh Tracks agent for details about these thrilling options!
Day 5 - Activities
Today you’ll discover a thrilling side to the great white North when you embark on an exciting dog sledding excursion, after an afternoon visit to the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. This a great way to sightsee, and a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. There is also the possibility of signing up for exciting activities like helicopter flightseeing or snowmobiling! Read below for details and contact your Fresh Tracks agent for further information.
Day 6 - Churchill to Winnipeg
This morning you will meet with local artists and learn about their work. Discover the rich culture that influences Churchill’s artwork. This afternoon, you fly back to Winnipeg and arrive in the early evening. Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 7 - Departure
Your Canada vacation ends as you check-out from the hotel and depart Winnipeg.
Day 1 - Arrive in Winnipeg
Your trip begins in Winnipeg, a major hub for rail transport and central Canada's largest city. After checking in to your hotel for a one-night stay, spend the day exploring on your own. Consider visiting the Manitoba Museum, which has nine galleries displaying historical artifacts, or the Royal Canadian Mint to learn about Canadian coins, or strolling down to the Forks, a funky market which is one of the city’s most popular gathering places.
Day 2 - Winnipeg to Churchill
Enjoy a scenic flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, over the tundra and plains of the North, roughly a three-hour trip. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the town, featuring the Eskimo Museum – a memorable and informative introduction to the unique culture of the north. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay this afternoon. Overnight in Churchill.
Days 3-4 - Polar Bear Viewing on the Tundra Buggy
Churchill is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World because large numbers of the bears congregate near town each fall, while they wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay that will lead them to their hunting ground of the ringed seal. With two full days on the specially-designed Tundra Buggy, you’re guaranteed to see these bears at close quarters. You should also keep a sharp eye out for other arctic wildlife such as the illusive arctic fox.
In the evening, take in an informative slide show highlighting Churchill. On day 4 the group sits down for a pleasant dinner - recounting the trip and sharing stories. Overnight in Churchill.
You can also take advantage of exciting winter activities only available in the wild north - go on a snowmobile tour or discover the tundra by air in a helicopter flightseeing adventure. Ask your Fresh Tracks agent for details about these thrilling options!
Day 5 - Activities
Today you’ll discover a thrilling side to the great white North when you embark on an exciting dog sledding excursion, after an afternoon visit to the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre. This a great way to sightsee, and a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. There is also the possibility of signing up for exciting activities like helicopter flightseeing or snowmobiling! Read below for details and contact your Fresh Tracks agent for further information.
Day 6 - Churchill to Winnipeg
This morning you will meet with local artists and learn about their work. Discover the rich culture that influences Churchill’s artwork. This afternoon, you fly back to Winnipeg and arrive in the early evening. Overnight in Winnipeg.
Day 7 - Departure
Your Canada vacation ends as you check-out from the hotel and depart Winnipeg.
Options & Upgrades
- Enjoy extra nights in Winnipeg before or after your polar bear tour
Accommodation
Standard
Lodges/Inns
Trip Highlights >>
Spectacular photo opportunities from a specially adapted vehicle
Includes exciting day activities
This trip is popular -- book early!
Testimonials
We were very lucky to see many active polar bears on our first day out on the tundra.They are so iconic of Canada that my first close view of one had me tearing up.
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2009 Package start dates
Standard Activities:
October 14, 23, 29
November 2, 6, 10, 13
Helicopter Option:
October 16, 21
See the extent of Churchill’s wild beauty, with its rugged coastline, the mouth of the Churchill River, forest to the south, and treeless tundra to the north. The chances of spotting wildlife, such as caribou and polar bears are excellent.
Price Notes
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing
• Package will be charged in Canadian dollars
• Optional helicopter activity
Package Includes
• Round-trip air transportation between Winnipeg and Churchill; light snack aboard
• Fully escorted group tour
• Hotel accommodations in Churchill for 4 nights, Winnipeg for 2 nights
• Local tours: bus tour, Tundra Buggy Tour, dogsledding, cultural arts program, Eskimo Museum, Parks Canada Centre
• All meals in Churchill
• Transfers while in Churchill
• 3.5% PST
Not Included
• Transportation to Manitoba
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• GST
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
Standard Activities:
October 14, 23, 29
November 2, 6, 10, 13
Helicopter Option:
October 16, 21
See the extent of Churchill’s wild beauty, with its rugged coastline, the mouth of the Churchill River, forest to the south, and treeless tundra to the north. The chances of spotting wildlife, such as caribou and polar bears are excellent.
| 7 day - Fly / Fly - Standard | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Oct 14, 23 2009 | 4,716 | 5,541 | 5,329 | 6,261 |
| Oct 29, Nov 2, 6, 10, 13 2009 | 4,899 | 5,724 | 5,536 | 6,468 |
| 7 day - Fly / Fly - Helicopter | USD$ | CAD$ | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Oct 16, 21 2009 | 5,312 | 6,135 | 6,002 | 6,933 |
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing
• Package will be charged in Canadian dollars
• Optional helicopter activity
Package Includes
• Round-trip air transportation between Winnipeg and Churchill; light snack aboard
• Fully escorted group tour
• Hotel accommodations in Churchill for 4 nights, Winnipeg for 2 nights
• Local tours: bus tour, Tundra Buggy Tour, dogsledding, cultural arts program, Eskimo Museum, Parks Canada Centre
• All meals in Churchill
• Transfers while in Churchill
• 3.5% PST
Not Included
• Transportation to Manitoba
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• GST
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
