Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Polar Bears
days
starting from US $5,190per 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.
See Polar Bears in Churchill
On this Subarctic adventure, spend two full days searching Churchill's Wildlife Management Area for polar bears in a purpose-built Tundra Buggy. There's time to discover the history and culture of Churchill, too. For those short on time, this is the perfect polar bear safari!
Trip at a glance
5 Days / 4 Nights
Arrive Winnipeg → Churchill → Tundra Buggy Tours and activities → Depart Winnipeg
What you'll love about this trip
See polar bears in their natural environment
Two full-day Tundra Buggy adventures
A 22 person maximum on the Tundra Buggy
Fantastic wildlife photography opportunities
Common 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.
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.
Family friendly tours geared towards kids and adults leave each season. Ask your vacation advisor for more information on these special trips.
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.
No problem - we can arrange for clothing rentals to be waiting for you when you arrive.
This trip in pictures
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
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 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.
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
Welcome to Winnipeg! After checking into your airport hotel, take some time to explore the city. Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution of human rights, or to the Forks, one of the city’s most popular gathering places and a great place to purchase souvenirs from local Canadian artisans. This evening, meet 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
Early this morning, fly from Winnipeg to Churchill. Journey over the tundra and plains of the north – the bird’s eye view is spectacular.
Upon arrival, drive past various points of interest in and surrounding Churchill on an interpretive tour. You’ll have a chance to photograph the Polar Bear Holding facility amongst other highlights. Stop by the Polar Bears International House to learn about ongoing polar bear research, and the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, where you can discover Churchill’s history through interactive displays and wildlife dioramas.
Overnight in a Churchill hotel.
Day 3 – Polar Bear Viewing
Why is Churchill known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World? Well, because large numbers of the bears congregate near town each fall while they wait for the ice to form on Hudson Bay.
This morning, board a specially designed Tundra Buggy and journey into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area for your first chance to see polar bears in the wild. Since the number of visitors to the CWMA is highly restricted, your chances of seeing the bears up close is excellent. This is prime polar bear habitat! Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights along way.
Overnight in a Churchill hotel.
Day 4 – Polar Bear Viewing and Return to Winnipeg
Enjoy another extraordinary day exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area onboard a Tundra Buggy. As well as capturing incredible, up-close photographs of polar bears, you’ll likely see other 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 in a Winnipeg airport hotel.
Day 5 – End of Canada Vacation Package – Depart with Fond Memories
This morning, check out from your hotel and depart Winnipeg. Leave Canada with once-in-a-lifetime memories from your polar bear adventure in Churchill.
Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you
- 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.
What's Included In Our Prices
These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.
Accommodations:
• 2 nights in Winnipeg
• 2 nights in a Churchill hotel
Churchill Experiences:
• Services of an interpretive guide
• 2 Tundra Buggy bear viewing day tours, including lunch
• Churchill Town and Area Tour
• Visit to Polar Bears International House
• Visit to Parks Canada Interpretation Center
Meal Inclusions:
• All meals in Churchill
Transfer Inclusions:
• Round-trip air transportation between Winnipeg and Churchill
• All 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
• Travel and medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, 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 a grizzly viewing tour
Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you
- 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.
Trip Start Dates
2023 Start Dates
October 8, 11, 19, 26
November 2, 4
2024 Start Dates
October 9, 14, 19, 22, 30
November 4, 7
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.
5 day, 4 night
This once in a lifetime Polar Bear Safari takes you to the Canadian Arctic. Accompanied by a friendly naturalist guide from Churchill, join a small group of fellow travelers to experience polar bears up close from a Tundra Buggy. Your small group size means optimal bear viewing and photography opportunities onboard the Tundra Buggy.
Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you
- 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.
Why book your trip with us?
- We make planning a trip to Canada really easy!
- We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
- Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
- We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
- 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.
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
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Independent Travel
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Personalized itineraries
Carefully crafted to your budget and needs. |
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Insider Knowledge
Plan your trip with help from our Canadian Insiders who live and travel in Canada. You'll know when to come, where to stay, how to get there, and lots more... |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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No one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations.
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- License Number: 31202
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Get your Polar Bear tour organized and arranged for you
- 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.
