Classic Churchill Polar Bears
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.
Get Up Close With Polar Bears On This Wilderness Tour
Visit Churchill, Manitoba, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" in October and early November. Polar bears gather in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, waiting for the ice to form on Hudson Bay. Once the ice is stable, they head out to spend the winter hunting seals. In this short time you have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close from the comfort and safety of a purpose-built vehicle called the Tundra Buggy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a ‘must-see’ for wildlife enthusiasts.
Trip at a glance
6 Days / 5 Nights
Arrive Winnipeg → Churchill → Tundra Buggy Tours & activities → Depart Winnipeg
What you'll love about this trip
See polar bears in their natural environment
A 22 person maximum on the Tundra Buggy
Exciting day activities like dogsledding
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. Head over to the Manitoba Museum, which has nine galleries displaying historical artifacts or to the Forks, a funky market which is one of the city’s most popular gathering places. 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
Early this morning board your plane for a flight 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. Included is a visit to Polar Bears International House to learn about ongoing polar bear research as well as the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, where you’ll learn more about the history and wildlife of Churchill.
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 you’ll 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.
This evening at a Cultural Presentation, you’ll learn what it’s like to live in the northern reaches of Canada through the stories of a Churchill resident, such as a local trapper.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 4 – Dog Sledding and Itsanitaq Museum
Set off on an exciting dog sledding excursion today. Meet a local musher and hear his incredible tales of Arctic racing, then meet his pack of 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.
Later today, visit the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum’s a collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest in the world. This is also a great place to stock up on unique, locally crafted souvenirs.
Overnight in Churchill.
Day 5 – 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 Winnipeg.
Day 6 – End of Canada Vacation Package – Depart with Fond Memories
Your Canada vacation ends as you check-out from your hotel this morning and depart Winnipeg.
What Clients Say
It was an adventure of a lifetime
“ I don't know how to top this trip. It was an adventure of a lifetime. I loved seeing all the polar bears in their natural habitat and the dog sledding. ”
Lori & Mike, GA, USA
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
• 3 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
• Polar Bears International House visit
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Parks Canada Interpretation Center
• Evening Cultural Presentation
• Dog Sledding Excursion
Meal Inclusions:
• All meals from the morning of Day 2 to the evening of Day 5
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
• Hospital 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 10, 13, 16, 21, 24, 27, 30
November 4, 7, 10, 13
2024 Start Dates
October 11, 14, 20, 24, 25, 27, 28
November 3, 6, 9, 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.
6 day, 5 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
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Personalized itineraries
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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.
Consumer Protection BC
- License Number: 31202
- The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) provides a possible source of compensation when consumers do not receive the travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.
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- Highest rating: A+
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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.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
It was an adventure of a lifetime
“ I don't know how to top this trip. It was an adventure of a lifetime. I loved seeing all the polar bears in their natural habitat and the dog sledding. ”
Lori & Mike, GA, USA
We got to experience the polar bears up close and personal
“ The "learning" and "discovery" during the trip was an amazing experience. Thanks to our wonderful guide and buggy driver, we got to experience the polar bears up close and personal. I was most impressed with the efficiency and... read more organization of Fresh Tracks, we are extremely satisfied. ”
Anne & Marvin, MI, USA
Our trip was absolutely fabulous
“ Our trip was absolutely fabulous, I loved everything, seeing the Hudson Bay forming ice, the countryside, finding the bears just stunning. We did a helicopter ride which was amazing. ”
Julie & Suzanne, VIC, Australia
The guides were fabulous
“ The guides were fabulous and the tundra buggy was warm with one seat for each of us. Fabulous dog-sledding experience - I enjoyed the presentation, humor and hospitality. The wine-tasting was cozy and a lovely touch - listening... read more to fascinating stories of life as a fur trapper. The dinners were unexpectedly gourmet. ”
Emily, FL, USA
In a word brilliant
“ Our trip was, in a word brilliant. We think the organization was excellent, and everything ran very smoothly. The guide was great and looked after everyone very efficiently. Indeed, he added to the experience as not only did we... read more see the polar bears it was actually very educational too. Dealing with Fresh Tracks was great. Being in the UK this was by e-mail. Everything was brilliant and whenever I had a query it was dealt with efficiently and most importantly, very friendly. the whole experience felt very personable, not just a client! ”
Dave & Jill, Hertford, UK
The trip was terrific!
“ Everything was handled very well and trip was terrific! W saw polar bears , had a great adventure. ”
Charlie & Carol Ann, MD, USA
Polar bears are amazing
“ The trip was wondeful. Polar bears are my new favorite animal! ”
Robert, UK
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.
