Canadian Train and Polar Bear Adventure
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.
Churchill Polar Bear Expedition with Canadian Rockies Train
Take a spectacular journey across the Canadian Rockies, then fly to Churchill, the heart of polar bear country. See polar bears in the wild on a specially designed Tundra Buggy. Learn more about the North during immersive tours, and experience a thrilling dog sled ride.
Trip at a glance
10 Days / 9 Nights
Arrive Vancouver → 1 night Vancouver → 2 nights VIA Rail → 2 nights Winnipeg → 3 nights Churchill → 1 night Winnipeg → Depart Winnipeg
What you'll love about this trip
Spectacular overnight train ride through the Canadian Rockies
Time to explore the attractions of Winnipeg
Close-up polar bear encounters
Watching polar bears from the comfort of a Tundra Buggy
Unique activities such as dog sledding
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
About the Train Experience
VIA Rail
VIA Rail trains take passengers across the vast country of Canada through some of the most amazing scenery in North America. The service includes sleeper cars, gourmet meals, and lounge and viewing areas.
Sleeper Trains
Experience a once in a lifetime adventure of sleeping on the train in complete comfort. Relax in your private cabin or enjoy local wines and chef-prepared meals in the dining car during this unforgettable trip.
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 – Begin Your Canadian Vacation – Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver where a friendly driver meets you at the airport. As you make your way downtown you’ll spot Vancouver’s coastal mountains and ocean.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 – Depart Vancouver on VIA Rail
Spend a morning exploring Vancouver with a private guide. After a drop off at the train station, board The Canadian train and begin your journey to Winnipeg. Travel through the varied landscape of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.
Overnight in a private cabin onboard VIA Rail.
Day 3 – Travel through the Canadian Rockies
Follow the North Thompson River and travel through the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia before crossing into the province of Alberta. Watch as the snow capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies pass by.
Overnight in a private cabin onboard VIA Rail.
Day 4 – Arrive in Winnipeg
Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces before arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba’s bustling capital city, late this evening.
Overnight in a downtown Winnipeg hotel.
Day 5 – Explore Winnipeg, then meet your Group and Guides
On a curated private tour, become immersed in the best that Winnipeg has to offer. Check out the stunning Assiniboine Park, explore the city’s charming French Quarter, hear the stories of Winnipeg’s prohibition era, and understand the historic significance of the Forks area.
This evening, you will be transferred to a Winnipeg Airport hotel, where you will have an information session with your group and guides.
Tip: Winter clothing rentals can be arranged ahead of time for your Churchill adventure. Make sure to ask at the time you book your trip, as sizes sell out quickly.
Overnight in a Winnipeg airport hotel.
Day 6 – 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 7 – 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 a Churchill hotel.
Day 8 – 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 a Churchill hotel.
Day 9 – 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 10 – 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 amazing to see Polar Bears up close
“ It was amazing to see Polar Bears up close and personal in their environment. The frosting on the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. Amazing! ”
Jean, CA, 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:
• 1 night in a Vancouver hotel
• 3 nights in Winnipeg hotel
• 3 nights in a Churchill hotel
• 2 nights onboard VIA Rail in Sleeper Plus Class
Vancouver & Winnipeg Experiences:
• Private Vancouver sightseeing tour
• Private Winnipeg sightseeing tour
Churchill Experiences:
• Services of an interpretive guide
• 2 Tundra Buggy bear viewing day tours, including lunch
• Churchill Town and Area Tour
• Itsanitaq Museum
• Parks Canada Interpretation Center
• Polar Bears International House visit
• Evening Cultural Presentation
• Dog Sledding Excursion
Meal Inclusions:
• Meals onboard VIA Rail
• All meals during your time in Churchill
Transfer Inclusions:
• Transportation from Vancouver airport to hotel, and hotel to train
• Transportation from Winnipeg train station to hotel, and downtown to airport hotel
• 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.
Important trip notes:
Train schedules are subject to delay.
Order of activities may vary depending on wildlife sightings and weather conditions.
Not Included
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Gratuities
• Taxes (5% GST)
• Airfare between your home and Vancouver or 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)
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
• Take the train from Toronto or Vancouver to Winnipeg
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 – limited space
Oct 12, 26
Nov 9
2024 Start Dates
October 10, 20, 24
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.
On our Wilderness Adventures, you'll enjoy days with experienced naturalist guides, some meals, seamless connections, and accommodations suited to the unique Canadian surroundings.
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
| Fresh Tracks Canada | Local Travel Agency | Online Booking | |
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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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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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
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.
BBB
- A BBB Accredited Business since 08/02/2008
- Highest rating: A+
- BBB has determined that Fresh Tracks (Canada) Inc meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
IATA
- Fresh Tracks Canada is an IATA Accredited Agent.
- Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of IATA member airlines. It also allows access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), an efficient interface for invoicing and payment between the agent, airlines and transport providers.
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 amazing to see Polar Bears up close
“ It was amazing to see Polar Bears up close and personal in their environment. The frosting on the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. Amazing! ”
Jean, CA, USA
The arrangements were seamless
“ The arrangements were seamless; reservations, luggage transfers, dining, transportation - all taken care of. We just followed our expect guide! I was impressed with the helpful information that we received prior to the trip from... read more Fresh Tracks. ”
David & Mary Kay, MN, USA
We loved the Tundra buggy days
“ We loved the Tundra buggy days, the dog sledding and seeing the Polar Bears. All tour guides were great as well, the buggy drivers and the whole group at the dog sledding! We found the Fresh Tracks staff very friendly and helpful,... read more we are extremely satisfied. ”
Janet & Paul, CT, USA
We had a truly outstanding trip
“ We had a truly outstanding trip. The train ride was a special feature which definitely made the trip special. Our group was a very congenial one from all over the world. Tour guides were outstanding and people in general were... read more great. Lots of bear sightings and activity. One of the great trips we have taken. Thanks for your help. ”
Greg & Coralyn, MN, USA
The dog sled was like icing on the cake
“ The trip was amazing! It started with our trip to the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg - by far the best museum we have ever seen! Thank you for recommending we visit the museum. Our journey to Churchill was an adventure. Let's... read more put it this way - we couldn't wait to get on the train and we couldn't wait to get off the train. I am glad we experienced it because it was on the train that we got to see the Northern Lights! They were fantastic! I think we hardly slept that night because we were so focused on the sky. Arriving in Churchill was a real surprise. We had no idea one could get so cold so quickly. Our first day on the Tundra Buggy we were able to park right next to at least 5 polar bears. What an experience - talk about up close! The dog sled was like icing on the cake! The guide was so informative, fun, and great to listen to. As a dog lover this was such a bonus. Thank you for your help and advice. We are always looking for new and different adventures to experience and this was perfect! ”
Joyce & William, CA, USA
Seeing the polar bears and dog sleds was an amazing experience
“ We had a wonderful time on our trip. The guide was terrific - I never had to worry about where to go or what to do because he was very organized. The people in the tour group were a lot of fun too. Seeing Winnipeg, Churchill, the... read more polar bears and dog sleds was an amazing experience! ”
Danielle & Claudia, NC, USA
Trip of a lifetime
“ We just wanted to thank you and all your colleagues at Fresh Tracks Canada for helping us arrange and therefore enjoy the trip of a lifetime we had in Churchill. The group leader was a delight. Thanks again to all. ”
Maureen & Bob, Scotland
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.
