Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing
Length
15 days / 14 nights
Where it goes
When to go
September – October
Price from
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Go bear watching in Churchill and the Great Bear Rainforest
Witness polar bears and grizzly bears in their natural habitat and travel across Canada on VIA Rail’s The Canadian train. From the lush, abundant Great Bear Rainforest to the barren arctic tundra of Churchill – no safari better represents Canada’s immense diversity. Space is limited, so be sure to book early!
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Your Questions Answered
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What’s Included
Frequently Asked 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.
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.
Family friendly tours geared towards kids and adults are available. Ask your vacation advisor for more information on these special trips.
The polar bear migration is a special occasion, and it offers visitors a high probability of seeing the bears in the wild. Our specialized tour operators know the landscape extremely well, and will take you to places where bears are commonly spotted. There is no guarantee of a sighting, however.
The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour. Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.
Most wilderness lodge accommodations also provide activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours and more. Some of these can be pre-booked through Fresh Tracks, and some are arranged directly at the lodge.
This trip itinerary includes meals on the train, as well as meals at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill. Most dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.
Sleeper Plus Class include meals on VIA Rail’s Canadian train. As you travel from Vancouver to Winnipeg, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish.
Meals at Knight Inlet Lodge are from a set menu but can be customized for dietary needs if this information is provided far enough in advance.
A moderate level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge. You may need to walk on uneven ground, including muddy or rocky shorelines for approximately 200 metres.
Most of the polar bear viewing is operated from the Tundra Buggy, so is suitable for guests who are less active. To access the Tundra Buggy, you will need to go up 12 steps.
For other activity details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.
Fly to Campbell River
This morning, depart Vancouver and fly to Campbell River to start your grizzly bear experience.
- Flight from Vancouver to Campbell River
Float Plane to the Great Bear Rainforest
Your Knight Inlet Lodge experience begins.
View Grizzly Bears
Your Knight Inlet Lodge experience continues.
Knight Inlet Lodge-Campbell River-Vancouver
Travel back to Vancouver today.
- Flight from Campbell River to Vancouver Airport
- Private Transfer from Airport
Explore Vancouver
Explore Vancouver, a coastal city on the mainland of British Columbia. The city’s modern, high-rise buildings sit between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, in a truly picturesque setting of soaring peaks, ancient forests, and sandy beaches.
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour
Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
- Whistler Day Tour
Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.
- Vancouver and the North Shore Tour
Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your journey east. Travel through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley.
- Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing (48-Hour Pass)
- FlyOver Canada Admission
During your free time today, see Canada from coast to coast at FlyOver Canada. Take a seat in front of a 20-metre-wide spherical screen and enjoy a breathtaking flight simulation.
- Private Transfer to Train Station
VIA Rail – Canadian Rockies
Continue northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta — keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk!
- The Canadian Train - Onboard Service
Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.
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What Our Customers Say
The venues for the Grizzly Bears and Polar Bears were awesome
Our trip was very well coordinated. The venues for the Grizzly Bears and Polar Bears was awesome.
Pam and Steve
GA, USA
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