edmonton to churchill polar bear tours

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POLAR BEAR Tours

Polar bear tours.

OUR TOURS    |  POLAR BEAR TOURS

Our Day Tour & Multi-day Tour Packages

Polar Bear Photography Packages

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, Churchill’s location offers unrivalled access to the Western Hudson Bay sub population. View and photograph polar bears as they prepare to head back out on the sea ice. Our expert guides will position you to the best vantage points ensuring both the safety of guests and polar bears.

8 day polar bear photography package: 2024 dates: nov 1-8 (sold out) , nov 6-13 (sold out) price*: $7,995.00 cad (all tax included), 9 day polar bear photography package: 2024 dates: oct 16-24, oct 22-30 (sold out), nov 11-19 (sold out), nov 17-25 price*: $8,750.00 cad (all tax included), *contact us for discounted group rates..

Discover the tundra and share the land with Polar Bears as we explore a network of trails extending into the Wildlife Management Area. Our full day polar bear tours also include viewing the Northern Lights if visible before midnight.

PRICE*: $495.00 CAD + GST

*we offer discounted rates for groups of 6 or more, contact us for more information..

Borealis and Bear Cubs Package

Combine the best of late winter in northern Manitoba with chasing the Aurora Borealis and witnessing polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the first time in Wapusk National Park.The unique opportunities this package provides are essential to any professional photographer’s portfolio.

2024 dates:  febuary 27 – march 9, price*: $16,995.00 cad (all tax included), *aurora viewing is subject to weather conditions and safety considerations..

800-221-2216

Polar bears of churchill.

Overall Rating based on 12 Reviews

Our Distinctive A+R Style

• Step aboard our Coast Guard certified-boat, the Matonabee,the only Arctic vessel with underwater viewing, to see Polar Bears in their summer--we may encounter them swimming in these coastal waters or sunning on the western shores of Hudson Bay.
• Experience for yourself the intelligence and curiosity of Beluga Whales: Venturing out in our maneuverable Zodiacs, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the pods of whales that come in summer to mate, feed and raise their young. 
• A local wildlife photographer will share his personal photos and insightful tips on capturing unforgettable images of the Polar Bears and Beluga Whales of Churchill - An A+R Exclusive! 
• Choose a guided Kayaking or Beluga AquaGliding ™ adventure for another thrilling up-close experience with Hudson Bay’s resident Beluga Whales. 
• Step into the pioneering fur-trading days of the Hudson’s Bay Company on guided sightseeing tours including the Prince of Wales Fort and historic Cape Merry where the town of Churchill was founded in 1717. 
• Gain insight into the local Métis community and the life of Churchill’s nearly 1,000 hardy residents during our a cultural talk with a lifetime Manitoba resident—then ride behind his team of energetic sled dogs!
• Step aboard our Arctic Crawlers™ to explore the wildly beautiful and rugged landscapes of the Tundra, home to diverse wildlife including a variety of migratory birds, Arctic Hares and Arctic Foxes. 
• Learn about polar bears from an expert at the Churchill Northern Studies Center—then tour its “Green Building” with an exclusive view from its elevated outdoor platform—two A+R Exlcusives!
• With 2 nights hotel + 4 nights lodge; 16 meals; sightseeing; extensive nature activities to view Polar Bears + Beluga Whales; exclusive A+R cultural encounters; all transfers; both internal flights; all gratuities except Trip Leader. 

Show all itinerary details

Our Canada Tour begins in Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Inn at the Forks - Winnipeg, Canada

On arrival at the airport this morning, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the Inn at The Forks . Distinguished by its casual sophistication, our contemporary luxury boutique hotel offers a privileged location in the heart of Winnipeg. Just outside our hotel’s front door, The Forks is a National Historic Site at the confluence of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. With a fascinating past dating back 6,000 years to ancient aboriginal settlements, the area has witnessed waves of history from European fur traders and buffalo hunters to 19th-century railway pioneers. This afternoon, you’ll join our in-the-know resident guide for a sightseeing tour of the city. You’ll see St. Boniface Cathedral, a well-known landmark in Winnipeg’s vibrant French Quarter, and drive along Broadway to marvel at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Built in the early 1900’s, the cupola of this impressive provincial building is topped by the Golden Boy , a gilded statue of the Roman God Mercury. Then learn more about Winnipeg’s long history as you get to know The Forks, still a popular gathering place as it has been for centuries. Here along the banks of the two rivers, not far from your hotel, you’ll find tree-shaded parks, promenades, and outdoor sculptures along with cafes, shops and restaurants – many of them set in restored architectural landmarks. After sightseeing, you’ll have time to refresh before this evening’s Welcome Dinner.  Meals D

Flight to Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital

Lazy Bear Lodge - Churchill, Canada

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for our flight to Churchill. Set along the Churchill River where it flows into Hudson Bay, this remote and inviting northern town of 1,000 residents is uniquely situated between two distinct eco-systems: The Boreal Forests to the south and the Arctic Tundra that stretches north toward the Arctic. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and escorted to the Lazy Bear Lodge where you’ll find a welcome bottle of wine in your cozy log and wood-paneled guestroom. This afternoon, join your fellow Lodge guests for a Culture + Heritage Sightseeing Tour of Churchill. You’ll see the legendary Polar Bear Jail where rogue bears that come too close to town are safely housed until they can be released deeper in the wilderness. At historic Cape Merry, you’ll learn about the town’s founding in 1717 when James Knight sailed up the mouth of the Churchill River and built a fur trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company. In the midst of the boulders and hardy pine trees that dot the shores of Hudson Bay, you’ll also see Miss Piggy , a Curtiss C-46 freight plane that famously went down in 1979 – landing in the wilderness, well short of the runway, without any fatalities. This evening, A+R guests will join a local wildlife and nature photographer for a specially arranged private presentation. Viewing his mesmerizing photographs of the Hudson Bay region offers an excellent introduction to your own upcoming explorations. Photographers, regardless of your experience level, will find his tips insightful and helpful. Tonight you’ll dine at the  Lazy Bear Café , an inviting venue with a vaulted log-beam ceiling and stone fireplace. If fresh homemade specialties like Roasted Manitoba Bison or Braised Peppered Elk don’t appeal, the chef is also well-known for his fine pasta dishes, vegetarian stir-fries, and Arctic Char fresh from the waters of Hudson Bay!  During your stay, Lodge staff will invite you to an exciting late night venture to observe the dancing Northern Lights..  Meals B+L+D The order of your included excursions at Lazy Bear Lodge may change during your stay, but all excursions will be provided.

Polar Bears Capital of the World

The western coast of Hudson Bay is one of the best places in the world to encounter polar bears in their native habitat. This morning, you’ll step aboard our Coast Guard-certified, custom-built boat to go in search of these amazing creatures.  In late summer, the polar bears are a little bit lazy, gathering on the shore and giving us an amazing opportunity to watch as they lumber among the rocks and wildflowers that dot the shoreline. Often, we’ll also see them swimming in the pristine waters of the Bay. Local conditions permitting, you might even have the chance to go ashore to walk with the bears! With insight and guidance from our expert wildlife guides, it’s not unusual for guests to have remarkably up-close encounters that allow for truly once-in-a-lifetime photographs! Today’s expedition lasts 6 to 8 hours and includes a boxed lunch.  Meals B+L+D

Beluga Whale Watching

Today’s 3-hour expedition finds you in our highly maneuverable Zodiacs, exploring the waters of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay. In summer, up to 60,000 beluga whales come here to feed, mate, and raise their young. Belugas are highly intelligent and curious, and they will often swim surprisingly close – as if to investigate our boats and their 2-legged passengers! You’ll also step ashore for a guided tour of the Prince of Wales Fort, built by the Hudson’s Bay Company during the fur trading days of the 1700s.  Later today, A+R guests will have a chance to get even closer to the beluga whales with their choice of an included Beluga AquaGliding ™ or kayaking adventure:   Beluga AquaGliding™ Adventure : Get up-close with these gentle giants under the experienced eye of our guides. Starting with an instructional session, this 3-hour tour includes an Arctic dry suit and all gear; it is shared with other Lodge guests and subject to weather and water conditions.   Kayaking Expedition : This 3-hour guided adventure begins with a short instructional session. Venturing onto the Churchill River in single or double kayaks, you’ll have a chance to closely observe beluga whales in their natural environment. This excursion is shared with other Lodge guests and includes wet suits, life jackets and equipment. Meals B+L+D

Tundra Tour on our Arctic Crawlers™

Today you’ll hop aboard our Lodge’s exclusive Arctic Crawlers™ for a guided tour across the Tundra. With massive all-terrain wheels and large windows that open, these vehicles are prefect for exploring the rugged landscapes outside of town. In addition to the more-famous Polar Bears and Beluga Whales that you’ve already encountered, the lands along the western coast of Hudson Bay are home to many other species - including a variety of migratory birds, Arctic Hare, Arctic Fox, caribou, moose and eagles. Accompanied by our expert naturalists, you and other Lodge guests will spend 3 to 4 hours getting to know the geology, flora and fauna of the wildly beautiful Tundra. Spend some time with a local resident and dog musher, Dave Daley. In the 1960s, Cormorant, Manitoba was a small Métis community accessible only by the Hudson Bay Rail Line – and dog sleds. They are proud of their Métis heritage and strive to give their visitors a glimpse of the Métis lifestyle. Congenial discussions with Dave promise unique insight into the life, people and traditions of Manitoba. Then ride behind his team of energetic sled dogs—it’s a terrific way to appreciate the beauty of the countryside and to experience a slice of Manitoba life. You’ll also learn how the dogs are trained and gain insight into the local dog-mushing culture. Meals B+L+D

The Life of the Polar Bear + Return to Winnipeg

After breakfast, A+R guests will enjoy a private presentation at the Churchill Northern Studies Center, a highly regarded field station founded in 1976 to sustain research and education regarding the subarctic. This morning’s presentation will focus on both individual bears as well as some of the family groups that come to here to the western shores of Hudson Bay. Delving into the lives of these animals and the mounting challenges they face, you will come away with an even deeper appreciation of the magnificent creatures that you have come to know over the past few days. Then we’ll take you on a tour of the CNSC’s “Green Building” to learn about the Center’s history and its environmentally friendly 27,000 sq. ft. LEED-certified research station.  Enjoy exclusive views on the elevated outdoor platform and the indoor Aurora dome, all while discovering the innovative features that permit unprecedented self-sustainability in Canada’s subarctic. Then transfer to the airport for our flight back to Winnipeg. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted once again to our deluxe boutique hotel in the historic Forks district of the city. Your evening is free to enjoy downtown Winnipeg as you wish. Meals B+L

Homeward Bound

You’ll be chauffeured to the airport today for your homeward flight.  Meals B [ Please Note that all activities in Churchill are dependent upon local weather and water conditions. These included excursions may need to be rescheduled during your stay, but every effort will be made to ensure a complete program as per our itinerary. Local staff, crew and naturalists have the final authority to make decisions to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests. A more final itinerary will be given to you when you arrive at the Lazy Bear Lodge .]

Extend Your Trip

Add a pre-night in winnipeg.

Only $269 per person

Extend your tour with another night at our luxury boutique hotel in The Forks, Winnipeg’s historic riverfront district. We include dining certificates for The Forks Market, a lively food and shopping emporium set in redesigned turn-of-the-century stables, and prepaid entry for the outstanding Manitoba Museum. Both are within easy walking distance of our hotel.

Arrive Winnipeg

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the  Inn at The Forks . Your overnight stay includes a $50 voucher to be used at the shops and restaurants at the Forks, a nearby and popular site for dining, entertainment, and lovely walking trails.

Explore Winnipeg

Entrance to the nearby Manitoba Museum is included in your stay.  The immersive Museum Galleries tell the human and natural history of Manitoba from north to south, from ancient to contemporary times. Here you can feel the thunder of stampeding bison, unearth rare geological finds, and explore the Arctic and Subarctic. Experience the rich diversity of Manitoba’s ever-changing landscape and step back in time to delve into the dynamic history of Manitoba. The Museum is open 10am-rpm, Tuesday to Sunday. Greet fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.  Meals B+D  

Prices are per person, land only.

Family + Friends

Pay-in-full.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

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Churchill polar bear expedition: Canada

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour.

Phone: +001 303 449 377

21 October 2025 – 7 days for $7,795* USD (*based on 2024 prices, subject to increase.)

Travel to Churchill, situated in northern Canada, to see the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. Learn more about their evolutionary history and learn about the role ecotourism plays in the protection of polar bears and Arctic biodiversity.

Begin in Winnipeg, the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba, before heading north to Churchill, located on the shores of Hudson Bay. You will spend the week exploring the area in search of a variety of wildlife species, including the most well-known local resident, the polar bear.

A unique part of this tour is the exploration of Churchill's tundra area using a Polar Rover vehicle, a tundra buggy aimed to have minimal impact on the wildlife’s natural surroundings. With huge windows and a see-through steel outdoor viewing deck, it allows closer access to the bears and other wildlife. 

You will be accompanied by experts who will take a deep dive into the life and natural history of the polar bear through a series of talks, walking seminars and fireside chats, covering the following topics:

• The geology of the Canadian Arctic landscape
• The role of epontic communities and the role sea ice plays in the Arctic
• A deep dive into the life and natural history of Ursus maritimus – the polar bear
• Adaptations of flora and fauna to arid, Arctic ecosystems
• The evolutionary history of polar bears, including the many unique adaptations that distinguish them from their grizzly bear cousins
• The role of protected areas and ecotourism in the protection of polar bears and Arctic biodiversity
• Understanding landscape-level phenomena, including arctic mirages, “sun dogs” and the northern lights

In partnership with Natural Habitat Adventures.

DAY 1: WINNIPEG ARRIVAL

You will begin your adventure in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. On arrival into Winnipeg airport, you will be met by your expedition leader and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival flight time, you may have time to explore Winnipeg, which is home to many cultural attractions and is known for its ethnic diversity. Alternatively, you can relax at your hotel.

This evening, meet with your expedition leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting, where the plan for this week will be discussed. You will then get kitted out for your adventure in your cold weather gear. Afterwards, head out for dinner.

DAY 2: FLY TO CHURCHILL

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Winnipeg airport to board your privately chartered flight to Churchill.

The town of Churchill is situated in northern Manitoba on the edge of Hudson Bay. Established in the early 18th century, Churchill grew into a prosperous trading post, but declined in the 19th century when it was bypassed by faster overland routes. Today, the community is made up of a mix of Inuit, Cree and non-Indigenous people. It has only recently found a new role as the "polar bear capital of the world". Each autumn, the area’s polar bears venture onto the newly frozen pack ice to hunt for seals. 

This evening, head out into the tundra for your first glimpse of polar bears aboard custom-built Polar Rovers vehicles. These are heated and wheelchair accessible, and they have reclining seats, easily opening windows and an outdoor, grated, see-through deck. They have also been fitted with comfortable washrooms that have flushing toilets.

After time exploring the tundra, you will return to your hotel for a fireside talk with your expedition leader introducing the area and the wildlife that call this part of the world home. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about local residents' relationships with the polar bears, and how they have learned to live in relative harmony through the town's polar bear holding facility, aka "polar bear jail".

DAYS 3 TO 4: POLAR BEAR VIEWING  

During both days, you will head out in the Polar Roamer vehicles during daylight hours to explore the tundra in search of polar bears.

Polar bears are known to congregate in this area each fall as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, signaLling the start of the winter seal-hunting season. Your expedition leader will know the best places to observe them without disturbing their natural environment. 

While you are out exploring the tundra from the Polar Roamers, your expedition leader will give talks from the vehicle that explain the bears’ behaviour and how they thrive in such a harsh environment.

In the evening, you will gather for dinner and presentations on wildlife and local cultures.

DAY 5: EXPLORING CHURCHILL AND EVENING ON TUNDRA

Today, you will follow the coastal road on a drive to Cape Merry. Keep an eye out for Arctic foxes and Arctic hares, which can be spotted enroute. Look closely for them, as their white winter coats offer excellent camouflage later in the season when the ground is covered with snow.

If the skies are clear, your nighttime tundra excursion might reveal one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences: a chance to view the northern lights away from town. Though never predictable, the auroral display typically starts as a pale glow in the northern sky.  The lights often begin to undulate in shimmering curtains of colour, most typically green, but occasionally red or violet. 

DAY 6: DOG SLEDDING AND FLY TO WINNIPEG

This morning, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic dog sled ride, a highlight for many! Join a local musher and their team, spending time with the lively and affectionate dogs before taking turns riding behind them on an exhilarating trot through the boreal forest.

Enjoy a farewell lunch together before flying back to Winnipeg via your private charted flight. From here, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Winnipeg for your final talk. 

Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel in Winnipeg with the group and your expedition leader. 

DAY 7: WINNIPEG DEPARTURE

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

• Experience intimate polar bear encounters, spending five days exploring the Churchill area among the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears.
• Travel aboard the newest fleet of technologically advanced Polar Rovers, with huge windows and a see-through steel outdoor viewing deck, to get you closest to the bears.
• Enjoy an exclusive tundra excursion after dark that provides a unique perspective, including the chance, on a clear night, to view the northern lights away from town.
• Accompanied throughout by an insightful tour leader who will offer fascinating talks.
• Maximum group size - 14 people.

Meet the expert

Your polar bear expedition leaders for this tour will have been guiding bear tours for more than 10 years each and will receive additional training and resources from WWF’s top scientists, ensuring a superlative, interpretive experience. Your expedition leader will meet you in Winnipeg and travel with the group the entire way, sharing their wealth of knowledge and insight at every turn. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Six nights' accommodation on twin share basis
• Services of a professional expedition leader throughout
• Polar Rover excursions
• Dog sledding excursion
• Evening wildlife and cultural presentations
• All meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on final day
• Cold-weather gear, including a parka and boots, during your trip
• Airport transfers on day 1 and final day
• All activities and entrance fees
• All taxes, permits and service fees
• 24-hour support

WHAT ISN'T INCLUDED

• Internal air cost includes round-trip private charter flights from Winnipeg to Churchill - $1,297* (*based on 2024 prices, subject to increase.)
• Optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance
• Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities, including a helicopter flight over the tundra
• Single supplement - $995* (*based on 2024 prices, subject to increase.)

HOW TO GET THERE

This tour begins and ends in Winnipeg.Please speak to Natural Habitat who can offer travel advice.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

This tour requires very little walking. However, you must be able to walk up and down stairs. The Polar Rover vehicles are designed to travel over the tundra for polar bear observation and can sometimes offer a bumpy ride. You must be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and slippery surfaces (winter jackets and boots will be loaned for the duration of the tour).

POLAR BEAR VIEWING

An important note on polar bear viewing: some of the polar bear sightings are up close, while others are from afar. It is important to remember that while there is no better opportunity to see polar bears in the wild than this Churchill trip, the experience is weather-dependent. That means viewing polar bears and the distance at which you may see them is unpredictable and not guaranteed.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.

Accommodation

Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg

The Fort Garry Hotel is one of Canada's elegant railway hotels, built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1913, which have long been a symbol of this prairie city's importance as a transportation, commerce and culture hub. Located downtown, just one block from Union Station, this historic landmark is built in the French chateau style and is Winnipeg's finest hotel, retaining the air of gracious opulence from an earlier era. Relax in the lounge, enjoy a drink in the antique bar or indulge in a sumptuous treatment at Ten Spa, an authentic Turkish-style bath and spa located on the top floor of the hotel.

Churchill (exact hotel to be confirmed closer to departure)

In the sub-Arctic frontier outpost of Churchill, with a population of just under 1000, hotels are small and basic. All hotel options are clean, comfortable and conveniently located in the centre of town. Every room has an en suite bathroom with a shower. 

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Churchill polar bear expedition.

From $6,280

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Lying on the edge of Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Aboard a specially designed Tundra Buggy®, this hotel-based adventure allows you to experience the excitement of polar bear viewing in safety and comfort. Expert guides and researchers from Polar Bears International (PBI)—the world's leading polar bear conservation group—will join you on the buggies and at the headquarters, and you'll not only see polar bears but also learn about these majestic animals. As a bonus, you can race through the boreal forest in the traditional northern sport of dog sledding.

Arrive: Winnipeg, Canada

Depart: Winnipeg, Canada

• Experience the thrill of polar-bear-viewing on two full-day Tundra Buggy excursions
• Learn about polar bears and their habitat from Polar Bear International's expert guides
• Take a dog sledding excursion through the boreal forest
• Enjoy a cultural presentation by a local trapper who shares his way of life in the far north

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $600 130 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $600 per person 61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of an interpretive naturalist guide
• Accommodations in hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Internal flights to and from Churchill

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to guide or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Lakeview Signature by Wyndham

Winnipeg, Canada

Day 1 (1 night)

Tundra Inn, Polar Inn, or Aurora Inn

Churchill, Canada

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Day 5 (1 night)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1+, Easy , according to our trip grading system, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Tundra Buggy vehicles are used to explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears and there is an optional dog sled ride. Some agility is required for getting in and out of vehicles and exploring towns where walkways may be icy or snowy, so you must feel confident and stable on your feet.

The weather in Churchill varies greatly from season to season, and the wind coming off of Hudson Bay can often make temperatures feel even cooler than reported. Temperatures can vary from -20°C to 0°C (-4°F to 32°F), but strong winds can make the temperature colder (the "wind chill" factor). The Buggies are heated; however, when we see bears, windows go down and the interior quickly cools. Dressing in warm layers is the best way to stay comfortable. There is a service to rent arctic clothing ahead of time and pick it up upon arrival. Please ask our Area Specialist for details.

Daylight in Churchill During your adventure you can expect approximately 9 hours of daylight. The later in the season, the fewer hours of daylight there are.

Weather patterns over Hudson Bay in autumn can make the sky quite overcast. Please keep in mind that any Northern Lights are considered a bonus instead of a guarantee during these departures.

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• Churchill Polar Bear Tours
• Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure

Trip Highlights

The Most Intimate Polar Bear Encounters

Churchill's Best Tundra Vehicles Get You Closer

Search for the Aurora on the Tundra at Night

Photo Expeditions Available

Our immersive polar bear Photo Expedition includes three full days of photography on the tundra. No one offers you more time and proximity with the King of the Arctic, coupled with an intensive focus on helping you capture outstanding images. Our Expedition Leader is not only a top naturalist guide but an expert photographer and instructor, by your side to offer hands-on coaching and augmenting your learning with evening lectures on Arctic wildlife and landscape photography. With just 16 guests aboard vehicles designed for 30-plus passengers, everyone has a window seat, plenty of room for gear, and space to position for the best shots.

There is a Difference in Polar Bear Tours—Choose Wisely!

• We Hold Exclusive Permits for the Best Bear Viewing Area Not every polar bear tour operator in Churchill holds permits to access the full range of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area where the best—and often only—polar bear viewing occurs. Naturally, the Nat Hab/Great White Bear team possesses one of these permits. Those who don't can only offer trips along the road to Halfway Point, which is, as the name implies, only halfway to the prime polar bear-viewing area . If you’re going to Churchill just once in your life, make it a complete experience!
• Our Polar Rovers are the Most Impressive Vehicles in the North The original tundra buggy designed for polar bear viewing was invented in the 1980s, an innovative concept that has since been substantially improved upon. Our partner in Manitoba, a world-renowned specialty vehicle designer, has created the world's premier tundra vehicle—the Polar Rover—which we operate exclusively in Churchill. Its innovative drive train allows us to traverse the tundra with virtually no chance of breakdowns. With the advanced elite suspension system that smooths the ride, plus on-board flush toilet facilities, our guests enjoy a superior level of comfort and safety. 
• Steel Mesh Flooring Offers Close-Up Bear Observation Built into the rear viewing platform of every Polar Rover is an innovative and exclusive feature we've pioneered for optimal polar bear viewing—corrugated steel-mesh floors that facilitate remarkably close encounters with curious bears that sometimes wander beneath our vehicles!
• The Smallest Groups Ensure the Best Nature Adventures A fundamental element of the best polar bear expedition is a small group. It may cost a little more, but considering the hugely superior experience, we know it’s well worth it. By limiting our groups to approximately 16 guests (even though our Polar Rovers hold more than 30 passengers), we ensure plenty of space aboard our vehicles, room to angle for the best photos, and a window seat for all.
• Private Chartered Planes Maximize Time with the Bears So we don't waste time dealing with airline schedules and airport security screenings, we charter our own aircraft to fly directly between Winnipeg to Churchill at a time that's most convenient for us. We know you'd rather spend your time watching polar bears rather than sitting around airports.
• Sled Dog Experience Included on Every Departure Every one of our Churchill tours includes a personal visit with a local dog musher and his team, and a ride through the boreal forest behind a team of sled dogs. Earlier in the season, if there isn't sufficient snow cover, the dogs pull us in a wheeled cart. But whenever you come to Churchill, this authentic northern adventure is part of your experience. 
• We Provide Heavy Parkas & Winter Boots for Your Use No need to go spend a lot of money buying heavy outdoor gear you may use just once—we provide Arctic-style parkas and heavy-duty winter boots for your use in Churchill, at no cost. 
• Special Photography Departures Spend Three Full Days on the Tundra If you're especially interested in polar bear photography, choose a Photo Tour: Our custom Polar Rovers get us in prime range of our subjects, and photo departures spend three full days roving the tundra in search of bears and other Arctic wildlife, with expert photography coaching from our Expedition Leader. 
• The Finest Naturalist Guides on the Planet Natural Habitat Adventures is known for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Polar Bear Expedition Leaders—who have been guiding bear tours for an average of more than 10 years each—receive additional training and resources from WWF’s top scientists, ensuring a superlative interpretive experience. Expedition Leaders meet you in Winnipeg and travel with the group the entire way, sharing their wealth of knowledge and insight at every turn. On our special photo departures, guides are professional photographers with extensive experience photographing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife—and they're constantly by your side to share their knowledge. Our philosophy is pretty simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we simply must provide the best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Local Cultural Interactions Enhance Our Adventures Through years of developing close relationships with local people, we are able to offer our guests exclusive opportunities to meet revered elders of First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultural groups in Churchill. These storytellers are some of the most senior in their communities, passing on their knowledge of the past to younger generations and also to our travelers.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Special Polar Bear Experience Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

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• Great Ice Bear

Safari Overview

Two types of polar bear viewing await you on this safari! During your three-night stay at the lodge, you’ll see them on foot during daily guided hikes. You’ll also spend a day and night in Churchill where you’ll enjoy a chartered Tundra Buggy tour for a whole new vantage point!

One of our three late fall itineraries, this trip is designed with the point-and-shoot photographer in mind. If you’re an aspiring or professional photographer, check out one of our photo safaris.

Highlights:

• Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat.
• Indulging your taste buds with our tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines.
• Sky gazing! Our location beneath the auroral oval offers nearly 300 nights of aurora viewing each year. If conditions permit, you will be able to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in our secure compound. There is a high chance of seeing the lights on this safari.
• Educational evening presentations by our lodge managers or naturalist guides about our Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.
• Exploring the historic port of Churchill, meeting local characters, and uncovering its charms.
• Polar bears from a different perspective! Enjoy a chartered Tundra Buggy® tour as you explore a different part of the Hudson Bay coastline.
• Professional photography instruction available on select departures.

Lodge + Location

The location of Dymond Lake Lodge, nestled near the treeline of the Boreal Forest, gives it a true wilderness feeling. Being close to both the coast and the forest means the variety of wildlife is unparalleled. Polar bears, moose, fox, pine marten, snowy owls, and even the elusive wolverine are known visitors of this unique destination.

This property has eight double occupancy rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Stay in one of our cozy guest cabins and indulge in Arctic gourmet cuisine in the main lodge.

The fenced-in compound keeps you safe as you move about and allows you to get within mere feet of the wildlife that stop by to check things out. It’s also great when you want to lie on the tundra, watching the northern lights dance across the sky!

In the evenings, gather in the main building for fellowship or enjoy some quiet time in the small common areas located in each guest cabin.

• Dymond Lake Ecolodge

30 KM NORTH OF CHURCHILL BY PLANE

58° 49’ 19.72” N / 94° 32’ 40.92” W

ANTICIPATION BUILDS DURING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY IN WINNIPEG Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport.   Your winter gear fitting and collection will take place at 5 pm prior to meeting the rest of your group at an orientation dinner hosted by a Churchill Wild representative.

Includes: dinner

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Arrive in Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and will provide you with instructions of the morning transfers. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft to our Dymond Lake Ecolodge. This short flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River and then northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast. Keep a sharp eye en route for possible sightings of moose, wolves, and of course, the ‘Great Ice Bears’.

Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour and show you to your room. Lunch will be served soon after, and before heading out on your first excursion, you’ll be thoroughly debriefed regarding your stay in polar bear country.

This day includes a guided hike on our rugged and starkly beautiful coastline, an interpretive slide show featuring the wildlife of Hudson Bay, and hopefully a clear night for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Dymond Lake Ecolodge features an Aurora viewing tower for northern lights observation. All this will be topped off with a lunch and dinner where your hosts and guides will regale you with tales of life and adventures in Canada’s Arctic.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

TUNDRA TREKKING, POLAR BEARS AND PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY Each morning after a hot breakfast, your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursions. If there are bears near the Lodge, your morning tour may be delayed to take advantage of these photo and observation opportunities. The walks are comfortably paced as they are geared towards plenty of viewing and photo opportunities.

Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by one of our signature tundra-inspired meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. On clear nights, you may also have a chance to view one of the spectacular aurora borealis displays common at this latitude.

Bedtime is at your leisure and you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss out on anything. Our staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE LODGE…BUT NOT TO THE BEARS! After another hearty Lodge breakfast, we will begin air transfers back to Churchill.  Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.

Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring Churchill and area and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Along the way, your guide will point out murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill.

Tonight you’ll overnight in Churchill at our choice hotel.

TUNDRA BUGGY TM EXCURSION & BACK TO WINNIPEG Today you will travel across the tundra in a Tundra Buggy® for more polar bear viewing.  Transportation by bus to and from the launch site is provided pre- and post-tour. You’ll have lunch out on the tundra during your tour.

Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.

HOMEWARD BOUND After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.

Churchill Wild reserves the right to make changes to this itinerary due to weather and logistical complications that can arise from traveling in the north and to remote locations.

Dates & Rates

• 2024 Dates & Rates
• 2025 Dates & Rates

Availability

SOLD OUT – FULL LODGE BOOKING

ONE FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE

ONE ROOM AVAILABLE

THREE ROOMS AVAILABLE

Price (per person)

$15,195 cad.

+ taxes and gratuity

Single Private Room

$28,095 cad, $13,695 cad.

Prices are subject to taxes of 8.5%. Children from ages 8 to 12 qualify for the child rate.

* Single guests can sign up to share a room with another person of the same gender at the regular rate per person based on double occupancy. If a single guest prefers to have a private room option we also have a single private room rate as listed above. This rate guarantees a private room at the Lodge as well as at the hotels required within the package.

• Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba
• Roundtrip airfare between Churchill and Dymond Lake Ecolodge
• Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
• One nights’ accommodations in Churchill
• Three nights’ lodge accommodations
• Chartered Tundra Buggy® tour
• All meals, excursions and guide services while in Churchill and at the Lodge
• Winter gear*

*The winter gear we provide is designed to fit guests from child to adult.  Boot sizes larger than a men’s size 13 or a very small child are customized sizes that we do not provide. Additionally, guests over 6’4” may be required to bring their own gear as we may not have clothing sizes to fit.

Not Included

• Taxes and gratuities

TENTATIVE HOLD

$15,995 CAD

$29,595 cad, $14,395 cad.

“ Thank you for making a dream come true. I have looked into a polar bear’s eyes. Magical and moving. ” Daniela K.

“ What an experience, everything we hoped for and more. The Churchill Wild team are brilliant, from kitting us out with superb winter gear, providing superb meals and great trails to actually walking with polar bears. For those less active the bears even came around our compound and peered in at us, so we were in the zoo! It was fantastic to watch the bears in their natural state, especially the mother and cub we were so lucky to see a couple of days. The guides are true experts and passionate about what they do, as evidenced in their evening talks. Limiting the group size to 16 meant that no one was left out or jostling for position. Our group was very diverse in age and nationality, but we bonded well. Our experience was even more unique as we were storm bound for an extra two days! Fine for us as we had more time with the bears! The Churchill Wild team were great in rearranging flights, hotels, etc. back to Winnipeg, and also keeping us well fed and entertained. We can't thank them enough for giving us this tremendous insight into life in the arctic, well done all! ” Pete B.

“ You do “wonder and awe” with excellence – thank you for your skill, attention to detail and most of all, your hearts and spirits. ” Margi H.

“ Exceptional experience from top to bottom. Thank you for your warmth in this beautiful place – I have loved every minute. ” Caroline C.

“ The last trip on my bucket list and by far the most memorable. ” Doug G.

“ This was an incredible experience that exceeded our expectations. As Canadians we felt privileged to see these magnificent animals up close in their own backyard and learn so much about them and the way of life in this part of the country. The group size of 16 was perfect. The atmosphere was warm and inviting thanks to great hosts, staff and food and comfortable accommodation. ” Cathy & Claude P.

“ My vacations are always adventurous. Visiting this lodge with a small group of special people, seeing the northern lights and sharing in the life of the polar bears near the Arctic Circle so close and on their turf was a dream of mine! Every day knowledgeable and experienced guides took us out hiking to the Hudson Bay to point out polar bears (male, female and cubs), ptarmigan, red fox, and a snowy owl! The staff at the lodge made sure we had warm clean lodging with great food every meal, including beverages at happy hour! I recommend Dymond Lake Lodge and Churchill Wild without hesitation! It was an unforgettable experience! ” Karen F.

Explore Related Polar Bear Safaris

Journey to the floe edge.

• Fall Dual Lodge Safari

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See a polar bear in the wild!

Experience the unforgettable on a polar-bear tour in Canada.

Our local travel experts take care of the details — you make lifelong memories

Of all the wildlife experiences in Canada, there is nothing like seeing the awe-inspiring polar bear in its natural habitat. Watch mothers nurture their cubs, see the polar bear migration at its peak, or foster your passion for photography – our team of local travel experts work with you to create your perfect trip, including accommodation, local transport and unique excursions.

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

Discover polar-bear tours in Canada

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Churchill Polar Bear Safari - Fall

Experience a one-day jet excursion from Calgary, Edmonton, or Saskatoon to the polar bear country of Churchill, Manitoba.

Witness polar bears in their natural environment as they migrate toward the coast in anticipation of freeze-up and to access their favourite diet of ringed seals. A Tundra Buggy® will transport you across the terrain to view the polar bears comfortably and safely.

[ click here for more information, including a video overview ]

Fall 2024 Polar Bear Safari Tour dates from:

• Friday, October 25th - Guest Naturalist Brian Keating
• Saturday, November 2nd - Guest Naturalist Brian Keating
• Sunday, October 27th - Guest Naturalist Brian Keating
• Friday, November 8th - Guest Naturalist Susan Blum

Now booking our 19th Polar Bear Tour Season for 2024!

Grizzly bear west coast tour - spring.

Classic Canadian Tours is thrilled to present the one-day Grizzly Bear Tour. On this magnificent one-day tour, you will board a chartered aircraft and fly nonstop from Calgary or Edmonton to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, where you will be shuttled to a fully weatherproof 72-foot catamaran. Then, you will begin the 7-hour tour to the pristine wilderness of the Khutzeymateen, home of the largest population of grizzly bears anywhere on earth. Along the way, you will see various wildlife and be fascinated by stories about historic villages.

2024 tour dates from:

Sunday, June 9th - Guest Naturalist Brian Keating - Sold Out. Wait List Available.

New June 9th Calgary departure!

Yukon northern lights & wildlife tour - september.

Enjoy Northern Light viewing from a cozy cabin with a fireplace to keep you warm on this three-day, two-night tour .

Join Classic Canadian Tours this September for a fun-filled time in Whitehorse, Yukon. This fully guided package includes return airfare from Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver to Whitehorse, two evenings of Northern Light viewing (conditions permitting), two hotel nights in a pleasantly walkable area of downtown, a city tour , and a visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve .

[ click here for more information ]

September 2024 tour dates are:

• Friday, September 13, returning Sunday, September 15
• Friday, September 20, returning Sunday, September 22 (Sold out. A wait list is available.)

Yukon Northern Lights & Wildlife Tour - March

Enjoy Northern Lights viewing from a cozy cabin with a fireplace to keep you warm. On this three-day, two-night tour , join Classic Canadian Tours for a fun-filled time in Whitehorse, Yukon.

This package includes return airfare from Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver to Whitehorse, two evenings of Northern Light viewing (conditions permitting), two hotel nights, a city tour, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve , and transfers in Whitehorse.

We have partnered with Northern Tales to offer this spectacular weekend. Their guides are fully trained for all aspects of this tour. They will help you set up your camera on a tripod to take photos as you watch the eerie, sulphurous-green sheen begin to ripple into an ebb and flow, slowly growing and then waving and dancing as if it were happy. It’s a spectacular and mystical evening experience. During the day, you will take the City Tour, including a stop at Miles Canyon and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the March 2025 tour dates become available.

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Authentic Polar Bear Wildlife Tours

Experience a polar bear tour in churchill, canada.

Polar bears are a unique and iconic feature of the Arctic region. Not much on this earth compares to the experience of seeing the world’s largest land carnivore in its natural environment. Churchill, Canada known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” due to its strategic location on the western shore of Hudson Bay, provides an ideal vantage point for observing these magnificent creatures.  And a Churchill polar bear tour with Cregor Adventures gives you the unique opportunity to do just that!

Seeing the Polar Bears of Churchill is truly a trip of a lifetime!

Select Your Own Polar Bear Adventure

Cregor Adventures offers adventurous and curious travelers several options for seeing this majestic predator as it prepares for the annual trek north. Itineraries range from three, four, five, six, and seven day tours. Whether you’re an individual, a couple, a family, or a senior, there are tour options suitable for everyone!

Classic Polar Bear Adventure

Conservation Polar Bear Adventure

Family Polar Bear Adventure

Photography Polar Bear Adventure

Tundra Buggy Lodge Polar Bear Adventure

We’re currently developing 2023-2024 Polar Bear adventures, itineraries and pricing. More adventures are available than shown below. Please contact us for complete information about available trips.

Our classic Polar Bear Adventure is our most well-rounded itinerary, offering two or three days on the tundra viewing polar bears along with a mix of additional cultural activities. At the end of the day, return to the comfort of your hotel in town.  

• Limited to 22 Travelers
• 4 & 5 Night Adventures
• From $5,350 CAD

Our immersive Conservation Adventures offer up-close wildlife encounters with a strong focus on conservation and education. You will have the benefit of exploring Churchill with an accomplished wildlife scientist and gain exclusive access to important research infrastructure. 

• Limited to 20 Travelers
• 6 Night Adventure
• From $8,200 CAD

Our Family Learning Adventures are purposefully designed for families with children ages 8 – 12 years old that value the cultural teachings and unique bonding experiences that come with traveling together. 

• From $4,700 (child), $5,300 (youth) and $5,900 (adult) CAD

Maximize your viewing time to capture the perfect image. Led by a Photo Specialist Guide, these all-inclusive tours are generally longer in duration, include photography guidance and workshops and present an opportunity to connect with other photographers.  

• From $8,300 CAD

Our most immersive tundra experience – a stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge at Polar Bear Point. Located in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, home to the largest concentration of polar bears in the Churchill area, it is truly the best location for possible “round the clock” polar bear viewing! 

• 4, 5 & 6 Night Adventures
• From $6,300 CAD

Why Churchill, Canada?

Churchill is situated on the western shore of Hudson Bay, which serves as an important hunting ground for polar bears during the winter months. As the sea ice forms, polar bears venture out onto the ice to hunt for ringed seals, their primary prey. They will live on this sea ice all winter, hunting seals. Then, as the sea ice melts and drifts southerly in late Spring and early Summer, the bears are forced to come ashore and wait for the ice to reform. It is during this time of the year that the polar bears find themselves in the Churchill area, only to repeat the cycle in the Fall.

Over 1,000 polar bears migrate through the Churchill region each year waiting for the ice to reform. Because of the high concentration of polar bears, Churchill, Manitoba is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.”

During this time, typically from October to November, the town of Churchill becomes a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers and researchers from around the world to observe and study these magnificent creatures.

There’s so much more to Churchill than polar bears!

Those who want to see the North in a unique way can go on an exciting dog sledding adventure or get a birds-eye view of the tundra on a one-hour helicopter tour. When you’re not out touring the tundra, you can take in the sights of historic Churchill — an important 18th and 19th century outpost of the North American fur trade. Both the Itsanitaq Museum and the Parks Canada Interpretive Center offer unique cultural exhibits and programming that provides insight into the past, present and future of Canada’s indigenous people.

The “Tundra Buggy” Experience!

In the late 1970’s, several pioneering individuals developed Churchill’s tourist industry. They designed and built the first tundra vehicle, the “Tundra Buggy” on a fire engine chassis. This allowed tourists to see these magnificent creatures up close, in safety, while in their natural habitat. And a new industry was born!

The technology has changed a bit over the years – today, we even operate EV tundra buggies!  Yet, the Tundra Buggy remains a remarkable vehicle. With its all-terrain capabilities, it allows guests to venture onto the tundra safely while minimizing disturbance to the environment and the wildlife.

A Tundra Buggy tour takes guests on a 20-mile network of established trails within the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. This area is in the heart of polar bear country, providing a prime location for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

As guests journey through the wilderness, they have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Churchill region. The subarctic terrain, with its vast stretches of tundra, frozen lakes, and boreal forests, offers a captivating backdrop for the wildlife encounters.

In addition to polar bears, the Tundra Buggy experience may also provide sightings of other wildlife such as Arctic foxes, ptarmigans, snowshoe hares, and various bird species. As you travel along, your expert will provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna.

Experience a Polar Bear Adventure with Cregor Adventures!

A visit to Churchill, Canada provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the wonders of the Arctic, observe polar bears in their natural habitat, and learn about the unique ecosystems and cultures of the region. It’s an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of the Arctic environment.

Churchill, Canada, offers a remarkable opportunity for visitors and researchers from around the world to experience the wonders of the Arctic. All our tours are suitable for individuals, couples, families, seniors – anyone willing to brave the cold to experience one of the world’s most majestic creatures and learn about one of the most fascinating regions!

Why a Cregor Adventures Tour to Churchill?

Our partners in Churchill are a family-owned and operated business, specializing in adventures to Canada’s North since 1988.

Their programs are designed for guests with specific interests in experiential travel, photography, wildlife, culture and adventure. They have built their business on the principle of working closely with the local communities. It is these relationships that make the difference between a “cool” vacation and an amazing, authentic and intimate adventure.

Far too many companies offer numerous destinations and itineraries to places that they themselves have never been to but have only read about. You deserve better – you deserve a company that offers first-hand knowledge and “value added.”  We have personally been traveling to Churchill for over 25 years with these same partners.

Our polar bear programs meet the standards set by Manitoba Sustainable Development and Parks Canada, which allows us to take guests into places where only a few can go, offering unparalleled experiences. 

We realize most people visit Churchill to experience its magic just once in their lives. For that reason, we recommend you know the company you will be traveling with and what kind of “authentic” experience they offer.  We’re one of only two companies that have permits to access the full range of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.  Companies who don’t have the proper permits, offer trips aboard school-bus type vehicles that can travel along the road to Halfway Point. Which, as the name implies, is only half-way to the prime polar bear viewing area.

Our world-class guides and drivers offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Chosen for their expertise, our enthusiastic and engaging team will make sure you leave having had the adventure of a lifetime.

We believe that our responsibility includes not only a focus on conservation, but also on supporting the communities in which we travel. Through support of Polar Bears International and the northern communities where tours take place, we are able to provide an enriched experience for our guests and, at the same time, enrich the wildlife, people and places where we operate.

Our approach to social responsibility involves three core areas: Environmental Stewardship, Caring for People and Community Involvement, and Educational Outreach. 

As part of that commitment:

The Tundra Buggy Fleet is being converted from diesel-powered vehicles to electric propulsion. Converting to electric power not only provides a less-intrusive, silent touring experience for our guests and wildlife, but will also reduce each vehicles operating emissions by approximately 99%!  (50 KM or 31 miles is the average range of our newest EV Tundra Buggy when fully charged – more than enough for a full day out in the Churchill Wildlife Management area!)

A purchasing policy ensures we source local, working with indigenous vendors and suppliers that support social and environmental responsibility.

As a travel company, we bring guests to incredible places to experience first-hand the history, culture and wildlife of an area of the world that not many people will have the chance to see.

We realize that we also have a responsibility to not only ensure we are traveling sustainably in these fragile ecosystems, but also to inspire and educate people around the world to be passionate about the regions they are traveling and everyone – and everything – who live there.

It is this responsibility that has fueled a partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI). Their mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. They also work to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection of this fragile ecosystem to our global climate.

PBI is the world’s leading polar bear conservation group, dedicated to sustaining a future for saving polar bears by saving their habitat.

Through this exclusive partnership with PBI, our guests learn first-hand from experts who join us on our Tundra Buggies and at our Tundra Buggy Lodge to share their knowledge about Arctic wildlife and climate change.

Tundra Buggy One

Tundra Buggy One is a mobile broadcast and research center created exclusively for Polar Bears International’s use. Tundra Buggy One is outfitted with tools and equipment that enable polar bear scientists to study bears and broadcast live webcasts and video from the remote tundra, sharing up-to-date information on Churchill’s polar bears with audiences around the world. 

Every fall, Polar Bears International conducts live, free broadcasts, webcasts and live chats from Tundra Buggy One during the polar bear migration in Churchill. Each week focuses on a different theme, tapping into the expertise of guest panelists. Viewers are able to see wild polar bears, meet experts, ask questions and receive answers in real time. 

Tundra Connections 

During the polar bear season, you can watch live video of polar bears in Churchill from Tundra Buggy One at explore.org. 

Our Churchill partner is an award-winning and internationally known leader in Canada’s eco-tourism industry and has been recognized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada as one of the top three sustainable tourism operators.

A Note from Peggy…

Sometime in the early 1980’s I watched National Geographic’s documentary Polar Bear Alert ! It focused on the small frontier town of Churchill, Manitoba and how it co-exists alongside these magnificent (and dangerous) creatures. You may recall that documentary…remember the children Trick or Treating while polar bears were near the town?

I was fascinated by the opportunity to visit polar bears in their natural habitat. I guess you could say it was the first item on my bucket list – before I knew what a bucket list was!

Several years later, I discovered a family-owned business pioneering tourism in the Churchill area. I jumped at the chance, along with my mother, to travel up to the Canadian Arctic to see these “Kings of the Arctic” up-close and personal.

We were not disappointed. Imagine a polar bear, having no fear of us, slowly and curiously, walking up to our Tundra Buggy. Then, standing up on its hind legs, looking at me, almost eye-to-eye.

It was their creation of the original tundra vehicle, the Tundra Buggy, that allowed this incredible experience to happen and ignited adventuring amongst polar bears in Churchill. Today, thirty years later, this same family-owned and operated business is our partner as we offer programs for guests with an adventurous spirit and specific interests in experiential travel, photography, wildlife, and indigenous culture.

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Tundra Vehicle Tours (Polar Bear/Wildlife Viewing)

Frontiers North Adventure – Tundra Buggy In dividual and packaged tours are available    Ph: 1-800-663-9832 or 204-949-2050,  email  or check out their website .

Great White Bear Tours Individual and packaged tours are available. Ph: 1-866-262-6202,  email  or check out their website . 

Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions Provides packaged bookings Ph: 1-866-687-2327 or 204-663-9377, email or check out their website.

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Classic Churchill Polar Bear Tour

002511 - W20

This program offers incredible adventures that bring our guests right into the heart of polar bear country, the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Explore the tundra on the world-famous Tundra Buggy®! Enjoy the thrill of dog-sledding, a true Arctic experience.

• Town and Area Tour of Churchill
• Visit the Polar Bear Holding Facility (polar bear jail)
• Tundra Buggy® tours searching for polar bears
• Arctic wildlife such as arctic fox and hares, ptarmigan and snowy owls
• Dog-sledding excursion

Tour Code: 002511 - W20

This classic tour has you staying in the town of Churchill and going out onto the tundra in search of polar bears and other arctic wildlife.

Itinerary: Day 1: Fly to Winnipeg Arrive any time today to Winnipeg and check into the Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection by Wyndham at the Winnipeg airport. Join the evening meet & greet at the hotel. Meals: None Day 2: Travel North to Churchill & Town Tour You have an early morning flight to Churchill today. On arrival you will enjoy a Churchill Town and Area Tour to get to know the area surrounding the town, with a stop at the Polar Bear Holding Facility. After lunch at a local restaurant you will have a visit to the Churchill Eskimo Museum. Dinner is at a local restaurant along with an evening cultural presentation by a local. Meals: B, L, D Day 3: Tundra Buggy® Adventure After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tundra Buggy® launch site where we will board our Tundra Buggy and set off to explore in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Our knowledgeable Tundra Buggy driver will navigate throughout the WMA in search of polar bears and other arctic wildlife. A delicious lunch will be served right out on the tundra. After our first full day, we’ll return to town where you will have some time to explore the town before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, L, D Day 4: Dog Sledding Excursion & fly south to Winnipeg Today you will take part in a Dog sled program as well as pay a visit to the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre to learn about the historical significance of Churchill. This evening after dinner you will be transferred to the Churchill airport for your flight south to Winnipeg. Check in to the Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection by Wyndham at the Winnipeg airport. Meals: B, L, D Day 5: Tour ends You may depart Winnipeg at your leisure today or choose to add on some days to explore Manitoba’s capital city. We would be happy to quote you to extend your stay and recommend some local sightseeing options. Meals: None

This tour is an extended version of the Classic Churchill Polar Bear Tour above. You’ll stay in the town of Churchill for an extra night and go out onto the tundra one more day, in search of polar bears and other arctic wildlife.

Day 1: Fly to Winnipeg Arrive any time today to Winnipeg and check into the Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection by Wyndham at the Winnipeg airport. Join the evening meet & greet at the hotel. Meals: None Day 2: Travel North to Churchill & Town Tour You have an early morning flight to Churchill today. On arrival you will enjoy a Churchill Town and Area Tour to get to know the area surrounding the town, with a stop at the Polar Bear Holding Facility. After lunch at a local restaurant you will have a visit to the Churchill Eskimo Museum. Dinner is at a local restaurant along with an evening cultural presentation by a local. Meals: B, L, D Day 3: Tundra Buggy® Adventure After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tundra Buggy® launch site where we will board our Tundra Buggy and set off to explore in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Our knowledgeable Tundra Buggy driver will navigate throughout the WMA in search of polar bears and other arctic wildlife. A delicious lunch will be served right out on the tundra. After our first full day, we’ll return to town where you will have some time to explore the town before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, L, D Day 4: Dog Sledding Excursion & fly south to Winnipeg Today you will take part in a Dog sled program as well as pay a visit to the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre to learn about the historical significance of Churchill. This evening after dinner you will be transferred to the Churchill airport for your flight south to Winnipeg. Check in to the Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection by Wyndham at the Winnipeg airport. Meals: B, L, D Day 5: Second Tundra Buggy® Adventure After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tundra Buggy® launch site in the morning for the second full-day tour out on the tundra.  Lunch and refreshments will be served on the buggy while our driver seeks out more incredible wildlife viewing experiences. At the end of the day you are transferred back to town for dinner. Meals: B, L, D Day 6: Tour ends You may depart Winnipeg at your leisure today or choose to add on some days to explore Manitoba’s capital city. We would be happy to quote you to extend your stay and recommend some local sightseeing options. Meals: None

Arrive in Winnipeg a day or two early and do some sightseeing. Visit the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and see the bison herd at Fort Whyte Alive.. Visit the Forks and shop at the lively market and take in the stunning Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Explore the province’s history at the Manitoba Museum or gaze at the stars at the Planetarium. Tour the Provincial Legislative Building with the Golden Boy atop its dome and view the fabulous artwork at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the stunning, new and innovative Qaumajuq museum, home of the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art.

We can arrange for a car rental and additional nights of accommodation at a centrally located hotel or at the airport. Just ask!

Board your nonstop* charter flight from Montréal, Québec to Churchill, Manitoba—the Polar Bear Capital of the World! Experience the northern frontier town of Churchill and the wonderful wildlife surrounding it on this hotel-based adventure. You will have the rare opportunity to view wild polar bears from a Tundra Buggy® and to take in the eclectic charm of this remote and extraordinary community. Subarctic Discovery: Churchill Polar Bears includes a full-day Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, where polar bears await the freezing of the Hudson Bay. Additionally, indulge in and explore the history and culture of Churchill by exploring its cultural museums, unique shops and family-run restaurants boasting delicious regional cuisine.

5 day/4 night tour from Montreal, select dates October. See Details box for starting from prices and inquire for dates.

• Airfare Winnipeg-Churchill return or Montreal-Churchill return depending on program chosen
• 2 nights of accommodation in Winnipeg or Montreal return depending on program chosen
• 2 or 3 nights of accommodation in Churchill, depending on program chosen
• All transfers in Churchill
• 1 or 2 full day Tundra Buggy® excursions, depending on program chosen
• Tour of Parks Canada Interpretive Centre
• Visit to Itsanitaq Museum in Churchill
• Dog Sledding Excursion
• Meals as indicated in itinerary
• Tour Escort
• Pre-departure information package
• Airfare from home city to/from Winnipeg or to/from Montreal
• Additional accommodation in Winnipeg or Montreal pre/post tour
• Taxes on tour program
• Additional tours not outlined in itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Items of a personal nature

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

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S5, E1: Polar Discoveries

On this week’s episode of travel tales by afar , a polar bear biologist shares her first encounter with the world’s largest land predator..

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On the first episode of Travel Tales by Afar , season five, we meet Alysa McCall, a polar bear biologist who works in Canada’s polar bear capital: Churchill, Manitoba.

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and this is Travel Tales by Afar . And I’m so happy to be back with the first episode of season five—we’ll be sharing new episodes each week all summer.

And we’re starting this season off with a roar. Although, to be fair, the subject of today’s episode—polar bears—aren’t actually that noisy.

We’re going to be hearing from Alysa McCall, a polar bear biologist with Polar Bears International. I first learned about her work at a TED Talk event in partnership with Destination Canada, where Alysa shared a story about polar bear conservation. She’s a wonderful storyteller, and her passion for polar bears and their extremely sensitive and endangered habitat was impossible to miss.

As you might imagine, Alysa lives in a cold place: Whitehorse, a city in Yukon Territory, where winter temps can drop as low as minus 35. And she spends much of her time in another chilly place: Churchill, Manitoba, known as the polar bear capital of the world. But you’ll soon discover, it wasn’t a given that she’d end up a polar bear biologist. And then a very special polar bear encounter in Churchill changed, well, everything.

Alysa McCall: When I was a child, if you’d told me that I would end up being a polar bear biologist, I probably would have been a mix of happy–confused. I loved animals, but polar bears were never even close to being on my radar. I even remember (and I’m aging myself here) when the toonie was released. That’s a Canadian two-dollar coin for those who don’t know. It had polar bears on one side, and I thought, “Oh cute, yeah I guess they are pretty Canadian.” But the white bears were rarely on my mind outside of TV commercials. It was black bears that were more of a presence, or nuisance.

But looking back, that’s where everything started. I grew up on a mountain in Kamloops, British Columbia. We had forests surrounding us, but just nearby was a semi-arid desert with rattlesnakes and cacti. As a kid, I loved to go hiking with my dad and just really kind of get surrounded by nature. We’d walk up behind our house, past a rock quarry, and follow the trails all over the mountain. Compared to other hikes I’ve done since, there was really nothing remarkable about the area or paths, but as a kid, every squirrel or flower or scat pile was new and interesting.

Nature also visited us . Outside of our big living room window, there were fruit trees. Every spring and summer, black bears would come and hang out under these trees, right in front of our window. And I could sit and watch them for ages. If we needed to get outside to get in the car, we’d just go out and bang some pots, and they’d usually wander away. I look back now, like, “Wow, my relationship with bears really has changed.” I still love them, but I am way less chill now.

It wasn’t until about high school that I realized that being a wildlife biologist was a real job. And it just so happened that my local university had an amazing animal biology program. I had waffled for years about whether I should go into medicine or wildlife, but I had a moment on a walk one day where it was just clear I had to follow my passion: animals. So it was a choice that ultimately led me to where I am now.

As an undergrad, I got to do a good amount of field work. For years, I worked with small animals. And I loved it. For one project, I put little tracking collars on deer mice to find where they spent their days, and for another project I captured and released them in their desert grasslands habitat, after seeing how giving them extra water might impact them. Another year, I helped put trackers on toads by attaching mini radio backpacks.

As I was getting ready to graduate with my bachelor’s, I wasn’t quite sure what to do next. My supervisor suggested reaching out to Andy Derocher . He’s a world-renowned polar bear biologist out of the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

And I thought, “Yeah, right. There’s no way. Only special people must get to do that sort of cool work. I’m a mouse biologist.” It was some serious imposter syndrome, and a bit of just thinking my luck wasn’t that good, even though my grades were. But eventually I said, “What’s the worst that could happen?” And I shot off a quick email to Andy. And later that day he emailed me back and said, “Sure. Come over. See you in September.”

So, I moved to Edmonton for school that September and the first time I saw a polar bear in person was only weeks later. I had only read about the bears at that time, but Polar Bears International needed some outreach support in Churchill, Manitoba, that fall of 2010.

Polar bears are marine mammals, so land is not where they want to be—they’d rather be on the frozen ocean hunting seals. But near Churchill, the bears are forced onto land each summer when the ice on Hudson Bay melts. People flock to Churchill each fall to watch the bears before the ice refreezes and to talk about them—not to do field work—so it was a good soft intro for me to the species, and to Polar Bears International.

I landed in Churchill in the evening and headed out onto the tundra in the dark, not seeing anything beyond our headlights. I slept that night on a tundra buggy, which is like a luxury glamping school bus on monster truck wheels, wind rocking us to sleep. The next morning I woke up in my top bunk with a view of the nearby coast, and was instructed to keep my eye on what I thought was a rock just in front of us. Soon enough, that rock woke up to stretch and I got my first peek at the world’s largest land predator. Awestruck barely describes it.

I spent a wonderful week in Churchill, learning about polar bears and watching them, and getting to know my future colleagues. As I boarded the plane home, I knew I’d be back as soon as possible.

Seeing polar bears in that environment helped me wrap my head around the uniqueness of their conservation needs. When I was doing the mouse and frog research, I was able to manipulate their environment directly—for example, by giving them water. Doing really concrete things, then measuring the impact right away.

But then, there are polar bears. Polar bears take a long time to reproduce. They don’t have a lot of cubs. And they rely on this insane habitat, the sea ice, a home that is melting due to extra heat in the atmosphere. We can’t just grow more of it when we want. There are no fences to put around it to protect it. We can’t hire anyone to patrol it. To protect it, the manipulation has to happen in our global atmosphere. This task requires a different conservation approach, one with so much communication and so many world leaders. Though the issue seemed gargantuan, I couldn’t look back. I needed to learn more about this ice bear and how they were living on these ephemeral floating platforms—[and] how we were going to make sure they had a stable future.

My first chance to do real fieldwork was in February, 2011, back in Churchill, Manitoba. It was going to be a lot colder this time around, so I tried to shove my giant Canada Goose down jacket into my suitcase—and it took up almost all the space. At the tim,e Churchill seemed way way north, though I live even farther north now.

I remember flying in and looking out the airplane window and just seeing white. All white. There were frozen ponds and scraggly trees, and it was flat, flat, flat as far as the eye could see. When I walked off my plane, dressed in my warmest gear, I was hit in the face with the coldest air I’ve ever experienced (though I’ve since experienced colder!). It was in the minus 30s. Cold, right? Actually, it was even colder than it usually is, so the first week, we were grounded. All of our fieldwork is done via helicopters. And helicopters are amazing machines, but they have limitations, especially when it comes to extreme cold. So that meant each morning, the lead biologist, Nick, would call the pilot and say, “How’s it looking?” And he’d say, “Not so good, Nick.” So we just hung out at the old Churchill Northern Studies Centre and played cribbage. There’s a new building there now, but the old one kind of looked like something out of the movie The Thing .

We had dorms that were separated from the main area by a freezing cold corridor we called the Arctic Hallway. In the morning if you wanted to go get coffee, you had to sprint-shuffle down this hall to get into the cafeteria. I remember shuffling around the whole research station in, like, slippers and wool socks. At night, we’d watch the most spectacular northern lights.

Finally, a week later, the weather cleared. I was a mix of very excited and extremely terrified. The helicopter was set to pick us up just after legal light. I woke up wired, dressed in lots of layers, and packed my backpack with even more layers. Extra socks, as well as a notepad and pencil (pens don’t work in the cold— ink freezes). I packed lunches for everyone, too. Lots of peanut butter sandwiches, plus thermoses of hot water and coffee.

When the helicopter landed, we loaded our heavy backpacks, firearms and tranquilizer darts, and emergency gear in case we got stuck out there. When we finally lifted off the ground, Nick asked if I had my big parka. Turns out, I only had my smaller one. So we had to fly back. And I was so embarrassed as I ran back into the center past people drinking their coffee to whom I had just said goodbye. OK, now we were off. For real.

Flying out over the ice was like being on a different planet. It was somewhat disorienting, like the world’s largest puzzle with massive irregular, striking white pieces of ice fitting together, shifting away from each other on top of the dark blue ocean. A bear being reliant on the frozen, shifting, moving habitat that only exists if the right weather conditions are met is wild.

Nick told me to take notice of the pressure ridges, where large platforms of sea ice had pushed together, causing chunky ridges to form that looked almost like stitches. Seals can make homes and have their pups at the bottom of the ridges, using the space under the peaks as little refuges. Polar bears often use the pressure ridges almost like a shifting road map, following alongside the zigzagging hills until they smell something interesting, then breaking inside to find out if they’d win a warm squishy prize.

I was also training my “bear eyes.” It really does take some time to get used to what a polar bear looks like against the sea ice, both for color and size. They’re not quite as white as you might think. But I finally got used to spotting the beautiful creamy yellow little fuzzy blobs against the harsh white ice.

We flew for a while but it didn’t take too long until we finally saw the first family group. To study these families, we have to tranquilize the mom very safely—only when there’s no males nearby. The cubs stay by her side and we can walk up to them and give them a very small dose of Telazol, a tranquilizer, so they sleep for about 30 minutes. But to even get to that point, the pilot has to maneuver the helicopter at the right angle so the biologist can aim at the mom. The chopper needs to be light—meaning they needed to kick me out first.

I grabbed my backpack, radio, and gun and got out by myself. Alone, on the moving sea ice in the freezing cold, surrounded by ridges. It was a surreal feeling, but I was never really scared since I trusted the crew so much. I was in pure silence, hearing just wind and water under the ice. My eyelashes were frozen and I shuffled in place to keep warm even though I was wearing more layers than I ever had worn in my life. Despite the best efforts of my expensive winter boots and two layers of warm socks, my toes were going numb.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I could hear the whomp-whomp-whomp of a helicopter approaching in the distance. They were coming to pick me back up to bring me back to the bear and the biologist. I could feel the waves of air hit my body as my ears got overwhelmed by the screams of the engine. I crouched down with my gear, making sure nothing could fly off, and the helicopter landed in a storm of whipped-up snow. I hid my face from the rotor wash as the machine settled, and when I got the thumbs up from the pilot, I was able to approach, blades still spinning.

Getting back into the helicopter was a disaster. I was trying to play it cool but I had all this awkward gear and felt like the Michelin man with my layers, backpack, and heavy boots. I finally settled into my seat and now tried to do up the awkward seatbelt over my massive parka. As I’m desperately trying to not look like the biggest dork in the world, the pilot, Jon, calmly pushed his hand over to redirect the barrel of my shotgun that I had absentmindedly been pointing at his face. He said something like, “You probably don’t want to point your gun at your pilot; it’ll be a long time before you find someone to come rescue you.” Mortifying. Side note: I later married him.

When we reached the polar bears, Nick was making sure that mom was resting easily and the cubs stayed with her. I hopped out as the helicopter shut down and grabbed our gear to take it over.

Walking up to the bears for the first time, I couldn’t stop thinking, “Wow, is this actually happening?” I think Jon, the helicopter pilot, could sense I was trying to play it cool. The cubs were sleeping by then so he picked one up and let me hold it for a quick picture.

But the desire to absolutely melt into a puddle of adorableness was overshadowed by the freezing cold and the drive to get our piece over with as fast as possible to leave this family alone as soon as we could. So we got to work.

My first job was to help write down data as the biologist took measurements and handled the bears. Luckily, I had a glove-mitten combo where I could pull the top off and have my fingers free for the moments I scribbled stuff down. I learned to work with numb fingertips pretty quick. Meanwhile everyone was watching each other’s faces for frostbite, for skin turning white, especially on the nose or cheeks. You have to catch it fast to prevent it from becoming serious. We also took turns watching the horizon for approaching bears, just in case. They move fast and ridiculously quietly, so they can appear almost out of nowhere.

The data collected from this long-term study has been critical in our understanding of moms and cubs in this region and even more broadly. Mom with cubs are the most vulnerable and important group in the polar bear world. Cubs are the key to sustaining the polar bear population. And raising cubs is getting increasingly harder in a warmer and less predictable world.

As we were starting to wrap up with this family—making sure they were resting together—we looked up and saw another family. We all stopped in silence to watch this mom with two cubs, only months old, navigating the ice perpendicular to us across the horizon. Even though this was the most harsh habitat I’d ever visited in my life, the moment was so peaceful. Even Nick, who’d been studying polar bears for 30 years, stopped to watch. That quiet moment amongst us, appreciating this new family on the sea ice, was the most impactful moment I’d had yet. I had what my four year old calls big feelings: hopeful, happy, scared, anxious for the future, curious—I had it all.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted and cold but pretty sure I could never turn away from polar bears. I actually felt a bit panicked like, “Is this it? Is this as good as it gets?” From then on I knew I had to help protect this wild habitat if I was going to be content on my life’s path.

It’s a global problem. Losing sea ice is directly tied to burning too many fossil fuels. It’s science, but the solution will come from the art of communicating to people. We can help explain the mechanism, the problem, and the solutions. But what we really need to do is push our leaders to make big changes and provide more affordable and available solutions to protect the future for polar bears, and for people.

In the old days of science communication, we tended to stay away from these emotions. Instead, we’d present graphs and data and PowerPoint presentations. But I think sharing these big feelings is what is going to inspire change. Heart is what’s actually going to help us move the conservation needle.

I can spit facts all day long about bears and ice but what sticks with people and what makes them care are stories, passion, experiences—their own experiences. From connection comes love, and from love comes the desire and drive to protect.

The rest of the field season went smoothly. We handled many families, including one with triplets. There was a little runt that likely didn’t make it, but they were all such incredible animals.

I often do wonder how those cubs I held are, how many are still alive and how they’re navigating their rapidly changing habitat. We know this population has declined from about 1,200 polar bears in the 1980s to just over 600 now.

What will things look like in 10 years? 20? By the time I’m gone? All I know is I can play some sort of role in trying to keep this habitat stable for the polar bears, and for us. And I’ll do it out of love.

Aislyn: That was Alysa McCall, polar bear scientist extraordinaire. As we mentioned at the top of the episode, she lives in Whitehorse with her helicopter pilot husband, Jon, and their four-year-old daughter.

To watch a short interview I did with Alysa, head over to YouTube –I’ll share the link in the show notes. She talks about her favorite recent polar bear encounters, why we should all visit Churchill if we can, and why her daughter isn’t that into polar bears (yet).

To learn more about her work at Polar Bears International, visit polarbearsinternational.org. It’s a fantastic resource, with polar bear cams , symbolic adoption kits, and tons of photos and facts. We’ll link to that in our show notes, as well as to Alysa’s TED Talk .

Ready for more Travel Tales ? Visit afar.com/podcast, and be sure to follow us on Instagram and X . We’re @afarmedia. If you enjoyed today’s exploration, I hope you’ll come back for more great stories. Subscribing makes this easy! You can find Travel Tales by Afar on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. And be sure to rate and review the show. It helps us book amazing guests like the one you heard today, and it helps other travelers find it.

This has been Travel Tales , a production of AFAR Media. The podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland. Music composed and produced by Strike Audio.

Everyone has a travel tale. What’s yours?