Arctic Wildlife Expedition

5-Day Polar Bear Adventure in Churchill, Manitoba

Tour Overview

Polar bear in Churchill Manitoba Canada – the polar bear capital of the world

Churchill, Manitoba — perched on the western shore of Hudson Bay — is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". Every October and November, hundreds of polar bears gather near Churchill, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can head out to hunt seals. The Arctic Wildlife Expedition gives you direct, close-up access to these magnificent animals from the safety of a Tundra Buggy.

Beyond polar bears, Churchill offers extraordinary wildlife encounters year-round: beluga whale watching in the Churchill River (summer), the Northern Lights (winter), and an incredible variety of Arctic birds. Churchill is a remote, off-the-beaten-path destination that rewards adventurous travellers with truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.

Tundra buggy on the Arctic tundra of Churchill Manitoba for polar bear watching

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day1
Arrival in Churchill (via Winnipeg)

Fly Winnipeg to Churchill (direct charter flight, 2.5 hours). Transfer to historic Churchill hotel. Orientation with your Arctic guide. Churchill townsite walk — watch for polar bears near town!

Day2
Full-Day Tundra Buggy Tour

Board the Tundra Buggy — a specially designed vehicle with elevated viewing platforms — and head out to the sub-Arctic tundra. Spend the full day observing polar bears in their natural habitat. Guides provide expert commentary.

Day3
Walking Tour of Churchill & Natural History

Morning guided town walk: Prince of Wales Fort (Parks Canada National Historic Site), the Ithaca shipwreck, and the Cape Merry Battery overlooking Hudson Bay. Afternoon at the Assiniboine North Wildlife Museum. Optional Northern Lights viewing.

Day4
Second Tundra Buggy Day

Return to the tundra for more polar bear viewing. Each day is different — you may see mothers with cubs, sparring males, or bears foraging along the bay shore. Incredible photography opportunities throughout.

Day5
Final Morning & Departure

Morning birding walk — Churchill is on a major bird migration route with 200+ species. Farewell lunch. Transfer to Churchill Airport for your return flight to Winnipeg and onward connections.

🐻‍❄️ Best Time to Visit Churchill

SeasonExperience
Oct – NovPolar bear viewing (PEAK season)
Jul – AugBeluga whale watching (500–3,000 whales)
Feb – MarNorthern Lights & winter activities
JunArctic wildflowers & birds

$1,700

per person (double occupancy)

Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Best seasonOct – Nov
Group sizeMax 12 people
Single supplement+$320
Book This Tour
What's Included
  • 4 nights Churchill hotel
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Charter flights Winnipeg-Churchill (return)
  • 2 full days Tundra Buggy tours
  • Prince of Wales Fort tour
  • Expert Arctic naturalist guide
  • Northern Lights viewing attempt
  • All equipment and warm gear tips
Not Included
  • Flights to Winnipeg
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Camera equipment (telephoto recommended)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities

🐻‍❄️ Meet Polar Bears in the Wild

One of the world's rarest and most breathtaking wildlife experiences.

Book Your Arctic Expedition