Experience some of the world’s best polar bear viewing
Experience one of the world’s greatest polar bear viewing on the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba in both summer and winter. Each year in the autumn, scores of polar bears gather near Churchill, waiting for the bay to freeze over so that they can venture out onto the ice to hunt seals, their favourite prey. The world’s largest carnivore, these magnificent animals can weigh up to 500 kg and stand up to 3 metres tall.
Our polar bear viewing programs allow viewing from specially designed all-terrain vehicles called Tundra Buggies® which permit passengers to watch and photograph the polar bears safely at close quarters. Buggies are heated, have washrooms and opening windows offering exceptional comfort as well as an exceptional view of wildlife in northern Manitoba. The experience aboard is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.
Organising your polar bear tour
Choose your styles of tours
CLASSIC HOTEL BASED ADVENTURE
Small Groups (Max 22)
Led by an Interpretive Guide.
History, culture and bear viewing. Activities include dogsledding, museum visits and slide presentations
LODGE BASED ADVENTURE
Small Groups (max 20)
Stay onboard the Tundra Buggy Lodge (2-4 nights)
Led by an Interpretative Guide.
Most amount of time spent on the tundra with polar bears
Tour Details
- Gateway to the vast protected tundra of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area
- Home to polar bears, Arctic foxes, ptarmigans and other iconic animals
- Opportunities to learn about Inuit culture and dogsledding
- Ride the amazing Tundra Buggy across the vast tundra
- Polar bear and Arctic wildlife viewing
- Tundra landscape photography
- Dog sledding
- Churchill town and area tour
- Cultural presentation and experiences
- Polar Bears International House
- Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- Itsanitaq Museum
- These tours are extremely limited, and only available during October and November.
Winnipeg, Manitoba is serviced by domestic flights from all major Canadian capitals and a few direct international flights.
Hotel based itinerary
6 days from $10,876 /pp
If you prefer the character and intimacy of a small hotel or want to spend more time exploring the town of Churchill, then the hotel-based option would suit you best. This option still allows you to enjoy the thrill of polar bear-watching aboard the Tundra Buggy by day, without missing out on the comforts of a Churchill-based hotel by night.
Inclusions
- Return airfares Winnipeg/Churchill
- Transfers in Churchill
- 2 nights accommodation at hotel in Winnipeg
- Full board accommodation (nights 2 to 5) in Churchill
- 2 full day Tundra Buggy Tours
- Gratuities.
Day 1
Winnipeg
Arrive Winnipeg and check into an airport hotel. Evening meet and great by you interpretive guide.
Day 2
Churchill
Early morning flight to Churchill; Churchill and area tour. Visit Polar Bears International House and Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Overnight at Churchill hotel. B, L, D
Day 3
Churchill
Full-day Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area searching for polar bears and other wildlife such as Arctic fox and ptarmigan with the help of your knowledgeable guide. The lodge’s open air decks offer unrivalled photographic opportunities, while the dining car is where informative presentations take place as wholesome meals are served. Overnight at Churchill hotel. B, L, D
Day 4
Churchill
Today, try your hand a dogsledding, enjoy an interpretive program and visit the fascinating Itsanitaq Museum. Overnight at Churchill hotel. B, L, D
Day 5
Winnipeg
Enjoy the last full-day Tundra Buggy adventure before a transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Winnipeg. Overnight at Winnipeg hotel. B L D
Day 6
Tour ends Winnipeg
Tour ends in the morning.
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Lodge based itinerary
6 days from $16,416 /pp
If you’ve ever imagined sipping your morning coffee whilst watching polar bears emerge from under a blanket of snow, this option is for you. Eat, sleep and breathe with the polar bears aboard the Tundra Buggy Lodge, essentially a “Lodge-on-Wheels” comprised of five large units linked together. There are two sleeping units with shared sleeping quarters, bathrooms and showers, as well as lounge, kitchen and dining facilities. Itineraries including a stay onboard the Tundra Buggy Lodge vary from 4 to 6 nights.
Inclusions
- Return airfares Winnipeg/Churchill
- Transfers in Churchill
- 2 nights accommodation at hotel in Winnipeg
- 3 nights accommodation at the Tundra Buggy Lodge
- Full board accommodation (nights 2 to 5)
- 3 full day Tundra Buggy Tours
- Gratuities.
Day 1
Winnipeg
Arrive Winnipeg and overnight at an airport hotel.
Day 2
Tundra Buggy Lodge
Early morning flight to Churchill. Dog sledding and interpretive program; Polar Bears International House; Afternoon Tundra Buggy transfer to the Tundra Buggy Lodge; Overnight at Tundra Buggy Lodge. B, L, D
Day 3
Tundra Buggy Lodge
Full-day Tundra Buggy adventures searching for polar bears and other wildlife such as Arctic fox and ptarmigan with the help of your knowledgeable guide. The lodge’s open air decks offer unrivalled photographic opportunities, while the dining car is where informative presentations take place by a Polar Bear International scientist as wholesome meals are served. Overnight at Tundra Buggy Lodge. B L D
Day 4
Tundra Buggy Lodge
Full-day Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and presentation from Polar Bears International scientist. Overnight at Tundra Buggy Lodge. B, L, D
Day 5
Winnipeg
Full-day Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Evening flight to Winnipeg and overnight at Winnipeg hotel. B, L, D
Day 6
Tour ends Winnipeg
Tour ends.
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Alternative Summer Tour
If you’re planning to visit in summer, consider our “Belugas, Bears & Blooms” tour. This 6 day/5 night adventure begins in Winnipeg, where you’ll encounter extraordinarily friendly beluga whales by the thousands as you cruise the Churchill River by Zodiac. There’s also time to scour the wildflower-carpeted tundra in the vast Churchill Wildlife Management Area on board a custom-designed Tundra Buggy in search of polar bears and other iconic Arctic wildlife including foxes and hares.
Canada Tours & Cruises
Our Canada tours include a range of hotels, wilderness lodges, rail tours, cruises and adventures which can be combined in an itinerary tailor made to suit your interests, style and budget. Choose from one of our featured itineraries or let us tailor make an itinerary to suit your interests, style and budget.
Bears, Belugas & Birds
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