Churchill Polar Bear Tour I

In the fall, polar bears migrate to the Churchill area and wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, conserving energy so they can go out to hunt seals, their main food source.

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DepartureNovember 2nd - 7th, 20212021

DestinationChurchill, CanadaPhotography journey

Photography focusPolar bearsField-led learning

Group styleSmall groupHosted experience

About this expedition

You asked for it…let’s go!!

Many of you know Dan and I met up in Churchill years ago, and the rest is history. We also met many of YOU up there! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little reunion trip out on the tundra among the bears? Or, for some of you, see this famous “little gem of the north” we have been talking about for years?

The first week of November is considered prime time for polar bear viewing in Churchill. In the fall, polar bears migrate to the Churchill area and wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, conserving energy so they can go out to hunt seals, their main food source. We are fortunate to be able to observe the bears on land during this time.

We’ll start the trip in Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, and then fly together to the small town of Churchill, Manitoba, considered Polar Bear Capital of the World. We’ll spend a little time in Churchill, visit historic sites, and take part in the longstanding tradition of dogsledding before heading out by buggy to our remote lodge.

Our stay on the tundra will be at the newly renovated Tundra Buggy Lodge at Polar Bear Point. We’ll tour daily on a private 40-seat Tundra Buggy. Often wildlife is most active in the mornings and evenings. Staying on the tundra versus in town offers us more opportunities to be in the field, 24/7, where the bears reside. Dan visits Churchill yearly and says the new lodge is beautiful and the chef is top notch! We’ll roam the tundra during the day on the buggy and sleep at the tundra lodge at night.

The new lounge has been revamped with skylight windows. If we’re blessed with clear skies, we may have opportunities to see the northern lights in warmth and comfort, possibly with a polar cocktail in hand 🙂 The lodge also has spotlights to watch any wildlife that might visit in the dark. Along with polar bears, there may be opportunities to photograph other Arctic animals including arctic hare, arctic fox, snowy owl, gyrfalcon, and willow ptarmigan.

Optional helicopter tours and winter gear rental are available. Since we have secured prime dates and the polar bear viewing season is short, space is limited. We hope you can join us in November 2021!

Itinerary

Tuesday, November 2 (D)

Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by 3:00pm, if possible. Take the complimentary airport shuttle to the Courtyard Winnipeg Airport. Tonight we’ll gather for a group welcome dinner.

Wednesday, November 3 (B, L, D)

This morning we’ll meet in the lobby and head to the airport for an early morning flight to Churchill.

Upon arrival, we’ll begin our adventure and get familiar with the small town of Churchill. We’ll visit local and historical points of interest such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting). We’ll also visit Polar Bears International’s new Interpretive Center, a dedicated hub for critical conservation efforts to save polar bears and the sea ice they call home. If there is time and the weather permits, take a one-hour helicopter tour over Churchill and the surrounding area (additional fees apply).

After lunch, it’s time for an exhilarating dog sledding excursion hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert. Here we’ll learn about the historical significance of dog sledding in the north as well as enjoy a mile-long ride on a custom-built sled behind a strong team of huskies. In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Tundra Buggy dock to board an official Tundra Buggy to make the journey to the Tundra Buggy Lodge. Meet the Tundra Buggy Lodge staff who will give us a safety briefing followed by a delicious meal prepared by the lodge chef. Overnight at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.

Thursday, November 4 and Friday, November 5 (B, L, D)

After breakfast each morning, we’ll depart the Lodge for a full day Tundra Buggy adventure, exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears, arctic fox, ptarmigan, and other subarctic wildlife. Lunch and refreshments will be served onboard. Return to the Tundra Buggy Lodge each evening in time for cocktails and appetizers followed by an extraordinary dinner. Spend the remainder of the evenings relaxing in the lounge, enjoying presentations, and visiting with fellow travelers. When darkness falls, look to the skies for a spectacular northern lights show. Overnight at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.

Saturday, November 6 (B, L, D)

We’ll bid farewell to the Tundra Buggy Lodge this morning and then board a Tundra Buggy to enjoy one more full day on the tundra before we had back to the town of Churchill. Upon arrival in Churchill, we’ll transfer to the airport for an evening flight back to Winnipeg. A light dinner will be served during the flight.

Arrive in Winnipeg, and transfer to the Courtyard Winnipeg Airport to prepare for our flights home tomorrow.