Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg
Your polar bear tour begins in Winnipeg, once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, today Manitoba’s cultural and commercial capital at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies.
On arrival, transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, Grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Meet your expedition leader at an orientation dinner this evening.
Day 2: Winnipeg - Churchill
This morning you fly to Churchill, a hospitable outpost town that will be the base for your polar bear adventure.
This evening, after settling in at the lodge, head out onto the tundra for what will likely be your first glimpse of the bears (on occasion, bears are seen from the bus leaving the airport, even before you board the polar rover!) If the skies are clear, the night time tundra excursion might provide one of nature’s most exciting experiences – a chance to view the Northern Lights away from the glare of the town’s lights. Though they are unpredictable, sometimes the lights begin as a white glow in the sky then the colours begin to flicker and dance.
Note: Historically, there has been a 60% success rate for seeing the Northern Lights on the night time trip to the tundra. Sometimes they are more brilliant than others, but they are always quite a thrill!
Day 3-4: Polar Bear Viewing
Over the next two days you’ll continue your exploration of the Arctic tundra to observe the polar bears in their natural habitat.
The unique ‘Polar Rovers’ are your mobile means of spending time among the polar bears. Although they can accommodate up to 35 passengers, only 15 passengers are taken on these tours, ensuring that everyone has a window seat. Your expedition leader will know the best places to view the bears as they wait for the ice to solidify on Hudson Bay and begin the winter seal-hunting season. You’ll watch as they interact with one another; their antics and rugged beauty are fascinating. From the warmth of the rover, you may see mothers with cubs and young adult males play-fighting. Your knowledgeable expedition leader will offer interpretation along the way, explaining the bears’ behaviour and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. In the evenings, you will meet for dinner, followed by presentations on polar bears and the northern environs by the professional staff of naturalists and scientists.
Day 5: Churchill
Your return flight to Winnipeg is scheduled to depart in the mid to late afternoon. The morning might be spent exploring Churchill and perhaps doing some last-minute shopping for handcrafts and souvenirs.
Alternatively, an additional activity can be included this morning (at additional cost), such as a helicopter journey over the tundra or an authentic dog-sledding excursion.
In the afternoon, say goodbye to your hosts and board your flight back to Winnipeg, where you stay at the Fort Garry Hotel.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast you will depart for the airport for your international flight home.
Polar Bears in Arctic Canada
Fully-guided polar bear safaris in Churchill, Canada
Polar Bears in Arctic Canada
This tour visits the Churchill region of northern Canada where the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears can be found. You will travel in a comfortable and mobile ‘Polar Rover’ vehicle, which allows you to safely get up close to the bears. The group size is limited to around 15 travellers as nature is best experienced in small groups. The highest concentration of polar bears occurs in the Churchill area in October and November.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
This scheduled group safari departs daily from mid-Oct through to mid-Nov, and accommodates up to 16 passengers. Please see full itinerary (via "download itinerary") for inclusions & exclusions.
Pricing
6 days from £6100pp
Kilimanjaro Climb
From arriving at KIA lodge to the final walk-off, the organisation was first class.
