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Plan Your Trip

Start planning your trip to see beluga whales, polar bears or the northern lights!

Because of Churchill's remote location, it's important to plan your trip before you visit. It is recommended to book your accommodations as well as any packages or excursions in advance, although it is possible to book activities the same day if there are openings.

Getting To Churchill & Getting Around

Getting to Churchill is part of the adventure. There are no roads; you must arrive by train or plane.

Seasons & What To Pack

Churchill has distinct seasons – the first thing to do when planning your trip is to figure out what you want to see or...

Where To Stay In Churchill

During the peak season in October and November, booking your accommodations up to six months to a year in advance is a...

Get Inspired with our #ExploreMB Blog!

The ULTIMATE guide to summer in Churchill, Manitoba

A trip to the northern town of Churchill, Manitoba is not the easiest trip in the world. It can be expensive. There are limited transportation options...and even more limited seasons. But guess what? A visit to this very special region is absolutely worth...

Your next vacation is at a research station in the wilds of Manitoba's subarctic

If your idea of a vacation tends to deviate from the norm of beach-lazing days, it’s time to clue into a total gem right here in Manitoba.

A Churchill calendar: When to see what

Churchill, an isolated town in Manitoba’s north along the Hudson Bay coastline, is a magnet for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Experiencing Churchill’s natural wonder triumvirate – kayaking with belugas, chasing the Northern Lights and seeing...

Explore Churchill

Welcome to Churchill, Canada

Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is also known as a beluga whale watching hotspot and one of the best places to see the northern lights.

About Churchill, Canada

Learn about the history of Churchill and its surroundings, from the Pre-Dorset to Modern Inuit cultures through to the european fur trade and exploration of the North.

Experience The North

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Adventure into the SubArctic

STEP INTO THE WILD

CONNECT WITH NATURE

Discover within.

For us ecotourism represents the intersection of ecology and economy.  In truly unique places like Churchill our future depends on preserving natural systems so we can share them with travellers from around the world.  We let this concept guide us and endeavour to have as little impact on our environment and wildlife as possible.  It is our commitment to you, our community, and our environment to strive for constant improvements in this regard.

Discover Churchill operates on Treaty 5 land.  These are the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Inuit, and the homeland of the Métis people.  

Feel the rush of spotting a Polar Bear in the wild! From sunrises at shipwrecks to Auroras at abandoned airplanes, our tours are designed to help guests get the most out of their journey to Churchill. Small group sizes create a more intimate experience and allow more flexibility to customize tours based on guest’s interests. Without a rigid schedule our tours often depart town earlier and return back later based on light and wildlife viewing conditions.

Ithaka Shipwreck Hikes

June 21 – September 21

Wildlife and Sightseeing Tours

February 1 – March 31, June 21 – September 21

Polar Bear Tours

October 1 – November 18

COLOURS OF THE TUNDRA

September 1-14

Northern Lights Tours

February 1 – March 31, August 1 – September 21

TRAVELER REVIEWS

“Discover Churchill is the choice for photographers, no doubt! Churchill is an incredible place, the history, the people and of course the bears. With Discover Churchill you are immersed into all of this. There is no better way to photograph polar bears in Churchill, experienced guides and their local network make all the difference in finding and putting you where you need to be. The photography experience you receive is a bucket list item for any wildlife photographer.”

Graeme Purdy @graemepurdy

Well, Alex from Discover Churchill made this dream a reality and I would without any hesitation whatsoever recommend him. In fact, I have several times and all returned as delighted as I was. You see, Alex is everything you would want in a polar bear guide and more. For starters, your safety is his prime concern. He has your back while your face is behind the camera. He understands the bear’s behavior and reads the situation around you in such a way that you always feel totally safe. Equally important, Alex gets you into position. In many instances, he anticipated the bear’s trajectory and relocated us to a prime location to get unbelievable images. His knowledge of the area really pays off. Of course, you spend a lot of time with your guide on these types of trips, so his personality should also be a key consideration. You will quickly discover Alex to be a very nice guy with an amazing sense of humor. He is definitely passionate for what he does, and has an undoubtable profound respect for these wonderful animals.

So if you are seriously considering a trip to the polar bear capital of the world, do not hesitate to reach out to Discover Churchill. I guarantee you will have a trip of a lifetime.

Jose Albero @jose.albero_wildlife

In Nov. 2020 I headed back to Churchill, MB. for my 5th time in search of polar bears to photograph. In preparing for this trip I did my typical research along with reaching out to a couple of fellow photographers to get some insight into guide recommendations for the area. I needed a guide to get me out on the land safely while fulfilling my need of capturing beautiful images of the polar bear.

Research led me to Alex and Discovery Churchill and he didn’t disappoint. Pick up times were prompt and the days were filled with locating the bears in a safe and respectful manner. Alex communicated with his other drivers and guides to ensure that the area had eyes on it without having to needlessly race all over the area which would cause disturbance to the otherwise peaceful tundra along the shores of Hudson’s Bay.

Alex along with the keen eyes of his other guides ensured that we were able to photograph bears everyday while maintaining safe distances and protocols for both the photographers and the bears.”

Jonathan Hayward

@johnnyhaywardphoto

Alan Poelman

“I can’t say enough about the crew over at Discover Churchill! They were all amazing in so many ways. Their love for the Bears came through in every action and every word. You could tell this was more than just a job for them but a true calling. Norman with his hawk eyes spotting the slightest movement, Stephanie with her warmth and hilarious humour. Let’s not forget Alex with all of his knowledge, passion and dedication to his clients, team but most importantly the wildlife. Thank you for an amazing bucket list experience! Can’t wait for next year!!”

David Wilder @davidwilderphoto

Alex de vries.

Owner / Guide

DREW HAMILTON

Tomas taylor, lianne thompson, dave allcorn, jimmy macdonald, ready for your adventure, follow our journey.

@discover_churchill

Dive into the Arctic's Wonders

Our Expeditions

Your life-changing adventure starts here!

At Lazy Bear Expeditions, we are committed to offering authentic Arctic experiences. Established in the heart of Churchill, our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and genuine hospitality has made us the preferred choice for Arctic explorers. Dive into adventures that resonate with your soul as you bond with nature in its purest form.

Authentic Rustic Northern Lodge

Experience the Arctic's Warm Embrace at Lazy Bear Lodge, our enchanting haven hidden amidst nature's untouched magnificence. From reclaimed timber to recycled windows that whisper tales from their first home in an 1800's Hudson Bay Trading Post, our lodge takes you on a captivating journey into the history and culture of Churchill.

Lodge Features

Authentic Construction : Our rooms, hand-built from reclaimed timber, offer an authentic wilderness experience.

33 Guest Rooms : Each equipped with private bathrooms, offering a blend of comfort and privacy.

Modern Conveniences : Despite our rustic setting, enjoy all modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and connected stay.

Acclaimed Dining : Experience the finest culinary delights at the Lazy Bear Cafe, rated as the best dining in Churchill by Lonely Planet.

Warm Ambiance : Large, inviting nordic fireplaces in both our cafe and lounge, perfect for relaxing after a day's exploration.

Our Client’s Experiences

We returned home today from our magnificent experience with your team of intelligent, humourous, enthusiastic hosts and guides at Lazy Bear Lodge.  Everything in our tour was superb!  The weather for the Matonabee water tour along the coastal waters of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay was perfect!  Belugas galore and 12 amazing polar bears within just a few hours.  Our boat captain said it was the best day of the season.

The tundra tour gave us a good sense of the vast terrain - not a bleak and barren vastness, but an intricate variety of vegetation surviving harsh conditions.  Plus, the gorgeous rocks and wind blown trees. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were perfect for the Northern Lights, each night's wonder different from the other, with a beautiful rising moon on the 2nd night.WOW!

Our group was such a great mix of people, and we loved being in the Inukshuk group!  

As you may recall, this excursion was a surprise for Ray's upcoming birthday. Two days earlier, we will celebrate our wedding anniversary, so clearly this has been a joyful and extraordinary experience to share together!

We send goodwill and many thanks to all at Lazy Bear Expeditions for this trip of a lifetime!

Bear Hugs Galore,  

Jere and Ray Sheldon

"A lot of these tour companies—adventure tour companies—are a lot of 'fluff'. They do a lot of talk and...personally, all our trips have been good, but they don't meet up with the expectations and the promises you're going to get...and I can say that this company—it has been beyond my expectations. They have fulfilled it, completely."

"We've been fortunate. We've travelled with a lot of different tour companies including Nat Geo—we went with them of several very expensive trips...very good trips...outstanding trips with one of them being Antartica, and we've been with Rhodes Scholar, we've been with Odyssey and several others, but what I want to say is that I think out of all the tours we've been on, this is probably the best run tour we've been on, and I think that speaks to the fact that the staff Is s good as the staff is." View Full Video on Youtube

Our experience at Lazy Bear Lodge from the moment we were met to board our plane to Churchill was great , Arriving at the airport in Churchill and being met by staff from Lazy Bear went so smoothly . Our overall experience was beyond expectations from the moment we checked in . We stayed on an all inclusive plan, including tours every day for four days and three meals included. The food was excellent , as good as any fine dining menu , great wonderful presentations , the serving staff are so personable . The rooms are small but cozy, with white linens on the bed which give it a more updated look . But it isn’t about the room as you will discover , as we did. The Tour guides work here and are not only friendly but so knowledgeable…On tour we saw great northern lights , beluga whales on a zodiac and polar bears by helicopter and a dog mushing tour. These were the highlights for us. Highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed..

This was an unbelievable trip. Deacon and Eric were very knowledgeable - the staff at the Lodge was accommodating and fantastic. We saw lots of bear activity including mums with cubs, and a couple of highly interactive and engaging bears. Total count was high - perhaps 30 over two days? I travelled with my 82 year old mother and staff were very solicitous.

Did I mention the food? Really good - including local specialties such as Elk (amazing!). Overall highly recommended and I am looking at coming back for Belugas and Bears in the summer! The Dog Sledding was excellent as well.

I loved my entire experience in Churchill and a big part of that was staying at Lazy Bear Lodge. All the staff were lovely and a big thank you to Deacon and his family (who own lodge) who were excellent hosts. Deacon was my group’s guide and we had a great time out on the bay with the Belugas and out on the Arctic Crawler™ looking for polar bears (we spotted a mum and her baby).

I think the highlight for me was the coziness of the interior wood decor and the food. The meals were hearty and local. I tried arctic char, elk, and other local delicacies while there and the portions were generous and featured good variety of vegetables. My favourite was the polar bear shaped scones served at breakfast.

Located in the heart of Manitoba’s Sub-Arctic Wilderness

Lazy Bear Lodge Ltd. o/a Lazy Bear Expeditions 313 Kelsey Blvd. Churchill, Manitoba R0B 0E0

Safety & Assurance

Professional tour guides.

Our guides are experts in their field and are trained to anticipate and prevent any potential dangers. 

Safety Measures

At Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions, the safety of our adventurers is our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure your adventure is not only thrilling but also safe, healthy and secure. 

Our blog offers a wealth of information for explorers, adventurers and nature lovers. 

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o/a Lazy Bear Expeditions 313 Kelsey Blvd. Churchill, Manitoba R0B 0E0

[email protected]

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1-866-OUR-BEAR (1-866-687-2327)

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The best Churchill, Manitoba tours

In August 2021, we spent one week in Churchill, Manitoba . You can visit Churchill with an all-inclusive package tour that includes accommodations, activities, and even transportation to and from Churchill. Package tours are well-organized and make efficient use of your vacation time, but they come at a cost. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, arrange your own travel and accommodations. Then, pick and choose which activities you’d like to participate in, and book them with a local tour company. We’d like to share what we think are the best Churchill, Manitoba tours, to help you plan a similar adventure.

The best time to visit Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, manitoba tour company #1: discover churchill.

Discover Churchill is a local company that was founded in 2016 by photographer and guide Alex de Vries . The company began by providing service to photographers and film crews during the fall polar bear season. It has since expanded to year-round operations that include nature, wildlife, and cultural tours led by a team of five guides. Photography remains a principal focus. The team is adept at predicting wildlife behaviour and maneuvering guests into the best location to capture the perfect shot.

We are so convinced that Discover Churchill is one of the best Churchill, Manitoba tour companies that we booked multiple activities with them.

Aurora call list and northern lights tour

Before arriving in Churchill, you can ask to be placed on the aurora call list . For a nominal fee ($25) Discover Churchill will watch for the lights to come out up until midnight each night. If they do, at any point during your stay, you’ll get a call notifying you that the tour is a go. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and head out of town. Skies are darker and the northern lights appear more intensely once you are outside of Churchill.

The tour will last up to 4 hours and you will go to a few different locations. This will allow the best viewing opportunities, following the clearest skies. It will also provide some different scenery as a backdrop for the lights.

Because Discover Churchill specializes in photography, you’ll be ideally situated to photograph the lights. You’ll get some tips regarding the best camera settings and framing opportunities to use for your shots. Discover Churchill will also take some shots of you and your travel party under the northern lights. You will receive copies of these for your own personal use. The other benefit of joining Discover Churchill for this tour is the bear protection they provide. Your guide will provide a safety briefing before heading out. You will have peace of mind being with a defensively-armed guide who can predict the behaviour of local wildlife. This is especially critical when you are outdoors after dark.

As a photography buff and someone for whom seeing the Northern Lights was a bucket list item, this was one of my picks for the best Churchill, Manitoba tours.

Northern lights tours cost $225 per person.

Town and Area tour

Discover Churchill’s Town and Area tour is customized to your interests. On this tour, you will have the services of a private guide and vehicle for a (more or less) set length of time. How you choose to spend your time exploring the area around Churchill is up to you. Depending on your interests, you might choose to focus on the local wildlife that is prevalent during your stay. Or, you might want to focus on Churchill’s Cold War-era military installations. You could also choose to focus on some of the cultural facets of the area.

Your guide will make recommendations based on weather conditions and the latest wildlife sightings. For example, in the days leading up to our visit, a polar bear had been lurking around the Miss Piggy plane wreck. Our guide recommended that we stop by that area. Sure enough, as we explored Miss Piggy, we were able to spot the bear along the waterfront. From there, we drove down to take a closer look.

We enjoyed this tour so much that we wound up booking it twice. We had the opportunity to head out with two different guides. This gave us a broader perspective of Churchill than we would have gotten from just one tour. It also allowed us to see the landmarks around Churchill while also dedicating time to wildlife viewing.

Ithaka shipwreck hike

When Hudson Bay is not frozen, from May to September, Discover Churchill offers Ithaka shipwreck hikes at low tide. The SS Ithaka is a shipping freighter that ran aground during a gale in 1960. It’s located about half a mile from shore, just outside of Churchill. The bottom of the ship has rusted out, and polar bears like to take refuge inside the wreck. Thus, it’s not advised to explore the shipwreck on your own without a guide. Hikes to the wreck take about two hours to complete, round-trip. We really enjoyed this hike. It’s not technically difficult, though proper footwear is recommended. The rocks can be slippery as you slosh through tidepools. (This, plus the cries of sea birds circling overhead, lends a wonderful ASMR ambience to the experience.) Guided hikes cost $150 per person.

More tours from Discover Churchill

Polar bear tours.

During polar bear season, in October and November, Discover Churchill operates full-day polar bear tours . These tours explore the area outside of Churchill in 4×4 vehicles. Experienced guides will get you as close to the bears as is safely and ethically possible. The tours are geared toward photographers and film crews, but will accept other guests as well. Full-day tours, which also include northern lights viewing on nights when they are visible, cost $450 per person.

Package tours

In addition to the above-mentioned activities, Discover Churchill has begun offering several different package tours. They include transportation, accommodations, and a full itinerary of sightseeing. Packages are a good option if you don’t mind paying a bit more to have all logistics arranged for you. Your itinerary will be planned by a professional who will also be able to adjust your trip on the fly if weather or other circumstances warrant a change. Packages are geared toward the wildlife and attractions that are available at the time of departure, and vary throughout the year. Prices vary with the nature of the included activities and the duration of the trip.

Churchill, Manitoba tour company #2: Sea North Tours

Sea North Tours operates out of the Polar Inn and Suites (which we also recommend – it’s where we stayed on our trip.) It’s the oldest Churchill, Manitoba tour company on the water. Sea North is committed to the safety of the Churchill beluga whales. All of their boats use either jet propulsion or prop guards to ensure that the whales aren’t exposed to any dangerous propellors or moving parts.

As the name implies, Sea North offers several different water-based excursions. Their operating season typically runs from June through August. We had the opportunity to join several Sea North Tours excursions while we were on our trip – again, illustrating that we think they are one of the best Churchill, Manitoba tour companies.

Zodiac beluga whale watching

This is a 2-hour-long trip out onto the Churchill River to see the thousands of beluga whales that return every summer. Belugas are curious, friendly animals. They particularly like to swim behind the boats, turning on their sides to watch the people on board. Your guide will drop a hydrophone in the water to pick up the sounds of the belugas ‘singing’ to each other (an act that earns them the nickname ‘canaries of the sea’).

We traveled to Churchill in late August and were a bit worried that we might have missed peak beluga whale season, which runs from mid-July to mid-August. We needn’t have worried. There were thousands of whales in the Churchill River – so many that we could spot them surfacing from the beach and pods of them surrounded our zodiac boat at all times.

In addition to beluga whales, there’s a chance you might also see other wildlife on this tour. Polar bears are sometimes spotted along the coast.

Tours run 7 days a week during July and August. Note that they may be canceled during inclement weather. Departures coincide with high tide. Tours cost $125 per person.

Beluga Whale and Historic Fort Prince of Wales Tour

This 2-hour tour combines beluga whale watching with a trip to Fort Prince of Wales which is across the Churchill River from the townsite. The Fort is a Parks Canada National Historic Site . Upon arriving at the Fort, you’ll be met by a Parks Canada interpreter who will provide a guided tour of the site. The Fort was originally built by Hudson’s Bay Company and acted as an important outpost in the fur trade. Later, it was a strategic fortification in battles between England and France.

As you tour the fort, you’ll notice bear guards patrolling the site on ATVs. Eskimo Point is the northernmost tip of land on the Fort Prince of Wales site. It’s a rocky outcropping that is a popular place for polar bears to lounge. Make sure to scan it (binoculars will help) when you’re up on the Fort.

As your zodiac boat makes the return trip back across the Churchill River, you will take time to visit with the beluga whales.

Beluga Whale and Historic Fort Prince of Wales Tours are $125 per person.

Zodiac boat charters

If you’d like a private zodiac experience, you can arrange a charter tour . This is a great option for photographers and videographers who might want a more bespoke excursion.

On our trip to Churchill, we signed up for two group tours (the regular zodiac tour and the Fort Prince of Wales tour), and then arranged a short charter at the end of the week. The group tours took us out on the Churchill River, and we did see a huge number of whales there. For our charter trip we decided to explore Hudson Bay. This took us along a different stretch of coastline than we had seen before. The water in the Bay is much bluer than the Churchill River, which made for a more photogenic backdrop for the whales. And we were lucky to spot a polar bear on shore (albeit from a distance).

Zodiac charters are priced at $515 per hour.

More tours from Sea North Tours

Kayaking tours allow you to get out onto the water in a more personal way. Beluga whales love to follow kayaks as they paddle around the Churchill River estuary. Single and tandem kayaks are available, making this activity ideal for children as young as 8 years old. Tours will only depart at low tide and during good weather, ensuring that paddling conditions are ideal. Tours are 2 hours in length and cost $180 per person.

Floe Ice Tours

In June, as the ice on Hudson Bay begins to thaw, Sea North offers Floe Ice Tours . These tours are a great way to see sea birds and the ice core shapes that form as the ice breaks up. Seals may still be on the ice, and you may even see the season’s first beluga whales. Tours are $125 per person.

Churchill, Manitoba tour company #3: SUP North

SUP North is a partner of Sea North Tours that specializes exclusively in stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, tours. The company is owned and operated by Erin Greene. Erin leads small-group trips on the Churchill River, where you can interact directly with the beluga whales. Belugas love to follow behind SUPs – don’t be surprised if they give you a friendly push!

You’ll be provided with a thick wetsuit, and neoprene gloves and booties to keep you warm. SUP North will also supply life jackets. A safety zodiac accompanies tours to act as spotters for participants (or to give you a lift if you need one).

On the day of our tour, the water conditions weren’t bad, but it was rainy and cold, and we wondered what we were getting ourselves into. Although Erin assured us that the wetsuits would keep us warm, we were still surprised by just how comfortable they kept us (and I did wind up in the river a few times when I lost my balance). We saw plenty of whales on this excursion, and they were friendly and curious toward us. Our kids ranked this as the best tour of our whole trip to Churchill, Manitoba.

Tours run in July and August when weather conditions permit, at low tide. They are open to participants ages 12 and up, and the cost is $180 per person. Booking details can be found on the Sea North website .

Churchill, Manitoba tour company #4: Frontiers North

A family-owned business that’s been operating for 30+ years, Frontiers North is responsible for the development of the original tundra vehicle, the Tundra Buggy, in 1979. These are all-terrain vehicles that allow you to explore the landscapes outside of Churchill and get up close to the local wildlife.

Frontiers North offers a variety of package tours that include transportation, lodging, meals, and a roster of activities that varies according to the season of departure. For the DIY traveler, they also offer Tundra Buggy day tours that are an independent traveler’s best opportunity to see wild polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba.

Tours are slightly different depending on when you visit – there is a Summer Day Tour (July to September) and an Autumn Day Tour (October and November) available. Both tours will pick you up in Churchill and shuttle you to the Tundra Buggy dock 20 minutes outside of town. Both will conduct your tour on the Tundra Buggy in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, on a network of trails that were once used by Canadian and American armed forces. The tours are all led by local wildlife experts who know (to quote our tour guide, Jim) where the “boulder bears” and “polar rocks” are – i.e. they know how to spot wildlife and how to differentiate it from the landscape (this can be surprisingly difficult!) Both tours also include lunch and snacks.

Differences between Summer and Autumn Day Tours

• Summer tours are 6 hours long and Autumn tours are 8 hours long
• Summer tours cost $249 per person and Autumn tours cost $529 per person
• There are more polar bears in Churchill during the Autumn “Polar Bear Season”. You are less likely to see bears in Summer.
• Autumn tours tend to sell out and Summer tours, being a less busy season overall, do not. The capacity on the Tundra Buggy is 40 passengers. On our August tour, we had 14 passengers.

We spent one day on a Tundra Buggy in August 2021. We were delighted by our guide, Jim, who told some amazing stories about his wildlife encounters. (Jim can still count us among his Instagram followers to this day!) He found us 3 polar bears, including one who sauntered right up to our Tundra Buggy, sniffed our tires, and hung out with us for a while. Jim saw this bear from a distance and knew her habits from his frequent observations of her. He was able to accurately predict where she would go next, and position us perfectly to see her. Because seeing polar bears is such a bucket list item, this was another one of our picks for the best tours in Churchill.

Churchill, Manitoba tour company #5: Wapusk Adventures

Another activity that seems ubiquitous in northern Canada is dog sledding. In our opinion, Wapusk Adventures is the best Churchill, Manitoba tour company for dog sledding. Wapusk Adventures was founded by Dave Daley , an award-winning dog musher who is also the founder of the world-renowned Hudson Bay Quest dog sled race. Dave welcomes visitors to his kennel to hear stories about his adventures, meet his team of 38 dogs, and get a taste of dog sledding on a track that runs through the boreal forest. Tours operate year-round. If you visit when snow is on the ground, you will get an authentic dog sled experience. If you visit during the summer months, your team of dogs will pull you on a wheeled cart instead. You’ll still get to experience the same energy.

Dave’s dogs love to work as evidenced by their excitement when the sled and harness come out. Your experience will also include a cultural talk from Dave that discusses life in Churchill, Métis culture, and everything you’ve always wanted to know about dog sledding.

Dog sled tours cost $129 per person.

More tours from Wapusk Adventures

Wapusk Adventures also offers northern lights viewing on their property ($119 per person), and e-bike rentals ($59/hour) and tours ($129 per person). They will have snow shoe walks coming soon.

In conclusion…

Churchill, Manitoba is an emerging tourism destination. The infrastructure is young, but there are several excellent tours to pick from. We have personally traveled with the companies listed above and believe that they offer the best Churchill, Manitoba tours. What do you think – have you been to Churchill? Have you gone on any of these excursions? Let us know in the comments below.

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[…] Note that Churchill is a remote destination, and because of this, it’s expensive to visit. The package tours listed below are not cheap. You can save money by arranging your own transportation and accommodations, and booking day trips with local tour providers. We give more tips on how to do that here: The best Churchill, Manitoba Tour Companies. […]

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The COMPLETE Guide for Visiting Churchill, Manitoba

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Manitoba team

Last updated on March 27, 2024

One of the most amazing destinations in the province, Churchill, Manitoba is known as the polar bear capital of the world. And while seeing polar bears in the wild is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there are many other things to do in Churchill, too.

From the Northern Lights to kayaking with belugas to learning about the local Inuit culture, we’ve put together this guide for you with everything you need to know about Churchill. We’ve listed tour companies, where to stay, where to eat, and everything there is to do in the small community, no matter the season. Read on for your ultimate guide to visiting Churchill, Manitoba.

Land Acknowledgments

Churchill, Manitoba is located on Treaty 5 territory.

Brief History

Churchill has a history that dates back many centuries; Indigenous peoples established settlements and homes on the land we now call Manitoba thousands of years ago. Artifacts from Pre-Dorset, Dorset, and Inuit peoples have been found in the area, so it has been confirmed that people have been living in the Churchill region for many centuries.

Europeans first arrived in Churchill in the 17th century, and in 1717 the Hudson’s Bay Company built their first permanent settlement in the area. The fur trade became a popular industry in Churchill before quickly declining by the end of the 1700s.

Churchill then became a seaport, and with the completion of the Hudson Bay Railway in 1929, the focus of trading became grain.

Over the past few decades, however, Churchill has become famous as one of Manitoba’s biggest tourist attractions thanks to its abundance of polar bears (it’s the best spot to see polar bears in Canada ), beluga whales, and Northern Lights. The town with a permanent population of fewer than 1,000 people draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every single year.

Where is Churchill, Manitoba?

Churchill is found in Northern Manitoba on the Hudson Bay. As the crow flies, Winnipeg and Churchill are approximately 1,000 kilometres apart. There are no paved roads that lead to Churchill, so you’ll have to either fly there or take the train (more on that below).

As Manitoba is in Central Canada, you may have to connect to Winnipeg from Toronto or another Canadian city before travelling to Churchill (if you’re travelling from another province or country).

Churchill Weather

You guessed it… as an Arctic location, Churchill is very cold!

Churchill is very far north in Manitoba, and you’ll want to make sure to take the proper precautions in the winter months, i.e. dressing in lots of warm layers, checking the forecast for weather warnings, and so on. Even in the summer months, it is recommended to bring very warm clothing and to prepare for cold weather, including waterproof clothing, warm hats and mittens, and many layers.

In winter in Churchill, you can expect temperatures to range from a high of -15°C to a low of -24°C (although the windchill can make that feel much colder). If you’re photographing the Northern Lights at night, prepare for extremely cold conditions.

Spring in Churchill is quite cold as well, and you can expect anything from highs of 10°C to lows of -15°C.

The summer weather is warmer but can still bring cold and rain, with average highs around 18°C for June, July, and August. If you plan on any boat tours of the coast to see beluga whales in summer, make sure to bring lots of warm clothing.

Autumn (which is polar bear season) brings the same cooler temperatures as spring, but the average high will drop to -3°C by November.

In other words… plan for anything and everything, no matter when you visit Churchill! Always make sure to check the weather forecast for your visit to have a rough idea of the conditions.

And as Churchill is found in Northern Manitoba, it’s no surprise that you’ll find lots of snow there. While it’s extremely rare for it to snow in July or August, you can expect snow between September and June, and definitely from October until May. There are approximately 271 sunny days per year in Churchill, but summer brings an average of 8 rainy days per month.

Getting to Churchill, Manitoba

You’re in luck: we have a very detailed route guide on how to get from Winnipeg to Churchill ! If you’re coming from another province or country, you will most likely have to connect in Winnipeg before beginning your journey to Churchill.

The easiest and fastest route to Churchill is by plane. We recommend flying with Calm Air ; the most common route flown is Winnipeg to Churchill, which is a two-hour flight. You can also fly to Churchill from Thompson or Gillam, Manitoba.

One of the best ways to see a lot of Manitoba is to travel by train to Churchill. There are multiple stops along the way, but many people start the journey in Winnipeg; trains depart Winnipeg for Churchill every Tuesday and Sunday. While taking the train is usually cheaper than flying, be prepared to travel for at least 48 hours if you’re coming from Winnipeg. We recommend booking your train ticket to Churchill with Via Rail well in advance of your trip.

There is currently no possible way to drive to Churchill, as there are no paved roads that connect Churchill with the rest of the province. You can drive to Thompson or Gillam and then take the train or fly from either location.

As there are no paved roads that lead to Churchill, there are no direct bus routes to Churchill. You can take a bus to Thompson or Gillam and then take the train or fly from either location.

Practical Essentials

Thankfully, downtown Churchill is extremely walkable, and you’re never too far from many local restaurants or attractions when in town. It is extremely important to pay attention to the bear warnings, however, and stay far from restricted areas, even if you’re visiting outside of polar bear season.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any public transportation in Churchill, although there is a taxi service ( North Coast Taxi Service /Churchill Taxis, which you can reach by calling 204 675-2345). We recommend always calling ahead to book a taxi; it is rare to flag one down in the small town. Many hotels and tours also provide shuttle transportation to and from the airport and various attractions.

That being said, if you do have access to a car, Churchill and the surrounding area are incredibly easy to drive around. Most locations are within a few minutes’ drive from one another, and there is never any traffic. We do not recommend driving on your own to look for polar bears; always do that with an experienced guide (see more below).

If you’d like to rent a car or van while you’re in Churchill, Tamarack Rentals can help you out.

It is very easy to find parking around Churchill, and none of it is paid parking.

Polar Bear Warning

It should go without saying that polar bears are very dangerous animals, and it’s absolutely necessary to practice polar bear safety at all times when in Churchill. Polar bear attacks are extremely rare in Churchill, but that is because every precaution is taken to keep humans safe. It is recommended to always travel in a group, always stay near a vehicle or building, never walk at night after 10 pm, and avoid areas along the coastline with poor sightlines. We recommend joining guided tours for the safest way to explore Churchill and the surrounding area.

On the rare occasion that polar bears come close to the town of Churchill, they are dealt with swiftly and safely by trained professionals in order to minimize any harm to the bear or the community.

If you see a polar bear when you are in Churchill, do not attempt to approach it. Get inside a vehicle or a building as calmly as you can, and call 204 675-2327.

When to see the polar bears in Churchill

Autumn is polar bear season in Churchill, although you can often spot a few during the summer months as well. Mid-October until mid-November is the very best time to see the polar bears, as that’s when the Hudson Bay begins to freeze over and the bears can hunt for seals, bringing them out into the open. Special tours also take you to polar bear denning sites in February and March in order to see polar bear mothers with their cubs.

Fun fact: Polar bears don’t hibernate! They can hunt for seals all winter long, so there is no need for them to hibernate.

Tour Operators in Churchill, Manitoba

There are many tour companies in Churchill, all of which come highly recommended. Some are all-inclusive, meaning your tour includes airfare and accommodation. Many also provide transportation to and from the airport or around town.

Lazy Bear Expeditions

Lazy Bear Expeditions is one of the most popular tour companies in Churchill. Tours include the Ultimate Bears and Belugas Summer Adventure, the Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure, and the Bears and Aurora Arctic Adventure, all of which include airfare. The two-day Beluga Whale Dream Tour does not include airfare. There are also tour add-ons, including kayaking and AquaGliding.

Frontiers North Adventures

Frontiers North Adventures has perhaps the biggest variety of tours in Churchill available, and all offer a fantastic experience. Choose from tours that include polar bears, beluga whales, and/or the Northern Lights, some of which include airfare or train travel (check out this luxury 5-day option ). They also have the magnificent Tundra Buggy Lodge, a unique accommodation that allows you to stay overnight right on the tundra, as well as one-day tours to Churchill to see the polar bears from Winnipeg. It’s also possible to book summer and autumn day tours with Frontiers North Adventures, including the Tundra Buggy Adventure.

Wat’chee Expeditions

Indigenous-owned and operated, Wat’chee Expeditions is an incredibly respected tour company near Churchill. They are also one of the only tour companies that can take you to Wapusk National Park to see polar bear dens, therefore increasing your chances of seeing polar bear cubs. Their world-renowned lodge is famous among wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Great White Bear Tours

Great White Bear Tours has a variety of tours that include polar bears, beluga whales, and/or the Northern Lights. Some of their tours include meetings with local mushers who know the land better than anyone. They also have the Tundra Lodge, allowing you to stay directly on the tundra for an amazing experience alongside the polar bears. Want to plan your own tour? They offer individual tours at a price per person, per day. Their tours do not include airfare.

Discover Churchill Tours

Discover Churchill Tours are fantastic for day tours as well as multi-day tours. Whether you want to see the polar bears, Northern Lights, or belugas, there’s a tour for you. They also offer incredible photography tours, and are one of the only tour operators that takes you to Wapusk National Park to look for bear cubs (in February and March). They also have excellent town and area tours as well as Ithaka Shipwreck hikes in the low tide.

Beyond Boreal Expeditions

Beyond Boreal Expeditions is Indigenous-owned and operated and features tours of Churchill’s polar bears, Northern Lights, beluga whales, and more. Run by Tiffany Spence, tours range from weeklong expeditions that include airfare and accommodations to tours that last only a few hours (perfect for those who are visiting Churchill on their own or would like to tack on a few independent tours while in town). Tiffany also specializes in photography, so you can book portrait sessions to capture your time in Churchill.

Churchill Wild

One of the pricier tour operators on this list, there’s a good reason for that high price tag: Churchill Wild has an incredible selection of ecolodges that allow you to spend a few days in the remote wilderness, far from the tourist crowds of the town of Churchill. Head out on a polar bear safari in order to see the very best of the tundra and its amazing wildlife.

Iceberg Inn

The Iceberg Inn offers polar bear and beluga whale tours, as well as some all-inclusive deals that include the tours, meals, accommodation, and transportation. Respected for their knowledge and for their friendliness, Iceberg Inn is one of the smaller tour operators in Churchill, making them perfect for those looking for a more intimate experience.

Wapusk Adventures

Wapusk Adventures is Indigenous-owned and operated. Run by Dave Daley, a respected dog musher in Canada, tours offered include dog sledding and cultural talks, Northern Lights viewing, snowshoe walks, e-bike tours, and more. You can also custom-build your own tour of Churchill with Wapusk Adventures.

Sea North Tours

Sea North Tours is dedicated to beluga whale conservation and education. Take one of their day tours in order to learn more about the whales and the surrounding land; tours include whale watching on Zodiac boats, a walk around Fort Prince of Wales, floe ice tours, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. If you plan ahead, you can even book two tours in one day, as most last for two to three hours.

Is it possible to visit Churchill independently or do you have to be on a tour?

It is entirely possible to visit Churchill, Manitoba independently… however, it is not recommended that you try to see polar bears unless you have a professional guide with you.

If you’d like to visit Churchill independently or on a budget, you can certainly fly or take the train there on your own. The cheapest way to get to Churchill is by driving to Thompson or Gillam first before flying or taking the train there, or by taking the train the entire way (there are no paved roads that lead to Churchill).

Once in Churchill, there are a few places to stay (see below). Without a tour, you can see the town’s attractions, see the Northern Lights at night, and see beluga whales from the shoreline in summer. It’s also possible to join half-day or day tours when in Churchill, but we recommend booking these far in advance.

No matter what season you visit Churchill, tours and hotels book up very quickly. If you plan on going to Churchill without a tour company, we recommend booking everything months in advance of your trip.

Where to Stay in Churchill, Manitoba

You have a few options for where to stay in Churchill, and if you book a tour that includes accommodation, you won’t have to worry about where to stay. We also have an entire guide on places to stay in Churchill, Manitoba.

For such a small town, there are a great variety of Churchill hotels to stay in. Here are a few of our choices for hotels in Churchill, Manitoba.

Lazy Bear Lodge

Lazy Bear Lodge is an excellent choice for a hotel in Churchill whether you’re on one of their all-inclusive tours or not. With our favourite restaurant in Churchill as well as clean, cozy rooms, Lazy Bear Lodge is also home to some of the best expeditions in the area. A solid choice for both a group tour and an independent trip when it comes to Churchill hotels.

Head to the Tundra Inn for a family-run hotel that promises excellent service and comfortable rooms. With 31 rooms available, they’re popular for business travellers, tourists, and everyone in between. Also check out the Tundra Pub across the street for dinner and entertainment.

Bed and Breakfasts

Looking for an even more intimate experience? Check out one of these Churchill bed and breakfasts.

Bluesky Bed and Sled

Owned by world-renowned musher Gerald Azure and his wife Jenafor, the Bluesky Bed and Sled is a favourite among tourists. With four rooms to choose from, the homemade breakfasts are divine and the service extraordinary. Join Gerald as you learn about dog sledding and even get out on a sled on the tundra yourself.

Polar Bear B&B

With three guest rooms (each with two single beds) and two shared bathrooms, the Polar Bear B&B is a good budget option in Churchill. Please note that all rooms are on the second floor so require climbing stairs.

Home Rentals

There are a few places to stay using Airbnb in Churchill . While there are private rooms, shared rooms, and entire homes available for rent, our choice is this entire home for rent . Please note that even shared rooms are quite pricey in Churchill.

Specialty Lodging

There are some amazing options when it comes to specialty lodging in Churchill. If you’re looking to splurge on a stay that allows you to be up close and personal with polar bears even as you sleep, check out one of the lodges below. These lodges are found far from Churchill itself, so you’re also in a prime position to view the northern lights at night.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge by Churchill Wild

Churchill Wild has three luxury wilderness eco-lodges to choose from, and the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge near Churchill is, in our opinion, one of the most unique accommodations in the world. It’s incredibly remote, giving you the best vantage point for wildlife viewing in Canada’s north. Other highlights of the lodge include walking tours, photography tours, wellness retreats, and more. Make sure to check out their Seal River Heritage Lodge and Dymond Lake Ecolodge, too!

Great White Bear Tundra Lodge

Operated by the Great White Bear Tours company, this tundra lodge on wheels gives you a chance to spend as much time as possible with Churchill’s polar bears. Each guest has a private cabin with a sleeping berth, while viewing platforms take your experience to the next level.

Due to the danger of polar bears, there is no camping allowed in Churchill, Manitoba.

Things to Do in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill has a ton of tourist attractions to add to your sightseeing itinerary. You can easily fill a week or more sightseeing in the town and the surrounding area. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Churchill!

See the Polar Bears

Perhaps the most famous reason to visit Churchill is to see polar bears … it is the polar bear capital of the world, of course! The best time to see polar bears in Churchill is in October and November, when the bears are waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze. That being said, you can also see polar bears in July, August, and September, though usually in smaller numbers (they’ll also be harder to find). You can also see polar bear mothers and their cubs on specialty tours in February and March. Remember, you can’t see polar bears independently; you’ll have to go on a tour to see them, both for your safety and for theirs!

See the Beluga Whales

There are many ways to see the beluga whales in summer in Churchill, whether by watching them from the shoreline or getting out on the water to get a closer look. Over 60,000 beluga whales migrate to the area every summer, and about 3,000 of them make their way to the mouth of the Churchill River. The best time to see beluga whales in Churchill is from mid-June to mid-August.

Go Kayaking on the Churchill River

One of the best ways to see beluga whales is to go kayaking on Churchill River during the summer months. Suitable for beginners, the beluga whales are just as curious about us as we are about them, so don’t be surprised if they come right up to you!

Take a Boat Tour

Take a tour of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay in order to see beluga whales and, if you’re lucky, polar bears walking along the shoreline of the bay. Boat tours are only available for a few months of the year, as most of the time the water is frozen!

Check out Churchill’s Murals

The SeaWalls CHURCHILL murals are a testament to the value and strength of the community of Churchill. Find these incredible murals all over town as well as outside of it; each one is unique, and artists were brought in from all over the world to complete them.

Look for the Northern Lights

It’s entirely possible to see aurora borealis year-round in Churchill, although you’ll have the best luck in February and March, when the skies are clearest. There are tons of tour companies that take you to see the northern lights, including companies that host photography tours. Churchill is definitely one of the best spots in Manitoba to see the Northern Lights !

Check out the Polar Bear Jail

Polar bears that are considered dangerous or troublesome in Churchill sometimes find themselves in “polar bear jail”. They’re kept here until they can be safely relocated, sometimes even by helicopter. Plan a short visit here to see the building – it has a beautiful mural on the side – as well as a polar bear trap.

Visit the Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site

The Prince of Wales Fort is a National Historic Site that is found across the Churchill River from the town. A bastion fort that began as a log fort in 1717 but soon turned into a massive stone structure, it was captured in 1782 by the French but returned to the Hudson’s Bay Company the following year. Today, it’s possible to walk around the ruins and imagine what life was like for those living there.

Wander Around the Itsanitaq Museum

The Itsanitaq Museum is a small but important museum found in Churchill, and is one of our top picks for Indigenous experiences in Manitoba . It has an incredible selection of Inuit carvings and artifacts and also has many fantastic local souvenirs for sale. Open year-round (though never on Sundays or holidays), the hours change depending on the season, so always check ahead before visiting.

See the Ithaca Shipwreck

Found 12 miles east of Churchill near Bird Cove, the Ithaca Shipwreck took place in 1960 when the ship was run into the gravel bank during a storm. At low tide, it is possible to walk out to the shipwreck (only with a professional guide, do not attempt this on your own).

Visit Miss Piggy

Miss Piggy is the nickname for a freight plane that crashed near Churchill in 1979. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, and the plane was left where it landed. Today, it is covered in graffiti and has become a popular photo opportunity.

Go Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is an integral part of Churchill’s history. Learn about the importance of dog sledding within the Indigenous community by booking a tour with Wapusk Adventures.

Try AquaGliding

AquaGliding is an activity you can try through Lazy Bear Expeditions. Lie on a floating mat tethered to a zodiac boat and put your face in the water for the ultimate beluga whale experience… if you’re lucky, they’ll swim right up to you to say hello!

Get a Stamp in Your Passport

For those who love collecting stamps in their passports, head to the Churchill post office to get a special Churchill stamp! It’s the cheapest souvenir around.

Take to the Sky

For the ultimate sightseeing expedition, try a helicopter tour over Churchill and the surrounding area. Get a unique perspective on the landscape and try to spot as many polar bears as you can.

Festivals and Events in Churchill

Aurora winterfest.

Volunteer-run, Aurora Winterfest regularly hosts events in Churchill, and has a festival every year that includes ice carving, hockey, entertainment, games, food, and more. Check the Aurora Winterfest Facebook page for regular updates about what’s happening in Churchill.

Where to Eat in Churchill

There’s a nice selection of restaurants in Churchill , and you always know you’ll be supporting a local business when you eat in town. Here are a couple of our favourite places to eat:

Location: 23 Franklin Street, across from the Tundra Inn

This cozy hang-out is home to the famous Borealis Burger and consistently serves up home-cooked meals with a regional Arctic twist. Head here for hearty meals, a game of pool, and a lively atmosphere.

Lazy Bear Cafe

Location: 313 Kelsey Blvd, inside Lazy Bear Lodge

Lazy Bear Cafe is known for its excellent service, innovative menu, and warm atmosphere (we love the stone fireplace). Try some of the braised elk, Arctic char, or Manitoba bison.

Dan’s Diner

Looking for a truly unique dining experience in Churchill? For a few select evenings every February and March, Dan’s Diner operates as a pop-up on Churchill’s tundra so that you can dine underneath the Northern Lights. It’s the kind of meal you’ll never forget!

In the Area

Wapusk national park.

One of only two national parks in Manitoba (the other is Riding Mountain National Park ), Wapusk National Park is extremely remote and extremely beautiful. As the largest polar bear denning site in the world, it’s a popular spot to view baby polar bears in February and March. There are no roads into the park, so you must arrange aircraft transportation with a licensed tour operator; we recommend Wat’chee Expeditions.

It feels a bit ridiculous to say that Thompson is “in the area” of Churchill, as they’re 400 kilometres apart. But if you’re driving part of the way to Churchill or taking the train, you may pass through the small city on your way. Thankfully, there are lots of fun things to do in Thompson , so we recommend spending a day or two exploring if you have the time!

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Accommodations

Northern Lights of Churchill

6 days / 5 nights

Downtown hotel

Nights of viewing

Where it goes

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Travel to Churchill to view the Northern Lights

On this week-long adventure, journey to Churchill, Manitoba – one of the top three places in the world to see the Northern Lights. View the mystical aurora from a cozy Tundra Buggy in the deep dark of an arctic winter. Enjoy a culinary adventure under the stars, interpretive tours, and guided winter activities. Limited space for 2024 - book now!

Three nights of Northern Lights viewing from three different locations

Once in a lifetime culinary experience under the night sky in dan's diner, guided dogsledding and snow shoeing, interpretive presentations and tours , top experiences and features.

Go dogsledding in Churchill

Dine under the Northern Lights

Travel in a specially designed Tundra Buggy

Snowshoe through Churchill's boreal forest

Explore Churchill and the surrounding area

Your questions answered.

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Frequently asked questions, will i see the northern lights on my trip to churchill, how do i get to churchill, manitoba, is this northern lights trip an escorted tour, what season is best for northern lights trips, is it worth visiting canada in winter, what colour are the northern lights, can you photograph the northern lights, trip itinerary.

Arrive in Winnipeg

Your adventure begins in Winnipeg. Known affectionately as Winter-Peg, Winnipeg was historically established as a fur-trade post, but is now a vibrant, cultural hub city in the heart of Canada’s prairies.

• Meet Your Group and Guides

Journey north to Churchill

After an early morning flight, you’ll touch down in the historic northern community of Churchill.

• Fly to Churchill

On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.

Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.

This evening, travel to a cozy yurt tucked away in the snowy boreal forest and witness the awe-inspiring northern lights.

Experience Churchill

Over the next few days, immerse yourself in Northern life. Learn about the subarctic landscape, wildlife and people that call this area home. 

Visit Polar Bears International House, hear from a PBI representative, and learn about ongoing polar bear research in the region.

• Interpretive Snowshoe Tour

This evening, cross the frozen Churchill River in a Tundra Buggy and arrive at Dan's Diner. Enjoy regional cuisine and watch for the aurora borealis through panoramic windows.

Explore the North, view the aurora borealis

Enjoy another day of uniquely Northern adventures! Go dogsledding through the forest, then head to a cozy lounge out on the tundra for one more night of Northern Lights viewing.

Meet a local Métis musher for an authentic dogsledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.

Cross the frozen Churchill River to view the northern lights from Thanadelthur Lounge — a mobile lodge with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and an outdoor rooftop observation deck, situated on the Tundra, far away from the lights of town. 

Churchill and Winnipeg

After a morning activity, you depart from Churchill to spend the night in Winnipeg.  

Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.

• Fly back to Winnipeg

Depart from Winnipeg

After checking out of your hotel, depart Winnipeg at your leisure.

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The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax after each day of outdoor adventures.

Lakeview Signature Hotel

Just one kilometre away from Winnipeg Airport, the Lakeview Signature hotel offers comfortable accommodation and thoughtful amenities. Enjoy on-site dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24/7 fitness centre.

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Want to experience even more of Canada? Add a train journey from Winnipeg to Vancouver and travel through the stunning Canadian Rockies to the country's West Coast.

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Spend more time in Winnipeg at the beginning or end of your trip and discover this city's hidden gems. Highlights include the Assiniboine Park Zoo (and its 'Journey to Churchill'), the Museum of Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Inuit Art Centre — the first of its kind in the world.

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Live the Adventure!

Churchill Northern Lights & Winter Nights

Journey into the arctic aurora delight and discover the charming culture of churchill, churchill northern lights & winter nights.

This exclusive and comprehensive adventure offers an opportunity to witness the captivating Aurora Borealis from the Tundra Buggy® in Churchill, Manitoba . Travel across the frozen Churchill River to a new and secluded location each night for incredible viewing opportunities of the Northern Lights* as you surround yourself in the beautiful and remote landscapes of Manitoba.

During the day, the adventure continues with immersive experiences in Churchill’s history and culture. Explore the boreal forest on a snowshoeing expedition, go on a dog sledding adventure through the snowy wilderness, and learn about the region’s rich heritage with a visit to the Itsanitaq Museum. Additionally, this package includes an exclusive evening at Dan’s Diner for an unforgettable regional culinary experience.

*The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and we cannot guarantee that you will see them. We will ensure that your trip remains a bucket list experience, even if you are not fortunate enough to see the Aurora Borealis!

**Please note that travel insurance is strictly required to go on this tour. Contact us to help you arrange return flights from anywhere in the world and comprehensive travel insurance through Uniglobe Specialty Travel .

Please note that this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or unexpected closures.

Arrive in Winnipeg

• Arrive in Winnipeg. Discover Canada Tours can arrange roundtrip flights and transportation for your group. Please contact us and one of our travel agents will be happy to assist you
• Check into your hotel in Winnipeg and explore the amenities onsite
• Get to meet your group and interpretive guide this evening with a meet and greet

*Photos courtesy of ©Travel Manitoba.

Winnipeg to Churchill

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today
• Fly to Churchill early in the morning with your group
• Enjoy a guided bus tour of Churchill
• Visit the Itsanitaq Museum to learn about Inuit history and heritage
• Embark on an evening forest excursion to escape the lights of town and have a chance to view the Northern Lights* from an extraordinary locale in the boreal forest (weather dependent)
• Check into your hotel in Churchill for the next 3 nights

*Photos courtesy of ©Abby Matheson/Frontiers North Adventures

Churchill Adventures

• All meals are included in your package today
• Visit the Polar Bear International House and learn about polar bear research and climate change from a representative
• Embark on an interpretive snowshoe trek and enjoy the thrill of adventure through the boreal forest
• Savour an exclusive culinary experience at Dan’s Diner
• Return to your hotel for the night

*Photos courtesy of ©Abby Matheson and Brandi Hayberg / Frontiers North Adventures

• All meals are included today
• Experience a dog sled ride and interpretive program with your own team of dogs to learn about Métis culture and the history of dog sledding
• Travel on an official Tundra Buggy® to visit the warm and secluded Thanadelthur Lounge for peak aurora-viewing opportunities
• Stay overnight at your hotel in Churchill

*Photos courtesy of ©Madeline Grant and Abby Matheson/Frontiers North Adventures

Churchill to Winnipeg

• Admission to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre is included today. View incredibly detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits that represent the history of Churchill
• Take your return flight to Winnipeg this evening (included)
• Check into the hotel in Winnipeg to conclude the tour
• Depart Winnipeg at leisure the following morning. Discover Canada Tours can arrange flights and/or post tour accommodation and activities for your group. Please contact us for more information

*Photos courtesy of ©Madeline Grant/Frontiers North Adventures

Please contact an agent today to inquire about booking this tour for your group.

Explore the rest of our  Churchill tours .

How often can I expect to see the Northern Lights during this tour?

The town of Churchill is located beneath the Auroral Oval, offering excellent chances to witness the Northern Lights . With over 300 nights of Aurora activity every year, your chances to experience this stunning night-sky phenomenon are very high. Also, this package is offered on select dates in February and March, which is peak Aurora Borealis season.

That being said, the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and we cannot guarantee you will see them , but rest assured that Discover Canada Tours and our partners will offer an unforgettable experience, even if you miss the Aurora.

What are the typical weather conditions in Churchill and Winnipeg in winter?

Churchill experiences very cold weather during the winter months , with temperatures ranging from below zero to slightly above freezing. Snowfall and icy conditions are expected, so we strongly recommend you dress in warm, thermal layers, and bring appropriate winter accessories , such as gloves, hat and a scarf, to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Winnipeg, where the tour begins and ends, also experiences cold winter weather during this time, with low temperatures and a high chance of snowfall .

What does the culinary experience at Dan’s Diner consist of?

Dan’s Diner offers a remote, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience set on the frozen banks of the Churchill River and surrounded by wilderness beneath the Northern Lights. It’s a delightful opportunity to savor an exquisitely curated, inspired by land and sea multi-course menu that features regional and local cuisine, adding a special touch to your adventure.

Are all flights included in this package?

Upon arriving in Winnipeg, your roundtrip flights to Churchill are included in the tour . Transportation to and from the airports is provided for your convenience, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

If you need to travel to Winnipeg to meet at the departure point, Discover Canada Tours can offer full-service travel arrangements through Uniglobe Specialty Travel, including flights, accommodation, and travel insurance. Please contact one of our agents to get started.

Request a quote with an agent today

Now accepting bookings for 2025

• Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights from the Tundra Buggy® in Churchill
• Explore the beautiful northern landscapes during nightly excursions in the boreal forest
• Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Churchill
• Engage in thrilling, authentically Canadian winter activities
• Enjoy an exclusive culinary experience at Dan’s Diner on the frozen Churchill River

• WINNIPEG - 2 Nights
• CHURCHILL - 3 Nights

• Polar Bear International House
• Parks Canada Visitor Centre
• Itsanitaq Museum

What to Bring:

• Warm clothes, including thermal, waterproof and insulated layers
• Gloves, hat and a scarf
• Comfortable, sturdy, waterproof footwear
• Camera and binoculars are recommended
• Reusable water bottle and small backpack
• 2 pieces of ID
• Travel insurance is required. We can help you arrange different packages through Uniglobe Specialty Travel

Optional Add Ons

Travel Insurance

Pre/Post Tour Flights

Pre/Post Tour Accommodation

Speak with an agent to book your northern lights adventure in churchill, manitoba, you may also like.

CHURCHILL CLASSIC POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE

YUKON NORTHERN LIGHTS RETREAT

Adventure with Confidence

Adventures & Activities

Years of experience, satisfied guests, bear sightings & counting.

636 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2G2

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Churchill Wild Lodges & Polar Bear Safaris

Contact us to design your perfect trip, churchill wild polar bear safaris.

The prelude is a gentle hum of aircraft amidst the serene tundra backdrop. From the air, you see an abundance of belugas dotting the sea, conveying the magic of Churchill Wild. Below lies your otherworldly safari adventure, waiting.

The polar bears won’t remember you. You will never forget them, hiking at ground level through their remote territory for a heart-pounding close encounter. Arctic Canada has a spectacular landscape, from estuary to Boreal forest, bay to inland tundra.

Churchill Wild has three eco-lodges, presenting many angles from which to view polar bears, foxes, wolves, and over 100 species of birds. The thrall of exotic creatures delights all nature lovers. From July to November, professional photographers, interpreters, and bear guides lead your group into the Arctic tundra, skirting the edges of Hudson Bay. The owners are committed to sustainable tourism, and environmentally friendly practices are always employed. We all tread lightly here.

For a truly unforgettable encounter, hop in a Zodiac to witness the beluga migration in Hudson Bay and sing along with these canaries of the sea. And after the adrenaline recedes from your various breathtaking encounters, kick back by the fire and pour yourself a tipple. Enjoy locally sourced Arctic cuisine, prepared using traditional methods and family recipes. Gaze upon the Aurora Borealis, and commune with the spirit of the great white North.

Accolades & Affiliations

• Awarded the 2017 Transat Sustainable Tourism Award
• 2017 PURE Life Experiences Award for Contribution to Experiential Travel
• Winner, 2016 Manitoba Tourism Awards – Award of Distinction
• Winner, 2016 Canadian Tourism Awards – Adventure/Outdoors Award
• Winner, 2016 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for Seal River Heritage Lodge
• Winner, 2015 Manitoba Tourism Awards – Sustainable Tourism Award
• Recognition as a Canadian Signature Experience by Destination Canada – Birds, Bears & Belugas safari
• Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World – Seal River Heritage Lodge and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge

Accommodation 3 different locations all very unique (max lodge size 8 rooms). They offer a variety of different itineraries

Wildlife Viewing polar bears and belugas, black bears, fox, wolves, moose, Arctic hare, birds (over 100 species)

Activities tundra trekking, marine excursions, whale watching, ATV tours, northern lights viewing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing (March only)

Operating Season March, July-November

Closest Town Churchill, Manitoba

Access fly-in access only (trips are all-inclusive out of Winnipeg, MB)

Price Churchill Wild offers a variety of different itineraries. Safaris range from 7 to 14 days, with prices ranging from $13,295 too $22,095 CAD per person. Children 12 and under receive a 10% discount

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Churchill Wild Lodges & Polar Bear Safaris Gallery

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Polar bear safaris, polar bears at sunset, kayaking with belugas, reviews from churchill wild guests.

Wonderful location on the Hudson Bay, beautiful landscape, great, spacious and comfortable facilities at the lodge with excellent viewing from all areas. The care and dedication from all the staff was top grade and the food and drink supplied at every meal was amazing and so diverse. We were so well cared for and enjoyed every minute. The polar bear viewing was superb and close up, at one time with a bear on each side of us! The transport was fun and the weather was clear and sunny. We also saw black bears and wolves, numerous birds of all sizes and a colourful landscape. The holiday of a lifetime!

Stephanie A. ,

Do yourself a favour. This place is a 'must go there'. Cannot rate this highly enough. 'Excellent' doesn't come close. Absolutely everything was brilliant. Dealing with Churchill Wild was personal and professional. Getting to and staying at the lodge was faultless. Superb location, excellent accommodation, great food, helpful staff, and brilliant guides all contributed to this being a once in a lifetime experience I will remember forever. Saw polar bears every day, some at a distance, others within metres. Awe inspiring

David H., Carmarthen, United Kingdom

The Pacific Yellowfin is the ONLY bespoke wildlife and adventure expedition into Canada's beckoning Pacific Northwest. Our Luxury Charter Yacht, a 1943 historical vessel and her crew of 5, take you to the heart and soul of British Columbia's coastline. Our journeys are ideal for multi-generational families or a group of friends looking for a luxury wilderness adventure or a relaxing trip away from civilization.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort is an intimate retreat amongst the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, where guests have access to 50,000 square miles of extraordinary wilderness. A glacier-fed waterfall provides drinking water and green energy, as luxury and sustainability are realized in breathtaking fashion. Private cabins provide a welcoming space and locally inspired menus bring the best of the region to your plate.

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort is an authentic ranch and boutique wilderness resort in one! Beckoning to the world's discerning, active travellers seeking freedom, authentic adventure & life-enriching experience. Frontier style accommodations in gorgeous Cariboo country, outfitted with lavish attention, are true extravagance amidst 80,000 acres of untamed British Columbia wilderness.

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge lies in the heart of the stunning Bella Coola Valley, in British Columbia’s largest protected park, The Great Bear Rainforest. This magical old growth forest is grizzly territory, and they often stroll right past the lodge. Constructed in 1929, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge initially served as a hunting and fishing retreat, now updated to include modern amenities. Authentic Canadian hospitality ensures your Chalet stay is a welcome getaway.

Bella Coola straddles the iconic Coast Range Mountains. From stunning scenic fjords to the highest peak in British Columbia, our heli-ski permit area has an inspiring range of untracked terrain. We offer an industry-leading range of programs to suit every type of skier & rider. Whether you’re an expert wanting steeper terrain, or it’s your first time heli-skiing and you’re looking for something a little more tame, we’ve got the perfect experience for you.

Churchill Wild specializes in ground-level walking tours through the polar bear inhabited regions of Arctic Canada. Meet polar bears face-to-face, all while enjoying world-class service, accommodations and cuisine from the comfort of the Polar Bear Eco-Lodges on Canada’s Hudson Bay coast, home to the largest and most accessible polar bear population on the planet.

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• 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

Polar Bear Photo Expeditions

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!

• 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. 
• 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. 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.

Read what travelers are saying about Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure:

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Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917 . Please note that on Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917. Please note that on Make It Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

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Have a question or comment? Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Hours Mountain Time

• 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
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Accommodations

Classic Churchill Polar Bears

6 days / 5 nights

Where it goes

October - November

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Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

• Decide your desired budget
• Choose your own activities and experiences
• Have all the details of your trip arranged for you

See polar bears on this wilderness tour

Visit Churchill, Manitoba, the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" in October and early November. Polar bears gather in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, waiting for the ice to form on Hudson Bay. Once the ice is stable, they head out to spend the winter hunting seals. In this short time you have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close from the comfort and safety of a purpose-built vehicle called the Tundra Buggy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a ‘must-see’ for wildlife enthusiasts.

See polar bears in their natural environment

A 22 person maximum on the tundra buggy, exciting day activities like dogsledding, fantastic wildlife photography opportunities, top experiences and features.

Explore in a specially designed Tundra Buggy

See polar bears in their natural habitat

Enjoy amazing photo opportunities

Go dogsledding in Churchill

Explore Churchill and the surrounding area

Visit Polar Bears International House

Your questions answered.

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Frequently asked questions, what are the best months to see polar bears, is a polar bear sighting guaranteed, what is a tundra buggy, are the polar bear tours suitable for children, what are the expected weather conditions and what clothing is recommended for this polar bear trip, what if i don't want to bring winter clothing, what else can i do on a polar bear trip, sample itinerary.

Arrive in Winnipeg

Your polar bear adventure begins! Time permitting, we recommend you head over to Winnipeg's Manitoba Museum or to the Forks, one of the city's most popular gathering places and a great place to purchase souvenirs from local Canadian artisans.

This evening, meet your host and group of fellow polar bear enthusiasts for a Q&A session. On your trip, you'll enjoy a small group experience (max. 22 guests) led by a knowledgeable guide.  

Fly north into polar bear territory

Today the excitement begins as you travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill.  Situated on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.

• Fly to Churchill

On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.

Visit Polar Bears International House, hear from a PBI representative, and learn about ongoing polar bear research in the region.

Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.

View polar bears up close

The moment has finally come - after a hotel pick up, board a Tundra Buggy and start your search for polar bears.

Your journey takes you through Churchill Wildlife Management Area's extensive trail network in search of polar bears. 

You'll travel in comfort throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area onboard a large, specialized Tundra Buggy vehicle. While a Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40 passengers, your smaller group size means you'll enjoy plenty of room. A hearty picnic lunch will be served onboard. 

Hear the stories of a Churchill resident, such as a local trapper, and learn what it's like to live in the Northern reaches of Canada.

Dogsledding in Churchill

Experience a uniquely northern way of getting around today on a dog sledding tour.

Meet a local Métis musher for an authentic dogsledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.

Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.

Another Tundra Buggy adventure

Head out for another exciting day out on the Tundra searching for polar bears.

Enjoy another extraordinary day on board the Tundra Buggy. As well as polar bears, you may see arctic fox, ptarmigan, and snowy owl.  

• Fly back to Winnipeg

Depart Winnipeg

Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

See Full Itinerary

Arrive in Winnipeg ...

Fly north into pola ...

View polar bears up ...

Dogsledding in Chur ...

View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

• Day-tour options and descriptions;
• Departure dates;
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The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax after each day of outdoor adventures.

Lakeview Signature Hotel

Just one kilometre away from Winnipeg Airport, the Lakeview Signature hotel offers comfortable accommodation and thoughtful amenities. Enjoy on-site dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24/7 fitness centre.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Add nights in Winnipeg

Spend more time in Winnipeg at the beginning or end of your trip and discover this city's hidden gems. Highlights include the Assiniboine Park Zoo (and its 'Journey to Churchill'), the Museum of Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Inuit Art Centre — the first of its kind in the world.

Great Bear Rainforest

Ask us to arrange a visit to one of British Columbia's most unique treasures - the Great Bear Rainforest. Stay in remote yet luxurious accommodations and witness eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, dolphins, whales, wolves, and more in the wild.

What Our Customers Say

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 and Mike

We got to experience the polar bears up close and personal

The learning and discovery during the trip was an amazing experience. Thanks to our wonderful guide and buggy driver, we got to experience the polar bears up close and personal. I...   read more

Anne and Marvin

Our trip was absolutely fabulous

Our trip was absolutely fabulous, I loved everything, seeing the Hudson Bay forming ice, the countryside, finding the bears just stunning. We did a helicopter ride which was amazing.

Julie and Suzanne

VIC, Australia

The guides were fabulous

The guides were fabulous and the tundra buggy was warm with one seat for each of us. Fabulous dog-sledding experience - I enjoyed the presentation, humor and hospitality. The wine...   read more

Polar bears are amazing

The trip was wonderful. Polar bears are my new favorite animal!

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