Polar Bears of Churchill - Enthusiast Tour

Each year in autumn, along the west shore of Canada's Hudson Bay polar bears gather along the shore near Churchill, Manitoba waiting for the bay to freeze to begin the annual hunt for seals, their choice prey.

Located on the western shore of Hudson Bay and not accessible by road lies the small northern seaport of Churchill, Manitoba, often referred to as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”.  Our packages will take you to view polar bears from onboard an remarkable Tundra Buggy - the most comfortable and safe way to experience polar bears in their natural environment. On days that have a Tundra Buggy Adventure scheduled, you will be transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch to board a Buggy and begin your search for wildlife. The Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and take photos. When daylight begins to fade, you head back to the Launch to be transferred back to town and your hotel.

Enthusiast Hotel Tours
The Enthusiast programs we offer are designed so that you will not only see the magnificent Lord of the Arctic, Manitoba’s polar bears, but also so you can experience the history and culture of the region. Led by very knowledgeable guides, the Enthusiast itineraries include activities other than bear watching, such as a town and area tour, entrance to the Eskimo Museum and Parks Canada facility and a private slide presentation. Either dog sledding or a cultural-arts program is also included.

Another exciting component of the tours is the choice of transportation to & from Churchill. The most popular way is by round trip air from Winnipeg or you can choose to travel one-way by VIA Rail (please contact us for details on this option).  Enthusiast programs include the largest selection of available activities and are the best way to experience the wildlife as well as the ‘wild’ life in Churchill! 

These hotel based Adventures are based in Churchill, a small, northern community with a lot of character; you won’t find one of the big-chain hotels here that you might find in a larger centre. You will, however, find warm hospitality basic yet and clean, comfortable hotels with all the amenities. Staying in town will allow you to walk to and from the different venues, spend some time on your own, and perhaps meet some of the locals.

6 Day Enthusiast Tour by Air

Tour Dates - 2013

October:  01, 13*, 14, 16, 18, 22, 25, 29

November:  02, 06, 09, 12

The 13 Oct departure has the added inclusion of a Churchill Helicopter Tour.

Sample Itinerary*

Day 1 - Arrive Winnipeg

Overnight at a hotel near the airport.

Day 2 - Winnipeg to Churchill
Early morning flight to Churchill.  Depart for town and area tour, and visit to Eskimo Museum. Overnight Churchill hotel.

Day 3 - Polar Bear Viewing

 Today is spent in a Tundra Buggy with knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Overnight in a Churchill hotel.

Day 4 - Churchill
Dog sledding excursion hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert in the morning. Afternoon visit to Parks Canada Interpretive Center. Evening slide presentation by local photographer. Overnight Churchill hotel.

Day 5 - Polar Bear Viewing & Return to Winnipeg  
Day spent in a Tundra Buggy with knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.  This evening you will transfer to the airport for your return flight to Winnipeg. Overnight at an airport hotel.

Day 6 - End of Tour

Your tour ends today upon checkout from your Winnipeg hotel

* Please note: Itineraries can differ for each departure, eg polar bear viewing and Churchill days may be switched, and on some tours an alternative cultural arts programme is offered instead of the dog-sledding activity.  Please check with us for the exact itinerary for your chosen departure.

Enthusiast Tour Activities*

Churchill and Area Tour: A guided bus tour of local and historical points of interest surrounding Churchill, including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and Manitoba Conservation's Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting).

Dog Sledding: Hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert, you will learn about the history associated with dog sledding in Northern Canada. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled (or cart, weather permitting). Join the musher’s for hot chocolate and freshly made bannock after your ride and share their personal stories of their dog sledding adventures.

Eskimo Museum: The museum contains one of Canada's finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artifacts dating from pre- Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.

Interpretive-Guided Tundra Buggy Adventure: The best way to experience an intimate encounter with a wild polar bear is on an authentic Tundra Buggy. All of our Tundra Buggies are furnished with dual-pane frost-free windows and contain propane heating systems that closely resemble a cozy fireplace, with real flame (behind glass). Each day, we depart early and board our world famous Tundra Buggies looking for polar bears and other wildlife out on the tundra. You will enjoy picnic style lunches and refreshments while you are bear watching.

Parks Canada Interpretive Centre: Walk back in time viewing detailed and exciting wildlife dioramas, fur trade exhibits. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area. You leave chock-full of natural and historical information from the Churchill region.

Slide Presentation: Conducted by seasoned residents. Relax and soak-up years of northern experience communicated in enchanting stories and magnificent photography.

*Activities are subject to weather and may change without notice.

Cost Per Person

Tour Prices Include

• 2 nights accommodation in Winnipeg
• 3 nights hotel accommodation in Churchill
• Return airfare between Winnipeg & Churchill
• 2 full days of bear viewing on a Tundra Buggy
• Churchill and area tour
• Entrance to the Eskimo Museum
• Slide presentation
• Dog sledding excursion

What to Bring

You will need to take warm, insulated and waterproof clothing that can be worn in layers.

Weather

The weather conditions play a major role in all activities in the north and therefore, tour schedules are subject to change at any time. In the event of any flight delays, changes in tours or cancellations, expenses will be borne by the traveller. Refunds cannot be guaranteed.

Payment & Cancellation Terms

Please note that due to the limited availability of polar bear packages, special terms and conditions apply.

Deposits - A deposit of £600 per person is required at the time of booking. Please note that this is addition to our standard deposit amount.
Balance - Balance payment is due 90 days before departure
Cancellations
91 days or more before - loss of £600 deposit
90-61 days before - 50% fee
60 - 0 days before - 100% non-refundable