Polar Bear, Churchill, Canada

Churchill

On the shores of the Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba is the small town of Churchill, synonymous with polar bears. Each year they congregate in large numbers as they await the sea ice to form.

Polar bears spend the winter on the sea ice hunting seals and during the summer months they can be found lounging in the tundra and searching for berries and other “snacks” to tide them over until the return of the sea ice.

The town is now a hub for Arctic wildlife excursions, either from a tundra vehicle, from the air or for the most adventurous on foot – if you want to see polar bears close up then this is the place for you. Hundreds of belugas congregate during the summer months in Hudson Bay, and it is even possible to kayak and even snorkel with them. The small township of Churchill, the gateway to remote wildlife lodges, features the interesting Eskimo Museum and the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, and slightly further out of town is the historic Prince of Wales Fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1700’s.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Inukshuk Statue, Mountain Summit, Canadian Arctic
Churchill

Learn Inuit History

Visit the fascinating Inuit cultural museum and learn all about Inuit history.

Suggested Holiday Idea

View to Arctic Watch Camp, Somerset Island, Canadian Arctic
Churchill

Stay in a Polar Lodge

For a true wilderness experience, stay in one of the exclusive polar bear lodges, a short flight from Churchill.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Polar Bear, Canadian Arctic
Churchill

Photography Tour

Photograph bears in spring flower meadows along with prolific birdlife.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Arctic Fox
Churchill

Search for Arctic Wildlife

Take tundra vehicle excursions out into the wilderness in search of bears and other wildlife.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Beluga Whales, Canadian Arctic
Churchill

Kayak with Belugas

Go on an adventure either kayaking or snorkelling with Belugas who migrate through the bay.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Arctic Premium Safari Camp £££££

  • Canada
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

The Premium Safari Camp is inspired by the African mobile camps, bringing style and elegance to the Arctic. Yurt style tents are erected with double walls for insulation to provide a warm home away from home in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. Configurations can include either two twin beds or one king-size bed. Each bed is complete with mattress, duvets, pillows and comforter. Large windows provide sweeping views so that you can still be part of the arctic while enjoying the creature comforts of your yurt.

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Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge £££££

  • Canada
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Nanuk’s star attraction is the polar bears. You are likely to encounter more here than anywhere else on earth. This is due to the fact that Nanuk Lodge is located in very close proximity to significant polar bear denning activity. The lodge itself has just eight rooms all with en-suite facilities. There is a large dining area with communal tables and panoramic views across the bay where the wildlife is frequently sighted during meal times. After a walking safari or taking a low impact ATV buggy ride return to the cosy living room with is roaring fire, for storytelling and wildlife presentations.

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Seal River Heritage Lodge £££££

  • Canadian Arctic
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Boasting panoramic views of the surrounding tundra and sea, the Seal River Lodge offers fantastic opportunities for bear viewing and spotting wildlife. Polar bears roam the area and the lodge has a large fenced space at the rear, which almost guarantees an up-close encounter with one of these powerful creatures.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

Sue has a passion for polar bears and has seen more than most people can dream about. She has canoed down the Yukon river encountering grizzly bears and moose, walked with polar bears in Manitoba, paddled with belugas in Nunavut, explored the ancient sites of the Inuit and sailed the coastlines of Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

Roxy’s love for Canada is limitless and she has returned on an almost yearly basis since her first visit as a child. From hiking the high alpine trails, riding with local cowboys to kayaking with humpbacks, she has likely been there and done it.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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