Frozen Tundra, Boreal Forests, and Tales of the Hudson Bay
Lying on the edge of Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Aboard a specially designed Tundra Buggy®, this hotel-based adventure allows you to experience the excitement of polar bear viewing in safety and comfort. Expert guides and researchers from Polar Bears International (PBI)—the world's leading polar bear conservation group—will join you on the buggies and at the headquarters, and you'll not only see polar bears but also learn about these majestic animals. As a bonus, you can race through the boreal forest in the traditional northern sport of dog sledding.
Arrive: Winnipeg, Canada
Depart: Winnipeg, Canada
Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!
At time of reservation: $600
130 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Minimum fee: $600 per person
61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
60 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
This trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, according to our trip grading system, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Tundra Buggy vehicles are used to explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears and there is an optional dog sled ride. Some agility is required for getting in and out of vehicles and exploring towns where walkways may be icy or snowy, so you must feel confident and stable on your feet.
The weather in Churchill varies greatly from season to season, and the wind coming off of Hudson Bay can often make temperatures feel even cooler than reported. Temperatures can vary from -20°C to 0°C (-4°F to 32°F), but strong winds can make the temperature colder (the "wind chill" factor). The Buggies are heated; however, when we see bears, windows go down and the interior quickly cools. Dressing in warm layers is the best way to stay comfortable. There is a service to rent arctic clothing ahead of time and pick it up upon arrival. Please ask our Area Specialist for details.
Daylight in Churchill During your adventure you can expect approximately 9 hours of daylight. The later in the season, the fewer hours of daylight there are.
Weather patterns over Hudson Bay in autumn can make the sky quite overcast. Please keep in mind that any Northern Lights are considered a bonus instead of a guarantee during these departures.
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Submit the form below to download itinerary
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.