8 Days / Nov, From $7,595
Tundra Lodge Photo Tour
Join World-Renowned Nature Photographers on an Exclusive Small-Group Photo Expedition
A pilgrimage to the polar bears of Churchill is a must for any wildlife photographer, whether professional or avid amateur. This custom expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture images of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, often at very close range. We stay directly on the tundra in our self-contained “hotel,” the Great White Bear Tundra Lodge. Each season the mobile lodge is situated where bear activity is common, and bears are often seen near the lodge all day long! With our exclusive use of this facility, there's plenty of room to store gear and move about freely as we capture astounding images of the King of the Arctic. An on-site Polar Rover provides daily excursions from the lodge, while outdoor decks provide a platform to photograph bears as they wander and play nearby. If we're lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, the deck is an excellent place to capture shots of this mesmerizing phenomenon. Our most accomplished photographer-naturalists guide this extraordinary adventure, drawing on their extensive experience in the region to help you get those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
- Stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge, a mobile hotel situated in the heart of the bears’ habitat, with great stationary platforms to set up equipment
- Our award-winning Photo Expedition Leaders offer expert tips for how to capture the very best images of polar bears and Arctic wildlife
- Daily excursions by Polar Rover over the tundra and along the coast reveal the natural wonders and wildlife of the Northland
Location of Adventure
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Group Size Limit
Approximately 28 Travelers
A very important feature of our polar bear trips is the limited group size. Nature is always best experienced in smaller groups and this is particularly important for our photography expeditions. On this unique adventure photography trip our Tundra Lodge has capacity for 32 guests plus staff but we limit the group to approximately 28 travelers. On our tundra drives we generally accommodate 14 guests which leaves plenty of room to spread out, store your gear, and move about the buggy to get the best perspectives and shots of the polar bears.
Included
R/T flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, accommodations, all meals (except either lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill), services of NHA's professional Expedition Leaders and assistants, some gratuities, all activities/entrance fees, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, all taxes and service charges.
Not Included
Travel to and from Winnipeg, lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).
Physical Requirements
Easy
This trip requires very little to no walking. Polar Rovers can sometimes offer a bumpy ride.
Important Information
Our Photo Tour takes place at our Tundra Lodge (Tundra Lodge Adventure) and is designed specifically for guests who are keen on photography to spend their days shooting. Our Photo Tour Leaders will impart their expertise in both nature interpretation and photography techniques, helping guests capture great images of the remarkable spirit of the Arctic environment and its wildlife. Each day at the lodge we will venture onto the tundra in our dedicated vehicle for half-day excursions. Regarding polar bears in general: Polar bears are typically in the Churchill area all year round. The highest concentration occurs in Oct. and Nov. Sometimes the best viewing is in the beginning of the season, sometimes the middle and sometimes the end - we never know for sure. The bears are waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze, and when it does, many of them depart. Historically, this has been in early December, but an unusually early cold spell may occur, hastening their departure.
Getting There & Getting Home
In case of flight or weather delays, we recommend that you arrive a day early and either participate in our Extra Day in Winnipeg program or stay on your own. Our trip begins with a 7:00pm welcome dinner on Day 1. You are free to depart at any time on the final day.
