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Classic Polar Bear Adventure

The World’s Most Coveted Small-Group Polar Bear Expedition

Churchill is situated at the juncture of three distinct ecosystems: the Boreal forest to the south, the Arctic tundra to the north, and the Hudson Bay to the east, making it a wildlife watching mecca.

On December 23, 2006, the United States Department of the Interior proposed that polar bears be added to the Endangered Species List. Other conservation groups designate the species as "threatened." The World Wildlife Fund predicts that polar bears could be extinct in sixty years if global warming trends — caused by carbon pollution — continue unabated.

Few experiences on earth rival the exhilaration of coming face to face with the "King of the Arctic."

We limit our groups to approximately fifteen guests, even though our vehicles hold an average of thirty-five passengers. This ensures that everyone has a window seat, plenty of room to move about, and exceptional photo opportunities.

Sometimes, we may stay and watch a single bear for a while; other times, we will move quickly to other sightings. To date, no group has missed seeing the polar bears.

Each season the tundra takes on different colors and unpredictable weather. Some seasons it snows early and often; other seasons early snows are blown away and a final freeze does not occur until December. We never know when it will snow, but the beauty of the ever-changing tundra will be revealed upon arrival.

Typically, you'll see six to ten bears a day, although as few as one and as many as fifty have been seen in one day. Weather changes frequently in the area, which directly affects wildlife activity.

The platforms on our tundra vehicles have recently been equipped with steel-mesh floors so you can view the bears as they walk beneath your feet. This may take some getting used to!

You may witness a wide variety of bear behavior, such as this impressive display of mock fighting. Normally, bears are highly territorial, but they tend to be more tolerant of each other around Churchill at this time of year.

Bears can be curious, too. From far away they look fuzzy and cute, but from close range their massive teeth and impressive battle scars can be intimidating.

Cubs can get so caught up in a wrestling match that they become oblivious to everything around them — including you!

In Churchill, we'll have cultural interactions that range from nature talks to live music. Here the Nat Hab crew is happily joined by a native of Nunavut, who assists his parents with drum circles.

The "Story of the Caribou" is told through a traditional drum and dance presentation. For many, coming into contact with Northern cultures is a highlight of this adventure.

Anyone can point out a bear — but a great naturalist uses a variety of tools to bring the tundra to life.

Native Inuits built "inuksuk," stone structures similar to the one pictured here (though this one is exceptionally large) to help them navigate the featureless tundra. Canada chose the inuksuk as its symbol for the 2010 Olympic Games in Whistler.

Polar bears’ huge paws help distribute their weight on snow and ice to keep them from breaking through. This is one of many incredible adapations which enables them to survive in such a harsh environment.

Polar bears can stand as high as nine to ten feet on their hind legs, making them the perfect height to see what you're up to.

"Psst, don't turn around right now, but over your left shoulder there's a big, white vehicle with a bunch of crazy people taking pictures of us. On the count of three, let's turn around and pretend like we’re fighting. Whattayasay?"

An evening presentation may chart the life of a cub and its close ties to its mother. All of our staff and Expedition Leaders are exceptionally knowledgeable about the bears and the Northern environment.

A mother polar bear is extremely protective of her young and will risk her own life to defend theirs. Bears depend on the ice to hunt seals, but unfortunately mom can't protect her cubs from global warming. NHA pays to offset all of the carbon emissions from its trips, making them completely carbon neutral.

On your final day in Churchill, you will have some free time to explore the town or go on an optional dog-sledding adventure before your flight back to Winnipeg.

Or choose an optional helicopter excursion on your final day. Seeing the vast tundra from the air is unforgettable.

Natural Habitat Adventures' Classic Polar Bear Adventure is our most popular trip. Churchill's massive bears, lunar-like landscapes, and warmth of its people will stay with you forever.

Natural Habitat Adventures
Box 3065
Boulder, CO, USA 80307
(303) 449-3711
(800) 543-8917

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