Location of Adventure

Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Group Size Limit

Approximately 29 Travelers
A very important feature of this polar bear adventure is the limited group size. Nature is always best experienced in smaller groups, and it is particularly important on this trip so that our guests have plenty of room on board the tundra vehicles. Our Tundra Lodge holds 32 guests plus staff, but we limit the group to approximately 29 guests. On our arctic tundra drives we generally accommodate 15 guests per Polar Rover, which leaves plenty of room to move about the vehicles as we are viewing and photographing bears.

Our Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers

 

Our Private Leaders

 

Included

R/T flight from Winnipeg to Churchill, accommodations, all meals (except either lunch or dinner on your final day in Churchill), cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip, services of NHA's professional Expedition Leaders and assistants, some gratuities, all activities/entrance fees, sled dog excursion, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, all taxes and service charges.

Not Included

Travel to and from Winnipeg, lunch or dinner on your final day, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).

Physical Requirements

Easy
A polar bear expedition with Natural Habitat Adventures requires very little to no walking. Polar Rovers can sometimes offer a bumpy ride.

Important Information About This Trip

A stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge offers guests the true feel of the Far North, with polar bears ambling across the tundra right outside the windows. Despite its isolation, the facility is remarkably comfortable, with private bedrooms and a common living room. The onboard kitchen staff prepare delectable meals served in the spacious dining room. The specialized Polar Rover vehicle located on site provides transportation for half-day excursions over the tundra. Each Tundra Lodge guest will travel on the Polar Rover for one half-day excursion each day; the second half of each day is spent viewing the bears from the comfort of the Tundra Lodge. As the bears approach us, we are able to observe their interactions in the natural environment surrounding the lodge. An important feature of our polar bear trips is the limited group size. Nature is always best experienced in smaller groups, a particularly important element of this trip. The Tundra Lodge holds 32 guests plus staff, but we limit our group to 29 guests or fewer. Tundra drives in the Polar Rover generally accommodate no more than 15 guests, ensuring a window seat for everyone and plenty of room for moving about the vehicle.

On this unique combination itinerary, we will depart the Tundra Lodge on Day 5 and travel into the town of Churchill to spend two nights, for a chance to experience the culture of this rugged and remote frontier town. Our polar bear viewing opportunities continue even after we depart the Tundra Lodge, when we return to the tundra from town for an additional half-day Polar Rover excursion before leaving for Winnipeg.

Regarding polar bears in general: Polar bears are typically in the Churchill area all year-round. The highest concentration occurs in October and November. Sometimes the best viewing is in the beginning of the season, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at 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 can occur, hastening their departure. Check out more details on the ebbs and flows of the Churchill polar bear viewing season.

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 expedition begins with a 7 pm welcome dinner on Day 1. You are free to depart at any time on the final day.