Close up with polar bears

Traveler Story: Close Encounters with Polar Bears

By Nat Hab Traveler Margaret Yang | Classic Polar Bear Adventure

I absolutely loved the process of looking for polar bears in the snow. I would sit next to our Polar Rover driver, Bill, and work really hard to look for bears in complete whiteness. I got so excited every time I thought I found a bear, but most of the time, they all turned out to be rocks or leaves in the storm.

When I did finally spot a bear, I pointed it out to all of the other guests on the rover. It felt so rewarding to see everyone rushing to the windows to take pictures and to see the excitement on everyone’s faces! As difficult as it was for me to spot bears without Bill’s help, being able to share this experience my husband, the person I love the most in my entire life, was absolutely amazing!

Polar bear stretchingPolar bears scavenging
Polar bear pawing at a crow
All photos and videos © Margaret Yang

More from Churchill Polar Bears

All Churchill Polar Bears stories
  • Canada & the North

    Footprints: A Polar Bear Guide’s Story

    Jun 5, 2026 · Natural Habitat Adventures

    By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Katrina Rosen Out on the tundra, we meld into the landscape, observing and trying to discern details. We remain quiet, resembling the hushed silence before winter, eager to catch sight of the largest land predator or the tiniest Arctic vole.

  • Churchill Polar Bears

    Do Polar Bears Have White Fur?

    Mar 22, 2026 · Emily Goodheart

    The Arctic is home to a wide array of winter wildlife. The hides of Arctic foxes and snowshoe hares blend into glittering frost as snowy owls swoop overhead, feathers aglow in the light of a silvery moon.