Know Before You Go: Polar Bear Tours
Why Visit Churchill to See Polar Bears?
Every fall, polar bears gather near Churchill, Manitoba, waiting for sea ice to form on Hudson Bay. This remote Canadian town has earned its nickname as the Polar Bear Capital of the World—and it’s one of the only places on Earth where you can safely encounter wild polar bears up close. Natural Habitat Adventures, WWF’s conservation travel partner, offers expert-led polar bear tours in Churchill with exclusive tundra access, immersive accommodations and small groups for maximum connection.
What makes Churchill the Polar Bear Capital of the world?
Churchill is the most accessible place to see polar bears in the wild. During polar bear season (October to mid-November), bears gather just outside town, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can hunt seals.
Here’s why Churchill belongs on your wildlife bucket list:
View polar bears safely in their natural tundra habitat
Ride aboard custom Polar Rovers designed for close-up wildlife encounters
Travel in small groups with expert naturalist guides
Stay overnight on the tundra at Nat Hab’s exclusive mobile Tundra Lodge
Spot Arctic wildlife and, with luck, the northern lights
Meet revered elders of First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultural groups in Churchill
Travel with WWF’s conservation travel partner—where your trip makes a difference
What makes Churchill special for polar bear viewing?
Each fall, polar bears gather near Churchill because this is where sea ice forms first on Hudson Bay. This annual migration makes it one of the best places to see polar bears in the wild.
From specialized vehicles on the tundra, travelers witness:
Bears waiting for freeze-up
Natural behaviors like sparring, digging daybeds or caring for cubs
A rare density of polar bears in one area
Decades of regulated ecotourism and conservation partnerships have made Churchill a global model for polar bear tourism.
Where is Churchill, Manitoba?
Churchill sits on the southwestern coast of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, Canada. There are no roads in or out—travelers arrive via chartered flights from Winnipeg on Nat Hab’s polar bear adventures.
Churchill is located ~620 miles north of Winnipeg
The town is remote, with access only by air or train
Flights from Winnipeg are included on all Nat Hab trips
[Embed map of Churchill on Hudson Bay]
How Long Should I Spend in the Churchill?
Plan to spend 6–7 days for the most complete polar bear viewing experience. This allows time for tundra excursions, cultural exploration and optional trip extensions that round out your Arctic adventure. For the best polar bear trip to Churchill, consider the following:
Add a pre-night in Winnipeg to ease travel logistics
Choose the Tundra Lodge for around-the-clock bear encounters
Enhance your trip with a photography or northern lights extension
Why should I choose Nat Hab for a polar bear viewing trip?
Since 1989, Natural Habitat Adventures has set the standard for polar bear tours in Churchill, offering unmatched access to the world’s best bear-viewing region. Whether you stay on the tundra in our exclusive Tundra Lodge, roam the wilds aboard a custom Polar Rover or fly by helicopter to a remote den site, we get you up close to polar bears and authentic cultural experiences—dog sledding, Indigenous storytelling and guided town tours.
Every guest receives loaner Arctic gear, including a heavy-duty parka and boots, so you're fully prepared for the elements without extra packing. Our small groups, insider access, and top-tier Expedition Leaders ensure a personalized, educational and truly immersive adventure.
If you’ve ever wanted to see polar bears in the wild, wandering the ice toward the horizon, then join an expedition tour in Churchill, Canada with Natural Habitat Adventures. You’ll board a Polar Rover, an intrepid vehicle with massive tires and an outdoor viewing platform, which will keep you and the bears safe as you explore the tundra...This is an adventure! —Forbes
Why Choose Nat Hab for a Galapagos Adventure?
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Churchill Polar Bear Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions
How close can I get to polar bears?
On a polar bear tour in Churchill, Manitoba, you can safely view polar bears from as close as 10 to 15 feet away. Both the Tundra Lodge and specialized tundra vehicles called Polar Rovers let travelers observe wild polar bears up close in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Bears may even approach the lodge or vehicle, creating exceptional opportunities for close-up wildlife photography.
When is polar bear season?
Mid-October through mid-November is peak polar bear season in Churchill. This is when bears gather near Hudson Bay waiting for sea ice to form. This predictable annual migration makes it the best time to see polar bears in the wild.
How do we travel safely among polar bears?
Travelers view polar bears in Churchill from custom-built Polar Rovers—large, elevated vehicles designed for safe, up-close wildlife viewing. With wide windows and onboard restrooms, these rovers offer comfort and security while minimizing impact on the bears' habitat.
What do I pack for a polar bear trip?
Pack thermal layers, waterproof pants, gloves, warm boots, a hat and a scarf or neck gaiter. Bring a camera, daypack and binoculars. Many tour operators such as Nat Hab supply parkas and boots.
Is Churchill safe for polar bear viewing?
Yes, Churchill is one of the safest places in the world to view polar bears, thanks to decades of experience, strict safety guidelines, and conservation-focused tourism practices. Visitors are always accompanied by trained guides, and polar bear viewing happens from specialized tundra vehicles or within the secure Tundra Lodge. Local patrols keep both visitors and wildlife safe.
How many polar bears congregate in Churchill each season?
More than 800 polar bears from the Western Hudson Bay population gather near Churchill each fall. This seasonal gathering makes Churchill one of the densest polar bear viewing areas on Earth. While numbers can vary, travelers often see dozens of polar bears during their trip—especially on extended stays or while based at the Tundra Lodge, where sightings often occur around the clock.
Are polar bears endangered?
Polar bears are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their primary threat is climate change, which is causing sea ice in the Arctic to melt earlier in spring and form later in fall—shrinking the bears’ hunting season. Responsible ecotourism, like Churchill’s conservation-focused tours, raises awareness and helps fund efforts to protect polar bear habitats.
How do Nat Hab trips support conservation?
Nat Hab partners with World Wildlife Fund to support Arctic research, community programs, climate education and emissions offsets. Your trip contributes to protecting polar bears and their fragile habitat.
What’s included in my trip?
An all-inclusive polar bear tour typically covers:
Round-trip charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
Accommodations (including the set near the shore of Hudson Bay where polar bear density is highest, if applicable)
All meals and snacks
Expert naturalist guides
Tundra vehicle excursions
Arctic gear (parka and boots)
Airport transfers and gratuities
What is the weather like during polar bear season?
Expect temperatures from 10°F to 25°F, with colder wind chills on the tundra. Snow, dry air and overcast skies are common. Dress in layers and use provided Arctic gear to stay warm.
Nat Hab's Churchill Polar Bear Tours
Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure
Meet the King of the Arctic! Our flagship polar bear tour is an expertly guided small-group adventure to see the world's largest concentration of polar bears in their wild tundra home on Hudson Bay.
Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari
A total immersion in the world of the polar bear! View bears from our custom Polar Rover, visit a polar bear den, survey the tundra by helicopter, and learn about the history and culture of the Canadian North.
Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town
Stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge, situated for unparalleled proximity to roving polar bears—then add two nights in the frontier town of Churchill to experience the culture of the Canadian North.
Tundra Lodge Adventure
Watch polar bears around the clock from our private Tundra Lodge, stationed in an area of high bear density. This is arguably the most extraordinary polar bear encounter in the world!
Churchill’s Belugas, Polar Bears & Arctic Wildlife
Meet hundreds of friendly beluga whales up close via Zodiac and kayak, and look for caribou, polar bears, Arctic fox and more on this exhilarating summer adventure in the Canadian subarctic.
Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition
Our flagship polar bear photo safari is an exhilarating small-group adventure among the world's largest concentration of polar bears along Hudson Bay, guided by top naturalists who are photography pros.
Tundra Lodge Photo Expedition
The ultimate polar bear photography adventure! Stay at our private lodge in the bears’ domain 24/7 on this immersive Arctic photo safari, led by top photographers who are also expert naturalists.
Beluga Whales & Polar Bears: Churchill Summer Photo Expedition
Photograph hundreds of beluga whales in the Churchill River, take a private helicopter flight for aerial shots of roving polar bears, look for Arctic fox and hare, and capture close-ups of brilliant tundra wildflowers.
Travel Stories
An Indigenous History of Climate Change in Canada
—By Megan Brief
Since time immemorial, the Indigenous peoples of Canada have served as gatekeepers for the Earth and of the earth. First Nations, Inuit and Métis grow closer to the land with each passing season, and with it, a fear that climate change could sever their connection for good.
Watch Polar Bears Year-Round with WWF's Species Tracker
—By Marta Regn
Thanks to the WWF species tracker, you can keep up with polar bears during every season and from anywhere in the world!
A Year in the Life of a Hudson Bay Polar Bear
—By Cathy Brown
Let’s get to know these magnificent creatures that the Arctic’s Indigenous Inupiaq call the Nanuuq and learn a bit more about a year in the life of a typical Hudson Bay polar bear.
Arctic Adaptations: How Well Can Polar Bears Swim?
—By Michelle Peters
You may wonder, "Are they strong swimmers? "How far and fast can they swim?" "How are they being affected by the retreating sea ice?" During a Nat Hab Polar Bear Adventure, you'll have hours to discuss these very questions with Expedition Leaders who know these mammals best.
Getting to Know the Polar Bear: 8 Surprising Facts About the King of the Arctic
—By Cathy Brown
Here are eight facts about polar bears that will leave you even more enamored with these beastly beauties. There's definitely a lot more to these Arctic-dwelling bears than what most wildlife lovers know.
Six Things that Surprised me on my Polar Bear Adventure
—By Jen McNally
Besides the magic of seeing polar bears, what surprised me about my adventure was the breadth of unexpected experiences that didn't involve bears. Here are six of them, in no particular order!
Do Polar Bears Hibernate? The Answer May Surprise You
—By Megan Brief
Polar bears contend with extreme environmental conditions and face laborious tasks that result in high energetic demands. Unlike brown and black bears, polar bears do not hibernate...not in the traditional sense, anyway.
Feeling the “Arctic Squeeze” – The UN’s New Climate Report and What it Means for Polar Bears
—By Mark Jorahl
It would be tragically cliché and defeatist to say you should go see the polar bears in Canada now before they are gone. Instead, let’s say go now to get inspired to help save them. There is still time, and there is a roadmap.
What Are the Top Threats Polar Bears Face?
—By Michelle Peters
Let's take a closer look at the polar bear threats out there today and what we can do to further polar bear conservation efforts.
Act Now to Witness the Wonder of Polar Bears in Churchill
—By Natural Habitat Adventures
With International Polar Bear Day on February 27, we're drawing attention to the King of the Arctic's plight in a warming world.
A Successful Return to Churchill—Top Photos from the 2021 Polar Bear Season
—By Emily Goodheart
After two years away, travelers have finally returned to Churchill eager to explore the vast expanse of tundra in search of the King of the Arctic and were rewarded with prolific polar bear sightings.
