Know Before You Go: Polar Bear Tours
When is the best time to see polar bears in Churchill?
October and November are the best times to visit Churchill for polar bear viewing. During this brief fall season, bears gather along the Hudson Bay shoreline, waiting for the sea ice to return. Cold, crisp air settles over the tundra. Light snow dusts the willows. With luck, the northern lights ripple across the night sky. Wildlife is active, and the stark beauty of the Canadian Arctic sets the stage for unforgettable encounters.
When is the best time to visit?
The peak season in Churchill runs from Mid-October through mid-November. This short season offers the most consistent polar bear sightings of the year—whether you're based in Churchill or on the tundra itself.
Checklist: Best Time to Visit Churchill if…
You want to see the most polar bears: Mid to late October
You hope to photograph mothers with cubs: Early November
You prefer milder Arctic weather: Mid to late October
You’re a dedicated wildlife photographer: Late October to early November for golden light and active bears
Why do polar bears gather in Churchill in the fall?
Every fall, polar bears migrate to Churchill because this is where sea ice forms first on western Hudson Bay. As the temperature drops, the bay begins to freeze—signaling the return of seal hunting season. Bears wait patiently near the coast, conserving energy while scanning for the first solid ice. This natural cycle brings dozens of bears close to town, offering a rare chance to see them on land, before the long Arctic winter begins.
Can I see polar bears outside of the October–November window?
Yes—but sightings are less predictable. In summer, a few polar bears can be spotted from boats or helicopters, especially on beluga whale tours in July and August. Bears tend to stay near the coast, where cooler breezes keep them comfortable.
Winter and spring are more challenging: after freeze-up, bears head onto the ice, and in early spring, females remain hidden in snow dens with young cubs. For the best experience, go in October or November.
Can I see the northern lights during polar bear season?
It’s possible you will see the northern lights but not guaranteed. Churchill sits directly beneath the aurora oval, making it one of the best places to view the northern lights—even in fall. By late October, nights are long and dark enough for aurora to appear, especially under clear skies. That said, clouds and snow squalls can limit visibility. Expect about eight hours of daylight, with long Arctic nights that may reward patient travelers with a shimmering green glow overhead.
When is the best time for polar bear photography?
Late October to early November offers ideal conditions for polar bear photography. Low-angle golden light bathes the tundra, adding warmth and depth to your images. Bears are active and often moving—sparring, digging snow beds or approaching rovers with curiosity.
Fresh snowfall provides a clean canvas that makes their white coats pop. Whether you’re shooting with a zoom lens or a smartphone, this season gives you the light, contrast and activity to capture incredible wildlife images.
What are the temperatures like during Churchill’s polar bear season?
Cold—but manageable with the right gear. Daytime temperatures during polar bear season range from 10°F to 25°F, though wind chills on the open tundra can feel much colder.
October days may bring blue skies and a light breeze, while November often means drifting snow, overcast skies and Arctic gusts. You'll need insulated boots, gloves, thermal layers and a warm parka. Nat Hab provides heavy-duty loaner gear, so you can focus on the bears, not the cold.
Galapagos by Timeframe
Early October
Polar Bear Activity:
Bears begin arriving near Hudson Bay
Sea Ice Coverage:
Minimal
Northern Lights Visibility:
Moderate chances
Daylight Conditions:
Longer days, softer light
Late October
Polar Bear Activity:
Peak polar bear sightings and activity
Sea Ice Coverage:
Partial freeze-up
Northern Lights Visibility:
High potential
Daylight Conditions:
Shorter days, good visibility
Early November
Polar Bear Activity:
Best time to see mothers with cubs
Sea Ice Coverage:
Significant ice coverage
Northern Lights Visibility:
High, with clearer skies
Daylight Conditions:
Fewer daylight hours, colder temps
Late November
Polar Bear Activity:
Bear numbers decline as they head onto the ice
Sea Ice Coverage:
Full coverage
Northern Lights Visibility:
High but cloudier
Daylight Conditions:
Low light, fewer bear sightings
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.
