Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting started, you'll want to read these essential photo tips from our Natural Photographer blog before your polar bear adventure.

Churchill, Manitoba, is known 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. Nat Hab's expert-led polar bear tours offer exclusive tundra access, immersive accommodations and small groups for maximum connection.

Read about the Natural Habitat Polar Bear Difference to find out what makes our polar bear adventures so exceptional.

Churchill’s polar bear season runs October–November: early weeks feature curious bears on autumn tundra, mid-season brings colder-weather activity, and late season delivers the highest concentration of polar bears as Hudson Bay freezes.

Learn about the "ebbs and flows" of polar bear migration patterns in Churchill, gleaned from our three decades of operating polar bear trips in the region. 

During Churchill’s polar bear season (October–November), travelers often see polar bears plus Arctic fox, Arctic hare, snowy owls, ptarmigan, migratory birds and occasional caribou—on rare occasions beneath the Northern Lights.

Churchill polar bear tour accommodations include the Tundra Lodge—an innovative rolling hotel for 24/7 bear viewing—and welcoming Churchill inns that blend comfort, local character, and easy access to wildlife.

We've made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you'll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Churchill adventure.

It's no secret that subarctic Churchill tends to be cold! We've got some helpful tips to keep you comfortable in the chilly temperatures.

By leading environmentally sensitive polar bear expeditions for hundreds of guests each year, we contribute financially to the local economy while inspiring travelers to support conservation through awareness and action.

Take our polar bear quiz below to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about the King of the Arctic!

—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.

—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!

—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.

—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.

—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.

—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!

—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.

—By Mark Jordahl
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!

—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.

—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.

—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