Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari

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.

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.

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 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
Throughout most of the world, bears hibernate during the winter months or perform annual denning behaviors in response to seasonal food shortages and cold weather. Unlike brown and black bears, polar bears do not hibernate…not in the traditional sense, anyway.

—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 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 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.

—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.