Polar Bear Tours
Churchill, Manitoba, is renowned as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” offering a a gateway to the wild where polar bears roam free and their stories come to life. At Churchill Wild, we’ve redefined what it means to experience polar bears in their natural habitat, offering ground-level, immersive safaris that bring you closer to the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife in ways few ever experience.
Walk With Polar Bears
Experience the Ultimate Polar Bear Safaris with Churchill Wild
Churchill Wild’s polar bear tours are unlike any other. Our ground-level safaris allow you to walk with polar bears, providing an up-close and personal encounter that is both thrilling and humbling. This incredible experience requires expert guides and strict safety measures, and our three-guide system is the best in the world.
Exclusive Lodge-Based Adventures
Churchill Wild’s ecolodges are strategically located along the polar bear highway, giving you the chance to observe these incredible animals right from your bedroom window. Each day, you’ll venture out on guided safaris to spot polar bears, wolves, and other Arctic wildlife, all while enjoying the comforts of a luxury lodge in the wilderness.
Churchill Wild offers 11 ground-level polar bear and wolf safaris, based out of three remote lodges:
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Arctic Luxury in the Wild
Amidst the rugged beauty of the tundra, Churchill Wild’s ecolodges offer a perfect blend of comfort and connection to nature. Designed with respect for the environment, these lodges feature cozy rooms, inviting fireplaces to unwind by, and communal spaces where stories of the day’s adventures are shared. Staying with Churchill Wild means having a front-row seat to one of the most incredible wildlife shows on earth.
Our safari specialists are more than happy to assist you in selecting the ideal polar bear safari to suit your interests. With an equal chance of seeing polar bears from July through November, along with opportunities to encounter other Arctic wildlife and the stunning northern lights, every season offers something unique.
Tundra Vehicle Tours
During the traditional October-November polar bear viewing season, the most common way to observe polar bears in Churchill is from specialized, rugged vehicles designed to navigate the icy terrain. These large vehicles provide a safe and elevated platform for visitors to watch and photograph the bears.
Both Churchill’s traditional polar bear viewing and Churchill Wild’s offerings have their unique charm and appeal. For some, the excitement lies in the vastness of the experience, in the ability to see multiple bears from a safe distance. For others, it’s the chance to get up-close and personal with the bears, the thrill of sharing space with one of nature’s most formidable predators.
Churchill Wild partners with Frontiers North in Churchill to provide guests with both a unique Tundra Buggy® experience and walking safari on our Great Ice Bear Adventure at Dymond Lake Ecolodge.
Other Ways to See Polar Bears in Churchill
There are many other great ways to experience the incredible polar bears of Churchill, each offering its own unique perspective and unforgettable moments:
Boat Tours
During the ice-free summer months, boat tours offer a chance to see polar bears swimming or resting on the shoreline.
Helicopter Tours
For a bird’s-eye view of the Arctic landscape and its inhabitants, consider a helicopter tour. These tours offer stunning aerial views of polar bears and the vast tundra, providing a unique vantage point that highlights the scale and beauty of the region.
Local ground-level tours
Several local operators offer ground-level tours that provide opportunities to see polar bears and other wildlife. While they may differ in style and experience, they complement Churchill Wild’s offerings by providing additional ways to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Churchill.