Step into the wild heart of Churchill, Manitoba, one of the few places on Earth where encountering polar bears in their natural habitat is not a fantasy but a lived reality. Set against the vast, raw expanse of the subarctic tundra, you will come face to face with these magnificent animals as they roam and rest along the Hudson Bay coastline, alongside Arctic and red foxes and, with a little luck, the shimmering curtains of the northern lights.
Designed to maximize your time in the field, this tour offers full days on the tundra with opportunities to photograph bears from both vehicle and on foot whenever conditions allow. Churchill sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making nighttime aurora watches a natural part of the experience. Every day holds the promise of extraordinary encounters and a deeper connection with one of the planet's most iconic Arctic landscapes.
Price: US $8,500 (private room)
Group size: 5 guests (add me to the wait list)
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Meet your tour leader
Andres Novales Wildlife Photographer
Itinerary
October 31: Arrival in Winnipeg, Manitoba
We recommend flying in the day before the tour begins. Accommodation this night is not included. Convenient options near the airport include the Courtyard Winnipeg Airport and the Lakeview Signature, both within walking distance of the terminal.
November 1: Flight to Churchill
Internal flight: Our team meets you at the Winnipeg airport and handles the transfer to our accommodation in Churchill. The round-trip flight is included in the tour price.
First afternoon on the tundra: We head straight out to search for bears as soon as we arrive, making the most of the afternoon light.
For those seeking a more immersive journey, there is also the option of travelling by train from Winnipeg — a roughly 48-hour ride through breathtaking boreal and subarctic wilderness.
November 2–5: Full Days on the Tundra
Morning departures: Early breakfast, then straight to the tundra until sundown. We cover the coastal areas where bears congregate as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze.
On-foot encounters: Whenever conditions and bear behaviour allow, we step out of the vehicle to photograph bears at close range — a rare and extraordinary privilege.
Aurora watches: Each evening we monitor conditions for the northern lights. If the sky cooperates, we head out between 8 and 10 pm to photograph the aurora. Bring your tripod — our team walks you through all camera settings for long-exposure night photography.
Other wildlife: Arctic foxes, red foxes, ptarmigan, and Arctic hares are frequent companions. Wolves and wolverines make rare occasional appearances as well.
November 6: Last Morning and Return Flight
One final outing in search of bears before the flight back to Winnipeg. We ask that you plan for an extra night in Winnipeg and book your return flight for the following day. Accommodation that night is not included.
The best place for Polar Bears?
Churchill, Manitoba is widely regarded as the polar bear capital of the world. Every autumn, hundreds of bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to form so they can return to their preferred hunting grounds. This seasonal congregation makes Churchill one of the only places on Earth where sustained, close encounters with wild polar bears are possible, often from just a few metres away.
The surrounding landscape is equally remarkable. Arctic and red foxes are a near-daily presence, often curious and unfazed by observers. Churchill sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making it one of the finest destinations in the world for northern lights photography. Clear nights bring dramatic displays across the sky, and we maintain a nightly aurora watch throughout the tour.
Tour Highlights
Up to 10 bears per day: Churchill's autumn congregation means consistent, close encounters with polar bears across multiple days — mothers with cubs, sub-adults, and fully grown adults.
Eye-level bear photography: We regularly exit the vehicle to photograph bears on foot when conditions allow, a rarity that sets this tour apart from standard tundra vehicle experiences.
Northern lights watches: With Churchill positioned directly under the auroral oval, the odds of an aurora sighting are strong. We maintain a nightly watch and head out whenever conditions look promising.
Diverse Arctic wildlife: Arctic foxes, red foxes, ptarmigan, Arctic hares, and occasional wolf or wolverine sightings round out the wildlife experience alongside the bears.
Small, private group: A deliberately small group size ensures flexibility, better bear encounters, and a more personal experience both in the field and around the dinner table.
Accommodation
We stay at a cozy Bed and Breakfast right in Churchill. Each guest has their own private room, with shared bathrooms and a warm communal lounge and kitchen — the perfect setting for debriefing after long days on the tundra, sharing images, and preparing gear for the next morning. It is not a luxury hotel, but it is clean, well-heated, and full of local character: exactly the kind of place you want to come home to after an extraordinary day with polar bears.
Tour Inclusions
4 full days and 2 half days of tundra expeditions with your guide, covering the prime coastal areas where bears are most active.
Round-trip flights from Winnipeg to Churchill included in the tour price.
Accommodation throughout the tour at a comfortable local Bed and Breakfast in Churchill.
Breakfast every morning before heading out to the field.
Polar bear guide with in-depth knowledge of bear behaviour and Churchill's wildlife.
Nightly aurora watches with full camera settings guidance for long-exposure night photography.
Donation to Churchill Northern Studies Centre supporting ongoing Arctic research and conservation.
Still have questions before booking?
That's completely normal, these are significant trips and we want you to feel confident before committing. Send me a message and I'll get back to you personally, usually within 48 hours. If it's easier, we can also jump on a quick call to talk through any details.