Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Churchill to see polar bears in the wild?
The best time to see the polar bears is from mid-October to mid-November, when they trek across the tundra and through the town of Churchill to spend winter hunting on the frozen Hudson Bay. You can also spot the polar bears from July to September, but in fewer numbers as they hibernate on shore until they can get back on the ice to hunt during the colder months.
If you are in Winnipeg, stop by the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo to see the polar bears who cannot live in the wild. Observe the animals roaming around in their tundra-like outdoor space or watch them swim through an underwater tunnel.
How can I book a polar bear tour in Churchill?
Polar bear tours in Churchill run from October to November, with additional summer viewing options in August.
Choose a wildlife-viewing vehicle tour for up-close encounters with the polar bears or book a lodge-based experience to watch the bears roam freely throughout the day. Join a walking safari to see the bears with an experienced guide or view the bears in the summer from lodges on the coast as the animals roam the shore in August.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Polar bear tours are in high demand, and availability is limited. To guarantee your trip, plan and book at least a year in advance, especially for peak season (October to November).
Where can I see polar bears in the wild in Canada?
One of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural habitat is Churchill, Manitoba. Each fall, more than 600 polar bears congregate near the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form. Churchill is dubbed the Polar Bear Capital of the World, as it’s one of the most accessible and reliable locations for wild polar bear viewing.
Can I drive to Churchill?
Surrounded by bog and permafrost, Churchill’s only connections to the rest of the world are its airport, train station and the port. There are no roads that lead to this remote northern town. The only way to reach the remote community on Hudson Bay is by train or plane.
What should I pack for a trip to Churchill, Manitoba?
During peak polar bear season, be prepared for snow and cold conditions. Wear multiple layers of clothing, including an insulated parka or waterproof jacket, insulated boots, thick mitts or gloves, toque (woolen hat) and long underwear. Summer in Churchill is temperate, but you will still need a few layers and a bug net or bug spray. Learn what to pack for each season in our guide.
What’s being done to make polar bear tourism sustainable and protect the polar bears?
The Manitoba government regulates the number of commercial tour operators and vehicles permitted to use for polar bear viewing in the Churchill Management Wildlife Area. Polar Bears International, a leading polar bear research organization, is based in Churchill. They research sea-ice loss, industrial activity impacts, den disturbance and human-bear conflict, and work with tourism partners to protect and conserve polar bears.
Companies like Frontiers North Adventures have adopted practices to mitigate their footprint on the tundra by using electric vehicles. Churchill Wild offers low-impact tours such as walking safaris, and aims to operate their remote ecolodges with minimal disturbance to the land. Natural Habitat Adventures sponsors Churchill Northern Studies Centres’ food sustainability project, the Growcer, which uses hydroponic farming to grow fresh produce in Churchill.
Many tour operators are an active partner in reducing bear attractants that could bring polar bears into town through waste management best practices. If a polar bear does enter town and cannot be deterred, Manitoba conservation will safely trap and hold the bear in what’s known as “Polar Bear Jail”. After a certain number of days, the bear will be relocated to an area outside of town.
