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Classic Polar Bear Photo Adventure
$5,095 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $675.
Trip Overview
Churchill is a pilgrimage for wildlife photographers, both professionals and avid amateurs. An expert photographer naturalist leads this immersive journey into the realm of the polar bear, with outstanding guidance to help you capture world-class, close-up shots.
The tour is offered by WWF's travel partner, Natural Habitat Adventures.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Arrive in Winnipeg. Meet your expert photographer-guide and fellow travelers at an orientation dinner this evening. Overnight at the historic Fort Garry Hotel, a prestigious Winnipeg landmark that dates to the opening of the Canadian West.
Day 2: Winnipeg / Churchill
Fly to Churchill this morning. This hospitable outpost town, originally a fur-trading post, is our base for adventure. This evening we enjoy a lecture on Arctic photography and the northern environs by our Expedition Leader, who is both an expert photographer and naturalist.
Days 3 - 5: Polar Bear Photography
Unique tundra vehicles allow us to get within prime photographic range of the polar bears. Although they accommodate up to 35 passengers, we take just 15, ensuring everyone a window seat, space for camera gear, and plenty of room to shoot. For three full days, we spend our daylight hours on the tundra, photographing bears as they roam the shores of the Hudson Bay waiting for the ice to freeze. From the warmth of our vehicle, we may see mothers with cubs and young adult males play-fighting. A large adult male may turn his attention toward us, sometimes approaching within feet or even lifting his massive paws on the side of our vehicle to peer inside.
Out on the white expanse of the tundra we may also spot other northern wildlife, including Arctic fox, snowy owl, ptarmigan and gyrfalcon. Meanwhile, in addition to sharing photography advice, our Expedition Leader provides a captivating interpretation of the animal behavior and natural phenomena we are observing. Each evening, as dusk descends to envelop the wild northern landscape, we meet for dinner, followed by presentations on wildlife or local native cultures. If the night skies are clear and we’re fortunate enough to see the dancing colors of the Aurora Borealis, we’ll head for a place away from the lights of town to capture this magical event on camera.
Day 6: Churchill / Winnipeg
Our return flights are scheduled to depart in the mid- to late afternoon to offer as much time as possible to explore Churchill today. Those who wish may opt to visit nearby Cape Merry, a promising spot for photographing fox, hare, and Arctic bird life. Or, stay in town for some last-minute shopping to pick up native handcrafts and souvenirs. Other optional adventures available this morning include a dog-sled excursion and helicopter flight over the tundra. We enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill or dinner together in Winnipeg, depending on our flight schedule.
Day 7: Winnipeg / Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
