The Polar Bears of Churchill

October 26 –31, 2011

If current climate change trends continue unabated, scientists believe that polar bears will be vulnerable to extinction within the next century. WWF refuses to let that happen. We support going into the field, for both scientists and travelers like yourself, to learn about the threats facing polar bears, their habitat and their prey. There's no better way to learn that than seeing them for yourself.

• Travel in a group of just 15 people, ensuring space to move around and spread out on the heated polar rovers.
• Interact one on one with our expert guides.
• Enjoy an average of six to 10 bear sightings a day.
• Travel via exclusive private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, maximizing time on the tundra.

Trip Itinerary

Wednesday, October 26, 2011: U.S. / Winnipeg, Canada
Arrive in Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba, and enjoy an orientation dinner. Fort Garry Hotel (D)

Thursday, October 27: Winnipeg / Churchill / Evening on the Tundra
Fly to Churchill this morning on an included charter flight. This hospitable outpost town, originally a fur-trading post, is your base for adventure. Tour historic Churchill then head out to the tundra for evening bear viewing and dinner aboard the vehicle. 

During your daytime explorations, you may visit local sled dogs en route to Cape Merry, where Arctic foxes and Arctic hares are often spotted. If the skies are clear, the nighttime tundra excursion might provide one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences – a chance to view the Northern Lights away from the glare of town. Though they are never predictable, sometimes amidst the darkness of the sub-arctic tundra, the lights begin as a white glow in the northern sky, then begin to flicker and dance in shimmering curtains of color. Have an evening presentation on polar bears and the northern environs by our professional staff of naturalists and scientists. Hotel TBA (B,L,D)

Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29: Polar Bear Viewing
Unique tundra vehicles are your mobile means for spending time among the polar bears. Although they accommodate an average of 35 passengers, we take just 15, ensuring everyone a window seat. The expedition leaders know the best places to view bears, which are waiting for the ice to solidify on Hudson Bay so they may begin the winter seal-hunting season.

Spend hours watching them interact, delighted by their antics and rugged beauty. From the warmth of the vehicle, you may see mothers with cubs and young adult males play-fighting. The knowledgeable expedition leader offers interpretation along the way, explaining the bears’ behavior and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. During the evenings, meet for dinner, followed by presentations on wildlife or local cultures. Hotel TBA (B,L,D daily)

Sunday, October 30: Churchill / Winnipeg
Return flights are scheduled to depart in the mid-to-late afternoon, to offer as much time as possible to explore Churchill. Pick up last-minute native handcrafts and souvenirs or, if time permits, take an optional helicopter journey over the tundra or go on an authentic dog-sledding excursion.Fort Garry Hotel (B,L,D)

Monday, October 31: Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)