The Polar Bear Capital Of The World
At BearPhoto, we are dedicated to creating extraordinary bear-watching experiences that leave a lasting impression. This journey is no exception. We will travel to the legendary frontier town of Churchill, perched on the edge of the Hudson Bay, and immerse ourselves in what is renowned as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. This remarkable settlement, some 1,000 km north of the nearest major city, is uniquely situated along a Polar Bear migration route. It is here that the sea ice forms first, drawing hundreds of Polar Bears each autumn as they eagerly await the bay to freeze. During this short but magical autumn season in the Canadian Arctic, our focus will be on capturing breathtaking images of the bears against an ever-changing landscape. This is a premium wildlife photography experience, where every detail has been carefully considered to ensure the very best photographic opportunities. Working from eye level with the bears, we will photograph them from the comfort of specialist 4x4 vehicles or, when safe, on foot - always under the expert guidance of our local specialists.
The Polar Bear viewing season in Churchill is as fleeting as it is famous, lasting as little as six weeks each year. This world-renowned destination attracts more than 10,000 wildlife enthusiasts each autumn, and with limited accommodation, travelling during the peak season is almost impossible without planning years in advance. Through BearPhoto, however, we are privileged to have forged a rare partnership with one of Churchill’s longest-established operators, granting us exclusive access to a handful of prime travel dates timed perfectly with the height of the bear migration. These coveted dates are seldom available elsewhere, a truly unique opportunity to witness the King of the Arctic.
Guided by some of Canada’s leading bear biologists and trackers, we will explore the coastal wilderness in state-of-the-art hybrid 4x4 vehicles in search of Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife – from Red and Arctic foxes to Arctic Hares, Ptarmigan, and countless iconic species. Between our field excursions, we will retreat to our comfortable guesthouse, where hearty meals and warm hospitality await. Finally, as Churchill lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval, each evening brings with it the chance, if skies are clear, to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays, the Northern Lights.
Group Size: 8 People
2027: Nov 9th - 16th - 2 SPACES AVAILABLE
2027: Nov 15th - 22nd - LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Location: Churchill, Manitoba
Tour Cost: £6,995 (£1,700 Deposit)
Cost Includes:
✅ Hotel in Winnipeg upon arrival in Canada
✅ Airport transfers to/from our hotel in Winnipeg
✅ Private charter return flights Winnipeg ↔ Churchill (worth $2,100)
✅ Exclusive accommodation in Churchill (entire, newly renovated B&B for our group)
✅ All transport from point of arrival in Churchill
✅ All meals whilst in Churchill inc: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner (varied restaurant menu options)
Cost Excludes:
❌ Internatinal Airline Flights
❌ Meals in Winnipeg upon arrival
❌ ESTA and VISA Application (If Applicable)
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Local guide gratuities
THE ULTIMATE EYE-LEVEL EXPERIENCE
Unlike other tour operators who view Polar Bears from more than four metres above the ground in Tundra Buggies, we offer intimate, eye-level encounters from the unparalleled comfort of brand-new Ford F150 hybrid 4x4 trucks and Ford Bronco SUV’s, driven exclusively by experienced local guides. These vehicles not only provide unique opportunities for eye-level photography, but are also far more environmentally friendly.
WHAT MAKES OUR POLAR BEAR TOURS DIFFERENT?
A quick search online will reveal a whole host of travel itineraries to Churchill, often organised by large travel companies and frequently costing over $20,000. However, if you take a closer look at the small print, you’ll see that their six-day tours often include only two or three days with the bears. We’re not here to give you the hard sell, but we would like to highlight what makes our tours that little bit different…
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At BearPhoto, we know you didn’t come all this way to spend a day sightseeing in Winnipeg or twiddling your thumbs in Churchill. From the moment we pick you up at the airport, we get straight to the action: you’ll change into warm clothing at our lodge and then head out to see the bears. And we do this every single day - morning to evening - until it’s time to fly home.
No fluff, no distractions. Just world-class polar bear encounters.
Our tours offer some of the longest durations with the bears available anywhere.
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Rather than sitting in a wobbly “tundra hotel on wheels,” we spend our days exploring the tundra, actively seeking out the best bear activity.
By using small 4x4 vehicles with a maximum of three guests per vehicle, we can navigate narrow trails and access areas that larger vehicles simply can’t reach. Our nimble approach allows us to quickly locate bears, foxes, and other wildlife, then position ourselves perfectly to enjoy every moment.
A dedicated polar bear scout will also head out each morning to locate the best potential for bear behaviour and photo opportunities. We are the ONLY company to run a scout vehicle ahead of our tours as a result, our guides are consistently a step ahead of the competition.
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Looking down on polar bears from a high-sided tundra vehicle just doesn’t do them justice, especially if you’re after truly compelling photographs. When we locate bears, our armed guides assess the situation and then we step out of the vehicle to experience the encounter on foot, at eye level. This allows photographers to set up tripods for pin-sharp shots or even crouch to shoot upwards, making the bears appear even more impressive.
Being on foot also lets us quietly approach arctic foxes, snow hares, ptarmigan, and other tundra wildlife that usually keep their distance from vehicles. Now that’s what a real tundra experience feels like!
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Many guided tours in Churchill start in town around 8:00 am, which means by the time you actually reach the tundra you have missed the best light of the day.
At BearPhoto, we operate as a fully private group, with exclusive access to both our lodge and vehicles. This allows us complete flexibility: we can head out pre-sunrise to be on location for the first light, and stay out well after dark, ensuring no time is wasted in the field.
Even waking early to prepare breakfast before sunrise isn’t a problem, as our accommodation is exclusively for the BearPhoto tour, so there’s no risk of disturbing other guests.
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During our stay in Churchill, each evening we’ll visit some of the town’s finest dining venues, enjoying delicious food and drinks together as a group. Sit back and relax, order whatever you like - no matter the cost - and know that the bill is completely taken care of.
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We don’t cram 40+ people into a single tundra buggy, all jostling for a window. Instead, we use a fleet of modern 4x4 vehicles, including Ford F-150s and Broncos, all fitted with adaptive off-road suspension to ensure a comfortable ride as you explore the tundra.
Each vehicle carries no more than three guests, so you can relax knowing you’ll always have a window seat and an unobstructed view while we search for Arctic wildlife.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Churchill is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, with more than just Polar Bears to observe. Depending on the season, you may encounter arctic foxes, red foxes, and wolves, as well as moose and caribou roaming the tundra. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting snowy owls, gyrfalcons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl along the Hudson Bay. In the summer months, the waters attract beluga whales, and seals can often be seen along the shoreline. The combination of tundra, forest, and marine environments creates a unique opportunity to witness a wide array of northern wildlife in their natural habitats.
DAILY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Arrival in Winnipeg and hotel check-in
For those on international connections via Europe, you will likely arrive into Winnipeg in the early evening. Upon arrival at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, make your way to baggage reclaim and then transfer to your hotel for the night. Please note that meals on this first evening are not included; however, the hotel offers many options to suit all budgets. There are four on-site restaurants: CHOP Steakhouse (fine dining), Denny’s Family Restaurant (breakfast/24 hours), Tavern United (pub-style), and 1916 Café.
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Day 2: Flight to Churchill and first polar bear viewing excursion
After an overnight stay in Winnipeg, we will meet as a group at the airport to begin our adventure northwards in search of polar bears.
Although we will be departing from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, we will fly on a privately chartered aircraft to Churchill, operated by Calm Air – the leading airline for northbound flights in Manitoba, Canada. You will be advised in advance of the departure gate, where we will board the aircraft. Despite being a private charter, this is still a commercial airline jet rather than a small bush plane, so there should be no concerns regarding comfort. The flight takes approximately two hours and is an unforgettable experience in itself; if conditions are clear, you will gain a real sense of the vast Canadian wilderness below.We will land at the small remote airport in Churchill, where we will be met by our local guide(s), who will assist with baggage collection before we make our way into town, where we will be based for the duration of the tour.
Our accommodation is located in the heart of Churchill, just two blocks from the main street in a quieter area of town. It is the newest property in Churchill, fully remodelled and furnished, with a large shared kitchen and a spacious shared living area. Two shared bathrooms with heated floors serve a maximum of eight guests, and there is also a back garden space to relax (though don’t expect sunbathing at this time of year). There are ample electrical outlets for charging devices (both in communal areas and bedrooms), plus Starlink internet service for uploading photos or streaming video. The living room is equipped with a widescreen TV for group presentations or image reviews.
As this is a private charter, flight times are yet to be confirmed; however, we typically arrive in Churchill at around 10:30 am. We will then drop our bags at the Bed and Breakfast, have a quick lunch, and waste no time heading out in search of polar bears. The first day is a changeover day at the B&B, so your rooms will be ready from 4:00 pm; however, luggage and belongings can be stored safely upon arrival.
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Days 3–7: Daily polar bear viewing excursions (sunrise to sunset)
Day three marks our first full day in Churchill. For the remainder of the stay, each day we will head out at sunrise to search for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. We cover approximately 25 kilometres east of Churchill, travelling along the main highway and using several trails to reach the coast. Polar Bear Alley is one of our primary routes and a key area of high polar bear activity. Encounters may range from a bear walking directly towards us along the beach, to sparring males, or even a memorable meeting with a polar bear family. Churchill’s quirky northern charm makes this one of the most authentic wildlife experiences in the world.
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a research and logistics station located 25 kilometres east of town, is often used as a stop during the day, either to warm up or take a bathroom break. Since this is a completely private tour, we have full flexibility in how we spend our time in the field. If the wildlife activity is excellent, we can stay out longer to capture outstanding images. Conversely, if the weather turns poor, we can return to town for lunch or enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate. The beauty of this tour is that we are not restricted by other guests, giving us complete freedom to create our own itinerary each day.
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Day 8: Town activities before the return flight to Winnipeg
During our time in Churchill, Kelsey will share countless fascinating stories about this remarkable place and its rich history. On our final day, we will enjoy a relaxed morning before heading into town to explore the community. Several gift shops are located along the main street, Kelsey Boulevard, with Arctic Trading Company offering local crafts and sculptures. A popular activity is getting a ‘polar bear passport stamp’ at the Post Office.
For thousands of years, the Indigenous Cree, Dene and Inuit peoples have thrived in Churchill, and their traditions continue to shape the spirit of the region today. In the 17th century, the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Churchill as a fur trading post, making the area a vital link in Canada’s early trade networks. As we explore Churchill, we step into this living history – from the legacy of the fur trade and the stories carried by the bay’s icy tides, to the vibrant culture that celebrates resilience, community, and deep connections to land and sea.
We will also visit the Itsanitaq Museum, which offers a truly unique and fascinating insight into the past, showcasing rare artefacts from Indigenous cultures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This final day in Churchill provides a memorable conclusion to our time spent in this magical location.
Finally, we will return to our B&B to collect luggage before heading to the airport for our flight back to Winnipeg. Once again, this will be a private charter flight, typically arriving back in Winnipeg at around 19:00.
Please note: while it is possible to make international connections to Europe on this date, we recommend a final overnight stay in Winnipeg in case weather conditions delay our departure from Churchill. Accommodation for this final night is not included, but we would be happy to provide a list of recommended hotels near the airport.
Protecting the Polar Future
We’re deeply passionate about bears, and we believe it’s our responsibility to use our platform to make a meaningful impact. For this tour, we’re proud to partner with Polar Bears International, the leading organization dedicated to researching and conserving polar bears in the Arctic. A portion of the profits from this tour will be donated to support their incredible work. While in Churchill, we’ll also have the chance to meet the inspiring team at Polar Bears International and learn directly from them how they’re working to protect this iconic apex predator.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For capturing polar bears in their natural habitat, we recommend a camera with a telephoto lens of 300mm or longer. While the bears roam freely, they may occasionally approach within a few metres if our guides feel it is safe, so wider lenses are also useful for environmental shots. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and strong low-light performance will help you get sharp images in changing conditions. Be sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as cold weather can drain power quickly.
Because we often need to react quickly to bear sightings, whether from a vehicle or on foot - handholding your camera or using a monopod or ground pod provides the best balance of stability and flexibility. Tripods can limit mobility, but they are useful for night photography, such as capturing the northern lights.
A full list of recommended equipment is included in our detailed itinerary, which we’re happy to provide upon request.
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In Churchill we say, “There’s no such thing as cold weather, just cold clothing.” While we understand that might sound a bit bold, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of proper gear. Temperatures can plunge below -30°C during this season, so you would imagine staying warm is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our recommendation:
Dressing in layers to help regulate your body temperature: thermal underwear and a thick pair of wool socks.
Snow pants and a warm sweater or hoodie.
High-quality winter parka.
Glove liners and snow mitts. Glove liners are good if you’ll be handling a camera or smartphone. You don’t want to handle your cameras with bear hand in Churchill;s chill.
Neck warmer and toque/Beanie
Sunglasses
Waterproof insulated winter boots (-40ºC)
Please Note: specialist arctic clothing is available to rent whilst in Churchill. Please ask us for further information on these rental items.
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Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where our journey begins. We’re happy to advise you on the best arrival times and recommend flight options that fit seamlessly with the tour schedule.
Once you arrive in Winnipeg, the next stage of your adventure is included in your tour cost: a private charter flight from Winnipeg to Churchill. This flight operates on a full-size commercial aircraft - not a small bush plane, ensuring a comfortable and reliable experience as we make our way north to the Hudson Bay.
We will provide guidance on recommended flights before you book, helping ensure you secure the best value and most convenient travel times.
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Although our BnB is located in a remote area, the lodge staff are incredibly accommodating and happy to cater to any specific dietary requirements.
Prior to departure, all guests will be asked to complete a general contact form. This provides an opportunity to inform us of any dietary needs, allergies, or medical conditions we should be aware of to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the tour.
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Churchill is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, with more than just polar bears to observe. Depending on the season, you may encounter arctic foxes, red foxes, and wolves, as well as moose and caribou roaming the tundra. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting snowy owls, gyrfalcons, and a variety of migratory waterfowl along Hudson Bay. In the summer months, the waters attract beluga whales, and seals can often be seen along the shoreline. The combination of tundra, forest, and marine environments creates a unique opportunity to witness a wide array of northern wildlife in their natural habitats.
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Fitness level: Basic
This tour requires only a basic level of fitness. The majority of activities are vehicle-based, with minimal walking involved. However, participants should be prepared for periods of exposure to the elements, sometimes in cold or windy conditions. It is essential that guests are able to react quickly to guide instructions and can enter and exit vehicles independently, without assistance.
The Team Behind Your Adventure
Kelsey Eliasson
Kyle Moore
Roger Brendhagen
Please note that our Churchill Polar Bear tours present unique challenges. Before booking, we strongly recommend that you carefully read our travel terms and conditions and ensure you fully understand the considerations involved in travelling to remote Arctic regions.
We make every effort to operate tours on the exact dates listed on our website; however, slight variations may occur due to flight scheduling. Our charter airline typically releases its schedule in mid-March of the travel year, which means we must plan our tour dates over a year in advance. While we align our schedule as closely as possible with historical flight patterns, final dates can only be confirmed once the airline has finalised its schedule.
Please contact us to request a copy of our booking terms and conditions. We greatly appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work within these constraints.