Polar Bears – The Enthusiast

Located on the western shore of Hudson Bay and not accessible by road lies the small northern seaport of Churchill, Manitoba. Travelling on a Tundra Buggy is the most comfortable and safe way to experience polar bears in their natural environment. Plan to come to Churchill during October or November when the bears are migrating to the coast, anticipating the winter freeze-up of Hudson Bay. When the Bay freezes, the polar bears can get onto the ice to hunt their favourite meal: seal. You will have excellent opportunities to see polar bears from a Tundra Buggy!

The Enthusiast hotel -based adventures offer exciting polar bear viewing combined with lots of other activities, and are based in Churchill. Churchill is a small, northern community with a lot of character; you won’t find one of the big-chain hotels here that you might find in a larger centre. You will, however, find warm hospitality and clean, comfortable hotels with all the amenities. Staying in town will allow you to walk to and from the different venues, spend some time on your own, and perhaps meet some of the locals.

You will enjoy a well-rounded program combining polar bear viewing with activities in and around the community of Churchill. These programs are designed for those who wish to learn about the history and culture of Churchill and region, as well as experience polar bears.

On days that you have a Tundra Buggy Adventure scheduled, participants will be transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch where they will board a Buggy and begin their search for wildlife. The Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and take photos. When daylight begins to fade, head back to Launch and be transferred back to town and our hotels.

Day 1 Winnipeg

Upon arrival in Winnipeg, transfer independently to your hotel where a room has been reserved for you.

Day 2 Winnipeg / Churchill

Early morning transfer to Winnipeg Airport to board your flight to Churchill. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel while enjoying a guided bus tour of local and historical points of interest including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting). Visit the Eskimo Museum; the museum contains one of Canada’s finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks and artefacts dating from pre- Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times. Overnight Churchill.

Days 3 and 4 Churchill

Enjoy a full day guided Tundra Buggy excursion viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Lunch and refreshments will be served on board. This unique vehicle is well heated and washroom equipped. The buggy’s over inflated tires allow unparalleled access onto the Tundra. Conservation regulations restrict the routes these vehicles can follow in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of this sub-arctic region. A limited group size of 22 passengers will provide you with the most favourable conditions to photograph the bears (normal tundra buggy capacity is 40 people). A platform on the rear of the buggy allows passengers to get an unrestricted view of the bears. Evening slide presentation; conducted by seasoned residents or visitors to the north. Overnight Churchill.

Day 5 Churchill

Morning dog sledding program; half-day program includes a slide show of Arctic and Antarctic dog sled travel. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled. Visit Parks Canada Interpretive Centre; walk back in time viewing detailed and exciting wildlife dioramas, and fur trade exhibits. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area. You leave full of natural and historical information from the Churchill region. Evening flight back to Winnipeg. Overnight airport hotel.

Day 6 Leave Winnipeg

Your tour ends upon check out from the hotel.