Fly-in to a remote polar bear cabin camp set along the coast of Hudson Bay for an almost private polar bear viewing and photography experience like none other. Join this unique opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most magnificent predators from ground level in the Canadian Arctic! This is not just a polar bear trip – it’s an immersive experience in the land of the polar bears, the Inuit people, and the intricacies of the tundra. This Arctic program gets you as close to polar bears in their natural environment as possible. It’s an experience that leaves lifelong memories.
Highlights
Stay in a cabin strategically placed for reliable polar bear encounters
Observe and photograph polar bears while they wait for the river to freeze
Head out on daily hikes outside the camp fence, safely led by Inuit guides
Delight in magical light shows created by the northern lights
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from Winnipeg airport to Churchill, Manitoba (the flight from Winnipeg to Churchill and back is not included in the trip price). On arrival, transfer to a private charter aircraft waiting on the tarmac to whisk you away to a Polar Bear Cabin. During the 40-50 minute flight, aerial photography is possible of the landscape halfway between Churchill, MB and Arviat, NU on the Hudson Bay coast, only a few miles south of the mighty Gellini River.
The cabin placement is strategic for reliable polar bear encounters and photography. As the river to the north of the cabins is 5 km wide, Churchill polar bears travelling north along the Hudson Bay coastline are not inclined to move farther north. The cabins, therefore, are placed directly in “polar bear alley.” Spend unforgettable moments living with the polar bears, observing and photographing them while they wait for the river and the Hudson Bay coast to freeze.
Spend the next few days observing polar bears in the wild and admiring the stunning natural landscapes. Set your tripod up inside the protective electric fence that surrounds the camp. Wait for the perfect close-up of the polar bears that wander by in the company of local guides and staff. The fence is approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet) high with wires spaced far enough apart to allow you to take unimpeded photographs of the visitors.
Come to rely on your local Inuit guides, who know the polar bears well. Their knowledge was gained from living among them for generations. Take their advice to ensure the safety of humans and polar bears alike!
Safely led by your Inuit guides, head out on daily hikes outside the perimeter of the camp fence. Approach polar bears to get unparalleled close-ups (generally 30 m (100 feet)). Often the polar bears are friendly, in good spirits, and uninterested in their human audience. From time to time, a curious polar bear approaches. Following the advice of your guides provides the most authentic, safe, and intimate polar bear moments available anywhere on the planet.
The location and timing of these adventures enrich an already outstanding experience. Delight in magical light shows created by the northern lights. Each evening after sunset, eagerly await the unforgettable display!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$14,5862-3 travelers
Notes
Select a Date
Fares are based on current exchange rates from the Canadian Dollar. Contact us for current rates.
Initial deposit is $2200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
6 Nights Accommodations
5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Services of Inuit guides and expedition staff
Private aircraft charter from Churchill to the Polar Bear Cabins
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
All participants will be required to provide proof of medical insurance while traveling in Canada. Each participant is responsible for any medical expenses and must be covered by their own sickness, accident, and evacuation insurance.
Gratuities at your discretion. A typical gratuity is $100 per Inuit/guide/chef and expedition leader per week.
Gratuities
International Flights
Accommodation in Ottawa
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Polar Clothing Rental Package strongly encouraged
Additional costs associated with weather/flight delays and/or layovers beyond Day 2 in Churchill, Polar Bear Cabins, and Winnipeg including flight changes, additional hotels and meals
Round-trip flights from your home to Winnipeg
Meals in Winnipeg
Roundtrip Flight between Winnipeg to/from Churchill, Manitoba
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.