When you think of bucket‑list wildlife encounters, few experiences rival locking eyes with a polar bear in its natural habitat. During my recent expedition to Churchill, Manitoba—often dubbed the Polar Bear Capital of the World—I found the best way to witness these iconic predators with Nat Hab Adventures. Their commitment to conservation, Indigenous cultures and creature comforts on the tundra made this trip unforgettable.
Why Choose Churchill for a Polar Bear Safari?
Churchill’s unique location on the western shore of Hudson Bay makes it the perfect stage for polar bear viewing. Each fall, the bay’s waters begin to freeze, and hundreds of polar bears migrate to the coast to hunt seals. Nat Hab Adventures offers front‑row seats to this seasonal spectacle, taking you deep into the heart of the subarctic in a way that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes your chances of seeing these majestic animals up close.
There are estimate to be 26,000 polar bears left in the world. 60% of them are in Canada, and Churchill has the highest concentration of them during specific times of the year. The population is declining rampantly due to impacts of human population growth, shipping and cruise ship industry, oil and gas drilling. Research suggested the two thirds of the world’s polar bear population could be gone by 2050.
The Tundra Lodge: Your Cozy Home on the Range
This is one of the most unique hotels I have ever stayed at!
Nat Hab’s Tundra Buggy Lodge is a mobile, eco‑friendly hotel on wheels accommodating 30 guests. Situated right on the edge of the ice, it combines the warmth of a comfortable lodge with the mobility of a tundra buggy. Each train berth like cabin is super small but cute. You will have your own bunk bed and space to store your luggage, as well as a door. Showers and toilets are shared with other passengers.
If you feel claustrophobic or have trouble climbing steps, it could be challenging to stay at the Tundra Buggy. Instead, you can opt to stay at a lodge in the town of Churchill.
You can lounge, dine and attend lectures in another wagons – all connected and on wheels. There’s a viewing deck in the back, so you never miss a moment—whether it’s a young curious attracted by the smell of salmon cooking for dinner, or the aurora borealis dancing above your head as soon as you finish supper.
One of my favorite moments was lying in my bunk bed and watching the northern lights right from my window every night. There’s something surreal about trying to fall asleep, only to peek outside to see the sky performs a light show so spectacular.
Polar Rovers: Witnessing Wildlife with a Conscience
Daily excursions aboard the custom-built Polar Rovers elevate the wildlife viewing experience to a new level. These robust, all-terrain vehicles are the ideal vantage point for navigating the rugged landscape, without causing much impact. But they also have plenty of space to roam around, sit for lunch, and a functional bathroom on board.
We spent most of our days on the Rovers looking for bears and hearing the expert naturalist share the nuances of polar bear behavior and the delicate ecology of the region. Whenever we did encounter a polar bear, which was a lot, we observed their antics in silence for hours! Encounters are intimate, yet conducted with the utmost respect for the animals’ space and well-being. From observing a mother bear teaching her cubs to seeing massive, solitary males patiently awaiting the sea ice, every moment is a humbling testament to the power of nature, framed by Nat Hab’s unwavering commitment to ethical wildlife tourism.
Up Close with Polar Bears: What to Expect on the Safari
Nat Hab guides know the land like the backs of their hands. Our expedition leaders—all of whom grew up in Canada—navigated the bumpy tundra trails in oversized vehicles designed to tread lightly on the fragile permafrost. From heated interiors, we could lean out through drop‑down windows as curious bears ambled close, sniffing the frosty air and occasionally standing on their hind legs to get a better look at us.
Polar bears are often skittish, but curious. They may take some time to show interest in us, and will decide first, if it is worth their energy to come closer to the vehicle. If you wait long enough, you may be able to get a close up shot of a bear walking alongside the Rover or the Buggy. I saw several! But do not make sudden movements, speak loudly or use flash photography, or you would scare them away. Also, never get out of the vehicle! Polar bears are carnivores animals.
Seeing a wild polar bear for the first time is a visceral experience. Their sheer size, power and intelligence are humbling. Yet they are also vulnerable, which is why Nat Hab works with conservation groups to ensure that our presence doesn’t disrupt the bears’ natural behaviors. We maintained a respectful distance, our guides shutting off engines whenever bears approached, letting them decide how close to come.
Besides The Bears
Keep an eye out for other Arctic wildlife living in the Tundra too. Along with polar bears, we may see caribou, Arctic fox, and Arctic hare. Spot birdlife including ravens, ptarmigan, greater yellowlegs, snow buntings, northern harrier, gyrfalcon and various waterfowl all making appearances throughout the journey.
And don’t forget the stunning sunsets!
A Personal Touch: Connecting with First Nations Culture
Another highlight of traveling with Nat Hab is their emphasis on cultural exchange. Churchill is situated on Treaty 5 territory, and the company partners with Indigenous guides who share their history, traditions and deep respect for the land. We went dog sledding at Wapusk Adventures where Dave rescues all breeds of dogs and trains them for dog sledding. Listening to him talk about parenting abandoned dogs, giving them massages and psychotherapy, and understanding their personalities—is very special.
We also shopped for t-shirts and souvenirs at locally owned gift shops in downtown Churchill. Some of the ones I recommend are Fifty Eight North, Great White Bear Tours, and Arctic Trading Company. At The Dancing Bear, we enjoyed a hot lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches and cookies.
There are beautiful murals around town, especially the one outside the polar bear jail near the airport.
You can also take a helicopter ride over the tundra and spot wildlife. My adventure was cancelled due to bad weather.
Sustainable Travel: Leaving Footprints Only in the Snow
Seeing polar bears in Churchill is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. Nat Hab’s tours are carbon‑neutral, and they work closely with organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to support polar bear conservation. The Tundra Lodge itself operates using renewable energy where possible and minimizes waste through careful recycling and composting. As travelers, we learned how our choices—reducing plastic, avoiding unnecessary flights, supporting local businesses—impact the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Aurora Borealis: A Bonus Arctic Light Show
While polar bears are the main attraction, the northern lights aren’t far behind. Churchill’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places on earth to witness the aurora borealis. On clear nights, you can step out of the lodge or your tundra buggy and watch ribbons of light ripple across the sky. It’s a humbling reminder that nature’s wonders never come one at a time here; the Arctic likes to show off.
Winnipeg, Canada
You will need to fly to Winnipeg first and take a charter flight to Churchill, which is located across the state. Fun fact: The beloved fictional character was named after a real-life female black bear named “Winnipeg,” or “Winnie” for short. Today, you can find a statue of Lieutenant Colebourn and Winnie in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, commemorating this incredible story.
Plan to spend at least a day or two in this metropolitan city. There are plenty of museums, food halls, cultural centers and parks to keep you entertained. Stay at The Fort Garry Hotel, one of the few remaining chateau style hotels of Canada from 1913 along the Grand Trunk Railway. The hotel has lovely historic architecture, with renovated rooms and even a spa with a hammam. It is centrally located so you can walk out to the riverfront, The Exchange District, The Forks National Historic Site, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Manitoba Museum. Make sure to try poutine and Slurpee. Winnipeg is called the Slurpee Capital of the World.
How To Make It Happen?
If you’re dreaming of seeing polar bears in the wild, there’s no better way than with Nat Hab Adventures. Between the unparalleled access, sustainable practices and authentic cultural immersion, this trip offers more than just wildlife sightings—it’s an education, a spiritual experience and a reminder that the Arctic is both resilient and fragile.
Polar bear viewing in Churchill is best in October and November. You will see beautiful Tundra landscapes early in the season, and snowfall on the ground, later on. There are only three expedition companies that offer polar bear viewing tours in Churchill. The trips are limited so plan to book a year in advance. Pack warm layers, hats and gloves. Nat Hab provides parkas and boots.
Ready to witness polar bears in their snowy paradise? Book your Nat Hab Adventure and discover why Churchill’s tundra is one of the planet’s last great wild frontiers.
