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Itinerary · Manitoba
Churchill Polar Bear Safari
Five days on Hudson Bay's shore for the great polar bear migration.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Pace
- Easy
- Best months
- Mid-October – mid-November
- Suggested cadence
- Fly-in base with daily Tundra Buggy excursions
Trip overview
Every October and November, the world's largest gathering of polar bears assembles on the tundra outside Churchill, Manitoba, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can hunt seals. This fly-in itinerary places you inside the buggy for four days of guided tundra viewing.
- Route summary
- Winnipeg → fly to Churchill → Tundra Buggy base → return via Winnipeg.
- Ideal traveller
- Wildlife photographers, bucket-list travellers, and families with kids 10+.
- Recommended season
- Mid-October through mid-November; belugas run July–August as an alternative summer season.
- Distance
- Fly-in only · ~1,700 km round-trip flights
- Provinces covered
- Manitoba
- Major stops
- Winnipeg · Churchill · Wapusk National Park
Day by day
The full itinerary.
Day
01
Arrive Winnipeg
Overnight in Winnipeg — dinner at Deer + Almond and an early night before the northbound flight.
Day
02
Fly to Churchill
Charter or scheduled flight to Churchill. Afternoon town orientation and Itsanitaq Museum visit.
Day
03
Overnight
Tundra Buggy day 1
First full day in the Tundra Buggy. Bears on the coast, arctic hare, and gyrfalcons overhead.
Photo: Sparring bears on the coastal willowsWildlife: Polar bears, arctic hare, gyrfalconDay
04
Overnight
Tundra Buggy day 2
Full day at Cape Churchill area with the highest bear densities. Aurora viewing after dinner if clear.
Photo: Aurora over the tundra lodgeWildlife: Polar bears, red foxes, ptarmiganDay
05
Fly return
Morning flight south. Connect home from Winnipeg.
Featured destinations
Places included in this trip.
City
Churchill
Sub-arctic outpost on Hudson Bay — the polar bear capital of the world.
Explore destination →Experiences
What you'll do along the way.
Wildlife
Tundra Buggy full-day excursion
Adventure
Helicopter over Wapusk National Park
Culture
Itsanitaq Museum Inuit art tour
Travel planning
Everything you need before you go.
Best time to go
Mid-October through mid-November for polar bears. Late July–August for belugas in the Churchill River estuary.
Weather
−15 to −30 °C during bear season with high windchill. Dress for extremes — operators provide parkas.
Packing
Base layers, insulated pants, expedition parka (rented), insulated boots, mitts + liners, telephoto lens.
Driving notes
None — all transfers by van or buggy from town.
Reservations
Operators like Frontiers North sell out 12–18 months ahead for peak bear weeks.
Budget
CAD $6,000–$10,000 per person all-in for 5 nights (flights, buggy, hotel, meals).
Family
Best for kids 10+ who can handle cold and long buggy days.
Accessibility
Some buggies are accessible with advance notice; town boardwalks are limited in winter.
Pack smart
What to bring.
- 01
Expedition parka (most operators provide)
- 02
Insulated boots rated -40 °C
- 03
Telephoto lens 300 mm+
- 04
Hand and toe warmers
- 05
Camera dry-bag for temperature transitions
Travel guides
Read before you go.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
Need help planning this trip?
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