The Ultimate Guide to Churchill’s Polar Bears by Natural Habitat Adventures

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHURCHILL’S POLAR BEARS

Churchill offers a front-row seat to the planet’s largest annual gathering of polar bears.

ARCTIC WILDLIFE

The Polar Bear: King of the Arctic More Wildlife of Churchill

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY INITIAVES

NAT

HAB

POLAR BEAR TRIPS

Why Choose Nat Hab for Your Polar Bear Adventure? A Guide to Polar Bear Season: October & November

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WELCOME TO CHURCHILL, MANITOBA, THE POLAR BEAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Standing on the tundra, you scan the horizon, the land and sky blending into an endless, pale canvas. A breeze carries with it the faint scent of salt from Hudson Bay. Suddenly, your eyes catch movement—a flash of white. Your heart races as the shape takes form: a polar bear, padding across the ice-dusted terrain. In that moment, your perception shifts, forever altered by the magnificence and vulnerability of this Arctic guardian.

Revered for centuries by Indigenous communities, the nanuq (Inuit for “polar bear”) is considered wise, resourceful and almost human-like in its intelligence. This deep respect stems from an understanding that in the Arctic, humans and bears share more than just space—they share a way of life shaped by ice and adaptation.

But this shared world is changing—and nowhere is this more evident than in Churchill, Manitoba. This remote 900-person town on the edge of Hudson Bay vividly illustrates the impacts of a warming climate on polar bears: skinnier bears forced onto land earlier each season, and shifts in the timing and formation of the sea ice on which they rely. The Arctic is warming at a rate twice the global average, forcing polar bears to adapt to new challenges.

Still, Churchill continues to offer a front-row seat to the planet’s largest annual gathering of polar bears. Each autumn, approximately 1,000 bears converge near Churchill, waiting for the sea ice to form. When it does, the bears return to their seal-hunting grounds.

Visiting Churchill offers a chance to lock eyes with a wild polar bear and to gain a better understanding of why protecting their habitat matters. This guide will take you deep into the world of Churchill’s polar bears, exploring their biology, behavior, and the challenges they face— alongside actions you can take to help safeguard their future.

Call 800-543-8917 or visit nathab.com/polar-bear-tours to learn more

THE POLAR BEAR: KING OF THE ARCTIC

Found only in the Arctic, polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals throughout the winter and spring and depend on stored fat reserves while on land during the summer months. These majestic marine mammals, with adult males averaging up to 1,500 pounds and stretching nearly 10 feet when standing upright, embody strength and endurance, thriving in a world defined by ice and extremes.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Across the Arctic, humans have given polar bears many names. In Greenlandic Inuit culture, for example, they are called tornassuk, meaning “master of helping spirits,” a name that connects them to shamanistic traditions. The Sami of Northern Europe call the polar bear “the old man in the fur coat,” a name that reflects the bears’ intelligence and adaptability. Biologists, however, use the Latin name Ursus maritimus, meaning “marine bear.” This scientific classification is particularly fitting— polar bears are not just wanderers of the tundra, but creatures of the ice-covered sea, thriving at the frozen boundary between land and water.

© P Enders

Polar Bears at a Glance

Status: Vulnerable

Global population: 22,000–31,000

Length: 6–9 feet

Weight: 800–1,500 pounds (males); 400–900 pounds (females)

Largest recorded: 2,200 pounds

Oldest recorded wild bear: 32

Countries with polar bears: 5

© J Weston

THE MARINE BEAR: LIFE AT SEA

Unlike brown or black bears that may occasionally roam coastlines, polar bears live almost entirely on Arctic ice. Their reliance on the ocean is so complete that the U.S. government officially classifies them as marine mammals, affording them the same protections as whales, dolphins and seals. Despite an average temperature of just 28.8°F, the Arctic Ocean supports a

surprisingly vibrant web of life. Beneath the ice, microscopic organisms form the base of the food chain. Sunlight filters through cracks and thin patches, sparking blooms of phytoplankton. Tiny crustaceans feast on these blooms, followed by small fish, which in turn are hunted by seals—the polar bear’s primary prey.

© P Ramsden

THE ICE BEAR: MASTER OF THE FROZEN WORLD

Although polar bears are strong swimmers, they cannot outpace a seal in open water. So they hunt from the sea ice, using the platform to stalk and ambush their prey. This is why the Norwegians dub the bruin isbjorn or “ice bear.”

These bears are impeccably adapted to the Arctic:

Insulating Fur: Their two-layered coat consists of a warm, dense underfur and a topcoat of hollow guard hairs that repel water and help camouflage bears against the snowy landscape. Underneath, their black skin absorbs and retains heat.

Massive Paws: Measuring up to 12 inches wide (the size of a dinner plate!), polar bear feet act like built-in snowshoes, distributing their weight across the ice. They also serve as paddles to make swimming more efficient.

Fat Reserves: A roughly four-inch layer of body fat insulates against Arctic temperatures, which regularly drop to -40°F.

Claws & Jaws: Polar bears’ short, powerful claws are built for traction, allowing them to grip slick ice and pull seals from breathing holes. With 42 jagged back teeth and canines larger than those of a grizzly, they pack quite the bite.

Strong Sense of Smell: Polar bears have some of the most powerful senses of smell in the animal kingdom. A bear can detect a seal’s scent from nearly a mile away, even beneath thick layers of snow and ice.

Energy Conservation: In times of food shortage, especially during summer, polar bears can slow their metabolism to conserve energy.

So perfectly adapted are polar bears to their icy world that they’re more likely to overheat than feel cold. Even in fierce Arctic winds, they sometimes dig shallow beds in the snow, cooling themselves against the frozen ground as they rest.

© P Ramsden

© M McDermott

The Arctic Ice: A Dynamic Hunting Ground

Unlike the high Arctic, where thick multi-year ice persists year-round, Hudson Bay—home to Churchill’s polar bears—freezes and melts seasonally, creating a dynamic, ever-changing hunting ground. This “young ice” supports a higher concentration of seals, making it one of the best places in the world for polar bears to thrive—and earning Churchill its title as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” More ice means more seals. More seals mean more polar bears.

As winter tightens its grip, ocean currents and shifting winds crack and rearrange the ice, opening channels of water where seals must surface to breathe. Polar bears wait motionless along the edges of these openings for the telltale ripple of water beneath the ice. When the moment comes, they strike with astonishing speed—one swipe of a paw is enough to snatch a seal from the water.

But these finely tuned hunting strategies depend entirely on sea ice. As the Arctic warms, the ice season grows shorter, forcing polar bears to fast on land for longer periods. In Churchill, Hudson Bay once reliably froze by mid-November. In recent years, that has been delayed by weeks— a dangerous shift for a predator whose survival hinges on the return of winter.

THE WANDERING BEAR: A LIFE IN MOTION

Polar bears roam vast distances in search of food—sometimes covering areas more than twice the size of California. Out on the sea, their movements are dictated by shifting ice.

Unlike most large carnivores, polar bears are not territorial. Their home ranges often overlap, as each bear follows the drifting ice wherever it leads. Some individuals in the high Arctic have been tracked traveling

distances comparable to the size of Alaska, while others—especially females with cubs— stay closer to dependable hunting grounds.

In summer, as sea ice recedes, bears adapt in different ways. Some follow the last remaining ice northward, while others, like those around Hudson Bay, come ashore and fast for months until the ice returns.

© J Weston

© P Turner

Ready to test your knowledge? Take our polar bear quiz to see how much you know about the King of the Arctic!

THE WHITE BEAR: LIFE BETWEEN SEASONS

Around Churchill, wild and protected areas offer vital summer refuge for polar bears. Seeing these massive Arctic predators far from their icy domain is a memorable—and sometimes amusing—sight. They lumber through the heat, swatting at mosquitoes, sprawled among purple wildflowers, their brilliant white coats a stark reminder that they are creatures of ice and snow, not land like their bear cousins.

On shore, polar bears enter a state of energy conservation, fasting for months until sea ice returns. Unlike hibernating bears, they remain alert, surviving on stored fat. To keep cool and conserve energy, they dig pits in the permafrost or lounge in shallow coastal pools. Some even nibble on seaweed, though it offers little nourishment.

Unlike brown and black bears, polar bears do not hibernate. Instead, as

autumn approaches, most of the region’s bears begin to gather along the Hudson Bay shoreline, waiting patiently. When the first slabs of ice drift in, they step gingerly onto the frozen expanse and return to their true home—the sea—to hunt throughout the winter and spring.

Pregnant polar bears are the exception to this annual ritual. Each autumn, rather than preparing to hunt, pregnant females move to denning locations, burrowing into the ground or snow drifts. They don’t hibernate, but they do lower their body temperature, reducing their energy needs. Polar bears typically give birth in January and spend the next three months nursing, finally emerging with their cubs in late March or April. Nearby Wapusk National Park, whose name comes from the Cree word for “white bear,” was established largely to safeguard these seasonal denning grounds.

nathab.com/polar-bear-tours • 800-543-8917

© G Ciampini

POLAR BEARS & CLIMATE CHANGE

The Arctic is warming at twice the global average, and polar bears are among the first to feel the consequences. Since 1981, summer sea ice has declined by 13% per decade. With the ice melting earlier each year, bears are forced ashore sooner— and must wait longer for it to return. For every additional week on land, a bear can lose up to 22 pounds, a troubling trend for a species already living on the brink.

Conservation efforts, led by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, are focused on safeguarding critical polar bear habitat and supporting the resilience of Arctic ecosystems. Though the challenges are formidable, Churchill remains a vital stronghold—a place where polar bears still thrive and where travelers can witness their plight firsthand. It’s both a glimpse into their world and a powerful call to action to protect it for generations to come.

Learn how the power of conservation travel can help protect a threatened species like polar bears for generations to come. Watch Polar Bear Country, a soul-stirring journey through the realm of the polar bear following the experiences of Nat Hab guests, Expedition Leaders and a remarkable WWF scientist during a trip to Churchill.

MORE WILDLIFE OF CHURCHILL

In summer, Churchill’s tundra buzzes with life, but come winter, the same northern expanse becomes an icy realm. Aside from polar bears, many mammals and birds live here year-round, relying on remarkable adaptations to endure the cold.

ARCTIC FOX: SURVIVOR OF THE FROZEN NORTH

The Arctic fox is a master of survival. Roughly the size of a large house cat, the Arctic fox appears round and plush in winter, its fluffy white coat offering critical camouflage. Beneath the thick fur, however, lies a lean, agile predator weighing just 10 pounds. A cunning opportunist equally adept at hunting and scavenging, the Arctic fox moves easily through the snow with heat-conserving, fur-covered footpads—nature’s version of snow boots.

The fox’s hypersensitive hearing gives it the uncanny ability to detect prey hidden beneath the snow. Patiently, it listens for the faint rustle of a creature tunneling below. Then, with a dramatic high-arching pounce, it leaps high into the sky before plunging nose-first through the snow and seizing its prey with deadly precision. This signature technique makes it one of the tundra’s most efficient predators.

A Coat That Changes with the Arctic’s Palette

The Arctic fox undergoes one of the most dramatic seasonal transformations in the animal kingdom. In winter, its snow-white coat camouflages it against the icy expanse, rendering it nearly invisible to both predators and prey. By summer, as the tundra turns brown and mossy green, the fox sheds its winter coat, revealing fawn-colored or slate-gray fur, perfect for blending into rocky terrain.

© J Gilligan

ARCTIC HARE: THE TUNDRA’S ELUSIVE SHADOW

A flash of white against the snow—then gone. Though delicate in appearance, the Arctic hare is one of the region’s most resilient survivors—a master of stealth that relies on stillness and speed to survive in one of the world’s most inhospitable landscapes.

With powerful hind legs, it can outrun an Arctic fox, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph—faster than an Olympic sprinter. But it rarely flees unless necessary. Instead, it relies on its near-perfect camouflage, staying still until the threat has passed.

Unlike its woodland cousins, the Arctic hare does not hibernate. Instead, it forages year-round, gnawing on willows, grasses and frozen twigs to survive the barren winters. In especially harsh conditions, hares have been known to dig beneath the snow for lichen, scraping out a meal where others would starve.

Though often solitary, Arctic hares occasionally form large groups of up to 300 individuals, huddling together for warmth against the brutal Arctic winds. This communal survival strategy, combined with their dense fur and thick fat reserves, allows them to endure even when temperatures plummet to lethal lows.

© A DeVries

© M Thomas

CARIBOU: WANDERERS OF THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS

Caribou have been the heartbeat of the Arctic, shaping the cultures of Indigenous peoples who relied on them for food, clothing and survival. Their vast migrations have dictated human movement, and their presence—or absence—has meant the difference between feasting and famine.

Known as reindeer in Europe, caribou are the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers. Although male caribou typically shed their antlers in late fall or early winter, females retain theirs until spring so they can defend the best feeding grounds for their unborn calves.

Masters of Arctic Adaptation

Caribou have evolved an impressive array of adaptations to survive the Arctic’s harsh winters:

• Hollow, club-shaped fur that traps layers of warm air, so they can endure freezing temperatures

• Massive crescent-shaped hooves that act as built-in snowshoes to easily navigate deep snow

• A specialized circulatory system that keeps their core warm (105°F) while allowing their legs to stay up to 50 degrees colder, preventing unnecessary heat loss

But their most famous trait is their extraordinary endurance. Some herds migrate over 3,000 miles a year, farther than any other land mammal on Earth! Meanwhile, Churchill’s caribou herd stays closer to home, migrating only about 125 miles from their wintering grounds in the boreal forest of Wapusk National Park to their summer calving grounds near Cape Churchill on the tundra.

© S Kinsey

SNOWY OWL: GHOST OF THE ARCTIC SKY

Drifting silently over the tundra, its golden eyes piercing the endless white, the snowy owl is both predator and phantom—a master hunter in a world of ice and shadow.

With a wingspan of over 5.5 feet, this Arctic raptor is one of the largest owls on the planet. A single snowy owl can consume more than 1,600 lemmings per year. In lean times, it will hunt Arctic hares, ptarmigans, ducks and even fish, swooping down with razor-sharp talons to snatch prey straight from the ice or water.

Unlike most owls, the snowy owl is not strictly nocturnal. In the land of the midnight sun, where daylight can last for weeks, it hunts whenever opportunity strikes—day or night, dawn or dusk.

Snowy owls lay up to 11 eggs in a clutch, with an average of 4 to 6 hatching (depending on food availability), ensuring the next generation continues to rule the Arctic skies.

Meet more Arctic wildlife!

Check out our Churchill Wildlife Guide.

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

For over 30 years, Natural Habitat Adventures has shared a deep bond with the community of Churchill, Manitoba. We’ve partnered on key conservation efforts—like polar bear protection and sustainable tourism—while supporting the local economy. Our enduring relationship helps preserve the region’s unique environment and fosters global awareness of its ecological significance.

nathab.com/polar-bear-tours • 800-543-8917

© E Savage

PROTECTING POLAR BEARS: GUARDIANS OF THE ARCTIC

Towering, powerful and supremely adapted to their icy realm, polar bears have ruled the frozen North for millennia. Yet today, the King of the Arctic faces a dire threat to its very existence: climate change.

With Arctic temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average, the sea ice that sustains the polar bears’ vital hunting grounds is melting. Forced to swim longer distances, fast for extended periods and venture into human settlements in search of food, polar bears are more threatened than ever before.

As it goes for polar bears, so it goes for the entire Arctic ecosystem. Protecting polar bears means addressing climate change and protecting the Arctic.

The Arctic is warming at a rate twice the global average, and as sea ice recedes, polar bears must adapt to new challenges.

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND’S GLOBAL EFFORT TO SAVE THE

POLAR BEAR

Conservation is not a solitary effort—it is a global mission. Because polar bears roam across five countries—Canada, the U.S., Denmark (Greenland), Norway, and Russia—protecting them requires international cooperation.

World Wildlife Fund is at the forefront of this fight, uniting governments, scientists, Indigenous communities and conservationists to ensure the Arctic remains a sanctuary for polar bears. Their work spans groundbreaking research, policy advocacy and hands-on conservation efforts, including:

• Tracking polar bears with innovative tagging and satellite technology to monitor their movements and health

• Collecting DNA samples to analyze genetic diversity and population trends

• Working with Arctic communities to prevent human-bear conflicts through early-warning detection systems and non-lethal deterrents

• Protecting denning sites and minimizing industrial impacts from shipping, oil drilling, and resource extraction

Perhaps most critically, WWF works alongside Indigenous peoples, integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)—wisdom honed over centuries—into modern conservation. In Churchill, Manitoba, a town deeply intertwined with polar bears, these efforts have helped create bear-safe waste management systems, educational programs, and patrols that keep both bears and people safe.

WWF works alongside Indigenous peoples, integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into modern conservation

• 800-543-8917

SUPPORTING FOOD SECURITY IN THE ARCTIC: A GREEN REVOLUTION IN THE FROZEN NORTH

Survival in the far North has always required ingenuity and resilience. In Churchill, Manitoba, where there are no roads connecting the town to the rest of Canada, food must arrive by seasonal trains or air shipments. A severe weather event can cut supply lines, sending grocery prices skyrocketing overnight. In these times, a carton of milk or a head of lettuce can become an unaffordable luxury.

Recognizing this challenge, Natural Habitat Adventures has partnered with Churchill’s leaders to support residents in multiple ways, including:

• Hosting annual Thanksgiving celebrations and community breakfasts for hundreds of townsfolk

• Providing food for school breakfast programs to ensure children start their day with a nourishing meal

• Contributing leftover groceries from expedition meals to local food banks

But the most innovative solution isn’t about improving supply chains—it’s about rethinking food production altogether.

At the Churchill Northern Studies Center, a hydroponic greenhouse has transformed how fresh produce reaches the community. In a place where traditional farming is impossible, this indoor vertical farm grows and supplies lettuce, kale and herbs to local grocery stores, restaurants and the hospital cafeteria.

Nat Hab recognized the immense potential of this initiative and funded the center’s hydroponic cabinet, an educational tool that allows scientists, residents and visitors to learn firsthand about sustainable Arctic agriculture.

“Churchill is a cold tundra most of the year,” says Court Whelan, Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

“We invested in hydroponic farming to help them grow fresh greens year-round. If you’re headed on a Nat Hab polar bear trip, you’ll likely have your own Rocket Greens salad!”

This revolution in Arctic food security proves that even in one of the most extreme environments on Earth, innovation can bloom.

CHURCHILL’S MURALS: ART AS A VOICE FOR THE NORTH

When a three-day blizzard in 2017 swept across Churchill, it exacerbated the existing isolation of this remote region. Flooding washed out the only railway connecting Churchill to the rest of Canada, severing critical supply lines. No trains. No travelers. No supplies. Businesses shuttered. Food prices soared. For 18 months, Churchill waited, cut off from the world.

But in the face of hardship, Churchill did what it has always done: it adapted, endured, and found a new way to thrive.

If people couldn’t come to Churchill, then Churchill would bring its story to the world— not through words, but through art.

Churchill’s murals speak for the North, telling a story of struggle, survival, and hope—one brushstroke at a time.

© L Paxton

A bold collaboration between artist Kal Barteski of the Polar Bear Fund and Pangea Seed Foundation invited muralists from around the globe to turn Churchill’s blank walls into canvases for conservation.

Today, 18 large-scale murals grace the town, each a vivid tribute to the Arctic’s wildlife, people and challenges:

• A polar bear, painted in striking shades of blue and white, stands watchfully over the tundra— a silent guardian of its disappearing home.

• A breaching whale, swirling in turquoise, honors the belugas that return to the Churchill River each summer.

• The aurora borealis, in cascading shades of green and purple, mirrors the real-life spectacle that graces Churchill’s skies over 300 nights a year.

• The words “Know I’m Here” stretch across one mural—a poignant reminder that Churchill refuses to be forgotten.

© B Rennison

© A Drwencke

© C Soderstrom

© J McClean

© J Wilkie

What began as a response to crisis has become a defining feature of Churchill, drawing visitors from around the world. The murals are a declaration of resilience, a statement of identity, and a call to action.

© G Ciampini

© B Yeow

© P Ramsden

WHY CHOOSE NAT HAB FOR YOUR POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE?

A journey to Churchill is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And at Natural Habitat Adventures, we ensure that experience is truly unparalleled. Our exclusive access, top-tier guides, small group size and commitment to sustainability sets us apart.

“Seeing

polar bears up close was an exciting and joyful experience— more than I dreamed it could be.”

-Nat Hab Traveler Marcia Z., Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure

800-543-8917

© L Thompson

NAT HAB’S POLAR BEAR ADVENTURES

Here’s why our polar bear expeditions stand above the rest:

Exclusive Permits for the Best Bear Viewing

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We hold one of the few exclusive permits that allow us to take you deep into the tundra within the 2-million-acre Churchill Wildlife Management Area—where the best bear encounters happen. Other operators are confined to the paved and gravel road to Halfway Point—which, as the name suggests, is only halfway into the prime polar bear area. If you’re coming to Churchill to see polar bears, be sure to get the full experience.

Custom-Built Polar Rovers for Ultimate Comfort and Safety

Our Polar Rovers are unlike any other tundra vehicles. These state-of-the-art, all-terrain machines provide a warm, comfortable ride over the rugged Arctic landscape. Key features include:

• Exclusive steel-mesh viewing platforms that let you stand just inches from wild polar bears

• Panoramic windows for optimal viewing and photography

• Heated interiors to keep you warm, and on-board flush toilet facilities

• Advanced elite suspension systems that smooth the ride

The

Tundra

Lodge: A Front-Row Seat to the Arctic

For the ultimate immersion, our Tundra Lodge is stationed right in the bears’ habitat, offering 24/7 access to their world. Aboard this unique hotel—fashioned after train sleeper cars—each guest has an individual cabin with a sleeping berth and a window for private bear observation. Imagine waking up to a bear peering in, watching the northern lights from the lodge deck or stepping outside onto viewing platforms for an intimate, uninterrupted experience in the wild.

Smallest Groups for the Most Intimate Experience

While other operators may pack 30+ guests per vehicle, we limit our groups to just 16 guests per trip. This ensures unrushed wildlife encounters, plenty of room aboard our Polar Rovers (where everyone gets a window seat!), and an intimate experience with nature.

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Private Chartered Flights to Maximize Your Time in Nature

We bypass commercial flights by chartering our own aircraft directly from Winnipeg to Churchill. This means less time in airports, more time in the wild, and a seamless, stress-free journey.

More Than Just Polar Bears: Dog Sledding & Cultural Experiences

A Nat Hab trip to Churchill isn’t just about bears. You’ll also:

• Meet a Churchill dog musher and ride behind a team of sled dogs through the boreal forest

• Engage with Indigenous storytellers who share the traditions and history of the North

• Seek out other tundra wildlife, including Arctic foxes and snowy owls

The Finest Naturalist Guides in the Industry

Our Expedition Leaders are the best in the business. With an average of more than 10 years of guiding experience, their deep knowledge of polar bear behavior, Arctic ecology and conservation transforms every moment into an enriching educational experience. Our philosophy is simple: A nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we provide the very best.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2003, we have been the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization. And as the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company, Nat Hab offsets 100% of the emissions from your trip. This includes your round-trip flights, making your adventure as eco-conscious as it is extraordinary.

“The dog sled ride was a highlight of the trip. The chaotic energy of the dogs transitioning to the silence of the sled was spellbinding. I will never forget that experience.”

-Nat Hab Traveler Catherine D., Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town

© D Raiti

A GUIDE TO POLAR BEAR SEASON:

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

Churchill has plenty to attract nature travelers year-round, from beluga whales and wildflowers in the summer to the glimmering northern lights each winter. But if it’s polar bears you’re after, fall is the season to see them.

800-543-8917

“The beauty of the tundra at this time of year was ethereal. I was literally moved to tears watching a mom and cub braving a snowstorm together— the two of them against the world. It was more moving than I can put into words.”

-Nat Hab Traveler Judith B., Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure

© G Ciampini

THE TUNDRA & THE BOREAL FOREST: TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

Most visitors to Churchill come in the fall in search of polar bears, which roam the vast, open tundra. Here, the land stretches endlessly, an expanse of muted colors and windsculpted ridges. Shrubs grow close to the ground, stunted by the fierce cold.

During the brief Arctic summer, this land erupts in wildflowers, a delicate contrast to the unforgiving terrain. Like all other biomes, there is a strong interconnectedness among living things within the tundra landscape. For instance, birds rely on small fruiting shrubs such as bilberries, cranberries and crowberries, while the plants rely on the birds for seed dispersal. The tundra, despite its seemingly bleak appearance in early winter, is beautifully in harmony throughout the year.

But just beyond the tundra, another world begins.

A dark, silent forest of spruce, fir and tamarack marks the transition between Arctic tundra and subarctic woodland. Nat Hab travelers explore this boreal forest on dog sledding excursions that wind through the trees and helicopter flights that soar over herds of caribou. The contrast is stark: The tundra feels infinite and exposed, while the boreal forest encloses you in shadowy stillness.

Churchill stands on the threshold of two worlds—the boundless tundra and the sheltering forest—a rare and beautiful place where Arctic wonders unfold.

WINTER IS COMING: THE ARCTIC TRANSFORMS

As the days grow shorter and temperatures plummet, Churchill transforms. The once vibrant tundra, alive with the calls of nesting birds and the hum of insects, falls silent beneath a thickening cloak of snow. Winter’s approach ushers in a great migration, as Arctic creatures prepare for the long, dark months ahead.

Caribou begin their journey southward into the forests, where the shelter of trees offers a reprieve from blizzards. The skies, once teeming with avian life, empty as flocks

of snow geese, dunlins and long-tailed ducks take wing toward warmer latitudes. Beneath the frost-hardened ground, Arctic ground squirrels retreat into their burrows, their bodies in deep hibernation—a state so extreme that their heartbeats drop to just a few per minute. Even tiny wood frogs, astonishingly adapted, freeze solid, only to thaw and reawaken in spring.

But not all life vanishes. Some creatures remain, fully equipped to endure winter’s relentless grip.

© J Ellert

© J Weston

© K Sublette

© E Browne

© E Savage

As summer draws to a close and fall arrives, polar bears take center stage on the tundra. As their migratory neighbors disappear, the bears move in the opposite direction— toward the coast, toward the ice, toward survival.

Polar bears fast for up to four months during the summer when sea ice melts, relying on their fat reserves until the ice returns.

The Hudson Bay’s annual freeze is their signal: The long fast will soon end, and the

season of seal hunting will begin. Churchill’s landscape fills with these restless nomads, each drawn by an ancient instinct, waiting for the sea ice to return.

And they are not alone. The Arctic’s true winter residents—the foxes, hares and ptarmigans—reveal their secrets of survival in a landscape where the sun barely rises. These creatures live not just beneath the northern lights, but beneath the everdeepening hush of a frozen world.

© E Savage

POLAR BEAR ADVENTURES

Why is Churchill, Manitoba, the best place to view polar bears in the wild?

The Hudson Bay polar bear population is estimated to be approximately 1,000 bears. These bears spend the winter months hunting seals on the sea ice in the northern part of the bay, but in the late spring, when the ice begins to melt, the prevailing northern winds blow the bears southward, and they land on the southern shores in the area around Churchill. The bears spend their summers dispersed along the coast nearby but gather closer to Churchill in October when the cold snap in the air tells them that the bay is about to freeze.

Why Churchill over other areas along the bay?

Because nearby, the waters of the Churchill and Seal rivers empty into the bay. That freshwater freezes before the ocean’s salt water, giving bears earlier access to their hunting grounds.

What is the best time to see polar bears in Churchill?

While polar bears can be encountered at any time of year in Churchill, the peak time for viewing them is October and November.

What will the weather be like during polar bear season?

The average high temperature in Churchill during the second half of October is 21°F to 30°F. High temperatures the first three weeks in November range from 15°F to 28°F. Although it is cold, Churchill is in a semi-arid environment, so the area does not get a lot of snow, especially in the fall. Nat Hab’s Polar Rovers are heated, so expect a more comfortable range of temperatures of 40°F to 60°F as you observe the tundra on board.

Is there snow in Churchill during polar bear season?

It can snow in Churchill at any time, but in the fall, snow usually comes in squalls that bring a light ground covering, rather than large accumulations. We are unlikely to get significant snow in the fall, though we often get a dusting that melts quickly once it warms up. The average amount of precipitation in October is 1.8 inches, which can be either rain or snow, while the average in November is 1.4 inches.

How close will we get to polar bears?

All bear viewing will be experienced from the safety of Nat Hab’s private Polar Rovers, from which we can view these wild animals through large sliding windows and the large front windshield. The vehicles also have a unique mesh steel flooring on the back platforms, for rare encounters with the bears just inches away! Natural Habitat Adventures is one of only two companies with exclusive permits to the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, which is where most of the bears are located. From here, you are guaranteed to experience the best possible polar bear viewing. However, weather and the animals’ own behaviors will determine how close we get.

In addition to polar bears, what other wildlife can we see on the tundra?

Churchill’s unique climate and location—at the confluence of the southern prairie, northern tundra, boreal forest, Churchill River and Hudson Bay—allows for a multitude of different species to coexist. We often see Arctic fox, willow ptarmigan, snowy owl and Arctic hare. Occasionally we see red foxes and snowshoe hares. During an optional helicopter excursion, you may also see moose and caribou.

What is the best time to see the northern lights in Churchill?

The northern lights, one of Churchill’s most brilliant attractions, are most prominently viewed during the clear winter months of January through March. Occasionally, we see the lights during the polar bear season of October and November. However, the skies are generally overcast then, so we’re not as likely to see the aurora. Nevertheless, our Expedition Leaders have a system for waking guests should the lights appear, so be prepared! If the northern lights top your travel list, check out our winter Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration adventure.

Are Nat Hab’s Polar Rovers comfortable?

Our private Polar Rovers have 6-foot tundra tires and leaf spring front/walking beam rear suspension, which provide a smooth ride over the tundra. The vehicles are controlled by a special drivetrain, which provides a safe and efficient journey. Soft, motorcoach-style seats add additional comfort. The Polar Rovers are heated throughout and, as an unusual luxury on an adventure like this, they include full flush toilets rather than drop buckets. The rear viewing platform is outfitted with an exclusive see-through, steel-mesh floor that allows guests to come almost face to face with bears that tend to like to investigate beneath the stationary trucks. Inside the vehicles guests can view and photograph bears through sliding windows that open or close, or through the front windshield, which offers a panoramic, downward view of the animals.

What clothing should I pack for polar bear viewing?

Although it can be cold outside, much of our time is spent on our Polar Rovers, which are heated to around 40°F to 60°F, depending on whether the windows are open for bear viewing. We also provide private bus transportation around town, so guests do not have to be exposed. Still, we recommend guests bring a thin base layer, a second warmer fleece layer and a heavy outer layer that is both water repellent and wind resistant. Although it rarely rains, it does happen. A warm hat and mittens or gloves are also a must. So that our guests do not have to purchase major winter gear they may not use again, Nat Hab provides loaner winter parkas and warm Arctic boots. For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

What’s it like to stay at the Tundra Lodge instead of a hotel in Churchill?

The Tundra Lodge is Nat Hab’s custom-built rolling hotel situated in an area of high polar bear density during the months of October and November. The individual cabins are heated, and there are shared toilets and showers. The lodge also offers a comfortable lounge area for prime bear viewing and a dining car with sliding windows. Raised outdoor platforms facilitate excellent polar bear spotting and photography opportunities, as well as potential northern lights viewing.

What is the best camera and camera lens to use for photographing polar bears?

The best camera is the one you have with you. You don’t ever need to go out and buy the latest and greatest to get great shots—you just need to have a keen eye and be in the right place at the right time. A camera and lens combo capable of getting to 10x or 20x zoom—or 300mm or 400mm if you have a camera with interchangeable lenses—is sufficient. There will always be a time when you wish you had more telephoto capabilities, but they often come at a cost (weight, size and/or price tag), and we feel comfortable with a 400mm most of the time. Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras will offer the highest resolution, but advanced point-and-shoots are getting better with time and are perfectly suitable for our Churchill polar bear tours. Whether you’re a newbie photographer or a camera pro, you’ll want to read these polar bear photography tips before your expedition.

Can I go on a photo expedition even if I’m not a great photographer? Are polar bear photography expeditions okay for beginner photographers?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged, as this is the best way to learn. Not only are you likely to be in the company of other beginners, but you’ll also be able to learn from more seasoned photo travelers as well as your professional photographer Expedition Leader throughout the trip. Whether you have a point-and-shoot and use “full auto” settings or have an advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera and want to know more about how to best use it to its full capabilities, you’ll return with hundreds or thousands of great polar bear images.

Are Nat Hab’s polar bear adventures suitable for children?

Nat Hab’s Expedition Leaders are known for their excellent rapport with kids. This fun dynamic, along with a diverse array of activities and unforgettable wildlife encounters, will leave children with lifelong memories. We strongly encourage you to call our office to speak with an Adventure Specialist about the requirements of our specific Churchill adventures. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children and families, consider our Family Adventures

Can Nat Hab take our family or a group on a private version of a polar bear adventure?

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

THE ARCTIC AWAITS

Polar bear season in Churchill is more than a chance to see wildlife—it’s a window into a world few get to experience. It’s the thrill of watching a polar bear move silently across the tundra, the hushed beauty of snow-draped boreal forests, and the resilience of creatures that call this extreme environment home.

For those who journey here, Churchill offers not just unforgettable sights, but a deeper understanding of the Arctic—its challenges, its wonders and its fragile future.

And once you’ve stood on this land, gazed into the endless white, and watched a bear vanish into the swirling snow, a part of the Arctic will stay with you forever.

Call our office at 800-543-8917 to learn more about our Churchill adventures.

The Ultimate Guide to Churchill’s Polar Bears