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Manitoba · Churchill · summer and autumn
Every autumn, polar bears gather on the shore of Hudson Bay and wait for the sea to freeze. Churchill is where the encounter happens.
The experience
Churchill, on the west coast of Hudson Bay, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. In autumn, they walk the coast waiting for the sea ice.
Kelsey, our partner, has been filming polar bears for more than thirty years. He teaches you to read their behaviour, to wait for the right light, to watch without disturbing.
Our formats
Full days in the field aboard 4x4s. Polar bears, but also wolves, wolverines, caribou, foxes and seals.
A programme designed for photography and video, with advice from a field documentary filmmaker.
Northern lights alert included: we let you know as soon as they are visible. Northern lights outings and helicopter tours available as options.
The itinerary
Welcome in Manitoba's capital, the gateway to Churchill. First night at the Lakeview Hotel or the Sandman Hotel, right by the airport, ready for the next morning's flight.
Calm Air charter flight of about 2 h 30, booked early in the morning to gain a full day in the field. Check-in at your accommodation, then a first bear-viewing outing, depending on the region's often unpredictable weather.
Out at sunrise, back at sunset, aboard 4x4s such as the Ford Bronco or hybrid Ford F-150, with safety-trained guides. The chances of seeing polar bears are very high, and wolves, wolverines, caribou, foxes and seals are seen more and more often. Each day, the group chooses: a picnic to stay in the field all day, or a break at the guesthouse.
An alert service lets you know as soon as the northern lights are visible. Dedicated viewing outings are available as an option.
A tour of the town with a local guide or a last bear-viewing outing in the morning, then the afternoon flight to Winnipeg.
Prices
Bears in summer
In July and August, the bears spend the summer on the coast, among the blooming fireweed and in the waves of the bay, while thousands of belugas swim up the Churchill River. An 8-day expedition at €8,695 per person.
Getting to Churchill
No road connects Churchill to the rest of Canada. You arrive by air, or on a long train journey across the wilderness of Manitoba.
Flights from Winnipeg all year round, in about 2 h 30. We book a Calm Air charter early in the morning to gain an extra day in the field.
Calm Air →Via Rail links Winnipeg's Union Station to Churchill: 1,697 km, about 48 hours, two days and two nights. Departures on Sundays and Tuesdays at 9 a.m., returns on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Our suggestion: the outbound journey by train to take in the scale of the Far North, the return by plane. We add it to your expedition on request.
Travel Manitoba →Autumn is in high demand: seats, by plane or train, are booked well in advance.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
In July and August, the bears spend the summer on the coast, among the flowers and in the waves. In October and November, they gather in large numbers waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can return to hunt on the sea ice: this is the best time to see them.
By Calm Air charter flight from Winnipeg, included in the expedition. There is no road to Churchill.
Yes. It is always supervised, aboard 4x4 vehicles, by guides trained in polar bear safety protocols.
The three-layer principle: a base layer in merino wool or synthetic (never cotton), an insulating layer in fleece or down, then a windproof parka. Mittens rather than gloves, and cold-weather boots one size up. Long periods of standing still are the coldest: bring insulated trousers. Parka, snow pants and boot rental is available as an option.
Spare batteries kept warm against your body, extra memory cards and thin gloves to handle the camera. When you come back inside, leave the camera in its closed bag for an hour to avoid condensation.
Yes, from age 5. Children lose heat faster than adults: we adapt the pace and the breaks.
Yes. Weather sometimes delays flights in the Far North. Avoid tight connections in Winnipeg and, if possible, keep a spare night before your international flight.
Yes. Check that it covers the planned activity, medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as cancellation or delays due to weather. Keep the assistance number on paper and on your phone.
In pictures
