Ultimate Polar Bear Experiences – Encounter Arctic Giants Up Close

It was our third trip to Churchill, Manitoba – The Polar Bear Capital of the World. It was late October when we flew into Winnipeg the night before setting off on a polar bear safari to our remote lodge on Hudson Bay. The last time we visited Seal River Lodge with Churchill Wild, it was freezing; this time around, it was a balmy zero degrees Celsius (32F) in Winnipeg. The weather outlook for Churchill was around minus 10 degrees. Perfect weather for polar bear tours. This was going to be a good week.

Polar Bear Encounters

We thought we were the experienced travelers taking our third trip to see the polar bears. That is until we met another couple from Switzerland who had been nine times and a man from China who was visiting for the sixth time. Polar Bear tours are addictive. Once you’ve seen a polar bear in the wild, the experience stays with you, and you want to go back again and again.

We had visited Churchill once in the summer and another time in autumn. Churchill Wild has added many polar bear tours to their offerings with safaris such as their Nanuk Emergence Quest to see female polar bears and their newborn cubs emerge from winter dens, the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast, and summertime trips to see Birds, Bears, and Belugas.

Polar Bears in Every Season

Summertime tours are quite different from the winter but are just as spectacular. Seeing polar bears against the lush green tundra landscape is a sight to behold.

What to Expect on Polar Bear Tours

Churchill Wild offers polar bear tours nearly all year round. Guests typically fly into Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they spend at least one night to pick up their gear, meet the team and fellow travelers, and receive an orientation about the trip ahead. We recommend arriving a night earlier to explore Winnipeg and provide some buffer time in case of travel delays. It would be unfortunate to miss your flight to Churchill with the group.

Arctic Gear Provided

After landing in Winnipeg on our flight from Toronto, we picked up our luggage and walked across the street to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, where polar bear safari guests spend the night before flying out the next morning.

Everyone who embarks on a polar bear tour is provided with a parka, snow pants, and winter boots to brave the Northern Canadian cold. The weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can plunge to minus 40 Celsius with windchill. When visiting Churchill for polar bear safaris, layering is crucial.

Ensure you pack mittens, balaclava, hats, warm socks, and thermal layers made of merino wool. We also made sure to include hand warmers and toe warmers, which were essential. We have a detailed post regarding layering strategies for extreme cold weather, showcasing our experiences during our last visit when temperatures dipped to -45 degrees.

Arrival in Churchill

The travel day doesn’t end once you land in Churchill; there is still one more flight to go. We collected our luggage and donned our snow pants and warm weather gear before boarding a small twin-engine plane that took each group to their respective lodges.

During our wait for the flight, we took a short tour of the polar bear holding facility nearby, where polar bears that wander too close to town are kept temporarily until they can be relocated far from the city.

Churchill Wild Eco Lodges – Sustainability & Responsibility

Churchill Wild maintains three lodges on Hudson Bay: Dymond Lake Eco Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, and our accommodation for the next five days, Seal River Heritage Lodge.

The flight to the lodge lasts about 20 minutes, covering the scenic 60 km journey from Churchill. Stunning views of the icy shores of Hudson Bay and moose roaming the land were unforgettable.

Seal River Heritage Lodge

Arriving at Seal River Lodge, which has its own airstrip, filled us with anticipation. Would we soon encounter polar bears?

Our hosts and guides were waiting by the airstrip, welcoming the last group of polar bear watchers, and after we disembarked, we boarded ATVs for the ride to the cozy lodge where warm coffee awaited us, along with our first polar bear sighting!

This luxury eco-lodge is ideally located on the shores of Hudson Bay. The estate, once a goose hunting lodge, has evolved over three decades into a prime destination for polar bear tourism. Mike and Jeanne Reimer transformed this area, and now Churchill Wild stands as the leading operator for polar bear tours where guests can walk with the bears.

Each lodge follows a minimalist approach, utilizing solar power and locally sourced materials to promote sustainability. Water for the lodges is triple-filtered from nearby lakes, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly experience.

Polar Bear Tours Are On Foot

Most of Churchill Wild’s polar bear tours are conducted on foot to minimize dependence on motorized vehicles. The lodges are situated in prime wildlife hangouts, providing easy access for observing wildlife without intruding on their natural behaviors.

When polar bears notice our group, they determine whether to allow us to stay for observation. If they seem comfortable, we can enjoy a brief period of watching them before moving on, respecting their space.

Safety Training for Guests Walking with Polar Bears

Our polar bear tours are organized in small groups to ensure the guides can monitor everyone’s safety while minimizing the impact on the bears’ environment. We had a group of nine guests and three guides (Boomer, Jess, and Dave) attentively managing our safety. Before any walks, guests receive detailed briefings on safety protocols and proper behavior in the presence of polar bears.

Prior to departing the lodge, our guides instructed us on walking in a single-file line, moving in a pinwheel formation, and standing safely when necessary. This structured approach allows for close observation of bears while maintaining a respectful distance.

When it comes to safety, following your guides’ instructions is imperative. If they call for cameras down, compliance is necessary for both our safety and for the comfort of the polar bears.

Experienced Guides at Churchill Wild

Churchill Wild employs qualified guides trained to understand polar bear behavior and manage close encounters with wildlife effectively. They are well-versed in emergency response protocols and carry the necessary equipment for ensuring participant safety.

Trust in our guides was strong, given their expertise. Though they carried rifles for emergencies, they emphasized that using non-lethal methods—like voice commands or body language—serves as primary deterrents during encounters with polar bears.

A Day in the Life at Seal River Lodge

A typical day at Seal River Heritage Lodge begins at 7:00 am with freshly brewed coffee and a cozy fire. We often reflect on our experiences, sharing stories and photos until breakfast at 8 a.m. The chef accommodates various dietary preferences, ensuring all guests are satisfied.

Post-breakfast, our guides set the day’s agenda based on observations made from the crow’s nest, allowing us to plan our treks seamlessly. The thrill of searching for polar bears in the wild awaited us each morning, enhancing the anticipation.

Polar Bear Encounters – Canada’s Best Adventure

During our time at Seal River Lodge, we had numerous sightings of polar bears without needing to wander far from the compound. Our guides ensured that the bears were comfortable, allowing us just enough time for observations before moving on.

One large male polar bear frequently visited the lodge, spending hours lounging close by. We also had the opportunity to watch a mother and cub interact, providing a remarkable connection to nature.

The Lodge Experience

Beyond the thrill of polar bear watching, evenings at the lodge were vibrant with storytelling, wine pairings, and discussions about the day’s adventures. The accommodations were chic and comfortable, offering en suite amenities that guaranteed a restful night’s sleep.

FAQs about Polar Bear Tours

Are there Polar Bears in Canada?

Yes, Canada is home to approximately two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population, estimated at around 23,000 polar bears.

Is it dangerous to walk with Polar Bears?

While polar bears are wild and unpredictable, the risks are minimized by the experienced operators ensuring a safe and secure environment for all guests.

Through our adherence to all provided guidelines, we felt comfortable and secure while experiencing these magnificent creatures in the wild, closer than most could imagine.

Polar Bear Tours in A Nutshell

Concluding your adventure at Seal River Lodge leaves an indelible mark on your spirit. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s a unique opportunity to experience the majestic world of polar bears on foot. iBestTravel offers unparalleled access to these incredible animals in a careful, respectful manner. If you’re ready for an escape from the ordinary, join us in exploration and tread softly into the polar bear’s realm.

Explore more about polar bear safaris and start planning your adventure!