Hotels vary on the Classic Polar Bear Adventure, but all are clean, comfortable and centrally located in the Arctic town of Churchill.
Photo by: Colby J Brokvist
Classic Polar Bear Adventure
Encounter the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears as they gather along Hudson Bay from the comfort of Polar Rover vehicles that allow up close observation in small intimate groups.
Sep
Oct
Nov
FROM
$8,495
USD
PER PERSON
/
This Classic Polar Bear Adventure spends 6 to 7 days based in historic Churchill, Canada, near the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. While polar bears await the freeze-up on Hudson Bay and the start of seal-hunting season, guests ride in the world’s premier tundra vehicle—the Polar Rover—to safely and comfortably view polar bears up close.
With exclusive permits to access the full range of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area where the best—and often only—polar bear viewing occurs, this once-in-a-lifetime Classic Polar Bear Adventure boldly promises the highest-quality polar bear tour and sightings available. Polar Rovers have an advanced elite suspension system that smooths the ride, plus onboard flush toilet facilities, ensuring a superior level of comfort and safety. Built into the rear viewing platform of every Polar Rover is an innovative and exclusive feature pioneered for optimal polar bear viewing—corrugated steel-mesh floors. Guests come within inches of curious bears that often wander beneath the vehicles! Additionally, meet a local dog musher and his team, experience an authentic dog sled ride through the boreal forest and enjoy cultural presentations from Churchill residents.
In addition to the 7-day classic itinerary, a 6-day version skips the day for Churchill exploration. The 7-day Churchill Polar Bear Photo Itinerary focuses on photographing polar bears, with an accomplished photographer as your guide. And the 7-day Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari Itinerary includes a helicopter ride to see polar bears from the unique vantage point of up above the tundra.
A fundamental element of this trip’s success is the small group maximum of 16 guests aboard each Polar Rover that has seating for 35. This guarantees every guest has plenty of space to enjoy a window seat, angle for the best photos and enjoy a personal experience with the polar bears without much intrusion from other travelers. On the tundra, among the bears, time stands still. Once in a lifetime does one get the opportunity to witness the majesty and unique behaviors of the north’s largest land carnivore—the polar bear.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic tours, Arctic trips and Canada adventure travel.
7-Day Premier Polar Bear Itinerary
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The 7-day Premier Polar Bear adventure begins and ends in Winnipeg, Canada, with charter flights to/from Churchill. Spend 7 days exploring the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears aboard the custom Polar Rover, which allows close polar bear observation.
Winnipeg, once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is now Manitoba’s capital and cultural and commercial center at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies. Transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Meet your expedition leader at a welcome dinner this evening.
Fly by chartered plane to Churchill this morning. This hospitable frontier town, originally a Hudson Bay Company fur-trading post, is home base for your adventure. This evening your 7-day trip opens with a presentation on polar bears and the northern environment by a professional staff of naturalists and scientists.
Uniquely designed Polar Rovers are a mobile means for spending time among the bears. Though they are built to accommodate up to 30 passengers, a maximum of just 16 are taken, ensuring everyone a window seat. Your expedition leaders know the best places to observe polar bears, which congregate in the region each fall as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, signaling the start of the winter seal-hunting season. As you watch them interact, you’ll be delighted by their antics and rugged beauty. From the warmth of your vehicle, you may see mothers with cubs, young males play-fighting or a lone bear ambling over the tundra in solitary majesty. Your knowledgeable expedition leader offers interpretation along the way, explaining the bears’ behavior and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. In the evenings, meet for dinner and presentations on wildlife or local cultures.
Tour historic Churchill, then head out to the tundra for evening bear viewing and dinner aboard the Polar Rover vehicle. During the day you may explore the coast road en route to Cape Merry, where there is opportunity to spot Arctic fox and Arctic hare. If the skies are clear, your nighttime tundra excursion might reveal one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences—a chance to view the northern lights away from the glare of town. Though they are never predictable or promised, the auroral display often starts as a white glow in the northern sky, then begins to flicker and dance in shimmering curtains of color, most typically green but occasionally red or violet. Note: the nighttime tundra trip occasionally alternates between day 4 and day 5, depending on when conditions are optimal.
Return flights are scheduled to depart in the mid- to late afternoon, to offer as much time as possible for exploring Churchill today. A highlight this morning is an authentic dog sled ride. Meet a local musher and his team, spending time with the lively and affectionate dogs before taking turns riding behind them on an exhilarating trot through the boreal forest. Pick up last-minute handicrafts and souvenirs or, if time permits, take an optional helicopter tour over the tundra before departing. Enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill before flying back to Winnipeg, where a final reception awaits as your adventure concludes.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Included
Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s) and assistants; Polar Rover excursions; dog sledding excursion; evening wildlife and cultural presentations; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip; most gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; all activities and entrance fees; all taxes, permits and service fees.
Exclusions
Travel to and from Winnipeg; alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees; airport and departure taxes; optional travel insurance and insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature (telephone calls, souvenirs, laundry, etc.); optional activities. All passengers are required to purchase the round-trip Winnipeg-Churchill group flight package ($1,689 per person in 2026, booked through AdventureSmith).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $100 cancellation fee
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Classic Polar Bear Adventure begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (YWG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Winnipeg no later than 5:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in a mandatory group welcome briefing and dinner beginning at 7:00pm. Plan flights to depart Winnipeg anytime on the final day of the trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Required internal group flights on Day 2 and Day 6 between Winnipeg and Churchill are not included in the rate; see the mandatory transfer package information listed in Exclusions.
Activities
The Classic Polar Bear Adventure Trip is a genuine wilderness experience, located in an exceptionally remote and rugged area that is accessed via a charter flight. Activities take place in this remote and rugged environment with unpredictable weather, so be prepared for a true wilderness adventure. Active days revolve around excursions to the tundra in polar rovers, watching for bears. A night is spent on the tundra in the polar rover, watching for the aurora borealis. Other daytime activities may include a possible scenic drive, free time in Churchill, dog sledding or an opportunity for an optional hour-long helicopter excursion for up to 5 guests over the tundra (inquire for pricing & details).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at $1,295 (2026) supplement for the 7-day itinerary, in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.
Families & Children
Due to the expedition nature of this program, children must be 12 years old at time of departure.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third-party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary & Polar Bear Season Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact program varies according to wildlife and weather conditions. Polar bears are typically found in the Churchill area year-round with the highest concentration in October and November as the bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay awaiting the annual freeze-up. Sometimes the best bear viewing is at the beginning of the season, sometimes it happens in the middle, and sometimes at the end—we never know for sure. Once Hudson Bay freezes, many of them depart. Historically, this has occurred in early December, but an unusually early cold spell sometimes happens, hastening their departure. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
Variable Departure Details
Rates and dates are tentative and will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your Adventure Specialist will confirm details at time of booking.
6-Day Premier Polar Bear Itinerary
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
This shorter Premier Polar Bear adventure spends 6 days based in historic Churchill, Canada, near the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. Fly from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Churchill and back, with the group.
Winnipeg, once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is now Manitoba’s capital and cultural and commercial center at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies. Transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Meet your expedition leader at a welcome dinner this evening.
Fly by chartered plane to Churchill this morning. This hospitable frontier town, originally a Hudson Bay Company fur-trading post, is home base for your adventure. Head to the tundra this evening for the first glimpse of the bears, though they’re often seen from the bus while leaving the airport, even before boarding the Polar Rover.
Uniquely designed Polar Rovers are a mobile means for spending time among the bears. Though they are built to accommodate up to 35 passengers, a maximum of just 16 are taken, ensuring everyone a window seat. Your expedition leaders know the best places to observe polar bears, which congregate in the region each fall as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze, signaling the start of the winter seal-hunting season. As you watch them interact, you’ll be delighted by their antics and rugged beauty. From the warmth of your vehicle, you may see mothers with cubs, young males play-fighting or a lone bear ambling over the tundra in solitary majesty. Your knowledgeable expedition leader offers interpretation along the way, explaining the bears’ behavior and how they thrive in such a harsh environment. In the evenings, meet for dinner and presentations on wildlife or local cultures.
Return flights are scheduled to depart in the mid- to late afternoon, to offer as much time as possible for exploring Churchill today. A highlight this morning is an authentic dog sled ride. Meet a local musher and his team, spending time with the lively and affectionate dogs before taking turns riding behind them on an exhilarating trot through the boreal forest. Pick up last-minute handicrafts and souvenirs or, if time permits, take an optional helicopter tour over the tundra before departing. Enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill before flying back to Winnipeg, where a final reception awaits as your adventure concludes.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Included
Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s) and assistants; Polar Rover excursions; dog sledding excursion; evening wildlife and cultural presentations; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip; most gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; all activities and entrance fees; all taxes, permits and service fees.
Exclusions
Travel to and from Winnipeg; alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees; airport and departure taxes; optional travel insurance and insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature (telephone calls, souvenirs, laundry, etc.); optional activities. All passengers are required to purchase the round-trip Winnipeg-Churchill group flight package ($1,689 per person in 2026, booked through AdventureSmith).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $100 cancellation fee
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Classic Polar Bear Adventure Trip begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (YWG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Winnipeg no later than 5:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in a mandatory group welcome briefing and dinner beginning at 7:00pm. Plan flights to depart Winnipeg anytime on the final day of the trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Required internal group flights on Day 2 and Day 5 between Winnipeg and Churchill are not included in the rate; see the mandatory transfer package information listed in exclusions.
Activities
The Classic Polar Bear Adventure Trip is a genuine wilderness experience, located in an exceptionally remote and rugged area that is accessed via a charter flight. Activities take place in this remote and rugged environment with unpredictable weather, so be prepared for a true wilderness adventure. Active days revolve around excursions to the tundra in polar rovers, watching for bears. A night is spent on the tundra in the polar rover, watching for the aurora borealis. Other daytime activities may include a possible scenic drive, free time in Churchill, dog sledding or an opportunity for an optional hour-long helicopter excursion for up to 5 guests over the tundra (inquire for pricing & details).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a $995 (2026) supplement for the 6-day itinerary, in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.
Families & Children
Due to the expedition nature of this program, children must be 12 years old at time of departure.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third-party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary & Polar Bear Season Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact program varies according to wildlife and weather conditions. Polar bears are typically found in the Churchill area year-round with the highest concentration in October and November as the bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay awaiting the annual freeze-up. Sometimes the best bear viewing is at the beginning of the season, sometimes it happens in the middle, and sometimes at the end—we never know for sure. Once Hudson Bay freezes, many of them depart. Historically, this has occurred in early December, but an unusually early cold spell sometimes happens, hastening their departure. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
Variable Departure Details
Rates and dates are tentative and will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your Adventure Specialist will confirm details at time of booking.
7-Day Churchill Polar Bear Photo Itinerary
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The 7-day Churchill Polar Bear Photo adventure focuses on photographing polar bears, with an accomplished photographer as your guide, who offers tips and tricks and evening lectures to improve camera skills and help you take unforgettable polar bear shots. This trip begins and ends in Winnipeg, Canada, with charter flights to/from Churchill.
Winnipeg, once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is now Manitoba’s capital and cultural and commercial center at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies. Transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Meet your expedition leader at a welcome dinner this evening.
Transfer to the airport to board a charter flight to the small town of Churchill this morning. This subarctic frontier outpost, originally a Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading post, is your base for northern adventure. After lunch in town, settle in to the hotel and begin to get acquainted with this small community of hardy, hospitable residents. This evening, enjoy an orientation to Arctic photography by the expedition leader, who is both an accomplished photographer and expert naturalist guide.
Each day rise early for breakfast, then board the custom Polar Rover to head out to the tundra in search of polar bears. Although each vehicle can accommodate more than 30 passengers, go with a maximum of 16, ensuring that everyone has a window seat, plenty of room for camera gear and space to shoot comfortably. For 3 full days, focus on photographing polar bears roaming the edge of Hudson Bay as they wait for the ice to freeze and seal-hunting season to begin. Possibly see mothers with cubs, young adult males play-fighting and lone males roaming the tundra. Occasionally, a bear may approach within mere feet, even lifting its paws onto the side of the vehicle to peer up at you. The elevated outdoor observation platform offers an exhilarating vantage point, and with its steel-mesh grated floor, observe the bears that sometimes wander beneath, just inches away.
On the wide-open expanse of the tundra, possibly spot other northern wildlife too, including arctic fox, arctic hare, snowy owl, ptarmigan and gyrfalcon. In addition to sharing photography advice, the expedition leader provides a captivating interpretation of the animal behavior and natural phenomena being observed. By late afternoon, if the weather is relatively clear, enjoy vivid sunsets that linger a long time at this latitude, offering stunning photo opportunities. As dusk descends over the austere northern landscape, return to town for dinner and presentations on photography, wildlife and local cultures. And with luck and a clear night, the northern lights might make an appearance.
The return flight is scheduled to depart in the mid- to late afternoon, in order to provide as much time as possible to explore more of Churchill today. A highlight this morning is an authentic dog sled excursion. Just outside town, meet a local musher and his team, then spend time with the frisky dogs before being pulled behind them on an exhilarating ride through the boreal forest. If time permits, those who wish may opt to visit nearby Cape Merry, a promising spot for photographing arctic fox, hare and birdlife. Or stay in town for some last-minute shopping to pick up local handicrafts and souvenirs. Another option is a helicopter flight over the tundra, for dramatic aerial views and the possibility of spotting polar bears from the air. Enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill before departing, followed by an evening reception in Winnipeg.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Included
Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s) and assistants; Polar Rover excursions; dog sledding excursion; evening wildlife and cultural presentations; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip; most gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; all activities and entrance fees; all taxes, permits and service fees.
Exclusions
Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip; alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees (if any); optional activities; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.); airline baggage fees; airport and departure taxes (if any); optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance; required round-trip Winnipeg-Churchill group flight package ($1,689 per person in 2026, booked through AdventureSmith).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $100 cancellation fee
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Classic Polar Bear Photo Adventure Trip begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (YWG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Winnipeg no later than 5:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in a mandatory group welcome briefing and dinner beginning at 7:00pm. Plan flights to depart Winnipeg anytime on the final day of the trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Required internal group flights on Day 2 and Day 6 between Winnipeg and Churchill are not included in the rate; see the mandatory transfer package information listed in this trip’s Exclusions.
Activities
The Classic Polar Bear Photo Adventure Trip is a genuine wilderness experience, located in an exceptionally remote and rugged area that is accessed via a charter flight. Activities take place in this remote and rugged environment with unpredictable weather, so be prepared for a true wilderness adventure. Active days revolve around excursions to the tundra in polar rovers, watching for bears. A night is spent on the tundra in the polar rover, watching for the aurora borealis. Other daytime activities may include a possible scenic drive, free time in Churchill, dog sledding or an opportunity for an optional hour-long helicopter excursion for up to 5 guests over the tundra (inquire for pricing & details).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a $1,295 (2026) supplement for the 7-day itinerary, in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.
Families & Children
Due the expedition nature of this itinerary, and the fact that it is a photo program, children must be 16 years old at time of departure.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third-party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary & Polar Bear Season Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact program varies according to wildlife and weather conditions. Polar bears are typically found in the Churchill area year-round with the highest concentration in October and November as the bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay awaiting the annual freeze-up. Sometimes the best bear viewing is at the beginning of the season, sometimes it happens in the middle, and sometimes at the end—we never know for sure. Once Hudson Bay freezes, many of them depart. Historically, this has occurred in early December, but an unusually early cold spell sometimes happens, hastening their departure. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
Variable Departure Details
Rates and dates are tentative and will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your Adventure Specialist will confirm details at time of booking.
7-Day Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari Itinerary
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
In addition to polar bear explorations aboard the heated Polar Rovers, the 7-day Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari also includes a helicopter ride to see polar bears from above, dog sledding and cultural activities with local residents. This trip begins and ends in Winnipeg, Canada, with charter flights to/from Churchill.
Winnipeg, once a fur-trading post and boomtown for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is now Manitoba’s capital and cultural and commercial center at the eastern edge of Canada’s vast prairies. Transfer to the historic Fort Garry Hotel, grande dame of Winnipeg hospitality and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Meet your expedition leader at a welcome dinner this evening.
Fly to Churchill via private chartered plane and explore this remote small community on a guided tour with the expedition leader. Originally a Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading post, Churchill is home to just under a thousand people and, in late fall, to a few hundred polar bears that congregate at the edge of Hudson Bay. Head to the tundra this evening in search of a first glimpse of the bears. Dinner is served aboard the enclosed Polar Rover in heated comfort.
An exciting adventure is in store today: soaring over the tundra in helicopters to survey the frozen landscape below. From the air, spot roaming polar bears and caribou. Land on the tundra and disembark to explore on foot, looking for arctic fox and arctic hare and perhaps even crawling inside an unoccupied polar bear den. Perhaps sample an age-old means of Arctic transportation on a dog sledding excursion. Learn about the life of a musher, visit with the dogs, observe the team as they prepare for the run, then head out for an unforgettable ride under pure canine power behind an eager team of huskies!
Such immersion in northern culture continues as hosts from Churchill’s indigenous cultures share details about their traditions and daily lives. These captivating storytellers tell tales from their personal histories and offer insight into the vibrant nations that have flourished for thousands of years in this harsh environment. Later visit Churchill’s Itsanitaq Museum, with artifacts collected from centuries of local habitation.
Your Expedition Leaders know the best places to look for bears, which are waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can begin their winter seal-hunting season on the ice. Tonight, if skies are clear, you’ll visit heated Aurora Domes outside town in hopes of witnessing the northern lights. The domed structure is topped with a round Plexiglass roof offering a 360° view in the round on the night sky. On the lower level, relax on comfortable furniture in the lounge space while enjoying snacks and hot beverages. The phenomenon of the aurora often begins slowly as a faint white or pale green glow, then intensifies in scope and color as the lights undulate across the sky. Most frequently, the aurora appears as a shimmering green curtain, though occasionally it is red or even purple. The Hudson Bay Inuit believed the lights were the mystical display of their ancestors’ souls dancing in the sky.
Once again, board your Polar Rover for a full day of wildlife watching and exploring the subarctic landscape. Enjoy a leisurely pace as you move over the tundra, pausing whenever you see polar bears to observe their behavior and capture photos. At the end of an exhilarating day, return to town for dinner, followed by a presentation on wildlife or cultural aspects of life in the Canadian North.
After a bit of free time this morning to pick up some last-minute handicrafts and souvenirs in town, enjoy a farewell lunch in Churchill. Then fly back to Winnipeg aboard the chartered plane for a final dinner before the adventure concludes.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departing flights.
Included
Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s) and assistants; Polar Rover excursions; dog sledding excursion; evening wildlife and cultural presentations; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; cold-weather gear including a parka and boots during your trip; most gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; all activities and entrance fees; all taxes, permits and service fees.
Exclusions
Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip; alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees (if any); optional activities; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.); airline baggage fees; airport and departure taxes (if any); optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance; required round-trip Winnipeg-Churchill group flight package ($1,689 per person in 2026, booked through AdventureSmith).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $100 cancellation fee
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (YWG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Winnipeg no later than 5:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in a mandatory group welcome briefing and dinner beginning at 7:00pm. Plan flights to depart Winnipeg anytime on the final day of the trip. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Required internal group flights on Day 2 and Day 6 between Winnipeg and Churchill are not included in the rate; see the mandatory transfer package information listed in this trip’s Exclusions.
Activities
The Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari is a genuine wilderness experience, located in an exceptionally remote and rugged area that is accessed via a charter flight. Activities take place in this remote and rugged environment with unpredictable weather, so be prepared for a true wilderness adventure. Active days revolve around excursions to the tundra in polar rovers, watching for bears. A night is spent on the tundra in the polar rover, watching for the aurora borealis. Other daytime activities may include a possible scenic drive, free time in Churchill, dog sledding or an opportunity for an included hour-long helicopter excursion for up to 5 guests over the tundra (inquire for pricing & details).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a $1,295 (2026) supplement for the 7-day itinerary, in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.
Families & Children
Due to the expedition nature of this program, children must be 12 years old at time of departure.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third-party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary & Polar Bear Season Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact program varies according to wildlife and weather conditions. Polar bears are typically found in the Churchill area year-round with the highest concentration in October and November as the bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay awaiting the annual freeze-up. Sometimes the best bear viewing is at the beginning of the season, sometimes it happens in the middle, and sometimes at the end—we never know for sure. Once Hudson Bay freezes, many of them depart. Historically, this has occurred in early December, but an unusually early cold spell sometimes happens, hastening their departure. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
Variable Departure Details
Rates and dates are tentative and will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your Adventure Specialist will confirm details at time of booking.
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Lodging in the Arctic town of Churchill is scarce, and to accommodate demand there are a variety of local properties used for the Classic Polar Bear Adventure. The limited options means the hotels used are small and simple. While they would certainly not be considered fancy by any means, they are clean, comfortable and conveniently located in the center of town. Every room reserved on a polar bear tour has its own private bathroom with a shower. Room size, amenities and range of services may vary among hotels despite comparable pricing. Below are noted on possible Churchill hotels.
Polar Boutique Inn & Suites
This locally owned and family run property offers 21 rooms and 4 suites, all with ensuite facilities and beds sized in king, queen or double. Amenities include a hairdryer, cable TV, in-room coffee maker, mini fridge, phone and WiFi. Enjoy a complimentary self-serve continental breakfast each day, with options such as belgian waffles, bagels, egg sandwiches, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, coffee and tea. Relax in a beautiful green courtyard with flowers and a timber framed deck. Or share stories of the day and enjoy the books and games available in the main lobby. An onsite gift shop features unique local and hand-made goods.
Aurora Inn
This family-friendly, centrally located hotel offers 18 spacious apartment-style rooms with a loft bedroom, private bathroom, living room, dining area and kitchenette. The kitchenette provides a refrigerator, oven, range and coffee marker. An onsite laundry room with washers and dryers provides convenience. And the property is wheel chair accessible.
Churchill Hotel
The Churchill Hotel features 25 comfortable rooms with either two double beds or one queen bed, 2 of which are designed for guests with reduced mobility. Gather with fellow travelers for a daily complimentary continental breakfast of pastries, cereal and hot drinks in a clean, no-frills lounge. The lounge offers coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day. Enjoy WiFi throughout the hotel, and cable TV in every room.
Seaport Hotel
The Seaport Hotel offers 21 spacious, well-appointed guest rooms with comfortable, cozy accommodations and decor. Each guest room comes equipped with WiFi. An eclectically themed bar and lounge provides a place to swap stories of the day. And the café-styled dining room offers seasonal fare.
The Fort Garry Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg and is a mix of Old World elegance and modern style. One of Canada's lavish railway hotels built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1913, the property has long been a symbol of the prairie city's importance as a transportation and commerce hub. Located downtown one block from Union Station, this historic landmark and gracious accommodation built in French chateau style is Winnipeg's finest hotel, exuding an atmosphere of the opulence that prevailed during the glory days of the development of the Canadian West.
Dining at Fort Garry Hotel
The Fort Garry's famous buffet breakfast is served in the elegant Broadway dining room, and guests can enjoy a relaxing drink in the Palm Lounge with its antique bar. The Oval Room Brasserie is an architectural gem and the only restaurant in Winnipeg serving fresh Canadian brasserie cuisine crafted by an expert culinary team, with an extensive wine list.
Amenities at Fort Garry Hotel
The hotel offers a fully equipped fitness center with a yoga room, indoor pool, whirlpool, jogging track and steam room. A visit to the 10th floor Ten Spa, an authentic Turkish-style bath and spa located on the top floor of the hotel, is a reward after a week in the Arctic chill. Select from advanced treatments curated from the world’s finest spas and relax in thermal suites featuring experiential showers, light and aroma therapy steam rooms.
Accommodations at Fort Garry Hotel
There are 240 spacious, non-smoking guest rooms and suites with a range of bed options: 1 double, 2 doubles, 1 queen, 2 queens or 1 king. No accoutrement is spared to ensure that guests enjoy an exceptionally comfortable stay. Guest rooms feature 10-foot ceilings; exquisite beds with premium Italian linens, down duvets and feather pillows; beautifully appointed bathrooms with Turkish cotton towels, bathrobes and deluxe L'Occitane beauty products; Nespresso coffee; TV with in-room movies; and free local phone calls and WiFi.
Learn About the Hotels on Your Itinerary
This historic downtown hotel in Winnipeg provides a lavish place to relax before heading to explore Churchill and the special polar bear migration.
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Expert Review: Classic Polar Bear Adventure
Travel with us to Churchill, Canada, near the world's greatest concentration of polar bears. Learn from our expert about this trip's logistics and what it's like on a polar rover.
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