Churchill, Manitoba is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. It is one of the best places to see polar bears up close and in the wild. October and November are prime viewing times, as hundreds of bears move from their summer habitat on the tundra to the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to pack so they can begin their winter hunt. There are still spots available in a range of different packages to see the polar bears this year – so act fast!

The highlight of any polar bear package is of course the bears. These huge, yet curious, beasts will often come right up to the tundra vehicles that safely bring guests out into bear territory. Experienced and knowledgeable guides know where to find the bears and position the vehicles so you can get the best photos possible.

Many polar bear packages offer a variety of activities –turning your polar bear adventure into a sub-arctic safari. See the bears and other wildlife from a whole new perspective in a helicopter tour, offered as part of polar bear packages from Churchill Nature Tours.

Travel through the boreal forest while mushing a dogsled team or travel back in time with a culture and heritage tour of Churchill with Lazy Bear Lodge.

Dig deeper into the science of the north with a learning vacation working alongside researchers at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Most polar bear tours feature accommodation in Churchill, a charming town 1,100 km north of Winnipeg. But there are some options where you can stay further away from town and closer to the bears.

Stay at a wilderness lodge run by Churchill Wild. The lodge offers unparalleled views of polar bears and other arctic wildlife, both on walking tours of the area or right from your window.

Wake up with the polar bears when you stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.  Enjoy the comfort of the specialized compartments for sleeping and eating, while spending the most time (all your time, in fact) out on the tundra.

When the train stops in the middle of nowhere, it’s your stop, when your book your polar bear adventure with Wat’Chee Expeditions. Located 40 miles south of Churchill near the polar bears’ denning area, you’ll see mother bears and their cubs.

Polar bear tours are often multi-day packages. If you haven’t got a week to spare, but polar bears are on your bucket list, book a day tour to Churchill.

Fly from Winnipeg, land in Churchill, see the bears and then do the reverse on a day-tour from Heartland International Travel and Tours. You’ll even have time to enjoy some local food and shopping before heading back to Winnipeg.

If you are already in Churchill, or have made your own travel and accommodation plans, book a polar bear day-tour with Great White Bear Tours.

Stay just a little longer in Churchill with the three day/two night polar bear package from The Great Canadian Travel Company. This affordable option gives you enough time to see the bears and a real feel for life in the north.

Get help planning your polar bear adventure at EverythingChurchill.com.