The vast northern tundra may appear sparse, but each fall, it is home to an mesmerizing phenomenon: the great polar bear migration. Each year, polar bears gather in the hundreds to line the Hudson Bay, and wait for the sea to freeze. There, perched in the middle of them, is Churchill, Manitoba, the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World.'

Canada is home to two thirds of the world's polar bears. And in Churchill — in northern Manitoba — nature remains untouched and in quiet command.

A polar bear roaming the Churchill tundra | Credit: Travel Manitoba

There are many reasons to visit Churchill — beluga whales swim the bay, Arctic foxes wander the boreal forests, and hundreds upon hundreds of polar bears roam the tundra. Between guided expeditions and luxury safaris, there are many ways to step into the polar bears' realm, and witness the entire ecosystem they rule over.

This is our ultimate guide to seeing polar bears in Canada.

Where to See Polar Bears in Canada

Churchill, Manitoba, is the best place in Canada to see polar bears. The 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' takes the form of a small town on the edge of Hudson Bay where, each year, over 900 polar bears pass through the region. In addition to the bears, wildlife like Arctic foxes, ptarmigan, and snowy owls grace the region, making up the unique sub-arctic ecosystem.

The entrance to Churchill, Manitoba, seen by our team on their trip

Why Churchill?

Churchill is conveniently placed directly in the path of the polar bear migration.

Positioned on the shore of the Hudson Bay, polar bears pass through town as they return to land in large numbers to hunt for food as the bay thaws each summer. Each fall, the polar bears return to the shore. Through late winter, the sea ice freezes, and the polar bears depart Churchill in favor of hunting atop the frozen Bay.

This event is known as the 'polar bear migration.'

A polar bear in the fireweed wildflower | Credit: Lazy Bear Expeditions

When to See Polar Bears in Canada

The peak season for polar bear viewing is fall — October and November in particular — when more bears are seen near town. Churchill’s fall wildlife goes beyond the polar bears, though, including lingering beluga whales, and many Arctic critters beginning to don their iconic white winter coats. However, polar bears can be seen in the wild year-round.

In summer, polar bears live on the inland tundra, spread out across northern Manitoba. While it isn't peak viewing time, local guides know hidden spots where they can still be found wandering the wilderness. At the end of the season, they can be spotted roaming the vibrant wildflower that erupts between the rocks.

Polar bears waiting to migrate | Credit: Travel Manitoba

In fall, as snow covers the tundra, they migrate to the shore of the Hudson Bay where they stay until the sea ice freezes. It is then that the polar bears gather in the masses near Churchill, perched on the bay's coast.

Once the bay freezes, venture out onto the ice for winter hunting. And, in late spring as the Hudson Bay thaws, they return to land again to feed.

Due to the effects of climate change, now is the time to see polar bears in Canada as the bay's ice slows its re-freezing. This makes the next few years ideal to check off this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to See Polar Bears in Canada

Once in Churchill, there are several ways to see polar bears:

Tundra Vehicles

Seek out polar bears on specialist vehicles designed to cross the tundra. From the safety of the vehicle, you can get up close to polar bears, enjoying insight into their lives from your local guide.

A walking safari in Churchill, Manitoba | Credit: Destination Canada

Walking Safaris

Adventure out on foot alongside experts. From the ground, you can safely view polar bears while walking the tundra as polar bears do, and learning about the unique ecosystem they call home.

Remote Wilderness Lodges

Far from the relative bustle of town, remote lodges are scattered along the Hudson Bay's coastline, strategically placed in the polar bear migration's path, and offering once-in-a-lifetime views of their natural habitat.

Polar Bear Tours in Canada

Our packages are designed with exceptional wildlife encounters in mind and tailored to you.

That means, whether aligning your tour with peak polar bear activity, enjoying unique Arctic activities on winter tours, visiting when arctic wildflower is at its height on summer polar bear tours, or inviting you to an exclusive lodge on the remote Northern tundra, your trip is always centered around your interests. And if you're not sure where to start, your Travel Designer will work with you directly to pair you with your perfect itinerary.

Left: The outside of Lazy Bear Lodge and Cafe | Credit: Travel Manitoba Right: Inside Lazy Bear Lodge | Credit: Lazy Bear Expeditions

In each of our Adventure tours, you will stay at Lazy Bear Lodge, a cozy wooden lodge in the heart of Churchill. Using the lodge as your base, you will venture out to explore the surrounding town and the surrounding tundra by way of immersive tours led by knowledgeable local guides.

With each package taking place at a different time of year, you have the opportunity to see Churchill in every season, and see the different walks of life that call it home.

Polar bear viewing from an Arctic Crawler | Credit: Lazy Bear Expeditions

Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure

In October and November, peak polar bear season arrives in Churchill and, with it, the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' springs to action. As snow covers of the tundra, creatures don their winter coats, and the Far North takes on its iconic white hue.

This adventure uses an Arctic Crawler — a specialized vehicle designed to explore the tundra — to venture deep into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area to seek out polar bears. As you journey across the ice, you will learn about the delicate ecosystem, spot winter wildlife, and, of course, see polar bears wandering the tundra.

Then, beyond the iconic polar bear viewing, you will experience the winter activities the Far North has to offer, from dog sledding over the snow to a tour of Churchill's cultural landmarks and historic sites. As each night arrives, the Northern Lights may brighten clear skies, giving you the chance to see them from your cozy lodge.

This trip is designed to coincide with the best time to see polar bears in Canada, and see the great polar bear migration at its peak.

From left to right: A polar bear on the rocks in summer, beluga whales in the thawed bay | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Polar Bears & Belugas Summer Adventure

Summer in Churchill brings the tundra to life. Arctic flora and fauna emerge in abundance, with soft green grasses and the first vivid bursts of fireweed dappling the rocks. And, just off the coast, beluga whales and ringed seals swim through the Hudson Bay.

You will venture out to a remote spot along the western edge of the Hudson Bay where polar bears are known to gather in the warmer months. There, find them wandering the land and sunbathing on rocks. Then, set off on a voyage across the bay in the Arctic’s only vessel with underwater viewing, offering a glimpse of life beneath the surface. While polar bears are often the star of the show in Churchill, the 60,000 beluga whales migrating through the bay introduce visitors to the rest of Northern Manitoba’s incredible wildlife.

This tour welcomes visitors to Churchill's summer wildlife in its most abundant season, giving access to both land and sea.

Left to right: Northern Lights above Churchill, a polar bear relaxing on the coastline | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Polar Bear & Aurora Arctic Adventure

As summer gives way to fall, Churchill enters a fleeting season — a time of quiet transformation that offers one of the most exceptional opportunities to experience the Far North. The tundra is alive with its final burst of life before winter, and Polar bears begin their annual migration, creating a rare and intimate window into their world.

By day, see the bears atop electric purple fireweed flowers as they amble back to Hudson Bay's coastline. And, as the early fall evenings begin to draw in, the darkening sky gives way to the Aurora Borealis.

This tour opens up every avenue of adventure in Churchill — you will travel the tundra and bay, exploring by foot, boat, Arctic Crawler, and helicopter — as you search for bears, beluga, wolves, and wildlife preparing for the long winter ahead.

Each year, a single departure of this package is perfectly positioned to combine the best of summer and fall in Churchill, offering visitors a rare insight into the region's transformative season.

Luxury Polar Bear Safaris

Our luxury polar bear safaris take you from Churchill to remote lodges nestled deep in the sub-arctic landscapes. Beginning right from the small bush plane flight, you are welcomed to experiential travel like no other.

Canada's polar bear lodges elevate your polar bear viewing trip into an immersive arctic expedition, elevated with all the creature comforts of home. Each lodge is situated deep in polar bear country, so whether from outdoor platforms or a cozy window seat over dinner, you are always at a chance of seeing wildlife activity.

The star, though, will be your expert-led wildlife-viewing treks.

On these safaris, you will walk across the tundra in search of polar bears, and view them from ground level. All guided by a local expert, they will ensure this unparalleled look into the bear's lives is approached with safety and care.

Seal River Heritage Lodge | Credit: Michael Poliza / Churchill Wild

Birds, Bears, and Belugas

Seal River Heritage Lodge | July - August | 60km north of Churchill

Set on the Seal River Estuary shore, a stay at Seal River Heritage Lodge offers a glimpse into the sub-arctic summer.

Between your flight to the lodge, and guided excursions by foot, ATV, and boat, you will have the chance to explore the far-removed wilderness around Churchill and seek out wildlife in its midst — bears, foxes, and wolves on the tundra, beluga whales and seals in the estuary and bay, and all manner of Arctic birds between.

But this trip can be as adventurous or as leisurely as you wish.

At the lodge, expansive views surround panoramic windows which, in turn, line a plush lounge with a cozy fireplace. A fenced compound lets you safely spend time outside, and the outdoor viewing platforms and tower let you get a top-down view of any bears wandering past.

You can spend your time watching from here, enjoying hot drinks and house-made snacks as bears frequent the compound's edge.

Dymond Lake Ecolodge | Credit: Dafna Bennun / Churchill Wild

Great Ice Bear Adventure

Dymond Lake Ecolodge | October - November | 30km north of Churchill

Dymond Lake Lodge, nestled in the surrounding Churchill, opens its doors to polar bears in Canada's peak viewing season.

Here, you stay in one of two authentic log cabins and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness from there and the cozy common areas in the main lodge. The lodge sees Scarbrow, a semi-resident local polar bear, frequent the compound edge, who you can safely watch from ground level or above, from the viewing tower, as he relaxes nearby.

Daily excursions make the most of the season, inviting you to adventure across the snowy tundra and along the Hudson Bay coastline by foot, kept safe by your expert guides, in search of the great ice bears who line the shore, waiting for sea ice to freeze.

Each night, after your meals made on-site by resident chefs and inspired by the surrounding region, you are treated to presentations beside the warm fire, and you relax after your day of walking. You can choose to be woken for nighttime visitors, whether a wandering bear or a Northern Lights display.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | Credit: Michael Poliza / Churchill Wild

Hudson Bay Odyssey

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | August - September | 250km south of Churchill

This is the furthest removed lodge from Churchill.

Nestled 250km (just over 150 miles) from the town is Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Set between the bay, the tundra and the boreal forests, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge provides views of the surrounding region from its viewing tower and outdoor deck, all set within a safe fenced compound. The lodge is cozy, with a stone fireplace hosting an open fire, and picture windows looking across the landscape.

Here, you will walk the tidal flats of Hudson Bay, and venture over the tundra on an all-terrain vehicle, seeking wildlife as you go. And with polar bears, black bears, wolves, and moose as your closest neighbors, meeting creatures between the trees is remarkably easy.

Like our other luxury safaris, the lodge remains staffed each day, allowing you to choose to stay close to the fire whenever you're in need of a rest — the curious bears who regularly pass by the compound make it easy to stay occupied while you're there. And, as fall begins and the nights draw in, prepare to be gently awoken at first sight of the elusive Aurora Borealis as it begins its winter shows.

Left: A sighting on a walking safari | Credit: Ian Johnson / Churchill Wild Right: The Aurora Borealis above Seal River Lodge | Credit: Charles Glatzer / Churchill Wild

What to Expect on a Luxury Polar Bear Safari

Regardless of your choice in package, you can always expect the best in service and experiences:

• Unrivaled northern luxury — remote tundra lodges where polar bears wander just beyond your window
• Daily excursions with storytelling and interpretation led by polar bear experts and wildlife guides
• Delicious lodge meals, warm beverages on the tundra, and cozy accommodations designed for maximum arctic wildlife viewing
• Opportunities for first-class wildlife photography
• Daily evening activities — from expert-led lectures to documentary screenings, fireside chats, and aurora viewing

While centered around individual remote lodges, our safaris also feature time in Churchill itself, allowing you to see the unique way of life in the remote frontier.

What to See Beyond the Bears

Outside of polar bear viewing, Churchill is full of remarkable experiences. Between the plethora of unique arctic wildlife and the remote northern culture, visitors are assured a trip that becomes the stories they tell for years.

Aurora over an Inukshuk near Churchill | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Northern Lights Viewing

As you head to Canada's North, you near the Auroral Oval — the latitude at which the Aurora Borealis is most common. In Churchill, where light pollution is low and the latitude is high, the Northern Lights are active on an average of 300 nights a year, and visible on clear nights in the fall and winter months. Luckily, this coincides with peak bear viewing season, and lets you swiftly tick two bucket-list items at once.

Tundra Vehicle Tours

Tundra Buggies, Arctic Crawlers, and other all-terrain vehicles offer guided tours of the rugged ground, and the chance to not only see the wildlife that inhabits it, but learn more about the delicate ecosystem.

One of our Canada By Design team dog sledding in Churchill

Dog Sledding

Experience a classic winter activity. Learn more about Canada's oldest form of transport as sled dogs pull you, mushing across the ice.

View from a beluga whale watching tour | Credit: CoPilot Collective / Travel Manitoba

Whale Watching

Approximately 3000 beluga whales visit the Churchill River basin each year, and thousands more swim in the Hudson Bay. In the summer and early fall, they remain in coastal areas raising their young, and can be seen on boat tours across the water.

Opoyastin wolf pack seen from Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Further wildlife Viewing

Located directly beside Churchill Wildlife Management Area, Churchill is home to much more than its polar bear population. Arctic foxes and hares, sik siks, ptarmigan, snowy owls, wolves, and more are common in and around Churchill, seen from expeditions across the tundra to beyond the window over breakfast. And, from the water, seals can also be spotted alongside the whales.

Itsanitaq Museum

At the Itsanitaq Museum, see Inuit Artifacts and art, showcasing the culture, craftsmanship, and traditions of the Arctic’s Indigenous peoples.

Parks Canada Visitor Centre

Learn about Churchill's fur trade history, Indigenous northern culture, and natural landscapes. There, find curated exhibits on Arctic wildlife, Indigenous history, and the legacy of early explorers.

The Polar Bear Holding Facility also known as Polar Bear Jail | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Polar Bear Jail

Though polar bear-adjacent, the 'jail' is a large structure where delinquent bears are held in a kind of 'time out.' Here you won't see polar bears, but will learn about Churchill's management of safety while living in polar bear country.

How to Get to Churchill

No roads lead to Churchill, but it is surprisingly accessible all the same. Flights and trains run from Winnipeg, keeping the remote northern regions connected to the rest of Canada.

When booking with Canada By Design, every detail is accounted for. Whether visiting Churchill or going further afield to a remote lodge, transport within Canada is arranged by your Travel Designer so that you can focus on experiences, not logistics.

Arrive in Churchill by Air

The flight between Winnipeg and Churchill takes around three hours and provides seamless transport to the Far North. We include flights from Winnipeg in all of our polar bear packages so, when the time comes, you can be sure to get where you need to be.

Churchill’s train station welcoming a VIA Rail train | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Arrive in Churchill by Train

For slow travel enthusiasts, the railroad from Winnipeg to Churchill offers a relaxed trip through boreal forest and subarctic tundra to arrive in Churchill. It connects to VIA Rail's Canadian train across Canada in Winnipeg. The train takes around two days and, for rail travel enthusiasts, this is where the adventure begins.

Book your Polar Bear Trip

Let us welcome you to the Arctic with style. Our guests receive personalized service from the first call to your return home — expertly curated trips, individual tailoring, and on-the-ground support as you travel.

Photos from one of our Travel Designers' luxury safari trips to Churchill

Booking Tips

Your personal Travel Designer will be with you every step of the way to assist, with expert advice to guide your trip. However, these are a few small things to think about as you begin planning:

• Book early — Churchill is a small town, and the lodges are exclusive; booking ahead ensures you spend time when and where you want — 6-8 months prior to travel is a good guide
• Time of visit — Your Travel Designer will help you narrow it down, but having an idea of what you want to see will help them
• Location — Whether in the heart of Churchill or in a remote lodge, your experience will be shaped by the place you choose to spend it

Begin Planning Today

Reach out to a Travel Designer to begin planning your Canada polar bear vacation today. In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter to get more Canada travel inspiration, wildlife-viewing hotspots, and more in your email inbox.