Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Churchill, Manitoba
Fly from Winnipeg to Churchill on the edge of Hudson Bay. This small subarctic town is only accessible by plane or train — there are no roads in. Check in and explore the town.
Activities
- Flight from Winnipeg to Churchill (2.5 hours)
- Orientation walk through Churchill
- Visit the Eskimo Museum for Inuit artifacts
- Polar bear safety briefing
Churchill is small — you can walk everywhere. Check the "polar bear alert" signs and never wander alone outside town at night.
Day 2: Tundra Buggy Polar Bear Excursion
Board a specially designed tundra buggy for a full-day excursion into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. These massive vehicles put you at eye level with polar bears.
Activities
- Full-day tundra buggy excursion
- Observe polar bears sparring, resting, and exploring
- Spot Arctic foxes trailing the bears
- Hot lunch served on the buggy
- Watch for snowy owls and ptarmigan
Bears are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Keep your camera ready at all times — encounters happen fast.
Day 3: Second Tundra Buggy Day
Another full day on the tundra buggies exploring a different area. Every day brings different bear behaviour — you might see mothers with cubs, sub-adults sparring, or a massive male resting.
Activities
- Full-day tundra buggy in a new zone
- Photography workshop with expedition leader
- Look for polar bear mothers with cubs of the year
- Scan for beluga whales in the river (early season)
Two tundra buggy days gives you the best chance of varied bear encounters. No two days are alike.
Day 4: Dog Sledding & Cultural Experiences
Experience Churchill beyond polar bears. Morning dog sledding across the frozen tundra, afternoon visit to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, and evening Northern Lights watch.
Activities
- Morning dog sledding excursion
- Visit Churchill Northern Studies Centre
- Afternoon walk to Cape Merry for views of the Churchill River
- Evening Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting)
October/November is prime aurora season in Churchill. If the sky is clear, bundle up and head outside after 10pm.
Day 5: Churchill to Winnipeg & Departure
Final morning to explore Churchill — visit the polar bear holding facility or shop for Inuit art. Afternoon flight back to Winnipeg for your onward connection.
Activities
- Morning free time in Churchill
- Visit local Inuit art galleries
- Afternoon flight to Winnipeg
- Connect with onward international flights
Pick up genuine Inuit soapstone carvings from Churchill — they're authentic, support local artists, and make unforgettable souvenirs.
What to Pack
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Learn more about this destination: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
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