Trip at a Glance
Embark on the ultimate Arctic adventure with our Classic Polar Bear Adventure, a six-day, five-night journey into the heart of polar bear country – Churchill, Manitoba – often called the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” This exclusive experience combines breathtaking wildlife encounters, rich cultural insights, and the comfort of boutique accommodations, making it the perfect trip for adventurous travelers seeking a truly transformative experience.
Imagine venturing out into the pristine tundra aboard an authentic Tundra Buggy, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the northern landscape, as polar bears roam just outside your window. With two full days dedicated to exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, you’ll have ample opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, whether it’s a mother and cubs exploring the kelp-strewn shorelines or young males sparring against a backdrop of golden Arctic sunsets.
But this journey is more than just polar bears—it’s about immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the North. From a guided tour of Churchill’s historic sites to a dog sledding experience that traces the roots of Métis heritage, you’ll discover the stories that make this remote region so unique. Enjoy an evening presentation from a local resident, delve into the incredible Inuit collections at the Itsanitaq Museum, and gain a deeper understanding of Arctic conservation with a visit to the Polar Bears International center.
With a small group of just 22 guests, this adventure offers a personal, intimate atmosphere, allowing you to connect deeply with the land, the wildlife, and the people of Churchill. From the comfort of your cozy accommodations in town to the warmth of our friendly guides, everything is designed to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler with a passion for wildlife or a couple looking to share a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our Classic Polar Bear Adventure offers the perfect balance of excitement and comfort. Don’t miss your chance to join us on this extraordinary journey—where every moment is filled with awe, wonder, and the raw beauty of the Arctic.
Highlights
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Tundra Buggy Adventure
Search for polar bears in their native habitat on an authentic Tundra Buggy adventure in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. (2 full days)
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Churchill Area Tour
A guided bus tour of Churchill’s most notable sites, including the Polar Bear Holding Facility (a.k.a. Polar Bear jail) and Inukshuk.
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Dog Sledding
Learn about Métis culture, the history of dog sledding and enjoy an exhilarating dog sled ride.
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Cultural Presentation
An evening presentation from a local resident on the culture, history, wildlife and/or lifestyle of Churchill.
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Itsanitaq Museum
Tour one of Canada’s finest Inuit collections dating from pre- Dorset, Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit times.
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Polar Bears International (PBI)
Hear from a PBI representative and tour the center to learn about polar bear research and climate change.
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Parks Canada Visitor Center
View incredibly detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits that represent the history of Churchill.
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Optional Heli-Tour
Get an unforgettable “birds-eye-view” of the rugged, remote Churchill countryside – from taiga, tundra and boreal forest. An optional helicopter flight over the area will provide you with a unique view of the landscape and wildlife.
Flight routes are adapted to the migration but generally run across the Hudson Bay shoreline out to the famous Cape Churchill where the largest males tend to congregate waiting for the ice to freeze. In addition to polar bears, you may also watch caribou, seals and a variety of other wildlife. Tour lengths run 60-minutes and originate from town.
Cregor Adventures will be happy to provide you with details on the costs of helicopter “safaris,” the length of the trips and what you are likely to see on your visit. Please contact our office for details.
Itinerary
Day 1: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Reservations have been confirmed for you at the Four Points by Sheraton, which is just across from the Winnipeg airport. This evening you will meet your guide and other tour participants. You’ll have an opportunity to ask last minute questions as well as learn more of the details for your departure.
Day 2: Winnipeg/Explore Churchill
You’ll fly by private, chartered plane early this morning to the polar bear capital of the world – Churchill! (The flight is about two and a half hours.) Upon arrival, we will immediately depart for a tour of the historic town and the surrounding area. Its location, on the northwest shore of Hudson Bay, in northern Manitoba and at the mouth of the Churchill River (where marine, tundra and taiga ecosystems converge,) makes Churchill a world-class natural phenomenon.
Beluga whales, migratory birds, and wildflowers draw visitors to Churchill during the summer, but it is the polar bears that congregate along these rocky shores that draw thousands of visitors each fall.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Parks Canada Museum. The visitor center offers a variety of programs and exhibits which highlight Wapusk National Park, the Prince of Wales Fort and York Factory National Historic Sites. Walk back in time as you view and learn about the history of Churchill through detailed wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits.
Day 3: A Day on the Tundra
You’ll spend the full day on the tundra observing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife from the warmth and comfort of our authentic Tundra Buggy. Specifically designed for the northern landscape, these all-terrain vehicles enable us to take you to the best locations in the Churchill area to safely experience wildlife.
Venturing on a network of established trails in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, the Tundra Buggy takes our guests to the heart of polar bear country where bears and other Arctic wildlife call home. Our exclusive permits allow us to venture along 20 miles of established trails within this protected area.
Our professional guides (and our drivers) know this area well. We may see a mother with her cubs digging in the kelp (bear butts!), young adult males play-fighting, or a lone male lumbering across the tundra, backlit by the warm glow of a Manitoba sunset.
Lunch and morning and afternoon snacks will be served.
This evening we will have a presentation by a local resident who will share his culture, history and way of life in the north.
Day 4: Explore Churchill and Its Northern Culture
Churchill is not just a wildlife meca. It is also steeped in history. Archaeology in the area shows evidence of human presence dating back 4,000 years.
This morning we’ll visit the Itsanitaq Museum. The Itsanitaq Museum has a collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the finest and oldest in the world, dating from Pre-Dorset (1700 B.C.) through Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit times. (This is also one of our favorite places for purchasing beautiful, Innuit artwork.)
This afternoon, life is going to the dogs! We’ll visit a local musher and meet his friendly and lively team of sled dogs. He’ll first explain the care and keeping of sled dogs. Afterward, he will introduce us to the “pack” and we will have the opportunity to hop in either a dogsled or dogcart (depending upon the ground conditions) for a ride through the boreal forest.
Today there will also be free time to explore Churchill on your own. One additional option is taking a one-hour helicopter tour (weather permitting.) A helicopter flight provides a different perspective of the tundra’s vast expanse. From above, you’ll appreciate its rugged beauty. You may also track migrating caribou, Arctic fox and of course, polar bears!
Day 5: A Second Day on the Tundra/Return to Winnipeg
Once again, you’ll enjoy a second full day on the tundra. In addition to polar bears, our professional guide will help us keep a close eye out for Arctic Fox and Arctic Hare. They are not easy to spot as their brown coats, in the early part of the season, allows them to blend in with the low brush. Then, later into the season, their coats turn to a winter-white, offering excellent camouflage against the frozen white ground.
After our full day on the tundra, we will be transferred back to the Churchill airport for our return flight to Winnipeg. Reservations are again confirmed at the Four Points by Sheraton.
Day 6: Depart Winnipeg
You may depart Winnipeg at your leisure.
Accommodations
Embark on the ultimate Arctic adventure with Cregor Adventures, where you’ll choose from two accommodation options in Churchill, designed to enhance your Arctic experience by offering comfort while immersing you in the heart of the wilderness.
Churchill Town Hotels: Your Base for Arctic Adventures
In the heart of Churchill, these charming hotels provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending modern comforts with the character of this unique northern town. While you won’t find big-chain properties here, the clean and comfortable accommodations offer all the amenities you need after a day of Arctic exploration. Staying in town gives you the freedom to enjoy privacy in the evenings, explore local attractions, and stroll to shops and restaurants — all within walking distance.
Your hotel-based adventure begins each morning with a transfer to the Tundra Buggy Launch for an unforgettable day on the tundra, searching for wildlife and soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Evenings are yours to relax in your private room or connect with the vibrant community. Wander Churchill’s mural-lined streets, chat with locals over a drink, and discover the town’s rich history at its museums and unique shops. Churchill’s warm hospitality and distinctive charm make these hotels more than just a place to stay—they’re a gateway to the wonders of this remarkable Arctic destination.
During the day, you will be transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch where you will board a Buggy and begin your tundra adventure. The Tundra Buggy meanders over a system of trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife and take photos. When daylight fades, we’ll head back to the Launch and our hotels.
Nestled in the heart of Churchill, these hotels provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Modern amenities and comfortable rooms will ensure a relaxing stay and easy access to local attractions and evening activities.
Our hotels are more than just places to rest-they’re gateways to the wonders of Churchill. You’ll have the unique opportunity to explore a town where humans and polar bears live in harmony.
After an action-packed day of polar bear sightings and tundra exploration, unwind in the comfort of your private room. In your free time take some time to explore the vibrant town of Churchill.
Stroll through streets adorned with vibrant murals, enjoy a drink with locals at a cozy pub, and discover fascinating stories about this remote northern town. From Churchill’s cultural museums and distinctive shops to its restaurants serving mouthwatering regional dishes, there’s no shortage of things to experience.
Winnipeg Hotels
The Sheraton Hotel Winnipeg Airport is your base in Winnipeg – all tours begin and end here. It is perfectly placed and connected to the Winnipeg International Airport, making it easy for your arrival and departure. The Four Points Restaurant and Lounge provides casual breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. (Currency may be exchanged at the airport if needed.)
If you would prefer to spend additional time in Winnipeg, we recommend several downtown hotels including The Hotel Fort Garry and The Inn at the Forks.
Extend Your Stay
Winnipeg
For our guests who would like to see as much as possible during their visit to Manitoba, we recommend staying an extra day or two in Winnipeg.
For thousands of years, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers has been a meeting place central to the fur trade, the railway, and the grain exchange. Today, Manitoba’s capital city is the largest city on the Canadian Prairies and now known for its aerospace, technology and creative industries, among others.
