Inspiration
Churchill’s Arctic wild: polar bears & Northern Lights
Each autumn, as the waters of Hudson Bay begin to freeze, polar bears gather along its edge in anticipation of the ice. This natural congregation near Churchill is one of the most accessible and remarkable wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Wild encounters and icy silence
Perched right in the heart of this polar bear territory is the Tundra Lodge – a unique rolling hotel designed for quiet immersion in the Arctic wild.
This journey brings you face to face with these iconic animals in complete safety and comfort, with expert guides, specially built vehicles and unparalleled access to the tundra. Over six days, you’ll explore on land and from the lodge, experiencing one of the planet’s last great frontiers: where the air is crisp, the sky stretches endlessly, and every movement on the snow may reveal a bear.
- Manitoba
- Winnipeg
- Churchill
- Hudson Bay
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
Into polar bear country
After overnighting in Winnipeg, an early flight takes you North to Churchill, a remote town nestled between boreal forest and the icy expanse of Hudson Bay. On arrival, you’ll board a Polar Rover – a custom-designed all-terrain tundra vehicle – and begin your journey into polar bear territory. The drive to the lodge doubles as your first safari, with possible sightings of Arctic foxes, snowy owls or even your first glimpse of a bear roaming the ice.
The lodge itself is unlike any other wilderness base. Stationed on a narrow spit of land that typically sees one of the highest concentrations of bears each season, the lodge is part mobile camp, part remote hotel. Rows of windows line the guest carriages, and large outdoor viewing platforms let you observe the surrounding landscape in every direction. Some of your most memorable encounters may happen right outside your window.
Over the next few days, you’ll settle into a routine of half-day excursions by Polar Rover, alternating with peaceful hours at the lodge – where the bears often come to you. Your guides will navigate the tundra in search of wildlife, offering insight into the behaviour of these majestic creatures and ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time for unforgettable sightings.
Expect to encounter curious polar bears approaching the vehicles, resting on the snow, or interacting with each other. Other Arctic wildlife may include caribou, ptarmigan, Arctic hare, and – if you’re lucky – an Arctic fox blending into the snow.
Evenings are for reflection and immersion. Over dinner, your Expedition Leader will share stories and presentations about the fragile Arctic ecosystem, conservation efforts and life in the north. And if skies are clear, step outside or simply peer through your window — the northern lights may put on a show, streaking emerald green across the polar sky.
Watch polar bears from your window on the tundra
Waking up in polar bear country is something you never forget. Outside your window, the tundra stretches to the horizon frosted, silent and impossibly still. And then, a shape in the distance begins to move. A curious polar bear ambles past the lodge, pausing to sniff the air. No crowds, no barriers – just you, the snow and one of the world’s most powerful predators, metres away. Stationed in the heart of bear territory, the Tundra Lodge offers something rare: a front-row seat to the natural rhythms of Arctic life. Whether you’re sipping coffee as a bear strolls by or watching the northern lights ripple across the sky, this is the edge of the world: quiet, raw, and unforgettable.
Churchill
After one final breakfast at the lodge, you’ll reboard the Polar Rover for the journey back to Churchill. The return route offers another chance to spot wildlife in the changing light of day.
Once back in town, you’ll enjoy a special dog sledding experience. Meet a local musher and his team of enthusiastic huskies, learning about the tradition and skill behind this iconic Arctic practice. Then take to the trail for a short ride through the boreal forest, with only the soft rhythm of paws in snow to break the silence.
Depending on the day’s timing, you may have time for optional activities in Churchill – perhaps picking up a few handcrafted souvenirs, visiting a local museum or even booking a helicopter flight over the vast tundra for a bird’s eye view of the landscape you’ve just explored.
This evening, return to Winnipeg for a final night at your hotel.
Farewell to the North. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. If you haven’t already, make time to visit the local post office: you can get a special souvenir stamp in your passport marked “Churchill MB – Polar Bear Capital of the World.” It’s a quirky, memorable keepsake from one of Earth’s wildest corners.
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