Polar Bear Holidays in Canada

Essential Information

Climate

You will need to take warm, insulated and waterproof clothing that can be worn in layers.
The weather conditions play a major role in all activities in the north and therefore, tour schedules are subject to change at any time.

Passports and Visas

Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods. However, other categories of British nationals should check requirements before making firm plans. If in any doubt contact the Visa Section of the Canadian High Commission.
It is recommended that you should have a passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for Canada, please consult your GP.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.

Introduction

The best places to see Polar Bears in their natural environment are Churchill in Canada and the Arctic Circle. Although a typical Polar Bear holiday will involve one or two days in a Tundra Buggy enjoying the scenery and searching for Polar Bears, there is complete flexibility in how you spend your holiday time. We find that many clients like to experience a few days in the vicinity of the Polar Bears but also want to build in other activities such as dog sledding, and travel to surrounding areas so that maximum benefit is gained from being in the location. Some clients also like to travel further afield as part of the holiday, to other areas of Canada. 

Churchill is the self styled ‘Polar Bear capital of the world’. Every year around mid- October, Polar Bears gather around the town of Churchill waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze, thus allowing them to go out and feed. The bears are around town for a little over a month, after which time all the tourists leave and Churchill resumes its sleepy existence.

Polar Bear viewing is from Tundra Buggies.  The largest of all the bears, the Polar is a fearless creature with no natural predator other than mankind; to see one in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Excursions to see the bears are by way of a specially adapted vehicle called a ‘Tundra Buggy’. Driving out of town it should not be long before an inquisitive bear comes to greet you.

These holidays are very popular and we are now booking for 2011 and for 2012 so please Contact Us without delay to avoid disappointment. 

 

Images courtesy of Travel Manitoba 

Overview

Located on the western shore of Hudson Bay and not accessible by road lies the small northern seaport of Churchill, Manitoba, often referred to as the "polar bear capital of the world".  

Our holidays allow you to view polar bears from the remarkable Tundra Buggies - the most comfortable and safe way to experience polar bears in their natural environment.  

On days that have a Tundra Buggy Adventure scheduled, you will be transferred from town to the Tundra Buggy Launch to board a Buggy and begin your search for wildlife. The Buggy meanders over a system of established trails, stopping at leisure to enjoy the scenery, search for wildlife, and take photos. When daylight begins to fade, you head back to the Launch to be transferred back to town and your hotel.

Our holidays are designed not only see the magnificent Lord of the Arctic, Manitoba's polar bears, but also to experience the history and culture of the region. Led by very knowledgeable guides, itineraries include activities other than bear watching, such as a town and area tour, entrance to the Eskimo Museum and Parks Canada facility and a private slide presentation. Either dog sledding or a cultural-arts program is included.  

Another exciting component of the tours is the choice of transportation to & from Churchill. The most popular way is by round trip air from Winnipeg or you can choose to travel one-way by VIA Rail.  

These holidays include the largest selection of available activities and are the best way to experience the wildlife as well as the 'wild' life in Churchill!  

These hotel-based adventures are based in Churchill, a small, northern community with a lot of character; you won't find one of the big-chain hotels here that you might find in a larger centre. You will, however, find warm, down-home hospitality and clean, comfortable hotels with all the amenities. Staying in town will allow you to walk to and from the different venues, spend some time on your own, and perhaps meet some of the locals.

This trip can be combined with any extended stays in Canada, such as a city stay in Toronto.