by Mike Reimer
Occasionally, one is blessed to discover, or perhaps rediscover following First Nations & Inuit traditions, an exceptional wildlife destination. In the early years of our operations (1993!) our coastal explorations quickly revealed significant evidence that we were certainly not the first people to traverse this coastline.
Sunset walk on Fireweed Island. Michael Poliza photo.
Our wanderings found much evidence of Inuit use in the form of stone tent rings. We subsequently hired Virginia Petch of Northern Lights Heritage Services to try and assess what it was we were actually encountering. She was beyond thrilled with our initial survey but had to wait some years before returning with Inuit elders and Oceans North to do a detailed archaeological investigation revealing that some of the sites dated back over 900 years to Thule peoples! Amazing!
I’m watching you. Dennis Fast photo.
Lead guide, Quent Plett accompanied the original survey conducted via helicopter, and on the return flight he stumbled across a stunning landscape featuring a pair of magnificent great white bears. He knew immediately that this exceptional view of two massive polar bears nestled serenely in a vast field of brilliant fireweed was without compare and would be of great interest to his cousin (Boss) Mike back at the lodge, who was always on the lookout for the “next big thing.” Having pioneered walking safaris with polar bears, not to mention a unique way of swimming with belugas this “Bear on Fire” sighting was sure to quickly become a coveted photo op.
Under the rainbow. Dennis Fast photo.
So Quent took a picture, a picture as in ONE picture. Mike was beside himself. I mean who takes one picture of such an incredible discovery? Quent told Mike to relax, all good, and of course he was right. The rest is history so to speak, and Fireweed Island quickly grew to become a coveted destination for world class photo buffs.
Bears on Fire. Early days on Fireweed Island. Circa 1993. Churchill Wild archives. Quent Plett photo.
Exceptional destinations of course often tend to be difficult to experience and no less so our Fireweed Island camp. Due to significant logistical challenges, we limit this expedition to a maximum of four participants who are adventurous enough to experience one of most unique and remote destinations on the planet.
Big polar bear outside Churchill Wild tent camp on Fireweed Island. Michael Poliza photo.
Our three five-star polar bear lodges planted on Hudson Bay’s Arctic coastline have always been and will continue to be the leaders in celebrating Arctic and sub-Arctic wildlife. To complement these world class destinations we will continue to explore and push the boundaries into new and fascinating opportunities to encounter our great white bears. Stay tuned for new announcements offering luxury small group experiences featuring cutting edge adventures in the land of the polar bears.
Basking in the mist. Fireweed Island. Dennis Fast photo.
For those who seek experiences beyond the extraordinary, adventures that few have dreamed of and fewer still have accomplished, we invite you to share your vision. Our deep connection to this land, combined with generations of expertise, allows us to craft truly unique Arctic experiences that push the boundaries of luxury adventure travel.
Polar bear sitting quietly in the sun. Fireweed Island. Michael Poliza photo.
The Churchill Wild legacy continues to evolve, building on a family history that goes back almost 100 years on the Hudson Bay coast, and driven by our pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to innovation. We invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of Arctic exploration, one that is uniquely yours. Contact us to begin crafting your dream today.
Together, we’ll make it come true.
Daydreaming. Matthew Breiter photo.
Churchill Wild Polar Bear Safaris 2025-2026.
