Polar bears discussing which tour they should go on. Robert Postma photo.
Why Churchill?
Churchill, Manitoba is one of the only places on Earth where you can safely view polar bears in the wild. Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, this small town of fewer than 1,000 residents draws photographers, explorers, and luxury travellers alike for its rare combination of Arctic wildlife, beluga whales, and northern lights, all in one trip.
But Churchill isn’t your average destination. It’s remote. It’s wild. And planning your trip carefully can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a frustrating experience.
Step One: Understand the Logistics – No Roads Lead to Churchill
Churchill is not accessible by car. You’ll need to arrive either by:
Flight: A 2–2.5 hour journey from Winnipeg. Convenient and included in many high-end packages.
Train: A 45+ hour ride with VIA Rail. Scenic but prone to delays. Best for flexible travelers who value the journey as much as the destination.
⚠️ Compare Carefully: Some tour packages include flights or train tickets, others don’t. Unbundled airfare to Churchill can cost $1,200–$1,500 CAD round-trip depending on season and demand.
Step Two: Choose the Right Base – Town vs. Wilderness
Most travelers assume all polar bear tours are similar. They’re not. One of the biggest differences lies in where you stay.
Staying in Churchill Town: Churchill itself offers a laid-back, accessible experience with the convenience of restaurants, souvenir shops, and town-based hotels. It’s a good choice for travellers looking for a more casual and economical option, or those who enjoy connecting with local culture between daily excursions to see wildlife.
Staying at a Wilderness Lodge: A remote lodge experience delivers full immersion in the subarctic, with wildlife often right outside your window. You can expect gourmet meals, private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and the peace and quiet of true wilderness. These lodges often include flights, cold-weather gear, and a high guide-to-guest ratio, making them ideal for those who value comfort, access, and exclusivity.
Step Three: Compare the Inclusions, Not Just the Price, But Check the Currency
Some packages may seem cheaper at first glance, but the true value comes down to what’s included. And always make sure to check what currency the prices are listed in. Flights to and from Churchill can cost as much as $1,800 CAD round trip if not bundled into your package. Some tours provide Arctic-rated winter gear such as parkas, boots, and snow pants, while others require you to bring your own. Accommodations also vary greatly. Some budget packages offer shared bathrooms and basic rooms, while premium experiences include private rooms with en-suite facilities, fireplaces, and wilderness views.
Dining is another major factor. While some tours offer chef-prepared gourmet meals with wine pairings, others may leave you to fend for yourself at the limited dining spots in town. Group size matters too: smaller groups (typically 8–16 people) allow for more personalized guiding, better wildlife encounters, and greater flexibility. And finally, not all tours offer the same kind of experience. Some keep you inside vehicles while others offer ground-level polar bear walking safaris with expert naturalists. Ask questions and compare carefully. The most expensive tour isn’t always the best, but the cheapest rarely is.
Step Four: Match the Experience to Your Travel Style
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Look for flexible schedules, small groups, and guides with photography expertise. Ask about time spent on the ground, proximity to wildlife, and ethical viewing standards.
🥾 Adventure Seekers
Seek out walking safaris, not just tundra vehicle tours. Kayaking with beluga whales, hiking along ancient eskers, and aurora viewing from remote lodges are options worth pursuing.
🧖 Luxury Travellers
Prioritize remote wilderness lodges with chef-prepared meals, en-suite bathrooms, and curated experiences. The top-tier packages often include flights, gear, and tailored excursions with elite guides.
Step Five: Focus on Value, Not Just Cost
A quick comparison may tempt you toward the lowest price. But when you factor in:
- Flight costs
- Meals
- Gear rentals
- Transfer logistics
- Accommodation quality
- Wildlife access
- Group size
- Guide expertise
…you may find that a higher-priced package actually delivers greater value and comfort, with fewer surprises and a deeper, more meaningful experience.
A bundled, all-inclusive expedition, especially one based at a remote ecolodge, often saves time, reduces hassle, and offers a far more intimate connection with the landscape and wildlife.
🧭 Comparing Churchill Polar Bear Tour Types
| Tour Type | Town-Based Day Tours | Tundra Vehicle Safaris | Remote Lodge-Based Walking Safaris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | In or near Churchill town | Outskirts/tundra via large vehicles | Remote ecolodges far from town |
| Wildlife Access | Travel daily to wildlife zones | Wildlife viewed from inside vehicles | Wildlife often near the lodge, on foot |
| Group Size | Small groups (2-6) | Large groups (20–40+) | Small groups (usually 8–16) |
| Experience Type | Basic overview, short excursions | Spectator-style observation | Immersive, guided walking with wildlife |
| Comfort Level | Hotels or motels, shared dining | Heated tundra vehicles, basic lodging | Private rooms, en-suite baths, gourmet meals |
| Photography Opportunities | Limited angles and time | Good for long lens, limited angles | Up close, low-angle shots in natural light |
| Gear Provided | Rarely | Sometimes | Often includes parkas, boots, gear |
| Included Flights | Rarely | Sometimes | Often included in package |
| Dining | Local restaurants, limited hours | Packed lunches, cafeteria-style, chef-prepared meals possible | Chef-prepared meals, wine pairings |
| Aurora Viewing | In town, light pollution | From vehicle or camp | Dark-sky lodge locations, ideal conditions |
| Who It’s For | Budget travelers, short visits | First-time visitors, general interest | Wildlife photographers, adventurers, experiential luxury travel seekers |
| Typical Duration | 1–3 days | 3–5 days | 7+ days |
| Price Range (CAD) | $2,000–$4,000 (à la carte) | $5,000–$8,000 | $10,000+ (all-inclusive) |
💡 How to Choose
Churchill Wild is currently the only polar bear tour company in the world that offers ground-level walking safaris with polar bears based out of permanent remote ecolodges on the Hudson Bay coast. Our three award-winning lodges: Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, and Dymond Lake Ecolodge, operate from July through November, delivering intimate access to polar bears, beluga whales, and northern lights in complete wilderness luxury.
Companies like Frontiers North offer excellent tundra buggy experiences for travelers who prefer to view wildlife from the comfort of a vehicle. These tours are especially popular with first-time visitors and are a great way to experience the subarctic landscape. Churchill Wild also partners with Frontiers North on our Great Ice Bear safari, giving guests the chance to experience both vehicle-based and on-foot polar bear encounters in one package.
On a budget or just passing through? → Town-based day tours offer basic access.
Want to see polar bears without leaving the vehicle? → Tundra vehicle tours are classic and comfortable.
Looking for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife immersion? → Remote lodge-based safaris offer ground-level encounters, exceptional comfort, and curated adventure.
Final Thoughts: Choose Intentionally
Churchill offers a rare window into the Arctic. Whether you’re there to walk among polar bears, paddle alongside belugas, or simply be surrounded by untamed nature, your choice of tour will shape the memory.
Don’t just ask, “What’s the cheapest?” Ask:
What kind of experience am I truly looking for?
How much time will I spend with wildlife?
Will I feel comfortable, warm, and well-fed?
Will I be guided by passionate experts or just transported from place to place?
📌 Summary Checklist: What to Look for in a Churchill Tour
☑ Flights included?
☑ Arctic gear provided?
☑ Meals, drinks, and snacks included?
☑ Private rooms and bathrooms?
☑ Small group size?
☑ Remote lodge for better wildlife access?
☑ Walking safaris or immersive experiences?
☑ Photography support and guide quality?
Whatever you decide, we wish you the very best on your adventure.
Churchill is an amazing place.
