About the Experience
Experience quintessential Canada in the remote northern frontier town of Churchill, Manitoba on our Polar Bear Safari! This adventure offers the thrills and chills of viewing polar bears from the safety and innovation of the slow-moving Tundra Buggy®.
Canada’s North is home to wildlife species like the Arctic fox, snowshoe and Arctic hare, lynx, mink, moose, gray wolf, black bear and barren ground grizzly bear. And, of course–the red carpet star of Churchill, the polar bear.
Wild Women’s Polar Bear Safari offers the perfect equilibrium of adventure and education. You will have the opportunity to interact with experts and learn more than the “bear” minimum. It’s a feel-good destination and decision as partial proceeds from these tours go towards funding projects by Polar Bears International.
We are committed to responsible, low-impact travel to protect these fragile natural habitats while supporting local communities and celebrating the traditions and customs of the Indigenous residents.
There will be several Tundra Buggy safaris in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), where polar bears patiently await for the temperature to plummet and freeze the iconic Hudson Bay.
The itinerary allows for relaxed opportunities to explore the CWMA landscape for the Canadian “Big 5” (whatever your Big 5 may be!) and subarctic birds like the rare three-toed woodpecker. Ross’s Gull is one of the most sought after sightings of the approximately 175 species found in and around Churchill.
To warm up your rosy cheeks, explore Churchill’s dynamic history and rich culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the oldest in the world from Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit life.
With a local dog musher, you will learn when to “gee” and when to “haw” as you charge through the boreal forest with a yipping team of sled dogs. “Whoa” is universal dog-speak, of course.
We’ll spend three cozy nights on The Tundra Buggy® Lodge, near the edge of Hudson Bay. This is the beating heart of polar bear country and the Tundra Buggy® offers incredible access to view bear behavior. The train-like lodge has outdoor viewing platforms and at night, exterior field lights allow for extended viewing of the bears. The wall-to-ceiling windows and roof-top observation deck of Thanadelthur permits a 360° view of the tundra and spellbinding aurora borealis.
The Lodge is a series of connected cars including a lounge car, dining car and sleek sleeping compartments–where you can curl up under a Hudson Bay blanket, of course! Each berth has its own thermostat controlled heating unit.
In the on-board dining hall, affectionately known as “Dan’s Diner” you can expect a savoury regional menu that might include elk, bison lasagna, elk and Arctic char.
The Polar Bear Safari is an immersive, transformative destination with deep Indigenous roots and unparalleled wildlife observation. The Tundra Buggy® Lodge will be the place your mind drifts long after you depart Canada’s North. Gee! Haw! Yeehaw!
About the Experience
Experience quintessential Canada in the remote northern frontier town of Churchill, Manitoba on our Polar Bear Safari! This adventure offers the thrills and chills of viewing polar bears from the safety and innovation of the slow-moving Tundra Buggy®.
Canada’s North is home to wildlife species like the Arctic fox, snowshoe and Arctic hare, lynx, mink, moose, gray wolf, black bear and barren ground grizzly bear. And, of course–the red carpet star of Churchill, the polar bear.
Wild Women’s Polar Bear Safari offers the perfect equilibrium of adventure and education. You will have the opportunity to interact with experts and learn more than the “bear” minimum. It’s a feel-good destination and decision as partial proceeds from these tours go towards funding projects by Polar Bears International.
We are committed to responsible, low-impact travel to protect these fragile natural habitats while supporting local communities and celebrating the traditions and customs of the Indigenous residents.
There will be several Tundra Buggy safaris in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), where polar bears patiently await for the temperature to plummet and freeze the iconic Hudson Bay.
The itinerary allows for relaxed opportunities to explore the CWMA landscape for the Canadian “Big 5” (whatever your Big 5 may be!) and subarctic birds like the rare three-toed woodpecker. Ross’s Gull is one of the most sought after sightings of the approximately 175 species found in and around Churchill.
To warm up your rosy cheeks, explore Churchill’s dynamic history and rich culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the oldest in the world from Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit life.
With a local dog musher, you will learn when to “gee” and when to “haw” as you charge through the boreal forest with a yipping team of sled dogs. “Whoa” is universal dog-speak, of course.
We’ll spend three cozy nights on The Tundra Buggy® Lodge, near the edge of Hudson Bay. This is the beating heart of polar bear country and the Tundra Buggy® offers incredible access to view bear behavior. The train-like lodge has outdoor viewing platforms and at night, exterior field lights allow for extended viewing of the bears. The wall-to-ceiling windows and roof-top observation deck of Thanadelthur permits a 360° view of the tundra and spellbinding aurora borealis.
The Lodge is a series of connected cars including a lounge car, dining car and sleek sleeping compartments–where you can curl up under a Hudson Bay blanket, of course! Each berth has its own thermostat controlled heating unit.
In the on-board dining hall, affectionately known as “Dan’s Diner” you can expect a savoury regional menu that might include elk, bison lasagna, elk and Arctic char.
The Polar Bear Safari is an immersive, transformative destination with deep Indigenous roots and unparalleled wildlife observation. The Tundra Buggy® Lodge will be the place your mind drifts long after you depart Canada’s North. Gee! Haw! Yeehaw!
DAY ONE: WELCOME TO WINNIPEG
Upon arrival, make your way to the luxury boutique hotel, Inn at the Forks Hotel located in downtown Winnipeg, where the Assiniboine River meets the Red River (”The Forks”). Note: you will be required to make your transportation arrangements from the airport to the Inn.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit the enormous collection housed at the Manitoba Museum. There are over 2.8 million artifacts and specimens here–and you can actually “adopt” one for $35 (to $500) to help support the care and conservation of the object.
At the museum, northwestern Canada’s colonial history comes to life through the shared stories of Indigenous women who were the lifeblood of the European fur trade. They acted as invaluable guides, translators and consumers. The HBC gallery showcases a trapper’s base camp and a how-to on beaver hat-making.
Afterwards, we’ll be well-spoiled with a 3-course indigenous dinner served in the Museum Galleries.
Tonight, in the comfort of the Inn at the Forks, we recommend counting polar bears, not sheep, in anticipation of the Tundra Buggy experience that lies ahead!
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Inn at the Forks
DAY TWO: CHURCHILL ADVENTURE
Today we make a beeline to the “polar bear capital of the world”–Churchill! This is where the world’s largest carnivores spend their summer vacation, patiently waiting and pacing for the bay to freeze so they can begin hunting for ringed seals.
We’ll jump on an early morning flight to Churchill with a grab-and-go breakfast from the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll immediately begin exploring the area’s historical points of interest: Cape Merry and the Port of Churchill. Weather-permitting, we’ll also swing by Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (“polar bear jail” for troublesome bears). There are 28 cells and the detained bears are safely relocated after serving their short term. White is the New Black in these parts!
After lunch, things get mush-y. We’ll visit a local resident and dog sledding expert for a mile-long ride on a custom-built sled through the northern boreal forest. You will learn the difference between “gee” and “haw” in no time! Of course, “whoa” is always an option too.
After the rush of a dog-powered sled ride, we will attend a workshop led by Indigenous artist Sandra Cook, a longtime resident of Churchill. Inspired by her frozen surrounds, Sandra integrates a variety of media and ‘canvases’ to celebrate the landscape, wildlife and northern skies. At the Town Centre Complex (a large collection of Inuit wall hangings are on display here), you will have the opportunity to create your own take-home masterpiece under Sandra’s instruction to indelibly document your time in Churchill.
And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: we’ll transfer to the Tundra Buggy Dock to board an official Tundra Buggy to make our way to the exclusive Tundra Buggy® Lodge at Polar Bear Point in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.
We will meet the Lodge staff for a safety briefing and orientation of the accommodations. Then, we will unwind and indulge at Dan’s Diner (the Lodge’s dining hall nickname). Be sure to look for the dazzle of the northern lights before you cozy up under your Hudson Bay blanket! Unfortunately, they can’t be queued up like Netflix but Mother Nature always has surprises up her sleeve!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Tundra Buggy Lodge
DAY THREE–FOUR: TUNDRA BUGGY ADVENTURE
Are you now pacing like the polar bears and ready for the tundra?
On day three, after a sweet and savoury breakfast, we will depart on a full-day Tundra Buggy Adventure exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. There will be substantial time spent on the tundra with a picnic lunch and refreshments provided.
☑Picnic with polar bears. That’s a big bucket list CHECK!
After searching for polar bears, ptarmigans, Arctic fox and other sub-Arctic wildlife in action, you will return starry-eyed to the Tundra Buggy® Lodge to chill out in the late afternoon.
Swap stories with your fellow Wild Women and enjoy some laughs, cocktails and apps in the lounge before dinner. In the evening, entertainment may include an informative lecture, slide and/or video presentation. And/or, a free display of the northern lights!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Tundra Buggy Lodge
DAY FIVE: EXPLORE CHURCHILL
After breakfast on day five, we will depart the fairytale experience of the Lodge and revel in another full-day Tundra Buggy Adventure. Pack your bags and bring your carry-on luggage with you as luggage will be transferred separately and you won’t have access to it until arrival at the hotel in Winnipeg.
We’ll start the day with a ready, set, go breakfast and take a panoramic drive 23km east of Churchill to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC) for a facility tour and introduction to Rocket Greens. It’s not rocket science–it’s better! Rocket Greens is a hydroponic initiative that produces fresh greens for the community year-round. CNSC is an independent non-profit field station focused on sub-arctic research and education, located on the former site of the Churchill Rocket Research Range. Get it? Rocket Greens?
Rocket Greens operates out of a 40’ shipping container manufactured and named, The Growcer (from an Ottawa/Iqaluit based company). The self-contained gardens help address food security issues in northern and remote locations, delivering 250-400 items of fresh produce to the community each week.
After a decadent lunch we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and history of the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum’s collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts that are among the oldest in the world from Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit life. This precious collection of ivory and soapstone sculptures are a genuine document of daily life in the north. The museum’s curator, Lorraine Brandson, has been a Churchill resident since 1973 and has authored two books on Inuit and Dene culture. She has contributed to a number of important northern initiatives and served as Chair of the Working Group Committee that successfully negotiated the establishment of Wapusk National Park (1996). In 2014, Lorraine was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in recognition for her devotion to preserving and promoting the culture, heritage and environment of our north.
After this dynamic museum visit, we will then transfer to the Churchill airport for a flight back to Winnipeg (a light meal will be served on board). Upon arrival, we will check into the Lakeview Signature, part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, conveniently located at Winnipeg’s international airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Lakeview Signature by Wyndham Hotel
DAY SIX: ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
Today we will pinch ourselves and wonder where we are and where we’ve been. Where did our uninterrupted polar bear view go? To ease back into the real world, we’ll take a shuttle to the Assiniboine Park Zoo for a breakfast reception in the Tundra Grill, overlooking the tundra landscape of the Journey to Churchill exhibit (home to the zoo’s mighty polar bears).
After breakfast, the group will be privy to an exclusive Canadian Signature Experience through the Journey to Churchill exhibit with an impactful Indigenous All My Relations Gakina Ndinewemaaganag cultural tour. This experience is cooler than the sub-Arctic temperatures!
The Wild Women pack will then transfer from the zoo to Winnipeg International Airport. Sigh! Where next?
Meals Included: Breakfast
For more information and visuals about the Polar Bear Safari and Tundra Buggy® Lodge, please visit the site of our partner and friends at Frontiers North.
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!
- Arrive in Winnipeg (YWG) on November 4th before 2:30pm and make your way to Inn at the Forks Hotel at 75 Forks Market Rd.
- The hotel does not provide a free shuttle. Taxis are available from the airport and will cost $50-$65. City Transit and a 15-minute walk will get you there for about $3.
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: November 4, 2023
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Meet your group and guide in the lobby at the at Inn at the Forks Hotel 75 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg.
If you wish to add extra days to your trip, you can book at Inn at the Forks, where your trip begins. You can book directly at https://www.innforks.com/.
Plan flights or other departure plans any time after 2:00pm.
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: November 9, 2023
- Time: ~ Noon
- Location: Winnipeg Airport (YWG)
You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements.
Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel Travel Specialist
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
US citizens at land and sea borders have other options, such as an enhanced driver’s license, permanent resident card or NEXUS card. See Canada Border Services for approved identification documents.
- Visa
Visitors from certain countries require a visa to enter Canada. Those who are exempt require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA; $7 USD), with the exception of Americans. This must be applied for prior to traveling and can be completed online. It usually takes minutes but can take days. See how to apply Electronic Travel Authorization.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Most participants tip their guides when they feel they were provided great service. A suggested gratuity would be as follows:
- WWE Guide: $25 pp per day
- Dog sledding guide: $15-20pp
- Lodge Staff: $10pp per day for lodge staff
- Drivers: $10pp per day
- Local interpretive guides: $10-$20pp
Tipping currency does have to be CAD if paying in cash. They won’t accept USD in Churchill.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum two women per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner. No single rooms are available on this adventure.
- Potable Water
Purified water is provided throughout the expedition and tap water is safe to drink unless otherwise noted.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
The weather in Churchill varies greatly from season to season, and the wind coming off of Hudson Bay can often make temperatures feel even cooler than reported. The average temperatures for October and November vary from -13˚C to -2˚C (9˚F – 29˚F) without the windchill factor.
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. In the event of a medical emergency, we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical needs. Please be aware that we are sometimes in extremely remote areas and for legal reasons, our leaders are prohibited from providing or administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. We recommend bringing additional medication (packed in separate bags) in the event that the prescription is lost or damaged during an activity.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!.
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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BOOK NOW -
Starting At$9,995Deposit$995Duration6 DAYS
- 🇨🇦CAD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- Trip led by an awesome female interpretive guide and wildlife biologist
- Two nights accommodation in Winnipeg: 1 night at Inn at the Forks (Day 1), 1 night at Winnipeg airport hotel (Day 5)
- Three night’s accommodations at the exclusive Tundra Buggy® Lodge (Day 2, 3 and 4)
- Return airfare from Winnipeg (to Churchill) on a private charter flight
- All meals as indicated (dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 6)
- Churchill and area tour
- Workshop with Indigenous artist Sandra Cook
- Tour of Churchill Northern Study Centre and Rocket Greens
- Two full-day private Tundra Buggy adventures
- Guided tour of the Manitoba Museum’s aboriginal collection
- Visit to the Itsanitaq Museum
- Breakfast at the Tundra Grill and All My Relations cultural tour at Assiniboine Park Zoo
- Interpretive dog-sledding excursion. Whoa! Mush!
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price