Ride a tundra vehicle across the frozen edge of Hudson Bay at Churchill, Manitoba, the polar bear capital of the world, and watch bears gather on the shore waiting for the sea ice to form. The season runs through October and November, when the bears walk the coast outside town, and in July and August a few are seen from boats among the belugas. No road reaches Churchill, so visitors arrive by plane or by train from Winnipeg.
Up to 95% sighting chance in Churchill Wildlife Management Area, Manitoba, Canada. Best months: November, October, September.
October and November, with the peak from mid-October to mid-November, before the bay freezes and the bears head out onto the ice.
By plane from Winnipeg, or by train, a journey of about two days. No road reaches the town.
Yes. The season is short and places on the tundra vehicles are limited, so departures sell out many months ahead.
Sometimes. In July and August bears rest along the coast and are seen from boats on beluga trips, but far less reliably than in autumn.
Bears do wander into Churchill in autumn. Follow local advice, avoid walking at night and stay away from the shore.
