Discover The Magic of Polar Bear Cubs on Our Exclusive Tours
This tour offers an experience of a lifetime observing polar
bear cubs and their mothers in their natural environment.
Immerse Yourself In Polar Bear Paradise!
This tour offers an experience of a lifetime observing polar bear cubs and their mothers in their natural environment!
With a rare operating permit from Parks Canada, our indigenous guides bring us as close as 100 meters to the polar bears families, and we’ll learn about various aspects of the bears’ dens, habits and life cycle during this adventure. Other wildlife viewing opportunities include ptarmigan, arctic foxes, caribou herds and wolves. A bonus is the night time viewing of the aurora borealis!
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Duration/Price:
8 days/US $19,995
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Dates:
February, 2025
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Type:
Photography/Wildlife
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Group size:
Maximum 7 people
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Difficulty:
Moderate
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Temp range:
0° F / -35 ° F
Witness the Magic of Polar Bear Cubs:
An Unforgettable Arctic Photography Adventure!
Witnessing adorable polar bear cubs frolicking in the pristine Arctic wilderness alongside their mother. This once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you on an unforgettable polar bear cub photography tour.
Embark on an unparalleled adventure to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, widely recognized as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Here, during late winter (late February to mid-March), witness a breathtaking phenomenon – polar bear moms emerge from their dens with their babies. The family stay in the den area, until the cubs are strong enough to make the march do Hudson Bay – about 30-40 miles away. Mom has not eaten in 4-6 months, so is eager to take her cubs to the sea ice and hunt for seals. This window offers the prime opportunity to observe these majestic creatures, the caring mothers and their curious cubs.
Our tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable indigenous guides who possess a rare operating permit from Parks Canada. This permit allows us to get as close as 100 meters to the bears while adhering to strict safety protocols and ensuring minimal disruption to their natural habitat. Responsible tourism is paramount to us, and we prioritize the well-being of these magnificent animals.
Beyond capturing breathtaking photographs, your tour will be enriched by educational talks led by our expert guides. Delve into the fascinating world of polar bears, learning about their:
- Dens: Discover the intricate details of polar bear maternity dens, where cubs are born and spend their first few months.
- Habits: Gain insights into polar bear hunting techniques, social behavior, and remarkable adaptations for survival in the harsh Arctic environment.
- Life Cycle: Witness cubs at a crucial stage of development, learning about their playful interactions with their mothers and the vital skills they acquire for survival.
While polar bear cubs are the undeniable stars of the show, the Arctic wilderness offers a wealth of other wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your camera poised to capture:
- Ptarmigan: These fascinating birds change color with the seasons, transforming from snowy white in winter to mottled brown in summer, providing a dazzling display of camouflage.
- Arctic Foxes: Look out for these adorable and resilient creatures with their thick white fur, perfectly adapted for the Arctic environment.
- Caribou Herds:You may witness herds of caribou migrating across the tundra, a testament to the abundance of life in this seemingly barren landscape.
- Wolves: The elusive Arctic wolf, a vital predator in the ecosystem, may grace you with its presence during your adventure.
As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by a natural light show unlike any other. The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, paints the night sky with vibrant colors of green, purple, and pink. Witnessing this celestial phenomenon is a truly unforgettable experience that adds a magical touch to your Arctic adventure.
- Camera Gear: A long lens (ideally 400mm or more) and a sturdy tripod are essential for capturing stunning photos from a safe distance. Pack extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss a moment. Prepare for low-light conditions and be ready to protect your gear from the cold and wind. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the northern lights, and a cable release to protect your fingers.
- Clothing: Layering is key! Pack warm, waterproof clothing suitable for arctic temperatures. A down parka, down pants and boots rated to -40 degrees will keep you warm. If you are sensitive to cold, bring hand and foot warmers. Do not forget a thick hat, gloves, and a scarf. We will send a more detailed with clothing recommendations 2-3 months before departure.
This polar bear cub photography tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of the Arctic firsthand. Photograph these majestic polar bear families in their natural habitat, learn from experienced guides, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Aurora Borealis.
Embrace the adventure, book your tour today, and embark on an unforgettable journey to capture the magic of polar bear cubs in the Arctic!
Journey To The Land of Polar Bears

Arrive in Winnipeg. Please book the Grand Hotel in Winnipeg which is located just across from the Winnipeg Airport main terminal. You will be responsible for booking a room there. The number for the Grand Hotel is 1-800-290-3581 or 204-505-0145.

Touch down in Churchill! Explore the town and grab any necessary clothing rentals. In the evening, a scenic train ride and Matt Track adventure take you to our remote wilderness lodge (safety briefing included). Arrive under the stars for a restful night.

Daily adventures in Wapusk Park: mornings & afternoons on Mattracks seeking majestic polar bears, playful foxes, and caribou herds. Evenings offer magical Northern Lights displays.(BLD)

Daily adventures in Wapusk Park: mornings & afternoons on Mattracks seeking majestic polar bears, playful foxes, and caribou herds. Evenings offer breathtaking Northern Lights displays (aurora borealis) for the lucky ones. (BLD)
Testimonials
This tour was absolutely magical! Seeing the playful polar bear cubs frolicking in the snow was a dream come true. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about these majestic creatures. They ensured a safe distance while providing us with amazing views and photo opportunities. We were mesmerized by the two cubs' antics, and we all learned so much about polar bear conservation. This is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves animals and the Arctic wonderland!
Kim G. Nature Photographer, UKWhere do I even begin? The polar bear cub tour exceeded all my expectations. Witnessing these fluffy bundles of joy interact with their mothers in their natural habitat was pure magic. The tour was incredibly well-organized, with top-notch safety protocols. The guides were friendly, informative, and made sure everyone had a chance for a perfect view. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience I'll never forget. Thank you for creating such a responsible and awe-inspiring tour! Expensive – yes! Cold – yes! But an unforgettable tour!
David L. Wildlife Enthusiast, GermanyPackage Overview
Included:
- Tour leader
- Photographic instruction
- 8 Nights Accommodation
- All meals as listed in itinerary
- All transportation from Churchill on
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Airport Departure Taxes
- Flights to/from Churchill
- Phone calls and personal items
Questions? We Have Answers
Find quick answers to your most common questions before your tour.
When is the best time to see polar bear cubs?
Where can I go to see polar bear cubs?
What are the typical trip itineraries?
What is the lodge like?
What are some additional things to pack for my trip?
2- Lens cleaning supplies. Snow can leave smudges on your lens.
3- Spare memory cards. You'll likely be taking a lot of photos!
4- A thermos. Staying hydrated is important, even in cold weather.
5- Binoculars. Enjoy the view and observe the bears and other animals from a distance.
What kind of camera gear do I need?
What are the camera settings for photographing polar bears?
•Set your aperture to a medium setting (around f/8) for good depth of field.
•Adjust your ISO to ensure proper exposure, knowing that higher ISOs will introduce more grain.
•White balance can be tricky in snowy environments. Experiment with auto white balance or a preset like "snow" to achieve natural colors.
Can you tell me more about photographing polar bears?
How cold will it be?
What should I wear on a polar bear viewing trip?
What are some resources to learn more about polar bears?
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This tour was the highlight of our Arctic trips last year! Seeing the playful cubs wrestling and exploring alongside their mother was pure joy. It truly warmed our hearts. The tour company went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and educational experience. The recommended flights, rented super-cold weather gear that kept us warm. We learned so much about polar bear families and the importance of protecting their fragile ecosystem. This tour is perfect foranyone who wants to create lasting memories in the Arctic. For my daughter and I, this was a great shared experience.
Emily K. Family Traveler, US