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Canadian Train and Polar Bear Experience

At a glance:

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Time on train

2 days / 2 nights

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Time on train

2 days / 2 nights

Train type

Destinations

When to go

October-November

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

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Choose your own activities and experiences
Have all the details of your trip arranged for you

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Overview

FAQs

Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

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Experience the Rockies by Train and Churchill Polar Bears

Take a spectacular journey across the Canadian Rockies, then fly to Churchill, the heart of polar bear country. See polar bears in the wild on a specially designed Tundra Buggy. Learn more about the North during immersive tours, and experience a thrilling dog sled ride.

Highlights of your trip

The magnificent Canadian Rockies by train

See polar bears in their natural environment

22 person maximum on the Tundra Buggy

Exciting day activities

Fantastic wildlife photography opportunities

This trip is popular – book early!

Top experiences and features

Witness polar bears in the wild

Spend plenty of time on the Tundra watching majestic polar bears, and other arctic wildlife, in their natural habitat.

Three people on a dogsledding ride through the snowy forest in Churchill

Go dogsledding in Churchill

Enjoy an authentic dogsledding experience with a local Métis musher. Hear tales of Arctic racing, meet the pack of lovingly cared-for sled dogs, then feel the exhilaration of racing a team.

Polar bears walk by a Tundra Buggy vehicle for going over ice

Explore in a specially designed Tundra Buggy

With your interpretive guide, navigate the Churchill Wildlife Management Area in search of polar bears and other subarctic wildlife.

Upper and lower beds in a VIA Rail cabin for 2

VIA Rail’s cozy Cabin for Two in Sleeper Plus

This private cabin features a large window for taking in the scenery, two chairs by day and bunk beds by night, and a small washroom with a sink and toilet.

Passengers sit in Prestige Park car onboard VIA Rail's train, The Canadian, as it travels past snowy landscape in the Canadian Rocky Mountains from dome windows

The upper viewing level on VIA Rail’s Park Car

Sit back and admire the panoramic views in this glass-domed car as you sip on a beverage from the downstairs lounge.

Closeup of a set table in the dining car with a mountain view in the background.

The classic dining car on VIA Rail

Enjoy delicious multi-course meals in the inviting dining car with its excellent table service. Large windows mean you don’t miss any scenery as you dine.

Your Questions Answered

Find out what is included in your trip and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.

What’s Included

Hotel accommodation

Sleeper train experience

Meals onboard the train

All meals whilst on your polar bear tour

Polar Bear viewing from a specialized Tundra Buggy

Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more

Train station transfers

Flights between Winnipeg and Churchill

Electronic travel documentation package

Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 01

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean.

Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport

Day 02

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

After a morning in Vancouver, board The Canadian train and begin your journey to Winnipeg. Settle into your private cabin and watch the ever-changing scenery as you travel through beautiful British Columbia. See farmer's fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.

Private Vancouver City Tour

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

Day 03

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

As you head northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk! See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then pass by the small town of Jasper. In the evening, the train winds towards Edmonton, Alberta's capital city.

Day 04

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces before arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba's bustling capital city.

Private Transfer from Train Station

Day 05

Day in Winnipeg, then polar bear adventure begins

Today is yours to explore Winnipeg and its iconic attractions before checking in for your polar bear adventure.

Winnipeg Highlights Tour

Meet Your Group and Guides

Suggested Winter Clothing Rental (extra cost)

Day 06

Fly north into polar bear territory

The excitement begins as you travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill. Situated on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.

Fly to Churchill

Churchill Town and Area Tour

Polar Bears International House

Parks Canada Centre Visit

Day 07

View polar bears up close

The moment has finally come — after a hotel pick-up, board a Tundra Buggy and start your search for polar bears.

Tundra Buggy Adventure

The Tundra Buggy Experience

Evening Cultural Presentation

Day 08

Dogsledding in Churchill

Go on a thrilling dogsledding tour and experience this uniquely northern way of getting around.

Dogsledding Adventure

Itsanitaq Museum Visit

Day 09

Another tundra buggy adventure

Head out for another day on the Tundra searching for polar bears.

Tundra Buggy Adventure

Fly back to Winnipeg

Day 10

Depart from Winnipeg

Too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.

Indicates featured inclusions

Day 1

Arrive in Vancouver...

Arrive in Vancouver

Day 2

VIA Rail - Depart V...

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

Day 3

VIA Rail - Canadian...

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

Day 4

VIA Rail - Arrive i...

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean.

Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

Private Vancouver City Tour

The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces before arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba's bustling capital city.

Private Transfer from Train Station

Day in Winnipeg, then polar bear adventure begins

Today is yours to explore Winnipeg and its iconic attractions before checking in for your polar bear adventure.

Winnipeg Highlights Tour

Meet Your Group and Guides

Suggested Winter Clothing Rental (extra cost)

Fly north into polar bear territory

The excitement begins as you travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill. Situated on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.

Fly to Churchill

Churchill Town and Area Tour

Polar Bears International House

Parks Canada Centre Visit

View polar bears up close

The moment has finally come — after a hotel pick-up, board a Tundra Buggy and start your search for polar bears.

Tundra Buggy Adventure

The Tundra Buggy Experience

Evening Cultural Presentation

Dogsledding in Churchill

Go on a thrilling dogsledding tour and experience this uniquely northern way of getting around.

Dogsledding Adventure

Itsanitaq Museum Visit

Another tundra buggy adventure

Head out for another day on the Tundra searching for polar bears.

Tundra Buggy Adventure

Fly back to Winnipeg

Depart from Winnipeg

Too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

Scheduled Departure Dates

Year

October 2025

Our itineraries are planned around train-service schedules. Ask one of our Canadian Insiders about available dates and the different ways to personalize this trip - including adding days in select destinations.

Prices

Get your personalized quote as trip prices may vary by departure date. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.

Polar Bear Safari

Hotel Accommodations

3 and 4 Star

Activities and Wildlife Viewing

Fully Guided

Meals

Most meals included

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Accommodations

These are examples of the places you can stay on this trip. Please get in touch to discuss your options and to check availability.

Tundra Inn

Example of a Comfort hotel in Churchill

The Tundra Inn is a charming, family-run hotel located in the northern town of Churchill. With comfortable accommodation and complimentary amenities, this is the perfect place to relax after each day of outdoor adventures.

Inn at the Forks

Example of a Superior hotel in Winnipeg

In the heart of downtown Winnipeg, right where the Assiniboine River meet the Red River, lies the Inn at the Forks. The hotel’s superb location means that the city’s top attractions, including the Forks National Historic Site, are all nearby.

Personalize This Itinerary

Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.

Stay longer in Vancouver

Vancouver's mild climate, large outdoor spaces and diverse neighbourhoods attract visitors year-round. Add on a couple of extra nights here, so you have time to explore the city.

Great Bear Rainforest

Ask us to arrange a visit to one of British Columbia's most unique treasures - the Great Bear Rainforest. Stay in remote yet luxurious accommodations and witness eagles, grizzly bears, sea otters, dolphins, whales, wolves, and more in the wild.

Spend time in Jasper

Step off the train in Jasper and stay for a few nights. This small alpine town is the perfect base for exploring Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Stroll the charming downtown, relax during a spa treatment, snowshoe through pristine wilderness, and soak up spectacular scenery.

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Prestige Class is a luxury experience. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this spacious double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.

What Our Customers Say

Excellent overall rating based on 3 reviews

It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before

It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before and I have been to over 40 countries! I loved the polar bears of course but was blown away by the remoteness and beautiful landscape...

Denise

WA, USA

It was amazing to see Polar Bears up close

It was amazing to see Polar Bears up close and personal in their environment. The frosting on the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. Amazing!

Jean

CA, USA

Our trip was incredible, we can't stop looking at our pictures

Where do we start? Our trip was incredible we can't stop looking at our pictures. We could not of asked for a better guide. He's very passionate about the well being of the polar b...

Sabino and Terri

CO, USA

See more customer testimonials

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