Polar Bear Expedition by Train
See polar bears by train in Canada
Take the train to Churchill, the heart of polar bear country. On this escorted trip, 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.
Suggested length
8 days / 7 nights
Price
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When to go
October – November
Time on train
2 days, 2 nights
Close-up polar bear encounters
Overnight journey through the arctic tundra by train
Watch polar bears from the comfort of a Tundra Buggy
Unique activities such as dog sledding and cultural tours
Small group size
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Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Winnipeg
Your polar bear adventure begins! Time permitting, we recommend you head to Winnipeg's Manitoba Museum. Alternatively, explore The Forks market, one of the city's most popular gathering places and a great place to purchase souvenirs from Canadian artisans.
- Meet Your Group and Guides
This evening, meet your host and group of fellow polar bear enthusiasts for a Q&A session. On your trip, you'll enjoy a small group experience (max. 22 guests) led by a knowledgeable guide.
Train Journey to Churchill Begins
With your guide and group, make your way to Winnipeg's Union Station and begin your northern rail adventure.
Onboard VIA Rail
Read a book, relax, and enjoy the company of your fellow guests, as you travel further north.
Arrive in Churchill
Arrive in Churchill - one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.
- Churchill Town and Area Tour
On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.
- Evening Cultural Presentation
Hear the stories of a Churchill resident, such as a local trapper, and learn what it's like to live in the Northern reaches of Canada.
- Dog Sledding Adventure
Meet a local Métis musher for an authentic dog sledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.
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
Your journey takes you through Churchill Wildlife Management Area's extensive trail network in search of polar bears.
Explore Churchill
Today you'll discover the fascinating fur trade history of Churchill, and learn more about Inuit culture and polar bear research.
- Parks Canada Centre Visit
Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.
- Itsanitaq Museum Visit
Learn about Inuit culture at the Itsanitaq Museum. The museum's collection of Inuit carvings and artifacts are among the finest and oldest in the world.
- Polar Bears International House
Visit Polar Bears International House, hear from a PBI representative, and learn about ongoing polar bear research in the region.
Another Tundra Buggy Adventure
Head out for another exciting day on the Tundra, searching for polar bears.
- Tundra Buggy Adventure
Enjoy another extraordinary day on board the Tundra Buggy. As well as polar bears, you may see arctic fox, ptarmigan, and snowy owl.
- Fly back to Winnipeg
Depart from Winnipeg
Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.
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Prices
Accommodations
Tundra Inn
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 before or after your arctic adventure.
Personalize This Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
Train to Vancouver
Want to experience even more of Canada? Add a train journey from Winnipeg to Vancouver and travel through the stunning Canadian Rockies to the country's West Coast.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
The polar bear migration is a special occasion, and it offers visitors a high probability of seeing the bears in the wild. Our specialized tour operators know the landscape extremely well, and will take you to places where bears are commonly spotted. There is no guarantee of a sighting, however.
The best time to see polar bears is in October and November, during the annual fall migration. The polar bears congregate on the shore of Hudson Bay near Churchill waiting for the water to freeze so the annual seal hunt can begin.
When you’re not out looking for polar bears there are opportunities to learn about northern Manitoba’s Indigenous culture, history and wildlife by visiting the Itsanitaq Museum, the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre and joining evening talks with a local expert. There’s also a chance to go dog sledding.
Free Hotel Night + Hotel Upgrade + Fine-Dining
Enjoy a free hotel night in select destinations — as well as a complimentary hotel upgrade — during your qualifying 2023 train vacation. Plus, we'll include a fine-dining experience!
Travel between January 1 – October 31, 2023
Capacity is limited to the first 50 guests who book before November 30, 2022. Get in touch today to secure your spot.
Schedule a call with a Canadian Insider or call us at undefined.
Insider Tips
Manitoba has a slower pace of life and some of the friendliest people in Canada. While you may know it for its Polar Bear viewing, it's rich and culture and has some great festivals and events. If you prefer nature, the 1110,000 lakes will definitely have something to offer you!
Shannon
Canadian Insider
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