GettyImages-150005875

Canadian Train and Polar Bear Experience

5.0
3 reviews

Length

10 days / 9 nights

Time on train

2 days / 2 nights

Train type

Where it goes

When to go

October-November

Price from

Your itinerary is personalized to suit your dreams and needs:

  • Decide your desired budget
  • Choose your own activities and experiences
  • Have all the details of your trip arranged for you
Start Planning

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

A close up photo of a polar bear

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.

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 whilst 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

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 dogsledding.

VIA Rail is Canada’s national train provider, with routes running Coast to Coast and through remote parts of northern Canada. The type of train depends on your journey, and can vary from the classic trans-continental sleeper trains to daylight trains with overnight stops.

This trip itinerary features a private cabin in Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's The Canadian train. Each cabin features comfortable seating that converts to a bed. Cabins include a sink and toilet and access to a shared shower.

In Sleeper Plus Class, you’ll also enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car and access to the train's viewing cars, where you can watch the passing scenery and meet fellow travellers. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout your journey. Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.

Yes. Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class passengers have access to the dining car, which serves three chef-prepared meals daily. In Economy Class, passengers have access to meals, snacks and a variety of beverages served by train attendants. For Economy Class passengers, the Canadian Train cost doesn't include meals or snacks.

Most dietary requirements, food allergies, and other requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

During the fall season, temperatures in Winnipeg can vary from -6 degrees C to 11 degrees C (21 degrees F to 51 degrees F). Temperatures in Churchill can vary from -13 degrees C to -2 degrees C (9 degrees F to 29 degrees F). The Tundra Buggies are heated, but it is best to wear warm layers throughout the trip.

We recommend bringing a warm winter coat, snow pants, thick socks, gloves, hat, and other insulated layers. Winter clothing rentals are available if you do not own the appropriate gear. These would be an additional cost and subject to availability. For more information, please speak to your Vacation Advisor.

Most of the polar bear viewing is operated from the Tundra Buggy, so is suitable for guests who are less active. To access the Tundra Buggy, you will need to go up 12 steps. For other activity details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Sample Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.
Indicates featured inclusions
Arrive in Vancouver
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

    Bypass the crowds and start making the most of your vacation. A friendly driver welcomes you to the city. 

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Day 02

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

After a morning in Vancouver, board The Canadian train and begin your journey to Winnipeg. Travel through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley.

  • Private Vancouver City Tour

    Experience this west coast gem with a private guide. See highlights like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and more before a drop off at the VIA Rail train station.

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies
Day 03

VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

Follow the North Thompson River and travel through the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia before crossing into the province of Alberta.

  • The Canadian Train - Onboard Service

    Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. Ask your Vacation Advisor about the differences between Sleeper Plus Class and Prestige Class.

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg
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 in Winnipeg, then Polar Bear Adventure Begins
Day 05

Day in Winnipeg, then Polar Bear Adventure Begins

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

  • Private Tour & Airport Hotel Drop Off

    On a private tour, view sites such as the beautiful Assiniboine Park, St. Boniface French Quarter, and The Forks Market. Your tour concludes with a drop off at your Winnipeg airport hotel.

  • 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.  

Fly North into Polar Bear Territory
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

    On this Churchill interpretive tour, view and photograph the Polar Bear Holding Facility, historical Cape Merry, and an impressive Inukshuk.

  • Polar Bears International House

    Visit Polar Bears International House, hear from a PBI representative, and learn about ongoing polar bear research in the region.

  • Parks Canada Centre Visit

    Discover Churchill's intriguing history through Parks Canada Centre's wildlife dioramas and interactive exhibits.

Viewing Polar Bears Up Close
Day 07

Viewing 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. 

  • The Tundra Buggy Experience

    You'll travel in comfort throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area onboard a large, specialized Tundra Buggy vehicle. While a Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40 passengers, your smaller group size means you'll enjoy plenty of room. A hearty picnic lunch will be served onboard. 

  • 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 in Churchill
Day 08

Dog Sledding in Churchill

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

  • Dogsledding Adventure

    Meet a local Métis musher for an authentic dogsledding experience. Hear incredible tales of Arctic racing before embarking on your own race through the boreal forest.

  • 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.

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.
Comfort Level
Hotel Accommodations
3 and 4 Star
Activities and Wildlife Viewing
Fully Guided
Meals
Most meals included
Loading... pp

View full itinerary

Like this trip? Get more details with a sample itinerary:

  • Day-tour options and descriptions;
  • Departure dates;
  • Suggestions for personalizing your trip.
Schedule a call

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.
Exterior of the Tundra Inn in the town of Churchill, Manitoba

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.

Personalize This Itinerary

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

Stay longer in  Vancouver

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.

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 review of their [object Object] trip

Denise

WA, USA

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone

Or call us toll free

Cartoon polar bear speaking on the phone