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Canadian Train and Polar Bear Experience

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.

Suggested length

11 days / 10 nights

Price

From Loading... per person

When to go

October – November

Time on train

2 days, 2 nights

Highlights of your trip

Seeing the Canadian Rockies by train

Close-up polar bear encounters in Churchill

22 person maximum on the Tundra Buggy

Exciting day activities

Fantastic wildlife photography opportunities

This trip is popular – book early! 

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Go dog sledding in Churchill

Enjoy an authentic dog sledding 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.

Trip Itinerary

Speak to one of our Canadian Insiders about personalizing this trip.
Indicates featured activities
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, Sleeper Plus Class

    Relax in your private cabin, which features comfortable seating next to a large picture window. Watch the changing scenery from the train's viewing cars and enjoy hot meals in the dining car. 

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
Explore Winnipeg
Day 05

Explore Winnipeg

This lively prairie city features a mix of heritage, turn-of-the-20th-century buildings and innovative, eye-catching architecture. 

  • Private Winnipeg City Tour
Day in Winnipeg, then Polar Bear Adventure Begins
Day 06

Day in Winnipeg, then Polar Bear Adventure Begins

On another day in Winnipeg, explore its iconic attractions before checking in for your polar bear adventure.

  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights Admission
  • Private Transfer to Winnipeg Airport
  • 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.  

  • Suggested Winter Clothing Rental

    To ensure you are comfortable in Churchill's cold temperatures, ask us about how you can book winter clothing rentals. Options include Canada Goose parkas and snow pants, plus Baffin snow boots.  

Fly North into Polar Bear Territory
Day 07

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 08

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. 

  • 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.

Like this trip?

Download the full itinerary including your options to personalize this trip.

Have a question?

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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
From
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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.
The Tundra Inn in Churchill in the snow

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 before or after your arctic adventure.

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.

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 dog sledding.

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.

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.

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

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 B

Shannon

Canadian Insider

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