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
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!
Trip Itinerary

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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
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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