Q: Are grizzly bear tours safe?

The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour . Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.

Q: When is the best time to see polar bears?

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.

Question 1

Can I modify or customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our guests’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs:

Add extra days: Spend more time at locations you’d like to explore.
Modify the route and stops: Omit areas that don’t interest you, add destinations and iconic landmarks, or adjust the direction of your itinerary.
Pick your experiences: Choose from our vast selection of small-group sightseeing tours and unique local activities.

Simply discuss your travel goals with our local travel experts and they'll ensure your trip aligns with your preferences and budget.

Question 2

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

Accepted Answer

Because each of our trips is fully customized, the total cost depends on your travel dates, preferred accommodations, train service level, and chosen activities.

To ensure you get an accurate estimate, our local experts will take the time to understand your preferences and specific needs. Based on this information, they’ll provide you with a personalized quote that clearly outlines what’s included.

Question 3

What's the experience like on VIA Rail's Canadian Train, and what can I expect from Sleeper Plus Class?

Accepted Answer

In Sleeper Plus Class on VIA Rail's Canadian Train, your experience includes:

A private cabin: Your cabin features comfortable daytime seating that converts to bunk-style beds at night, plus a sink and toilet. A shared shower is available nearby.
Delicious meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner in the classic dining car. Meals are prepared by chefs onboard the train.
Scenic viewing cars: Relax and enjoy panoramic views of the passing scenery in the glass-domed upper level of the Skyline and Prestige Park cars. These are great places to socialize with fellow travelers.
Complimentary refreshments: Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the journey. Non-alcoholic drinks are included in Sleeper Plus, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Question 4

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on the VIA Rail train, at the wilderness lodge, and in Churchill?

Accepted Answer

This trip itinerary includes meals on the train, as well as meals at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill. Most dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Sleeper Plus Class include meals on VIA Rail’s Canadian train. As you travel from Vancouver to Winnipeg, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish.

Meals at Knight Inlet Lodge are from a set menu but can be customized for dietary needs if this information is provided far enough in advance.

Question 5

Are grizzly bear tours safe?

Accepted Answer

The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour. Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.

Question 6

When is the best time to see polar bears?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What kinds of activities can I do while at a wilderness lodge?

Accepted Answer

Most wilderness lodge accommodations also provide activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours and more. Some of these can be pre-booked through Fresh Tracks, and some are arranged directly at the lodge.

Question 8

What level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing and polar bear viewing?

Accepted Answer

A moderate level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge. You may need to walk on uneven ground, including muddy or rocky shorelines for approximately 200 metres.

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.

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing

Go bear watching in Churchill and the Great Bear Rainforest

See grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest

Remote wilderness lodge experience

Sleep on board the iconic VIA Rail ‘Canadian Train’

Witness Churchill’s polar bears up close from a Tundra Buggy

Top experiences and features

Visit Campbell River on Vancouver Island

View grizzly bears in the wild

Ride The Canadian train through the Rockies

Relax in your private cabin onboard The Canadian

Witness polar bears in the wild

Experience the Tundra

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify or customize this trip?

How can I find the total cost for this trip?

What's the experience like on VIA Rail's Canadian Train, and what can I expect from Sleeper Plus Class?

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on the VIA Rail train, at the wilderness lodge, and in Churchill?

Are grizzly bear tours safe?

When is the best time to see polar bears?

What kinds of activities can I do while at a wilderness lodge?

What level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing and polar bear viewing?

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Vancouver

Fly to Campbell River

Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest

View grizzly bears

Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver

Explore Vancouver

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

VIA Rail – Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

Explore Winnipeg

Fly north into polar bear territory

View polar bears up close

Dogsledding in Churchill

Another Tundra Buggy adventure

Depart with fond memories

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Vancouver

Fly to Campbell River

Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest

View grizzly bears

Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver

Explore Vancouver

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

VIA Rail – Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

Explore Winnipeg

Fly north into polar bear territory

View polar bears up close

Dogsledding in Churchill

Another Tundra Buggy adventure

Depart with fond memories

Download Itinerary

Prices

Accommodations

Tundra Inn

Lakeview Signature Hotel

Knight Inlet Lodge

Personalize This Itinerary

Visit Victoria, BC

Upgrade to Prestige Class

Spend time in Jasper

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We loved the Tundra buggy days

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