Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing
Length
15 days / 14 nights
Time on train
3 days / 2 nights
Train type
Where it goes
When to go
September – October
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
Go bear watching in Churchill and the Great Bear Rainforest
Witness polar bears and grizzly bears in their natural habitat and travel across Canada on VIA Rail’s The Canadian train. From the lush, abundant Great Bear Rainforest to the barren arctic tundra of Churchill – no safari better represents Canada’s immense diversity. Space is limited, so be sure to book early!
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
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
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.
Fly to Campbell River
Fly from Vancouver to Campbell River, a busy oceanside community on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
- Flight from Vancouver to Campbell River
- Knight Inlet Lodge Package
- Arrive in Campbell River
Upon arrival in Campbell River, check into your downtown hotel. Campbell River is a launching point for wilderness adventures in the surrounding rainforest and mountains. It also offers an excellent local museum and kilometers of paved oceanside walking trails.
Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest
A thrilling, 30-minute float plane flight takes you to Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet Lodge. After a welcome orientation at the lodge, head out for your first guided activity.
View grizzly bears
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for another day of guided adventures. Activity options include kayaking, hiking, or a scenic boat tour of Knight Inlet, in addition to more guided grizzly bear viewing.
Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver
Get up early to soak in the fresh wilderness air, perhaps spotting a grazing deer as you sip your coffee. Today, you fly back to Campbell River and Vancouver.
- Flight from Campbell River to Vancouver Airport
- Private Transfer from Airport
Explore Vancouver
Explore Vancouver, a coastal city on the mainland of British Columbia. The city’s modern, high-rise buildings sit between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, in a truly picturesque setting of soaring peaks, ancient forests, and sandy beaches.
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour
Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
- Whistler Day Tour
Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.
- Vancouver and the North Shore Tour
Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your journey east. Travel through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley. See lush farmland and berry fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.
- Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing (48-Hour Pass)
Sightsee at your own pace as you hop on and off at over 14 of Vancouver’s premier attractions, parks, gardens and neighbourhoods.
- FlyOver Canada Admission
During your free time today, see Canada from coast to coast at FlyOver Canada. Take a seat in front of a 20-metre-wide spherical screen and enjoy a breathtaking flight simulation.
- Private Transfer to Train Station
- 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 – Canadian Rockies
As you head northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk! See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then pass by the small town of Jasper. In the evening, the train winds towards Edmonton, Alberta's capital city.
VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg
Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba's bustling capital city, late this evening.
- Private Transfer from Train Station
A friendly driver will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel in Winnipeg.
Explore Winnipeg
Explore Winnipeg at your leisure before checking in for your polar bear adventure.
- Winnipeg Highlights Tour
Join a half day, private tour to explore Winnipeg. Visit "The Forks", Winnipeg’s French Quarter, Exchange District and 393-acre Assiniboine Park.
- 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 (extra cost)
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.
View polar bears up close
The moment has finally come — after a pick up from your hotel, board a Tundra Buggy and start searching 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.
Dogsledding in Churchill
Go dogsledding today. Enjoy 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.
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 with fond memories
Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver...
Arrive in Vancouver
Day 2
Fly to Campbell Riv...
Fly to Campbell River
Day 3
Float plane to the ...
Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest
Day 4
View grizzly bears
View grizzly bears
Arrive in Vancouver
Welcome to our hometown — a famously lovely west coast city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.
Fly to Campbell River
Fly from Vancouver to Campbell River, a busy oceanside community on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
- Flight from Vancouver to Campbell River
- Knight Inlet Lodge Package
- Arrive in Campbell River
Upon arrival in Campbell River, check into your downtown hotel. Campbell River is a launching point for wilderness adventures in the surrounding rainforest and mountains. It also offers an excellent local museum and kilometers of paved oceanside walking trails.
Float plane to the Great Bear Rainforest
A thrilling, 30-minute float plane flight takes you to Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet Lodge. After a welcome orientation at the lodge, head out for your first guided activity.
View grizzly bears
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for another day of guided adventures. Activity options include kayaking, hiking, or a scenic boat tour of Knight Inlet, in addition to more guided grizzly bear viewing.
Knight Inlet Lodge to Vancouver
Get up early to soak in the fresh wilderness air, perhaps spotting a grazing deer as you sip your coffee. Today, you fly back to Campbell River and Vancouver.
- Flight from Campbell River to Vancouver Airport
- Private Transfer from Airport
Explore Vancouver
Explore Vancouver, a coastal city on the mainland of British Columbia. The city’s modern, high-rise buildings sit between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, in a truly picturesque setting of soaring peaks, ancient forests, and sandy beaches.
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour
Begin your day with a scenic ferry sailing between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Enjoy leisure time in Victoria, then visit world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
- Whistler Day Tour
Explore the Sea to Sky highway with a guide — pass stunning mountain ranges, the world's second-largest granite monolith and Shannon Falls, then discover the beauty of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.
- Vancouver and the North Shore Tour
Visit Vancouver's main attractions and neighbourhoods. Highlights include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver
Board The Canadian train in Vancouver and begin your journey east. Travel through the varied landscape of British Columbia's Fraser Valley. See lush farmland and berry fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.
- Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing (48-Hour Pass)
Sightsee at your own pace as you hop on and off at over 14 of Vancouver’s premier attractions, parks, gardens and neighbourhoods.
- FlyOver Canada Admission
During your free time today, see Canada from coast to coast at FlyOver Canada. Take a seat in front of a 20-metre-wide spherical screen and enjoy a breathtaking flight simulation.
- Private Transfer to Train Station
- 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 – Canadian Rockies
As you head northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk! See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then pass by the small town of Jasper. In the evening, the train winds towards Edmonton, Alberta's capital city.
VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg
Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces — Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba's bustling capital city, late this evening.
- Private Transfer from Train Station
A friendly driver will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel in Winnipeg.
Explore Winnipeg
Explore Winnipeg at your leisure before checking in for your polar bear adventure.
- Winnipeg Highlights Tour
Join a half day, private tour to explore Winnipeg. Visit "The Forks", Winnipeg’s French Quarter, Exchange District and 393-acre Assiniboine Park.
- 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 (extra cost)
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.
View polar bears up close
The moment has finally come — after a pick up from your hotel, board a Tundra Buggy and start searching 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.
Dogsledding in Churchill
Go dogsledding today. Enjoy 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.
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 with fond memories
Much too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.
Download Itinerary
Get more details in a sample itinerary that includes day-tour options and descriptions, departure dates, and suggestions for personalizing your trip
Prices
Get your personalized quote as prices vary by departure date, train-service level and hotel class. Prices shown are our lowest rates per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude taxes.
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.
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 after each day of outdoor adventures.
Lakeview Signature Hotel
Just one kilometre away from Winnipeg Airport, the Lakeview Signature hotel offers comfortable accommodation and thoughtful amenities. Enjoy on-site dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and the 24/7 fitness centre.
Knight Inlet Lodge
Knight Inlet Lodge is an Indigenous-owned floating lodge that lies within the coastal wilderness of British Columbia. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, feast on local food and relax in one of the lodge's cozy guest rooms.
Personalize This Itinerary
Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize this journey.
Visit Victoria, BC
Add a night or two to explore the old-world charm of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Visit the famed Butchart Gardens, go whale watching, or explore the seafront parks and museums. We recommend a stay at the Fairmont Empress - Victoria's stately crown jewel. Photo credit: Destination BC
Upgrade to Prestige Class
Prestige Class is a luxury experience. Available on VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train between Vancouver and Toronto, this spacious double cabin includes a special concierge service throughout your journey. This is one of our most popular upgrade options.
Spend time in Jasper
Step off the train in Jasper and stay for a few nights. This small alpine town is the perfect base for exploring Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Stroll the charming downtown, relax during a spa treatment, snowshoe through pristine wilderness, and soak up spectacular scenery.
What Our Customers Say
We loved the Tundra buggy days
We loved the Tundra buggy days, the dog sledding and seeing the Polar Bears. All tour guides were great as well, the buggy drivers and the whole group at the dog sledding! We found...
![Janet and Paul review of their [object Object] trip](https://cdn.bfldr.com/UAHFH8T4/as/fqkrjb9csbbbm7xf8xpx5vxs/Janet_Paul_380?auto=webp&format=webp&width=75)
Janet and Paul
CT, USA
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