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Polar Bears in Canada
Polar Bears in Canada
An exclusive subarctic adventure to the Polar Bear Capital of the World
CHURCHILL – WHERE POLAR BEARS ROAM. Journey to Churchill, Manitoba, a remote frontier town known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, and immerse yourself in one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. This will be our fourth departure to Churchill, a destination that has consistently delighted our travellers with unforgettable wildlife encounters and unique Arctic experiences.
Each year, throughout October and November, hundreds of polar bears migrate back to Churchill awaiting the return of the first sea ice on Hudson Bay. This remarkable natural phenomenon creates unparalleled opportunities to observe wild polar bears in their natural habitat — an experience available nowhere else with such reliability and accessibility. Polar bear encounters unfold aboard specially designed Tundra Buggies- elevated, all-terrain vehicles engineered to traverse the harsh subarctic landscape while ensuring both safety and optimal wildlife viewing.
“Wildlife and weather are unpredictable which means we can never guarantee wildlife sightings. However, we have an excellent track record and our team of Tundra Buggy drivers work together in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area to ensure our guests have the best viewing opportunities possible. Most often spotted: polar bears, arctic fox, red fox, ptarmigan, snow geese, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and a plethora of birds and wildlife.” - Frontier North Adventures
Your travel itinerary
Thursday 21 October
Auckland -Vancouver
Dinner
An evening departure on Air New Zealand, arriving the same day in Vancouver. Transfer to your central hotel with a Welcome Dinner tonight.
Friday 22 October
Vancouver
Breakfast
After breakfast, a morning Vancouver city tour is included with the afternoon free to explore and enjoy the city.
Saturday 23 October
Vancouver – Winnipeg
Breakfast
Dinner
Fly to Winnipeg. On arrival enjoy an orientation tour before transferring to our central city hotel.
Sunday 24 October
Winnipeg – Train
Breakfast
Dinner
Meet for breakfast before checking in at the train station for an early afternoon departure to Churchill. Overnight on the train. For the next two days travel through three different biospheres including the prairie grasslands, boreal forest of the Canadian Shield, and last but not least the tundra of northern Manitoba.
Monday 25 October
Train
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Full day on board the train with a chance to stretch your legs in Thompson, a major stop on the route. Overnight on the train.
Tuesday 26 October
Churchill
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Enjoy an early-morning breakfast on board before finally arriving in Churchill. Today enjoy a guided bus tour including the Polar Bear Holding Facility and Itsanitaq Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Inuit art in the world, before lunch at a local restaurant. Free time this afternoon, before dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a cultural experience.
Wednesday 27 October
Tundra Buggy Wildlife Excursion
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Following an early morning breakfast, depart for your first full-day Tundra Buggy adventure exploring the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on a network of established trails in search of polar bears, arctic fox, ptarmigan and other sub-arctic wildlife. Lunch and refreshments will be served on board. Return to Churchill for dinner at a local restaurant before finishing the day with a presentation from a local resident on the culture, history, wildlife and lifestyle of the Churchill area.
Thursday 28 October
Dog Sledding and local sightseeing
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
This morning, travel beyond the town limits to Churchill’s boreal forest for a thrilling dog sled excursion. Hosted by a local Churchill resident and dog sledding expert - learn about the history associated with dog sledding and the Métis culture before heading off on a custom-built sled for a mile-long ride behind a strong team of huskies. Enjoy lunch back in town before making a stop at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, located in Churchill’s historic train station, where you will step back in time during an interpretive program about Churchill’s history. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening and the chance to visit the Polar Bears International House to learn more about polar bear research and climate change.
Friday 29 October
Tundra Buggy – flight to Winnipeg
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the Tundra Buggy dock for a second and final full-day adventure. On board, a Polar Bears International species expert will provide an in-depth discussion on polar bears and their habitat. After a day of exploring the tundra, bid farewell to Churchill and transfer to the airport for an evening flight back to Winnipeg. A light meal will be served. Upon arrival in Winnipeg overnight at a hotel near Winnipeg’s international airport.
Saturday 30 October
Winnipeg – Vancouver - Auckland
Breakfast
Mid-morning departure from Winnipeg, change planes in Vancouver and depart on Air New Zealand early evening for your flight home.
Sunday 31 October
Auckland
Early morning arrival at Auckland airport.
The option to amend/ extend your stay is available - Please ask
Inclusions
- Economy air flights with Air New Zealand and Air Canada
- Airport and airline taxes $210 per person
- Two nights in Vancouver
- Vancouver half day city sights tour
- Sleeper on VIA Rail Winnipeg to Churchill
- All international transfers
- Breakfast daily
- Lunch and dinner as outlined
- Sightseeing tours in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Churchill
- Entrance to Itsanitaq Museum and Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- Tour of the Polar Bears International House
- Frontier North Interpretive Guide
- Two full days guided Tundra Buggy Adventure
- Dog Sledding Excursion
- Pukekohe Travel Tour Escort subject to 10 persons traveling
Cost
|
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Upper/Lower Berth (Privacy Curtain / Shared Bathroom Facilities) | $25,484 | $27,615 |
| Cabin for 1 (Only Two Available) | N/A | $29,293 |
| Cabin for 2 (Bunk Style / Private Toilet – Only Three Available) | $27,162 | N/A |
| Cabin for 2 (Two Lower Berths – Only One Available) SOLD OUT | $27,469 | N/A |
| Business Class Upgrade |
To be Confirmed |
| Premium Economy Class Upgrade |
To be Confirmed |
| Early Booking Discount (26 November 2026 ) | $150 |
| Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance is compulsory – please ask us for a quote
- Items of a personal nature
- Items not specified
- Gratuities approximately CAD100
Booking Conditions
• A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person will secure a place on this trip
• Full payment is due no later than 11 June 2027
Cancellations
- From the date of booking until 11 June 2027 – loss of deposit
- After 11 June 2027 - no refund
Travel Insurance
It is highly essential all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.
General Information
Climate - During October, Churchill’s temperatures tend to be very cold, with daytime temperatures ranging from -2°C to 2°C, dropping lower overnight. Wind chill is significant and exposed conditions can feel as low as -15°C to -20°C. While Tundra Buggy vehicles are heated, windows are lowered for photography so layering is essential. Streets and footpaths can become extremely icy and slippery.
Weather Min Max
- Vancouver 7°C 13°C
- Winnipeg -9°C -5°C
- Churchill 2 °C -2 °C
Clothing
Closer to departure date, extensive information will be provided – a brief summary is as follows:
- Warm winter, waterproof coat
- The ‘golden rules’ are: Layers, Layers, Layers – base, mid, outer
- Wear breathable fabric – choose wool, merino or cotton over polyester fabrics
- Waterproof – not water repellent
- Protect your extremities – hat, gloves and insulated boots.
- Remember the SPF
Canada Goose parkas, snow pants and Baffin boots are available for hire in Churchill for your Tundra Buggy experience.
Documentation
- A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
- A Canadian ETA is required (CA$7)
Currency / Money
- Canadian Dollars are used in Canada
- ATMs are readily available
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most towns and cities
Health and Mobility
To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group a good standard of health and fitness is required. This tour is not suitable for those who require airport wheelchair assistance or any mobility aids.This tour involves moderate physical activity in a remote environment. The ability to walk unaided for 500 metres is essential, as well as the ability to negotiate steps in and out of the Tundra Vehicles.The train is unstable while travelling therefore you need to be steady and sure-footed when moving between carriages or using the onboard facilities.It is essential that you arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.
Terms and Conditions
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change
Early Booking Discount
Save $150 if your deposit is paid by 26 Nov 2026
Previous Client Discount
Our previous International Tour clients can save a further $100 per person
