The largest land predator on earth today, is the polar bear. Weighing in at around 600kg and standing up to 3 metres tall when on their hind legs, this is truly an animal to respect. And seeing polar bears in their own habitat is just the ultimate wildlife encounter.
For a short time each year, the remote Canadian town of Churchill, Manitoba is transformed into the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. This curious place, with its long main street, low rise buildings and distinctly ‘pioneer’ feel, becomes the centre of attention – for bears and visitors alike.
In October and November, as many as 1200 bears gather here on the icy tundra, waiting for the sea to freeze so they can wander out onto the ice in search of seals. After fasting for the summer, the bears are particularly hungry. Churchill is perched on a spit of land between the western shore of Hudson Bay and the Churchill River. For centuries, this peninsula has been the bear’s natural access point into the bay.
Our trips to Churchill get you out into the frozen wilderness in an outsized ‘Tundra Buggy’ which allows you to observe the bears, at a safe distance. With their huge special tyres, the buggies easily navigate the uneven terrain and offer an elevated position, giving a clear view of the animals outside. The buggies are heated, and there is a basic restroom onboard as well as an outside rear viewing platform that provides outstanding photographic opportunities. The bears aren't at all bothered by such a powerful all-terrain vehicle in their midst and will often come right up and stand on their hind legs to investigate! Or they may simply ignore the Buggy and roll around in the snow nearby and play-fight with one another.
Temperatures can range from -10ºC (20ºF) to 9ºC (48ºF) and although there is likely to be snow and possibly rain, there is also a good chance of having bright, clear days. The combination of dark nights and absence of artificial light create the ideal conditions for an appearance of the northern lights. So keep your fingers crossed!
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