Polar Bears of Churchill
October 29 - November 5, 2026
This 8-day expedition brings you to Churchill, Manitoba—one of the world’s premier destinations for photographing wild polar bears. Each day offers extended time in the field, with opportunities to capture intimate moments as the bears roam the tundra and gather along the Hudson Bay coast, awaiting the return of sea ice. Alongside polar bears, you may also encounter and photograph Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and other wildlife that thrive in this remote environment. With crisp subarctic light and endless photographic opportunities, Churchill provides an unparalleled setting to focus on creating powerful images of one of the North’s most iconic animals.
Workshops and Field Sessions
Throughout the trip, you’ll benefit from a blend of in-the-field instruction and dedicated workshop time. From dialing in camera settings for fast-changing light to refining compositional choices on the tundra, our guides are there to provide hands-on support. We’ll also review images together, discussing editing approaches and storytelling techniques to help you curate a strong collection. Every session is designed to maximize your growth as a wildlife photographer.
Small Group Flexibility
Traveling in small groups with 4x4 vehicles gives us the freedom to adapt to changing conditions and follow wildlife activity as it unfolds. This flexibility means more time observing natural behaviour without worrying about missing the action. With patience and respect for wildlife guiding every encounter, we position ourselves for the best opportunities without ever altering an animal’s movements. The result is a more meaningful and authentic photography experience on the tundra.
Experienced Guide Team
Our guiding team brings years of expertise in both wildlife photography and Churchill’s unique environment. We know the land, the light, and the rhythms of the bears that gather here each season. By carefully reading animal behaviour and anticipating movement, we maximize your time in the field for the best possible encounters. With local knowledge and photographic insight combined, we ensure every day offers opportunities to create powerful images.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Winnipeg!
Our adventure begins with a group meet-up at the Courtyard Marriott near the airport. This evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner to share details of the days ahead and get to know our fellow travellers.
Day 2: Journey to Churchill
This morning, we fly north to Churchill, gateway to the polar bear capital of the world. After settling into our accommodations, your guides will provide an orientation and share photography tips to prepare for the incredible opportunities that await.
Days 3–6: Polar Bear Photography
Each day will be spent in the field, searching for polar bears as they roam the tundra and coastline of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to return. With extended time outdoors, we’ll have the chance to photograph bears in a variety of behaviours and light conditions—from solitary males on the move to mothers with cubs exploring the snowy landscape. Along the way, we may also encounter Arctic foxes, snowy owls, ptarmigan, and other wildlife. Your photography guides will be by your side, offering advice on composition, timing, and storytelling to help you capture compelling images of life on the tundra.
*Each evening, we will be on watch for the Aurora Borealis, viewing will be incorporated into the itinerary, if it is safe to do so (remember, we are in polar bear country).
Day 7: Final Day in the Field
Today, we enjoy one last day photographing wildlife before returning to Churchill for our afternoon flight back to Winnipeg. This evening, we gather for a final dinner at our hotel, celebrating a week of unforgettable moments and powerful images.
Day 8: Depart for Home
Depart Winnipeg at any time, carrying with you a portfolio of images and memories from the land of the polar bear.
Itinerary may vary slightly depending on conditions, but inclusions remain the same.
Trip details
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Total Cost is 11,950 CAD (+tax) per person.
Upon booking, a non-refundable deposit of $2500CAD (+tax) is due to secure your spot
March 29: $4725 (+tax) is due
June 29: $4725 (+tax) is due
Cancellations made within 120 days of departure are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot. We will make every effort to re-sell your space; if successful, we will issue a full refund minus a 10% transaction fee. If we are unable to fill your spot, your payment will be retained. For this reason, travel insurance is required.
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We partner with local B&B's in Churchill to provide accommodation. These accommodations are clean, comfortable, and warm, with a shared bathroom. Each house has 3 or 4 bedrooms, they are comfortable though not luxurious.
The two nights in Winnipeg are at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. This will be shared accommodations (in a double room with two beds). -
Given the remote nature of Churchill, meals are simple yet plentiful, with all food brought in by train. While the cuisine is not comparable to that of a large city, it is hearty and satisfying—fuel for long days on the tundra. To maximize our time searching for wildlife, we often enjoy field meals, and all dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice.
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Round-trip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill (valued at $2,863 CAD)
2 nights accommodation in Winnipeg (one night on either end of the trip)
5 nights accommodation in Churchill at a local Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
Welcome dinner and final breakfast in Winnipeg
All meals in Churchill (breakfast at B&B, lunch in the field, dinner at a local restaurant)
Four full days of polar bear and wildlife viewing in Churchill, with an exceptionally high guide-to-guest ratio.
Hands-on photography workshops and field sessions, led by guides with deep naturalist knowledge and years of on-the-ground experience in the region.
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Transportation to/from Winnipeg.
Accommodations and meals prior to welcome dinner on day one, and after the final breakfast on day eight.
Travel or cancellation insurance (required, see below for more information).
Alcohol at restaurants.
Guide gratuities.
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Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is the gateway city for our polar bear photography adventure. Winnipeg is well connected by air, with direct flights from many major hubs into Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). Our trip begins and ends at the Courtyard Marriott located beside the airport.
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Prior to departure, passengers must have in place, comprehensive insurance coverage including medical and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage insurance - this is at your expense; we will require proof of insurance. Any losses experienced because of incorrect travel planning or not securing adequate insurance will also be the full responsibility of the passenger.
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This is an adventure in a remote subarctic environment, where conditions can be cold, windy, and unpredictable (creating photographic challenges). Guests should be prepared for long days spent in vehicles, often over bumpy tundra terrain, with frequent stops for wildlife photography. Physical activity is minimal, but flexibility and patience are key to maximizing wildlife encounters. If you have any concerns about your ability to fully participate, please discuss your situation with us.
