Polar Bears Viewing: Canada
With Dogsledding Adventure in Manitoba
In October and November along the shores of Hudson Bay, one of the world's largest populations of polar bears congregate waiting for the bay to freeze. Once the ice forms, the bears can hunt for the Arctic seal and prepare for the long winter ahead. This migration has made Churchill famous as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." Your tour includes a direct charter flight from Winnipeg to Churchill and features two full days in a specially designed "Tundra Buggy" - with all the creature comforts - that takes us out in the heart of polar bear country. Please join us on this unique and unforgettable life experience to witness these majestic animals up-close in their natural habitat.
Polar Bears Viewing: Canada
November 7 - November 11, 2019Highlights
- A Chance to See Polar Bears in the Wild
- Tundra Buggy - Exclusive to the WTT group!
(see itinerary footer note) - Learn the ins and outs of dog sledding
- Interpretive guides during polar bear viewings
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- Small group no larger than 21
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Thursday, 07 November 2019: Arrive Winnipeg, Manitoba; Welcome Reception (R)
Arrive in Winnipeg at your convenience. Rooms will be reserved at an airport hotel located adjacent to Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. The hotel provides a courtesy shuttle to the hotel. Go exploring or relax before the tour begins at 6:30pm in the lobby of our hotel. We'll enjoy appetizers and a drink to get better acquainted. Overnight Winnipeg - 1 night
Friday, 08 November 2019: Fly to Churchill; Dog Carts; Group Dinner (B,D)
This morning we have an early-morning charter flight to Churchill (2.5-hour flight). Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel. There will be a bit of free time to wander about this eclectic Northern town and pick up a few souvenirs or perhaps stop into the Eskimo Museum. This afternoon we'll enjoy the ultimate thrill of riding behind a team of dogs, who were born to run. This evening we'll have dinner together. Overnight Churchill - 2 nights
Saturday, 09 November 2019: Full day on Tundra Buggy; Bear Viewing (B,L)
Today we board the unique Tundra Buggy®, an all-terrain vehicle that takes us out onto the tundra of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, one of the best locations worldwide to view and photograph polar bears in the wild. At this time of year, polar bears congregate along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the waters to freeze so they can begin the winter seal-hunting season. We will spend hours in comfort watching the bears interact without invading their environment. We might see mothers with cubs and young adult males play-fighting. Occasionally an adult bear becomes curious and will approach the vehicle. If skies are clear this evening, we might glimpse the unpredictable yet spectacular Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, just outside the hotel.
Sunday, 10 November 2019: Tundra Buggy Excursion; Return Flight to Winnipeg (B,L,D)
We will again spend the day on the Tundra Buggy as we watch the bears go about their day. This afternoon, we will return to the Churchill airport for our flight back to Winnipeg. Overnight Winnipeg - 1 night
Monday, 11 November 2019: Return Home from Winnipeg
Unfortunately, our adventure has come to an end (And no, you cannot take one of the bears home!). Schedule your return flight at your convenience. The hotel has a shuttle or you can walk (about 5 minutes).
otherwise, there will be other guests. The buggy has a capacity for 40.
Polar Bears Viewing: Canada
November 7 - November 11, 2019Pricing
Room Share
$5,263.00Single Room
$5,263.00 (Sold Out)Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- Meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Airport transfers
- Round-trip Charter Flight from Winnipeg to Churchill (valued at approximately $1500)
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation costs from your home and return to your home,
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea and still water
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for guides and drivers (budget $50/day)
- Any gratuities for the WTT tour leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
At Space Reservation: Initial Deposit is due.
Saturday, 11 May 2019: 2nd Deposit of $500 due. Non-refundable.
Saturday, 11 May 2019: Initial deposit cannot be parked and is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Monday, 1 Jul 2019: Payment in full.
Monday, 23 Sep 2019: 100% forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Please review our travel and cancellation policies before making your reservation. You will be asked to confirm you have read and understood WTT's travel polices before we will accept your reservation.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you in the event you need to cancel your tour. WTT will mail you information from 2 reliable travel insurance providers at the time we confirm your reservation.
You can review the insurance information from TravelGuard to get an idea of rates.
Polar Bears Viewing: Canada
November 7 - November 11, 2019Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: YWG - Winnipeg, Canada (Winnipeg Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Thursday, November 7th. Arrive no later than 5:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Hotel provides courtesy shuttle. None.
Departure Airport: YWG - Winnipeg, Canada (Winnipeg Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Monday, November 11th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Travelers can walk to the terminal.
Lodging / Hotels
Winnipeg: Sheraton Four Points Airport
Churchill: Iceberg Inn
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Winnipeg City Tour
$151.00 Roomshare $267.00 Single
Additional Reminders About This Tour
- Travelers are required to have a valid passport or passport card to enter Canada. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home and needs to have two consecutive blank pages.
- Due to limited lodging in Churchill, all accommodations are double occupancy. No single rooms are available.
- Cold weather gear can be rented. Your Tour Manager will provide details after final payment for those interested.
Polar Bears Viewing: Canada
November 7 - November 11, 2019Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
- If you wish to share with another solo traveler, select this option on the Reservation Form and your tour price will automatically be based on the room share price.
- Or, you may select a single room, when available, on the Reservation Form and your tour price will be automatically based on the single room price.
- These choices are clearly stated on the Reservation Form.
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- Most solo travelers elect to share a room.
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 75% Easy (walking involved)
- 25% Moderate (very cold temperatures when outside)
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast as noted
- Welcome Reception
- 2 lunches (on the Tundra Buggy)
- 2 Dinners (one on plane)
It is difficult to accommodate special dietary needs on this tour as all supplies must be flown into Churchill and are limited to availability.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general, daytime temperatures are in the low 30s dropping to the low 20s at night. Although it is possible for Churchill to see snow in October, it is rare for the snow to accumulate at this time of year. Rain is a distinct possibility.
The ability to add and remove layers of clothing as the temperature warrants will enhance your comfort. Though we travel in the warmth of a Tundra Buggy®, temperatures can vary widely if the windows are open.
You may rent winter outerwear and boots upon arrival in Winnipeg if you prefer. It is best to arrange this prior to arrival to ensure proper sizing and availability.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Warm, waterproof parka, preferably hooded
- Thermal underwear and warm clothing to layer - silk and wool tend to be the warmest.
- Warm hat, scarf, gloves and wool-blend socks
- Warm rubber-soled winter boots with good traction
- A reusable water bottle is encouraged to keep the Tundra Buggies free from disposable water bottles and plastics that are difficult to recycle in this remote location.
You May Also Want—
- Snow pants or other waterproof layer
- Binoculars
- Water resistant day pack; a small backpack is a better option than a purse.
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
Good Packing Habits—
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of the vehicles we use, the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance and the restrictions imposed by other forms of transportation such as charter planes.
- You may bring either one or two suitcases with a combined weight of no more than 70 lbs. Soft-sided luggage is preferable. There is limited storage on the plane between Winnipeg and Churchill and space is also limited in the transfer vehicles. Your airline carrier to Canada may restrict luggage to 50 lbs, you will want to check with your carrier.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to be able to take your belongings from transport vehicles to your room and back. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
What are the health recommendations for this tour?
The standards for health and hygiene in Canada are excellent.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
Only you can determine your need to stay in contact while traveling.
- Your US cell phone will work in Canada, but most cell providers charge roaming fees. Be sure to check with your cell provider before leaving home to see what plans they may offer to reduce the cost of using your phone outside the US. Most providers offer Canada-only plans at reasonable rates.
What are the electricity requirements for this tour?
Electricity and outlets are the same as you would find in the United States.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Canada's official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
- Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are typically the best way of obtaining cash. Canadian dollars can be withdrawn from any ATM. We recommend you have Canadian dollars on hand before arriving Churchill. There is one readily accessible ATM near the post office in Churchill.
- Many places accept US dollars, however, expect your rate of exchange to be poor and change to be offered in CAD.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- Tips to local guides are not included on this tour.
- Tipping guidelines: Interpretive Guides CAD$15/day, Tundra Buggy drivers CAD$10/excursion, hotel housekeeping CAD$2/day.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $5-$8 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
- Travelers are required to have a valid passport or passport card to enter Canada. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home and needs to have two consecutive blank pages.
- Due to limited lodging in Churchill, all accommodations are double occupancy. No single rooms are available.
- Cold weather gear can be rented. Your Tour Manager will provide details after final payment for those interested.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?

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