It was our third journey to Churchill, Manitoba – The Polar Bear Capital of the World. It was late October once we flew into Winnipeg the night time earlier than setting off on a polar bear safari to our distant lodge on Hudson Bay. The final time we visited Seal River Lodge with Churchill Wild, it was freezing, this time round, it was a balmy zero levels Celcius (32F) in Winnipeg. The climate outlook for Churchill was round minus 10 levels. Excellent climate for polar bear excursions. This was going to be an excellent week.
Polar Bear Excursions Churchill Wild
We thought we had been the cool individuals taking our third journey to see the polar bears with Churchill Wild. That’s till we met one other couple from Switzerland who had been 9 instances a person from China who was visiting for the sixth time. Polar Bear excursions are addictive. When you’ve seen a polar bear within the wild, the expertise stays with you and also you need to return time and again.
Polar Bears in Summer time
We had visited Churchill once in the summer and one other time within the winter. Churchill Wild has added many polar bear excursions to their arsenal with polar bear safaris akin to their den emergence tour to see feminine polar bears and their new child cubs, the cloud wolves of Katai, and {the summertime} journeys to see birds, bears, and belugas. See all of Churchill Wild’s Polar Bear Tours
Summertime excursions are fairly completely different from the winter. Seeing polar bears with the inexperienced tundra panorama contrasting their white coats is a sight to behold. We took our summertime tour with Churchill Wild at Nanuk Lodge which was simply as spectacular. Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari / Learn extra: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Churchill
Arctic Gear Supplied
After touchdown in Winnipeg on our flight from Toronto, we picked up our baggage and walked throughout the road to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel the place Churchill Wild safari friends spend the night time earlier than flying out the subsequent morning.
Everybody who books a polar bear tour with Churchill Wild is given a parka, snow pants, and winter boots to assist courageous the Northern Canadian chilly. Climate might be unpredictable and it could possibly simply go all the way down to minus 40 Celcius with the windchill. When visiting Churchill for polar bear safaris, it’s vital to layer and be ready for something.
Ensure that to pack, mittens, balaclava, hats, heat socks, and thermal layers of merino wool. We additionally packed hand warmers and toe warmers that are a lifesaver. We now have a whole publish about layering for chilly climate and you’ll watch our video from the final time we had been in Churchill with -45 diploma climate. Learn our full article: 5 Winter Layering Tips to Dress for Extreme Cold Weather
Orientation
We went as much as the highest flooring of the Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel for our becoming, grabbed our gear, and spent the remainder of the afternoon repacking and organizing our luggage for the Greatest Arctic Safari you’ll ever have.
After a fast orientation about what to anticipate on a polar bear journey to Seal River Lodge, our group of 9 individuals loved a meal collectively whereas attending to know each other. It was a brief meal although, as flights to Churchill with Calm Air go away early within the morning, so we awoke at 4 am.
After a fast continental breakfast put out in our resort, all of us walked as a gaggle to the airport wrapped in our matching parkas. We let our Churchill Wild escorts do all of the work. They had been even allowed to return by way of safety with us to verify all of us bought on the aircraft. Now that’s service!
Flights to Churchill
Calm Air is the airline that’s the gateway to the North. It’s an thrilling flight as you meet fellow photographers and wildlife views who’re heading up for their very own polar bear safari. Everyone seems to be dressed of their layers or in Churchill Wild’s Case, our crimson parkas with cameras in hand.
The flight to Churchill from Winnipeg is 2 1/2 hours and it’s the coolest expertise. Everybody walks out onto the runway the place our flight attendants greet us whereas carrying Canada Goose parkas. No images are allowed on the runway, however that’s okay, that is the right time to only benefit from the expertise. We’re heading to the Nice White North.
Arrival in Churchill
The journey day isn’t over when you land in Churchill, there’s nonetheless yet one more scenic flight to go. We gathered our baggage from the belt and placed on our snow pants and heat climate gear to get right into a small twin-engine aircraft that takes every Churchill Wild group to their respective lodges.
We took a brief tour whereas we waited for our flight to the polar bear holding facility close by. That is the place polar bears who’ve wandered too near city and received’t go away are put whereas ready to be relocated distant from town. You may learn all about it right here: Best Things to Do in Churchill Manitoba
Eco Lodges of Churchill Wild – Sustainability and Accountability
Churchill Wild has three lodges on Hudson Bay – Dymond Lake Lodge, Nanuk Lodge, and our lodging for the subsequent 5 days, Seal River Heritage Heritage Lodge.
The flight is about 20 minutes to cowl the 60 km journey northern from Churchill. It was an exquisite scenic flight the place we noticed the icy shores of Hudson Bay and a few moose operating on the land beneath.
Seal River Lodge has its personal airstrip and because the lodge got here into view by way of our window, I might really feel the anticipation decide up. Will we come nose to nose with a polar bear quickly?
The lodges comply with a minimalist method to luxurious safaris. Electrical energy is solar-powered and every lodge was constructed utilizing native and recycled lumber with a design to permit as a lot daylight as doable to attenuate using power. Belief me, it could possibly get downright scorching in there when the solar is shining, even when it’s beneath zero. Water from the lodges comes from close by lakes which might be triple triple-filtered.
Most significantly, most of Churchill Wild’s polar bear excursions are performed on foot to attenuate our use of motorized autos. The lodges are positioned in prime wildlife hangouts, so we don’t should go far to see wildlife. By strolling as much as see polar bears, we barely affect their on a regular basis lives.
They discover us, have a look, and the polar bears determine if they need us to remain or not. If they’re okay, we get to face and watch them for a little bit bit earlier than transferring on. Our guides by no means overstayed their welcome, regardless of how good the picture alternatives had been.
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Our hosts and guides had been ready by the airstrip with the final group of polar bear watchers and as we disembarked, they bid farewell. It was then on to the ATVs to make our solution to the comfy lodge for an introduction, some scorching espresso, and low and behold our first polar bear sighting.
The lodge has stunning bay home windows going through in all instructions and it didn’t take lengthy till we had been trying by way of the scopes and binoculars to see a polar bear. I used to be already thrilled, however little did I do know what lay forward. This polar bear within the distance was just the start.
Seal River Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge positioned on the shores of Hudson Bay. At excessive tide, the waters come proper as much as the property. The quiet cove was as soon as a goose looking lodge and a beluga whale analysis station. It was remodeled right into a polar bear lodge 30 years in the past by Mike and Jeanne Reimer. Since then, Churchill Wild has turn out to be the main polar bear tour operator and the one one in all its variety that walks with polar bears.
Strolling with Polar Bears
In contrast to different polar bear excursions in Churchill, a visit to Seal River Lodge will get you out from behind the glass and out strolling on the Tundra with polar bears.
The walks present unparalleled alternatives to look at polar bears within the wild. In contrast to extra widespread tundra automobile excursions round Churchill, strolling offers you a extra intimate and ground-level perspective. You would possibly see bears roaming the shoreline, foraging, and even play-fighting. We noticed all of them! There’s additionally an opportunity to look at different Arctic wildlife, akin to Arctic foxes, crimson foxes, arctic hares, and ptarmigan.
As soon as all of us settled within the lodge, we had a gathering to debate the principles of strolling with polar bears and what to anticipate as soon as we emerged from behind the excessive fences.
After gearing up in our thermal layers, parkas, hand, and ft heaters, we met outdoors within the fenced-in yard to observe strolling with polar bars.
Is strolling with Polar Bears Protected?
Every time we point out that we’ve walked with polar bears, individuals all the time inform us, “That’s not protected!” We used to assume that as effectively. I used to assume that folks might by no means get near polar bears. That’s till I did it. Take a look at: Adorable Tundra Animals – The Canadian Arctic Comes to Life
I might by no means exit within the wild searching for polar bears alone. It’s vital to rent knowledgeable guides that perceive polar bears and know their habits. Churchill Wild has established a set of security protocols and procedures to make sure the well-being of each the friends and the polar bears. We now have all the time felt protected and cozy on our polar bear safaris and consider me, we’ve got been simply mere ft away from polar bears within the wild with out a barrier.
Skilled Guides at Churchill Wild
Churchill Wild employs extremely skilled and educated guides who perceive polar bear habits and are outfitted to deal with shut encounters with wildlife. Our guides are additionally educated in emergency response and carry security gear always.
We had the utmost confidence in our guides. They carry rifles however have by no means used them. As Boomer mentioned, “It could be irresponsible for us to exit into the wilderness with out a rifle.” However a rifle is the final resort. The deterrents that guides use first are voice and sound like banging rocks collectively after which physique language like stepping towards the bear. Guides additionally carry noise makers, however they hardly ever (if ever) use them as effectively.
Guides are expert at decoding polar bear habits and sustaining a respectful distance from the animals. Ought to a bear method, the guides know cautiously handle the scenario and use their coaching to maintain everybody protected. B
Security Coaching for Visitors Strolling with Polar Bears
The excursions are performed in small teams to make sure that the guides can monitor the protection of all friends and reduce the affect on the bears and their pure habitat. We had a gaggle of 9 friends with three guides guaranteeing our security. Earlier than embarking on any walks, friends obtain thorough briefings on security procedures and are educated about behave when within the neighborhood of polar bears.
Our guides Boomer and Jess confirmed us stroll in a single file, transfer in a pinwheel, and stand as soon as we stopped and so they deemed it protected. Every individual needed to line up in a “V” shoulder behind shoulder so we might spy on the bears whereas spanning the shortest distance doable. If bears see a protracted line, they might take a look at that as a risk. Once we stroll single file they don’t seem to be involved.
And once we cease, we cease rigorously in a diagonal line. It is just after the bear has seen us, feels comfy with us and lets us stick round that we’re allowed to fan out in a line to take our pictures and movies. It’s a well-organized and confirmed system that has allowed Churchill Wild to run these excursions for many years with out incident.
However you could obey your guides. Once they say cameras down, there isn’t any hesitation, cameras should go down. Once they say, to start out turning the pinwheel, you might want to comply with instructions. The actions usually are not just for our security however for the consolation of the polar bear. In the event that they don’t really feel threatened, they’ll enable guests into their area. In truth, I feel they like the corporate.
We spent 5 days strolling with polar bears twice a day. And every encounter was extra magical than the final.
A Day within the Life at Seal River Lodge with Churchill Wild Polar Bear Safaris
The day at Seal River Heritage Lodge begins at 7:00 am with a recent pot of espresso and a heat fireplace. We usually relaxed, went by way of pictures, or chatted with our fellow polar bear lovers till breakfast at 8 a.m.
At 8 a.m., it was time to undergo the breezeway to the breakfast room the place we had been fed a hearty meal every morning. The chef can accommodate all dietary wants from vegetarian to gluten-free.
After breakfast, our guides Boomer and Jess inform us the plan for the day. Whereas we’ve been consuming and having fun with espresso, the employees have been outdoors on the crow’s nest or trying by way of the scopes to see the place the polar bears are.
It’s then again to our rooms to get suited up, decide up our digicam gear, and placed on our coats and boots within the cool breezeway.
As soon as outdoors, all of us go away the gates collectively in a single file searching for polar bears.
Polar Bears Sightings
Throughout different polar bear excursions, we spent a whole lot of time strolling and looking for polar bears, however on this final go to to Seal River Lodge, we barely needed to go away the compound.
Many mornings noticed polar bears sitting outdoors ready for us. It’s like they had been excited to see us. Boomer mentioned that these polar bears are bored. They’ve been ready for the ice to soften and we’re their leisure. As an alternative of going out the gates, we walked to the viewing platforms to see the bears go about their day. And more often than not, they determined to look at us as effectively.
Seal River Lodge is located on Hudson Bay immediately on the trail that polar bears take to exit onto the ice circulation. Within the months of October and November, bears are patiently ready for the ice to freeze, whereas conserving their power. There isn’t rather a lot to eat moreover seaweed and grass at this level, so they’re making an attempt to maintain as a lot fats on their our bodies in order that they’ll get out on the ice to start out looking seals.
With the lodge being proper on the shore, we noticed bears strolling across the fence and peering inside, sleeping in entrance of our bay home windows, and sitting down to look at the bizarre beings in a zoo alongside their path to the water. They honestly had been probably the most curious creatures.
Normally, we spent about half-hour trying on the bears from the assorted platforms earlier than the bears misplaced curiosity and moved on. As soon as they had been safely away, we might open the gates and begin our stroll.
Polar Bear Encounters Canada’s Finest Journey
We by no means spent too lengthy with one bear. We all the time spent simply lengthy sufficient that they had been okay with us watching, however we by no means wore out our welcome. The primary concern for the Churchill Wild guides is to be sure that the bears are comfy and stress-free. As soon as they began strolling towards us for a better look or in the event that they confirmed any indicators of curiosity in what we had been doing, our group moved on and left the bear to go about its enterprise rummaging for seaweed or grass to graze upon.
Throughout our 5 days (4 nights) at Seal River Heritage Lodge, we misplaced rely of what number of polar bear encounters we had between the 5 or 6 completely different polar bears we noticed. There was a giant male polar bear that frolicked on daily basis on the lodge. He would stroll as much as the fence to say good day after which lay all the way down to look in at us for hours on finish. He slept outdoors the bay home windows all night time to shelter from the wind and chased off smaller polar bears frequently.
We noticed the cutest mother and cub once we took the ATVs out to cross the lake. This was actually our most magical afternoon. The day earlier than our guides noticed the mother and cub within the distance, however we didn’t make it on the market to see them. The subsequent morning, they determined to load us onto carts and take us shut so we might stroll out onto the lake for a greater view.
The cub was thrilled to see us and it appeared as if it needed to play. It saved selecting up a rock and dropping it prefer it needed us to play fetch. The mother appeared comfortable to have the ability to relaxation whereas the cub was preoccupied with us. Mother saved one eye on her valuable cub whereas laying down for a relaxation because the cub chewed on branches, performed with rocks, and saved taking a look at us.
Boomer instructed that the cub most likely had a sibling that didn’t make it since most polar bears give delivery to 2 cubs. It’s intuition is to play, so it checked out us as a play companion. Nonetheless, these are wild animals, in order cute because it was, Boomer and Jess saved us a protected distance again and at any time when the cub got here too shut, they might say “Hey Bear.”
Polar bears stay in silence with little or no noise aside from wind. So the most effective deterrent for polar bears is sound. Once they hear a voice, it startles them and so they again away. As Boomer and Jess defined to us, our voices and actions are our greatest deterrents.
It’s actually a magical expertise to be allowed to see into the lives of polar bears. We watched polar bears posture for place on the bay with the previous bigger male profitable out. Small polar bears would stroll by way of the world and we’d see their demeanor immediately change the second they sensed the bigger male.
We watched some polar bears attempt to take a stand and method the bigger male whereas others cowered away. We noticed some have a standoff slowly chasing one after which switching positions whereas the opposite chased them again. We noticed mother and cub crossing the ice and we noticed a younger bear making an attempt to determine the way it was presumably going to outlive the winter.
It was a glimpse into the animal world that few ever get to see and it was a privilege. We got here away with a deeper understanding and respect for polar bears. Like many animals, they’re curious, harmless, and delightful. However you could have a wholesome respect for wildlife. They might be cute and cuddly on the surface, but when provoked, frightened, hungry, or agitated, they’ll flip wild in a heartbeat.
FAQs about Polar Bear Excursions
Are there Polar Bears in Canada?
Sure, Canada has many polar bears. In truth, Canada is dwelling to two-thirds of the estimated polar bear inhabitants which is round 23,000 polar bears.
Is it harmful to stroll with Polar Bears?
You will need to keep in mind that polar bears are wild and unpredictable animals, and there’s all the time a component of threat when in shut proximity to them. Nonetheless, the dangers are managed rigorously by the safari operators to create a protected surroundings for an unforgettable expertise.
As members on these safaris, we adopted all pointers supplied by guides and remained conscious of our environment. We had been a part of the safari. The precedence of operators like Churchill Wild is to make sure the protection of their friends whereas preserving the pure habits and habitat of the polar bears. And as individuals who have walked with polar bears thrice, we will attest, they do care deeply in regards to the well-being of polar bears.
Polar Bear Excursions in A Nutshell
Wrapping up your days at Seal River Lodge looks like abandoning a chunk of your wild coronary heart. This isn’t your common journey; it’s a polar bear strolling safari that invitations you into the world of those noble giants at a tempo that permits you to soak all of it in. Churchill Wild has this complete journey all the way down to a superb artwork, balancing thrill with take care of our furry pals’ dwelling turf. Prepared for an escape that’s a tad out of the unusual? That is your cue to affix in and tread softly into the polar bears’ yard.
Guide your subsequent polar bear safari with Churchill Wild. Select from one in all their many wildlife tours here. Polar Bear excursions begin at $13,295 CAD per individual. Roughly $9,600 USD or €9,000.
