Churchill Autumn: Polar Bears, Whales & the Aurora

Photo Gallery

Why Choose Us?

An All-Encompassing Churchill Adventure

This in-depth itinerary takes place at an unusual time of year, when summer visitors have headed home and the fall focus on polar bears hasn't yet ramped up. It's an appealing season for varied activities in and around Churchill, and no one brings them together as fully and seamlessly as we do.

1. 1

   See More When You Straddle the Seasons

   For a brief time, as late summer gives way to early autumn, it's possible to have the widest variety of experiences available in Churchill at the same time. Polar bears roam the region, not yet massing on the edge of Hudson Bay. Beluga whales still crowd the Churchill River. And with the return of dark night skies, it's possible to see the northern lights again.

2. 2

   Stay in Town and on the Tundra for the Fullest Experience

   Spend three nights in the town of Churchill, enjoying proximity to local life, plus two nights at White Whale Lodge, located in solitude on the tundra near the edge of Hudson Bay. In this remote spot, we are well away from any artificial light, making for optimal aurora-viewing conditions.

3. 3

   Look for the Northern Lights from Two Exclusive Locations

   At White Whale Lodge, where we spend two nights, we have access to aurora viewing all night long. We also visit our new Boreal Lounge, an exclusive two-story structure with huge windows and a curved glass roof for a 360° view on the heavens in heated comfort.

4. 4

   Find Good Chances to See Both Belugas & Polar Bears

   At this transitional time of year, both beluga whales and polar bears are present in the Churchill region. Bears wait out the summer, eager for the bay to freeze so they can hunt seals; belugas are still feeding in the river before returning to the open ocean. Our odds are good for multiple sightings of both.

5. 5

   Fly by Helicopter to Explore a Vacant Polar Bear Den

   On a scenic helicopter flight, we look down on the three ecosystems that converge around Churchill: tundra, taiga and the marine environment of Hudson Bay. During our excursion, we'll land on the tundra to check out a vacant polar bear denning site—a rare experience few visitors to Churchill get!

6. 6

   Explore the Tundra and Look for Wildlife by Polar Rover

   One day we'll head onto the tundra in a private Polar Rover, a custom-built vehicle designed for navigating this uneven terrain and maximizing wildlife viewing, with big plate-glass windows and an open observation platform on the back.

7. 7

   Photograph Wildlife Against a Colorful Autumn Backdrop

   Fall comes early to the North. Wildflowers fade and the once-green tundra becomes a variegated palette of red, rust, burgundy and gold—a gorgeous mix of shades behind wildlife subjects in the foreground.

8. 8

   Enjoy Varied Activities & Exploration Modes

   This is our longest Churchill trip, and we make the most of it: Polar Rover, helicopter, Zodiac excursions among the belugas, optional kayaking with whales, and a cart ride with a team of sled dogs. Meet the musher who trains and runs them, and connect with other Churchill locals.

9. 9

   Learn About Churchill's Rich Cultural Heritage

   The Churchill region has been home to Inuit, Cree, Dene and Metis cultures for thousands of years, and we'll meet representatives who bring their history and contemporary traditions alive. Churchill is also shaped by European influence, from 17th-century explorers and the Hudson's Bay Company fur trade.

10. 10

    Travel with the Finest Naturalist Guides on the Planet

    Our Polar Bear Expedition Leaders—who have been guiding bear tours for an average of more than 10 years each—receive additional training and resources from WWF's top scientists. They meet you in Winnipeg and travel with the group the entire way.

11. 11

    Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Churchill Adventure

    We offer an exclusive guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company.

12. 12

    Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey

    When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. We have been the world's first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.