This is one of a small number of tours that often sells out in the first 3 or 4 weeks from the release date in November for the following October and November. The main feature is the time spent observing the mother bears and the young cubs whilst based for 2 nights at our Wilderness Lodge, flying in from Churchill by helicopter or small fixed wing aircraft. With other nights based in Churchill with 2 full days of wildlife observation on the tundra in specially equipped "day only" vehicles, with many sightings of the males bears expected.

The nights spent at the Wilderness Lodge give a great chance to see the Northern Lights - aurora borealis.

Another highlight is the optional helicopter flight to the denning area, which is deserted at this time.  It is your chance to see the inside of a polar bear den, where the mother and cubs will hibernate later in the winter.

The mother bears are in protection mode as they fend for the young bears, and this means avoiding the aggressive male bears. The mothers and cubs migrate along a different route to the one used by the male polar bears and our Wilderness Lodge is nearby and well away from Churchill.

We recognize that the leader’s knowledge and experience are vital to the success of the trip as he/she will give you insight into the bears’ behaviour that cannot be seen by the untrained eye. As with all of our trips, our Group Leader will also try to find time for special activities, such as visiting the local sled dogs where polar bears often appear!

We limit this trip to just 14 guests, giving plenty of room on the vehicle and a chance to get to know others well. We aim to keep away from other vehicles as much as possible on the tundra, to give you a special experience.

 

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg, Canada - Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. We gather at 7:00pm for a welcome dinner and tour briefing. D.

Day 2: Winnipeg to Churchill - Today we fly to Churchill. This evening we have a presentation by one of our senior operations staff or a scientist, all of whom are extremely knowledgeable about the bears and the northern environment. B, L, D.

Days 3 & 4: Tundra - Bear Viewing - During these days we will make two full-day trips aboard our roving tundra vehicles to view the bears and other wildlife. The tour leader will specifically search for intriguing sights – mothers and cubs, solitary adult males, and young males who are often play-fighting. Between trips in the tundra vehicle we take you by helicopter to the denning area and if you wish you can scramble into a den.  B, L, D.

Days 5 & 6: Mothers & Cubs Trail - Wilderness Lodge - On Day 5 we fly by helicopter (weather permitting) across the Churchill River to our specially equipped lodge where many mothers and cubs tend to congregate away from the giant males. Should bears be present (we have about a 70% sighting rate), our days are filled with watching and photographing mothers and their young from the caged-in decks. 

The lodge is well equipped for the wilderness and being sited well away from Churchill, it is a wonderful chance to view the  northern lights. If there are no bears around, we may explore this area and possibly see ancient pre-Dorset archeological sites. B, L, D.

Day 7: Churchill Tour - We will return to Churchill and participate in a historic tour of the area. This evening we return to the tundra aboard our buggy for a final night amongst the bears before returning to our hotel. B, L, D.

Day 8: Churchill to Winnipeg - After some free time to pick up last-minute crafts and souvenirs, we fly back to Winnipeg. B.

Day 9: Return Home - After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. B.

Age Limits: 12 years or older, if you are passionate about polar bears. Only suitable for those who can stay confined for 8 hours or so in the buggy or the lodges.

Ask about availability         Ask questions about this option

What is Included
Round Trip flights Winnipeg / Churchill / Winnipeg, accommodation in Winnipeg (usually the Hotel Fort Garry) plus Churchill hotel / motel (NO FANCY HOTELS HERE) and 2 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. All meals as indicated by the code (B, L, D.). Professional group leaders and assistants. Roving tundra vehicle and driver. All activities / entrance fees, evening wildlife and cultural presentations, service charges. Local taxes are included.

What is Not Included
Travel (international flights etc.) from your home to Winnipeg and back.  Meals other than specified by the code (B, L, D.).  Alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).

 

 

Mothers & Cubs Tours

 

Prices in GB£ are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. The US Dollar is the base currency

Price Per person - 2006

 

US$4395 / GB£2367 Taxes of 7% net are included

The prices below were calculated when US$1 = GB£0.538
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* The only places available are for a single female traveller who is prepared to share a room.