W
hen you're standing on
the outdoor platform of a
Polar Rover overlooking the
vast tundra, the chill Arctic air feels
invigorating. But not as much as the sight
of the huge polar bear that wanders up
alongside. Safely elevated above, you’re
just metres away as you peer down at
Earth’s largest land predator.DAY 1
WINNIPEG
Your polar bear adventure begins in
Winnipeg, Manitoba’s prairie capital.
Once a centre for the fur trade and a
Canadian Pacific Railway boomtown,
Winnipeg is now the cultural and
commercial hub of central Canada.DAY 2
WINNIPEG – CHURCHILL
Fly by chartered plane to Churchill,
a hospitable frontier town that was
founded as a Hudson’s Bay Company
fur trading post. Prepare for your first
polar bear encounter during an evening
presentation on these impressive
carnivores and the northern environment
by our professional naturalist staff.DAYS 3–5
CHURCHILL
Custom-built Polar Rovers are the
means for getting out on the tundra
and spending time among the bears.
Although they accommodate up to 35
passengers, there will be a maximum of
17 on these excursions, ensuring everyonehas a window seat. The expedition leaders
know the best places to observe the polar
bears that congregate in the region each
autumn as they wait for Hudson Bay to
freeze, signalling the start of the winter
seal-hunting season. From the warmth
of the rover, look out for mothers with
cubs, young males play-fighting, or a
lone bear ambling over the tundra in
solitary majesty. The expedition leader
interprets the bears’ behaviour and
explains how they thrive in such a harsh
environment. In the evenings, meet for
dinner and presentations on wildlife
and local cultures.
When you’re not out looking for bears,
explore the coast road on a drive to
Cape Merry, where you’ll often spy Arctic
fox and Arctic hare. Keep a close eyeTake to Canada’s north to marvel at these amazing creatures and the landscape in which they live.
ClassiC Polar Bear
Adventure
164 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLERCONCIERGE