Churchill: Visiting The Polar Bear Capital Of The World

Out of all the bears roaming the earth, the polar bear is an international favourite – just look at the fame and fortune that surrounds the beloved Coca-Cola mascot. From the youngest cub to the oldest adult, all you have to do is see a photo to understand why these adorable, fluffy animals are such a draw for holidaymakers. Now, imagine having the opportunity to observe such creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat. Sound like polar bear paradise? Those interested in an authentic wildlife experience should visit Churchill, a province in Manitoba and a utopia for anyone with a love for these bears, making it a focus for many Canadian holidays.

Polar Bear Palace

Churchill may be a tiny town of only 800 people, but it packs one powerful punch that makes it a travel destination for countless tourists every year – so many that I recommend you book your trip at least six months in advance – and it has everything to do with its nickname “the polar bear capital of the world”. This small town is perfectly located to watch as around 1,000 of these majestic animals migrate from the tundra where they spend their summers to the seal-rich waters of the Hudson Bay. Being such a prime viewing spot, visitors flock from all over the world, hoping to catch a glimpse of the bears as they travel. And they’re in luck – with guided tours readily available, seeing one in the flesh is more than likely.

Meet and Greet

For an experience that is uniquely Canadian, holidaysheading to Churchill to view polar bears are a must – and incredibly easy, to boot. You can visit in the both the winter and the summer; the latter is better if you wish to see the Northern Lights and watch as the bears eagerly anticipate winter, while the former is the ideal choice if you prefer warmer temperatures and outdoor activities such as kayaking.

Churchill offers tundra vehicles specially equipped to transport tourists to prime viewing territory. Manned by knowledgeable guides, the tractor-sized buggies speed across the tundra in search of a sighting. The machine is designed to be tall enough so that, even when standing on their hinds legs, these creatures cannot reach the passengers. Although they may look cute and cuddly, in reality polar bears are enormous carnivores with no known natural predators, causing them to be fearless and dangerous if encountered. Viewing from afar (or above) in these buggies is ideal – you are completely safe and just metres away from a live polar bear in its natural habitat. What more could you ask for?

Canadian holidaysare known for being filled to the brim with natural wonders. The entire country seems to be teeming with wildlife; if you’re planning a trip there for any reason, be it business or pleasure, it seems a shame not to take advantage of all Canada has to offer.

Author Plate

John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on bespoke Canadian holidays,handcrafted by his award-winning team.John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.