Churchill Polar Bears

Please book early: Viewing the polar bears at Churchill is very popular and in high demand from tourists all over the world. The Churchill tour operator who handles these arrangements has strict policies about our commitment to the number of rooms and Tundra Buggy seats needed. The company will cancel rooms and seats from our original reservation if they can sell to other visitors. If this happens, we have to consider the tour full. We know that British Columbians tend to book closer to departure, but other visitors are happy to book a year to 1½ years out to experience this unique opportunity. Therefore, waiting too long to book usually means “Sorry, wait until our next trip in 2029.”

Churchill accommodation: During the bear viewing season is very limited and the demand for rooms is far greater than availability. Only 2 single rooms are permitted for our group. Wells Gray Tours offers this tour every 2-3 years and it is limited to 15 people. Churchill lodging is basic but comfortable.

Tundra Buggy: The tour spends two days in a Tundra Buggy, a large six-wheel drive vehicle specially designed and built for off-road travel in a cold climate. Riding on huge low pressure agricultural tires, the Tundra Buggy can move safely over the snow and ice. It has comfortable seats and is equipped with a heater, restroom, and radio communication to Churchill. Sliding glass windows permit an unobstructed view. With the floor at a height of 2.1 metres and the windows opening at 3 metres, passengers are high enough to be safe from curious polar bears. Our group will not fill a Tundra Buggy, so expect to meet other travellers (and bear enthusiasts) on board. There is plenty of space to move around inside and on the rear outside deck.

Wells Gray Tour Director : A tour director is with you on October 21 (starting from one of the five cities) and October 22, and sees you onto your Churchill flight on October 23. A Churchill guide from Frontiers North looks after all your activities on October 23 through 26. You do not have a tour director with you on Octover 27 when you fly home from Winnipeg.

Clothing: Dress warmly, no matter what weather forecast you see for Churchill. You will be outside a lot and it is easy to get chilled, even in late October. Bring a winter coat, winter pants, warm sweatshirt, heavy sweater, warm underwear, toque, and warm gloves. You can also rent your winter gear (see option below).

Winter gear rental: If you don’t want to pack your own cold-weather clothing, you can take advantage of this convenient service for parka, pants, and boots for 4 days. Price available in early 2027.

Flight seating: We are unable to take seating requests of any kind in any class. The airline will not accept them, as group seating is assigned as a block. If this is important to you, we suggest you take the “No Flight” option with a fare reduction of $850 and book your own flight which allows seat selection. This applies to the British Columbia to Winnipeg and return flights only. For more information about the “No Flight” option, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Flight delays or cancellations: In the event flights are delayed or cancelled by airlines due to weather or other reasons, there may be additional costs to you. Wells Gray Tours will not pay for hotel rooms and meals during the delay. Most travel insurance policies cover expenses incurred for flight delays.

Food Allergies: You must notify us no later than at final payment if you have a food allergy. Restaurants in Churchill probably cannot satisfy all food allergies due to the remote location. An allergy causes medical distress, a preference does not. For some allergies, please consider bringing your own snacks or food items so you are not dependent on what restaurants are able to serve.

Cancellation policies: The hotel, Tundra Buggy, and Churchill airline all impose strict cancellation policies due to the high demand during polar bear viewing season and the difficulty of reselling space if a late cancellation occurs. All payments that Wells Gray Tours makes to the Churchill tour operator are nonrefundable. We must commit to using all contracted services by June 17, 2027, therefore early booking on this tour is vital. Churchill rooms may be recalled from our block at any time if unsold, and it is very unlikely that we can get a room for a late booking.

Payments: A deposit of $1,000 per person is requested at the time of booking and balance is due June 17, 2027. By paying the deposit, you agree to the Terms and Conditions, Company Policies, Activity Level 3 Declaration, and Cancellation Policy outlined. Payments can be made by online banking or cheque (3% discount on tour fare), or by Visa or Mastercard.

Cancellation Policy: • Up to May 17, 2027, the cancellation charge is $850 per person. • From May 18 to June 17, the cancellation charge is $1,000 per person (your deposit). • From June 18 to July 16, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour fare. • After July 16, there is no refund.

Comprehensive travel insurance: is required by the Churchill tour company including without limitation medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption insurance. If you do not buy insurance through Wells Gray Tours, it is essential that you check your policy carefully. Insurance with your credit card or employee benefits may not cover what you need. A Comprehensive Insurance policy is available through Wells Gray Tours and coverage is provided by battleface® travel insurance. Policies purchased at deposit include a waiver of the pre-existing condition clause for medical and cancellation claims, otherwise policies can be purchased no later than at final payment. battleface® does not require a medical questionnaire. Please contact us for details. Insurance premiums are not refundable whether or not you make a claim. This tour stays in Canada, but medical costs can vary a lot from one province to another. While your BC Services Card may partly cover you for a medical issue that arises during the tour, you will probably benefit from trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage in case of illness or a mishap before or during the tour. Many other benefits such as luggage insurance are included.

Photo Credits: Alex Cupeiro & Frontiers North Adventures (Polar Bears), Eric Lindberg & Frontiers North Adventures (Tundra Buggy), Neil Mumby & Frontiers North Adventures (Polar Bear with Tundra Buggies), and Frontiers North Adventures (Tundra Buggy with Polar Bear).

Experience Points or E-points: This tour earns 175 Experience Points or e-points. Redeem up to 175 of your earned e-points from a previous tour until June 17, 2027. Please see information about loyalty rewards on our website for more information about e-points.