Join me as we travel to the legendary frontier town of Churchill, perched on the edge of the Hudson Bay, and immerse ourselves in what is renowned as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. This remarkable settlement, some 1,000 km north of the nearest major city, is uniquely situated along a Polar Bear migration route. It is here that the sea ice forms first, drawing hundreds of Polar Bears each autumn as they eagerly await the bay to freeze. During this short but magical autumn season in the Canadian Arctic, our focus will be on capturing breathtaking images of the bears against an ever-changing landscape. This is a premium wildlife photography experience, where every detail has been carefully considered to ensure the very best photographic opportunities. Working from eye level with the bears, we will photograph them from the comfort of specialist 4x4 vehicles or, when safe, on foot - always under the expert guidance of our local specialists.
The Polar Bear viewing season in Churchill is as fleeting as it is famous, lasting as little as six weeks each year. This world-renowned destination attracts more than 10,000 wildlife enthusiasts each autumn, and with limited accommodation, travelling during the peak season is almost impossible without planning years in advance. Through BearPhoto, however, we are privileged to have forged a rare partnership with one of Churchill’s longest-established operators, granting us exclusive access to a handful of prime travel dates timed perfectly with the height of the bear migration. These coveted dates are seldom available elsewhere, a truly unique opportunity to witness the King of the Arctic.
Guided by some of Canada’s leading bear biologists and trackers, we will explore the coastal wilderness in state-of-the-art hybrid 4x4 vehicles in search of Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife – from Red and Arctic foxes to Arctic Hares, Ptarmigan, and countless iconic species. Between our field excursions, we will retreat to our comfortable guesthouse, where hearty meals and warm hospitality await. Finally, as Churchill lies directly beneath the Auroral Oval, each evening brings with it the chance, if skies are clear, to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays, the Northern Lights.
A quick search online will reveal a wide range of travel itineraries to Churchill, often organised by large travel companies and frequently costing over $20,000. However, a closer look at the small print often shows that these six-day tours include only two or three days with the bears. I’m not here to give you a hard sell, but I would like to highlight what makes our tours that little bit different.
Firstly, the dates. I am incredibly pleased to offer you the opportunity to join me during what is, without doubt, the prime period for Polar bear photography: not so early that there is no snow, yet not so late that Hudson Bay has already frozen, pushing the bears out to sea.
Secondly, this tour has been carefully designed with photographers in mind. In Churchill, most visitors observe polar bears from tundra buggies - enormous vehicles that can carry up to 40 passengers and sit more than four metres off the ground. In contrast, we use modern 4x4 vehicles fitted with adaptive suspension and limit each vehicle to just three guests, ensuring everyone has their own window and unobstructed views. When it is safe to do so, our experienced, armed guides carefully assess the situation and may allow us to step out of the vehicle to experience these encounters on foot, at eye level. This provides photographers with the opportunity to set up tripods for pin-sharp images or to shoot from a lower angle, making the bears appear even more impressive. Being on foot also allows us to quietly approach Arctic foxes, snow hares, ptarmigan, and other tundra wildlife that would usually keep their distance from vehicles. This is what a true tundra experience feels like.
Finally, we take care of all travel logistics for getting to Churchill. As the town is only accessible by rail or air, and with such a limited viewing window, securing public transport can be extremely challenging. That’s why we arrange private charter flights with one of North Canada’s premier airline operators, ensuring a smooth and reliable journey.
2026 TOUR DATES:
November 6th - 13th - Fully Booked
November 12th - 19th - Fully Booked
2027 TOUR DATES:
November 9th - 16th - Spaces Left
November 15th - 22nd - Spaces Left
The cost of this tour is £6,995 per person, with a £1,700 deposit due at the time of booking to secure your place. The deposit will be deducted from the total tour cost. The remaining balance is payable 120 days prior to departure. Please contact me to request a full PDF tour brochure, which provides detailed information on all relevant travel logistics
To secure your place on this tour, or to request further information such as a comprehensive tour brochure, please complete the contact form below.