Polar Bear Photo Tour
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be face-to-face with a wild polar bear? I can tell you from experience. It is one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking things you could ever witness. Not many people on this planet can say they’ve stared into the eyes of one of North America’s apex predators. The polar bear capital of the world happens to be in a remote tundra town in northern Canada. The vast subarctic tundra surrounding Hudson’s Bay creates a unique ecosystem where giant polar bears can be observed in their natural habitat.
Imagine spending your days on the land in search of these incredibly beautiful beasts. Both ferocious yet adorable, these creatures allow us a glimpse into their world. By the end of your visit, you will undoubtably have a deeper connection and love for these stunning creatures. With some luck, we will even have a chance to marvel under the night sky as Aurora dances, her way across the Bay.
With some of the top bear local guides in the region, our team is dedicated to landing you moments that are unforgettable. From stunning polar bears, ptarmigan, and even a variety of fox (including arctic), we will have an adventure of a lifetime.
DATES: OCT/NOV 2026
GUIDE: David Wilder
Group Size: 6
2025 Price: $7995* CAD
Price includes: Accommodation, Round trip flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, Guides, Photography Instruction
Accommodation: Shared
Fitness Level: Easy
Questions? Email us for pre booking details.
On our 6 day adventure we will spend our days on the land in search of these beautiful beasts with our local permitted guides. Our guides have decades of experience tracking polar bears in the region. They follow an ethical and sustainable approach to wildlife guiding, giving the bears plenty of space to be bears. While we keep our eyes open for bears we will also watch for other wildlife. We will take a mid day break for lunch and call it a day at sundown for a late dinner. After dinner we will be on call for any aurora activity and if Lady Aurora dances we will make our way to our favourite spots to capture some incredible shots.
Highlights:
Local Experience: With years of dedicated guiding for polar bears in Churchill, we will put you in the best position to capture amazing moments.
Ground level: Being on foot with polar bears provides a unique and intimate wildlife experience, and enables a deeper connection with these amazing animals.
What is Included:
- Accommodations
- Roundtrip airfare from Winnipeg to Churchill
- On location Photography Instruction
- Post Processing Instruction
- Local Permitted Guides
- Pre tour group zoom call for introductions
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare to or from Winnipeg
- Meals and Beverages
- Visas
- Travel insurance (proof of insurance will be required)
- Spare camera equipment
Example Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrive Early
We highly recommend arriving at least the day before our tour starts to ensure any travel related delays don’t impact the start of your tour. There are a few great hotels on airport property.
Day 1: Flight to Churchill
Your flight schedule will be provided once CalmAir releases their spring 2024 schedule. Upon your arrival in Churchill, our team will greet you at the airport and arrange for your transfer to your cozy room at our Bed & Breakfast. After a swift check-in process, we’ll embark on an afternoon expedition to search for polar bears, continuing until sunset.
Day 2-5 On the Land
For the next four days, we will have an early rise before the sun and spend the days in search of polar bears all day until sunset. When it is safe to do so, we will be able to get out of our vehicle to photograph polar bears. At night, we will be on alert for lady aurora.
Day 6 Fond Farewell
On our last day, we’ll have one last morning on the land in search of polar bears. Details regarding your departure flight to Winnipeg will be provided once the schedules are available.
What You Will Need:
A full suggested packing list will be emailed to all participants, here are a few highlights.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera body (second body recommended if first fails)
Variety of lenses:
For wildlife ranging from 70-200mm, 100-400mm, 200-600mm and long primes like 400mm, 500mm, 600mm. An addition of a teleconverter (1.4x or 2x) never hurts to have.
My go to for wildlife is 70-200mm, 100-400mm and my 600mm.
For Aurora and the odd landscape 12-24mm, 24-70mm, or 14mm, 20mm and 24mm prime lenses.
My go to astro and landscape lenses are my 14mm prime and my 16-35mm
A sturdy tripod
Multiple batteries & Memory cards
An up-to-date passport (*note: depending on your country of residence, a visa may be required)
Appropriate clothing is a must in Churchill the temperatures will be sub freezing and feel colder thanks to the windchill off the bay. Long underwear, base and mid layers to make sure you stay warm. Proper wool layers including socks to avoid moisture causing chills.
Winter parka and waterproof winter boots.
If you have any questions about the items you will need to bring feel free to email me.
Where are we staying?
Accommodations will be provided by our local guides, we will be staying in a local Airbnb. Accommodations are shared (2 participants per room), single supplement is available at request for a fee.
Physical Requirements:
This tour is classified as “easy”, however participants must be able to carry their own luggage and while on tour their own camera gear. They also must be comfortable and capable of navigating potential snow and ice for short distances.
Getting to Churchill:
We will be taking care of all flights to and from Churchill Manitoba. Participants will be responsible for getting themselves to Winnipeg before the scheduled flights. We highly recommend flying in at least one day before the scheduled flight to Churchill.
YOUR GUIDES
David Wilder
David, combined, has nearly 30 years of experience in photography, 2 decades as a professional photographer running his own business, and nearly 10 years as a photography instructor. In his every day life he leads creative learning sessions with attendees ranging from 5-90 years old. From photography, videography, music creation and more David teaches many how to take step into their creativity. His abilities to adapt to each persons learning styles is truly impressive.
David has spent the past 20 years traveling the world honing his craft, his love for everything wild is only matched by his love of photography. He applies his deep knowledge of composition and technical skills to each image he creates and polishes it all up with exceptional skills within the post processing.
When David isn’t behind the camera, he loves a great meal, video games, films and learning about fun earth/space facts.
*tuition is based on shared accommodations, single room supplemental is available for an addition cost, please email us to inquire.
A deposit is required to hold your spot for the tour and the remainder of the payment is due 90 days before the start date of the Tour.
You may opt to do a full payment up front as well.