Like grizzlies, fat is essential for polar bears’ survival. Grizzly bears bulk up in the fall to prepare for a long winter hibernation. While polar bears do not hibernate, they must also put on body fat to survive a summer of fasting. The Western Hudson Bay polar bears, which we observe in Churchill, Manitoba, spend summers on land after the sea ice melts.

What comes to mind when you think of a panda? Is it the large, rotund animal with the black-and-white coat, or the smaller, red, raccoon-like creature? While both of these animals share the name “panda,” they are not closely related. Giant pandas belong to the bear family, whereas red pandas are in their own family and they are more closely related to raccoons.

Roy is a talented guitarist and vocalist who has made Churchill, Manitoba his home since 2017. Originally from Australia, Roy’s music is deeply inspired by the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the North. His performances offer a unique blend of original compositions alongside a wide-ranging repertoire of popular hits from the 60s to the present, ensuring there’s something to entertain every audience.

The bears are back in town. With the sea ice melting, the polar bears are forced to come onto land on the shores of Hudson Bay. This means the residents of Churchill, Manitoba, have to be on alert. Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world as polar bears migrate through the area annually, awaiting the return of the sea ice in the fall. The town has implemented measures to keep both residents and bears safe.

As spring draws to a close, the Western Hudson Bay polar bears continue to stay on the sea ice hunting seals, for now. While some polar bears spend their entire lives on ice, those near Churchill, Manitoba – whom we visit during our one-day Expeditions – face a different reality. These bears are forced to return to land during the summer when the sea ice in Hudson Bay melts.

Each subpopulation of bears faces different challenges, but the single largest threat to the survival of polar bears is the loss of sea ice due to climate change. The polar bears rely on the sea ice to survive – it is their platform for hunting seals, mating, and traveling.

Seeing polar bears in their natural habitat is unbelievable, and sometimes we’re lucky enough on our Expeditions to spot a mom and cubs. Polar bear cubs stick with their moms for just over 2 years after they are born, which is a relatively long time for the animal kingdom. Given that polar bears live in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth, the cubs need to learn everything they can from their mom to ensure their survival once they set out on their own.

Yes, it happens! When a grizzly bear and a polar bear mate, the resulting offspring is considered a hybrid cub. These cubs have a combination of characteristics from the two parent species and are commonly called grolar bears.

So, you are thinking of booking the trip of a lifetime to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in the wild. Let’s learn a little more about polar bears – the incredible bears that adapted to thrive in one of the harshest environments on our planet. Continue reading to learn 10 facts about polar bears.

Gold Star Canadian Tours is incredibly excited to announce our 2024 Polar Bear Expedition schedule with expanded departure destinations!

With Polar Bear Season officially underway in Churchill, Gold Star Canadian Tours is incredibly excited to welcome John Haig to our Expedition Team. John is joining the team as the guest Photographer aboard the Ottawa Expedition.

With the upcoming Expedition season quickly approaching, Gold Star Canadian Tours is incredibly excited to welcome Cate Collins to our Expedition Team. Cate is the guest Scientist aboard the 2023 Expeditions and will provide an evidence-based perspective on Polar Bears and their natural environment.

Gold Star Canadian Tours is incredibly excited to welcome William Hosier to our Expedition Team. William will help us document the experience and create amazing artistic images and videos to support our marketing. This partnership helps us to share the moments and excitement of our expeditions to the Polar Bear Capital of the World.

Award winning artist Christine Montague will be the Artist-in-Residence for an upcoming 1-Day Polar Bear Expedition from Ottawa to Churchill, Manitoba.

After an exciting day of adventure on the Tundra, our time in Churchill concludes with a banquet that is sure to be an exceptional culinary memory. Our local Churchill chef has released the tentative menu for 2023’s upcoming Polar Bear Expeditions.

Renowned painter Keith Andrews will be the Artist-in-Residence for an upcoming 1-Day Polar Bear Expedition from Edmonton to Churchill, Manitoba.

There is no debate: flying in a private charter aircraft is a travel option that looks, sounds and feels exclusive. Whether you are a seasoned private charter traveler, or its your first time utilizing executive aircrafts, you are sure to appreciate the comfort and convenience the service offers.

2023 is set to be an exciting year!

Gold Star Canadian Tours will be offering departures from the following locations:

Edmonton, Alberta - Nov 5, 2023

Ottawa, Ontario - Nov 11, 2023

We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard an upcoming Expedition, and remind potential travelers that tours tend to book to capacity up to 6 months in advance.

The Polar bear (Usus Maritimus) can most often be found swimming in frigid arctic waters or patiently hunting for seals from a sea ice shelf. In fact, due to their overall dependence on sea ice, Polar Bears are officially classified as a marine mammal. While they share this classification with whales and seals they are the only marine mammals to have ambulatory proficiency on land. Taking a deep dive into the habitat of the Polar Bear reveals a variety of landscapes that result from the complex interactions between land and sea.

You did it! After searching, clicking, researching, dreaming, planning, and clicking some more, you finally decided to press the “Book my Expedition” button. Congrats, and thanks for choosing us!! Here are a few things to consider now that your trip is booked.