Another incredible season in the Polar Bear Capital
Lead Scientist Cate Collins reflects on a magnificent season of Polar Bear Expeditions.
Polar bear season in Churchill has come to an end, and it certainly did not disappoint. Spectacular bear sightings graced each of our one-day expeditions, creating unforgettable memories for all of our passengers.
The day begins early, with a delicious breakfast served onboard the plane as we fly direct to Churchill from our departure locations in Alberta and Ontario. Upon arrival, the excitement is palpable as we hop on a bus to the Tundra Buggy dock. There, our adventure truly begins as we climb aboard the buggies and head into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. This area, along the shores of Hudson Bay, is where the Western Hudson Bay polar bears patiently await the return of the sea ice.
Wait, a tundra buggy?
A tundra buggy is essentially an oversize bus on monster truck tires. The 5 ½-foot-tall tires are designed to handle rugged and icy terrain while ensuring passengers remain out of reach of the polar bears. Fully equipped for a day on the tundra, the buggy includes an expert driver to track the bears, hot soup and sandwiches for lunch, a washroom, and even an open-air observation deck – perfect for fresh air and photography.
Seeing the bears
As we trundle along the old military roads in the tundra buggy, binoculars are at the ready and every passenger is on high alert, scanning for signs of polar bears. Their fur, which lacks pigment, reflects light and gives them a pale-yellow appearance against the white snow – making them surprisingly easy to spot. This is one instance where you’ll be glad to see "yellow snow!"
The excitement is uncontrollable when we spot our first bear. Gasps and hushed awe fill the buggy as guests check off this huge bucket list item: seeing a polar bear in the wild for the first time. While the bears mostly conserve energy during this time of year, male bears will spar – or play fight – to test their strength and prepare for mating season. It’s an incredible sight to witness.
Occasionally, the bears scavenge for food – but the seaweed they snack on offers little nourishment compared to their usual ringed seal diet. Curious and hungry, the bears sometimes come close to the buggies to investigate, offering guests unparalleled views.
While the polar bears are undeniably the stars of the show, the sub-arctic tundra is home to other fascinating wildlife. Sightings of red and arctic foxes, ptarmigans, and a variety of other birds add even more magic to the experience. As the sun sets, bathing the tundra with hues of gold and pink, we head back to the tundra buggy dock – hearts full and cameras bursting with unforgettable moments.
The season comes to a close
Polar bear season wraps up in mid-November as colder temperatures bring the return of the sea ice, reducing the likelihood of seeing bears. This year, the Western Hudson Bay polar bears enjoyed a longer spring on the ice, with sea ice remaining near Churchill until late July – almost a month longer than normal. The bears we saw on this year’s expeditions had spent less time fasting on land, and likely had better fat stores to survive this time off the ice as a result.
Now, as the temperatures drop, the sea ice has started to form along the shallow coastal shelf near Churchill. Some bears have ventured back onto the ice, but many – especially moms and cubs – remain on land, waiting for more of Hudson Bay to freeze. In the coming weeks, the bay will fully ice over, and the Churchill bears will return to their true home: the frozen expanse of Hudson Bay, where they will hunt seals throughout the winter and spring.
Ice coverage in Hudson Bay on November 26, 2024. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada)
About Gold Star Canadian Tours
At Gold Star Canadian Tours, we focus on providing the worlds best travel experiences to authentically Canadian destinations. Our flagship tour is a convenient 1-day Polar Bear Expedition with dedicated non-stop charter flights from major airports directly to Churchill, Manitoba. With Gold Star Canadian Tours, the wonders of the Arctic are closer than ever. Your Adventure Awaits!
