Mother-Daughter Adventure to See the Polar Bears in Churchill
When Adventure Meets Luxury and Wildlife
Imagine experiencing North America’s Arctic wilderness with one of the most iconic and misunderstood species on Earth—the polar bear. Now picture sharing that once-in-a-lifetime adventure with your favorite travel companion—your mother or daughter. This perfectly sums up Susan Morley’s incredible week-long trip to Churchill, Manitoba, organized by the renowned Natural Habitat Adventures (NatHab). Combining luxurious touches with eco-conscious travel, this premier polar bear safari proved to be unforgettable.
The Journey North
Churchill, known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," is a remote town located on the edge of Hudson Bay. With no roads connecting it to the rest of the province, visitors arrive either by train or charter flight. For Susan and her daughter, their adventure began in Winnipeg—a gateway city that set the tone for their Arctic expedition.
From the moment they landed at Winnipeg’s airport, NatHab handled every detail seamlessly. After arriving at the historic Fort Garry Hotel, they checked in without any lines and kick-started the trip with an exclusive dinner, distribution of expedition-grade parkas and boots, and a briefing on what they could expect. Susan described it best—“Every detail was so perfectly organized.”
Life in Churchill
A Town Like No Other
After a 2.5-hour charter flight, the group landed in Churchill, a community of just 800 residents. Although accommodations leaned toward modest, they were clean, comfortable, and authentic to the destination. “What Churchill may lack in five-star hotels, it makes up for with charm,” Susan noted. Even restaurants in this secluded region exceeded expectations, offering hearty and delicious meals pre-ordered to save time.
Residents co-exist year-round with polar bears during “bear season” (October to November). Safety is a priority, as many polar bears wander close to town while waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals. With trackers monitoring nearby bears and local guidelines to prevent encounters, Susan and her daughter felt completely safe as they explored the area.
The Polar Rovers
The highlight of their trip was spending days aboard Polar Rovers—giant tundra buggies designed for rugged Arctic wildlife observation. The rovers, equipped with large windows and heated interiors, provided the ultimate vantage point for Susan and her group to witness the majestic bears in their natural habitat. “We were able to see several polar bears every day, alongside other wildlife like arctic foxes and hares,” Susan said. Despite the relatively mild weather (near 40°F), the bears remained close by, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.
A Symphony of Arctic Experiences
A Bird’s-Eye View from a Helicopter
Of the additional activities available, a helicopter ride stood out as a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Susan and her daughter. “Having the chance to see over a dozen polar bears from above—it truly took our breath away,” Susan wrote. The view of snow-covered tundra sprawled below, dotted with roaming bears and other wildlife, was simply spectacular.
A Taste of Winter Adventure
Beyond polar bear sightings, Susan was delighted by the variety of winter activities provided by NatHab. Dogsledding through the snowy trails of Churchill was exhilarating and steeped in tradition. Meanwhile, nightly briefings with indigenous speakers and local residents offered fascinating insights into the region’s culture, history, and challenges. These interactions highlighted NatHab's long-standing commitment to respectfully engaging with and supporting local communities.
Northern Lights Magic
Although better experienced in the winter months, the aurora borealis made a surprise appearance one evening. Susan and her daughter marveled at the green and purple waves dancing across the Arctic sky, adding an element of magic to an already surreal experience.
NatHab’s Excellence and Sustainability
Natural Habitat Adventures, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has been organizing sustainable wildlife tours to Churchill since the 1980s. Susan was particularly impressed by how well-respected NatHab is in the local community. The company does much to support conservation and the local economy, underscoring the value of responsible tourism.
“From organizing seamless logistics to providing passionate guides, NatHab sets the bar for wildlife tourism,” Susan explained. And for a first-time NatHab traveler, she concluded the trip with no hesitation in recommending them to anyone interested in eco-conscious adventure travel.
Why Choose Churchill? Why Choose NatHab?
Susan’s experience highlights why Churchill continues to be one of the world's most unique travel destinations, particularly for wildlife lovers. Seeing polar bears up close—watching them interact, nap, or curiously play—carries a gravity that no photograph can truly convey. But beyond the bears, Churchill offers so much more, from its Arctic wildlife to its indigenous culture.
Natural Habitat Adventures excels in making this remarkable destination accessible in a seamless, luxurious, and eco-friendly manner, ensuring you spend your time enjoying the trip rather than worrying about logistics.
Planning Your Adventure
Like Susan’s mother-daughter trip, your polar bear adventure can be a shared experience brimming with wildlife, community, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, family traveler, or adventure seeker, Churchill offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majesty of polar bears in one of Earth’s most pristine environments.
Looking for a travel advisor to help curate the perfect experience? Contact Susan Morley at Journeys Around the World. With first-hand knowledge and a deep appreciation of the wonders of the Arctic, Susan is ready to craft a custom adventure tailored to your needs.
Whether you're considering a mother-daughter trip, family vacation, or solo adventure, I can help you craft an eco-conscious, luxurious experience tailored to you.
