Photograph the King of the Arctic—Up Close, Eye-Level, and Wild

We’re thrilled to unveil one of the most exciting new wildlife photography adventures we’ve ever offered: Polar Bears of Churchill—a bucket-list experience for any nature photographer.

This is the ultimate polar bear photography workshop. Timed with the peak of the annual polar bear migration, this all-inclusive, 8-day photo tour offers a rare opportunity to photograph wild polar bears at eye level in the subarctic tundra of Churchill, Manitoba—one of the only places on Earth where this is reliably possible.

And we’ve designed it from the ground up to deliver the most powerful, meaningful images you can capture of this iconic species.

Why Churchill?

Each fall, as Hudson Bay begins to freeze, hundreds of polar bears gather on the tundra surrounding Churchill, Manitoba. This remote northern outpost becomes the front row for one of nature’s great spectacles—and the best place on the planet to see and photograph polar bears on land.

We’ve secured the permits, charter flights, and expert local support to get you there at just the right time, with just the right tools—making it possible to photograph these powerful predators in the wild, up close, and under expert guidance.

What Sets This Trip Apart from the Rest?

✅ The Premier Polar Bear Destination
Every fall, Churchill, Manitoba transforms into the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles. As the sea ice begins to form on Hudson Bay, hundreds of polar bears gather along the shoreline—making it one of the only places on Earth where you can reliably photograph these apex predators on land, in the wild, and at close range.

This remote Arctic outpost isn’t just a bucket-list destination—it’s a magnet for wildlife photographers and adventurers worldwide, offering a front-row seat to the annual polar bear migration. If photographing polar bears is on your list, this is where you do it.


✅ Ground Level Photography
Unlike standard tours that rely entirely on elevated tundra buggies, our approach is crafted specifically for photographers. We use custom, permitted 4x4 vans that keep us low to the ground—right at eye level with the bears.

This ground-level perspective produces far more intimate, powerful images and allows for greater flexibility as wildlife encounters unfold. It’s a responsive, immersive experience designed to bring you closer—not just physically, but emotionally—to the Arctic’s most iconic predator.


✅ A Day on Tundra Buggy
As part of your photo adventure, we include one full day aboard a classic tundra buggy—the ultimate off-road vehicle of the North and a defining part of the Churchill experience.

These elevated, all-terrain buggies venture deep into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, giving you a broader view of the tundra landscape and access to areas we may not reach in our 4x4 vans. It’s a chance to photograph polar bears and Arctic wildlife from a new angle, explore remote terrain, and enjoy the iconic feel of this uniquely northern experience.

While ground-level shooting remains the gold standard for intimate wildlife images, the tundra buggy day offers a different perspective that complements your portfolio, adds variety to your adventure, and helps round out your understanding of the ecosystem.


✅ Worry-Free Logistics
Churchill is one of the most remote towns in North America—accessible only by plane or train, with limited infrastructure. But with Backcountry Journeys, every detail is handled.

We include round-trip charter flights from Winnipeg, all local transportation, meals, daily field excursions, and trusted accommodations—no surprise costs or coordination headaches. While others charge extra for internal flights or leave logistics up to you, we streamline the entire experience so you can focus on what matters most: photographing polar bears in one of the wildest places on Earth.

Rest easy, shoot more, and let us take care of the rest.


✅Our Most Requested Trip & A Milestone for BCJ
This isn’t just one of our most in-demand trips—it’s a true bucket-list experience for wildlife photographers. The chance to photograph wild polar bears at eye level, in a setting as reliable and intimate as Churchill, is virtually unmatched anywhere on the planet.

Each fall, Churchill becomes the best place on Earth to predictably see and photograph polar bears in the wild. That alone makes it remarkable—but for us, it also marks a milestone: our first-ever photography workshop in Canada.

The Polar Bear Workshop of a Lifetime

This trip is more than just a chance to photograph polar bears—though that alone makes it extraordinary.

It’s also about storytelling, light, emotion, and impact. With a maximum of 10 photographers and hands-on instruction every day, you’ll build a body of work that captures both the power of the polar bear and the fragility of its disappearing world.

Expect to photograph everything from lone bears walking the coast to sparring males, snowy backdrops, and raw Arctic moments.

It’s not just a workshop—it’s an opportunity to witness and document one of the planet’s most iconic species in one of its most vulnerable habitats.

Trip Highlights at a Glance:

• 🐾 Wild Polar Bears at Eye Level – Ground-level access with expert guides means intimate, powerful shots.

• ❄️ Epic Arctic Landscapes – Ice, snow, and tundra backdrops add drama and beauty to every frame.

• 📸 One Day on a Tundra Buggy – Access deeper areas of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.

• 🛫 Charter Flights Included – Seamless round-trip flights between Winnipeg and Churchill.

• 🔥 Small Group Experience – Limited to just 10 photographers for personalized instruction.

• 📍 Bucket List Destination – Churchill is the place to photograph polar bears. Period.

Join Us in Churchill

This is one of the most requested trips we’ve ever launched—and for good reason. It’s our first-ever Canada-based workshop, and it’s designed to deliver everything a serious wildlife photographer could want: incredible access, expert leadership, a stunning Arctic setting, and a truly once-in-a-lifetime subject.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing polar bears in the wild—up close, safely, and ethically—this is your chance.

(Spots are extremely limited for this small-group experience.)