A Rare Opportunity to Photograph the Titans of the Arctic

Each fall, the small, remote town of Churchill, Manitoba transforms into one of the planet’s premier wildlife destinations. As sea ice begins to form over Hudson Bay, hundreds of polar bears gather along the shoreline, waiting for the freeze-up so they can return to hunting seals. Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill offers one of the rarest opportunities to photograph Ursus maritimus in its natural habitat—on land, at close range.

Our 8-day photo safari puts you in the heart of this annual migration. With a small group of like-minded photographers, expert instruction, and specialized local guides, we’ll explore the Churchill region for powerful wildlife encounters and unforgettable image-making.

A Photographer’s Approach—Ground-Level Access for Better Images

Most visitors to Churchill explore the tundra on large tundra buggies—oversized vehicles that seat 22–30+ people. These tours offer a memorable, immersive experience with elevated views of the tundra and surrounding wildlife. For general wildlife viewing, they’re great—and they do provide photography opportunities.

But for serious photographers, there’s a major drawback: you’re elevated well above the bears, which limits composition and makes it difficult to create compelling, intimate images. You’re also confined to fixed shooting positions in a large group setting.

Our approach is built around photography.

We work with a licensed local outfitter who holds the same permits as the tundra buggy operators but uses custom 4x4 vans that allow us to stay low and mobile. This makes a world of difference. By photographing from the ground, at eye level, we’re able to capture polar bears in a way that feels more powerful, personal, and immersive. The change in perspective enhances everything—detail, connection, and storytelling.

To offer a complete experience, we do include one full day on a tundra buggy—it’s a fun and engaging way to explore a different part of the tundra, and it still offers great wildlife sightings and photographic chances. But for the remainder of the trip, we prioritize image-making by traveling in smaller vehicles that maximize flexibility, time in the field, and photographic opportunities at ground level.

If you're a photographer looking to go beyond the standard tourist view, this approach is a game-changer.

Why Churchill?

Churchill sits directly on the migration route of the Western Hudson Bay polar bear population. Each fall, around 1,000 bears funnel through this region, waiting for sea ice to return so they can resume hunting. This makes Churchill one of the only places in the world where large numbers of polar bears are reliably found on land.

During our daily outings, you may see:

• Massive males sparring in the snow

• Mothers guiding their cubs across frozen terrain

• Lone bears patrolling the coastline, scanning for the first sign of ice

• Every day offers a new sighting, a new story, and new photographic opportunities.

Stark, Beautiful, and Wild

The Hudson Bay Lowlands are one of the most distinctive Arctic ecosystems. Think wind-scoured tundra, lichen-covered boulders, icy ponds, and golden light that skims the horizon all day long. It's a place of quiet drama—where stillness reigns and sudden wildlife encounters leave lasting impressions.

In addition to polar bears, we may encounter:

• Arctic foxes

• Red foxes

• Snowy owls

• Ptarmigan

• And occasionally, even gray wolves

Clear nights sometimes reveal the northern lights, adding yet another unforgettable element to the trip.

Natural History: A Species on the Edge

Polar bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth, with adult males weighing over 1,000 pounds. As marine mammals, they depend entirely on sea ice to hunt their primary prey—seals. During ice-free months, they fast and rely on stored fat reserves while waiting for freeze-up. As the climate changes and ice patterns shift, witnessing and documenting this annual gathering has never been more important.

The bears we typically encounter include adult males, subadults, and lone females. Mothers with young cubs generally remain farther inland in denning areas during this season, but there is the opportunity to encounter them as well.

Lodging & Logistics: What to Expect

Churchill is a very small, remote Arctic town. Our accommodations reflect that. We work with a trusted local lodge that offers clean, comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s the perfect base for exploring this wild corner of the world. If you're expecting five-star amenities, this trip may not be the right fit—but if you value authenticity, access, and location, we think you’ll love it.

Important Note on Dates

Our listed trip dates are 90% confirmed, based on historical schedules. However, the charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are not finalized until March of the travel year. There is a small chance that trip dates may shift by ±1–2 days depending on finalized flight schedules. We will communicate any changes as early as possible.