
EYE-TO-EYE POLAR BEAR TOURS
I have partnered with the expert local guides in Churchill, Manitoba to offer an intimate ground-level polar bear photo tour in the polar bear capital of the world. These tours give you the opportunity to photograph polar bears in a small group and at eye-level, rather than from way up high in a crowded tundra vehicle. This trip offers far more time searching for bears than typical tours in Churchill of similar length.
Photography highlights
The focus will be on polar bear photography with an amazing variety of spectacular backgrounds. Guides will also seek opportunities to photograph other sub-arctic highlights including the northern lights, arctic hare, arctic and red fox, ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, snowy owl, wolverine, caribou.
Group size
Only 6 guests per group
Ability level
This trip is designed for mid to advanced-level wildlife photographers, but anyone who is physically capable is most welcome. Most of the travel is by 4×4 van with some travel on foot. Participants must be prepared for the possibility of extreme weather and severe cold.
Polar bear photo gallery
Testimonials
Seeing the polar bears was an unforgettable experience. These majestic Kings and Queens of the Artic was a dream come true to see. As a bear lover, this was a thrill of a lifetime. We had the best guides and gave us a trip with full days and entertaining nights. Seeing the Aurora Borealis two nights was a plus! We loved our time in Churchill and seeing polar bears. The trip was perfect!
Seeing polar bears eye to eye was a trully life changing experience. The laughs and bonds we created between fellow photogrpahers and our guide Karine was just the icing on the cake.
This trip exceeded all of my expectations and I’d highly recommend it. There were so many unforgettable moments, including watching a sow nurse her 2 cubs. It was amazing to watch these magnificent bears in their natural habitat. It was a privilege I will treasure forever.
This was my first expedition looking for polar bears and it exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Guides were amazing and so knowledgeable about the history of the area, habitat behaviour, and environmental impact. Searching for bears and seeing them was exceptional – it was a lifetime of memories.
Photographing the Churchill Polar Bears has been on our wish list for a number of years. We came away from the trip with a deep appreciation of these magnificent animals. From sunrise to sunset, we took thousands of images. Our guides shared their vast knowledge of the bears and Churchill. Hands down, they placed us in the right location at the right time to see these beautiful animals in action. Wonderfilled trip of a lifetime!
I’ve been to Svalbard but the Churchill experience was far above & beyond! Being on the ground with experienced guides and able to get ‘eye to eye’ with them (safely) was truly beautiful. Thank you for making this happen!

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2025 tour dates
October 21-27
October 27-Nov 2
November 2 – 8
November 8-14
Trip itinerary and what to expect
Day 1:
After your arrival on the flight from Winnipeg, you will drop your bags at the house and hop into a 4X4 van and head straight to the best spots to look for polar bears.
As safety allows, your guides will strive to get you on the ground to experience the majesty of these creatures and the awe they inspire. It will take your breath away. Being on the ground with polar bears is simply a defining moment in your life. It is a distinctly different experience than being inside a huge tundra vehicle, with several buggies simultaneously watching one bear.
On many days, your group will have bear encounters to yourselves— setting up on the ground and letting the bears approach—using your guides’ expert knowledge of bear encounters to maximize safety and photo opportunities.
Days 2-6
Each day starts at sunrise and you will shoot until sunset. The ‘magic hour’ in Churchill lasts much of the day, providing some amazing light with nuances and changes that only make it more appealing as the day passes. An average day features 2-3 bear encounters plus other wildlife encountered along the way.
On weather days or during lunch, you will stop at the world-famous Itsanitaq Museum, get your passport ‘polar bear’ stamp, visit a Churchill cabin complete with bear defenses and explore some local historic sites.
In the evenings, northern lights viewing is always an option and your guides will direct you to the best and safest shooting locations. A dedicated northern lights viewing tour is available as an add-on but most guest are exhausted from a full day of polar bears! The good news is that the aurora may come out early while you are dining in Churchill.
Day 7
A half-day of wildlife viewing and photography before the afternoon flight departs to Winnipeg. Some groups are ‘beared out’ by this point so your guides may target arctic fox or stalk a snowy owl. The last day usually includes a stop to visit a ‘favourite’ bear – usually a family group that you’ve spent a lot of time with through the week – before boarding the plane. Many groups gather for a final group dinner in Winnipeg to share stories and images of the week, and to plan the next adventure!
2025 Pricing
$7995 Canadian dollars + 5% tax *
Included
6 full day polar bear tours
Six nights accommodation at local B&B
All transportation in Churchill
Breakfast at B&B
Not included
Lunches and dinners in Churchill
Accommodations in Winnipeg
Airfare to Winnipeg from your point of origin
Items of personal nature
Gratuities
Travel insurance (Strongly Recommend)
Roundtrip Airfare Winnipeg-Churchill is not included – But I will be able to get a discount so the flight should be around 1630$ CDN return trip from Winnipeg, this will be an extra. Some people book their airfare with points or take the train. This is why the flight is not included in the price.
Deposit
A $1500 deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Bilingual French/English guides are available.
*Prices are subject to change


Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Contact Tim to learn more or to reserve your spot.
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