Experience fall in Churchill:
The polar bear capital of the world

Experience the majestic beauty of Churchill, Manitoba, on a thrilling polar bear and beluga tour in September’s fall colors. Venture into the heart of the Arctic wilderness, where you'll encounter the world’s largest land carnivore and playful belugas in their natural habitats. As night falls, keep your eyes on the sky for the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights, adding a magical backdrop to your adventure. This unforgettable journey blends wildlife encounters with the stunning allure of the Canadian night sky, making it a photographer's dream come true.

A polar bear standing on rocks amidst a rocky landscape with colorful autumn foliage.

Churchill polar bears


Dates: August 30-september 5, 2026

Location: churchill, manitoba

Price: $7499 USD*

Fitness Level: LEVEL TWO - GENTLE ADVENTURE

Group Size: 8 participants + 2 group leaders; Minimum 6 to go

*Based on double occupancy accommodations; single supplement available, please inquire.

Tour Highlights:

  • Experience the enchanting sight of beluga whales swimming in the icy waters, known for their unique vocalizations and friendly nature.

  • Marvel at the breathtaking northern lights dancing across the night sky, providing a magical backdrop for your photography.

  • Explore the pristine landscapes of the Arctic, where every vista presents a new opportunity for stunning photos of ice formations and dramatic seascapes.

  • Enjoy guided photography sessions led by experts who understand the best techniques and locations to capture the beauty of polar wildlife and celestial displays.

  • Capture close encounters with other wildlife, including arctic foxes and various seabirds, ensuring a comprehensive wildlife experience.

  • Benefit from comfortable accommodations and local cuisine that enhance your adventure while offering the perfect base for your photography pursuits.

  • Participate in evening discussions and workshops where you can learn tips and tricks to improve your photography skills.

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All images used courtesy of Drew Hamilton/Discover Churchill

All images used courtesy of Drew Hamilton/Discover Churchill

Night sky with colorful aurora borealis and a sign that says "Danger Do Not Walk" with a bear symbol in a forested area.

Night sky with colorful aurora borealis and a sign that says "Danger Do Not Walk" with a bear symbol in a forested area.

Two polar bears resting on the ground near rocks in a grassy area with a blurred background of rocks and snow.

Two polar bears resting on the ground near rocks in a grassy area with a blurred background of rocks and snow.

Colorful aurora borealis lights in the night sky over a forest.

Colorful aurora borealis lights in the night sky over a forest.

A polar bear lying in bushes with closed eyes, head tilted upward, against a pale blue sky.

A polar bear lying in bushes with closed eyes, head tilted upward, against a pale blue sky.

Northern Lights (aurora borealis) over a dark landscape with a reflection in a body of water.

Northern Lights (aurora borealis) over a dark landscape with a reflection in a body of water.

A bald eagle perched on a rock with a gray sky background.

A bald eagle perched on a rock with a gray sky background.

A polar bear standing on rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, looking to the right, illuminated by warm sunlight.

A polar bear standing on rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, looking to the right, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Someone recording a whale swimming in the ocean with a smartphone.

Someone recording a whale swimming in the ocean with a smartphone.

Northern lights display over a reflective body of water with rocks, during a clear night sky.

Northern lights display over a reflective body of water with rocks, during a clear night sky.

A polar bear sitting among rocks near a body of water, with the ocean in the background and some grass and small plants on the rocks.

A polar bear sitting among rocks near a body of water, with the ocean in the background and some grass and small plants on the rocks.

The northern lights (aurora borealis) in the night sky with green, pink, and purple hues and stars visible in the background.

The northern lights (aurora borealis) in the night sky with green, pink, and purple hues and stars visible in the background.

A bird standing among plants and dried flowers in a natural outdoor setting.

A bird standing among plants and dried flowers in a natural outdoor setting.

Three polar bears walking through a green, forested landscape with trees and shrubs.

Three polar bears walking through a green, forested landscape with trees and shrubs.

A white and gray bird with a red patch around its eye, long neck, and pointed beak, partially hidden among green bushes and branches.

A white and gray bird with a red patch around its eye, long neck, and pointed beak, partially hidden among green bushes and branches.

A young polar bear standing on rocks in an Arctic landscape with colorful autumn foliage and large gray boulders in the background.

A young polar bear standing on rocks in an Arctic landscape with colorful autumn foliage and large gray boulders in the background.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Churchill, Manitoba, this September on our extraordinary 4x4 van-based photography tour that showcases the incredible polar bears, mesmerizing northern lights, and playful belugas, all set against a stunning backdrop of vibrant and dynamic fall colors. As the tundra undergoes a remarkable transformation into a vivid tapestry of deep reds and glowing yellows, skilled photographers will have the opportunity to capture the striking contrast of these magnificent animals standing out against the beautiful autumn hues. Venture out on guided excursions to observe polar bears as they prepare for the approaching winter months, all while capturing the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis lighting up the night sky in a mesmerizing display. During the daylight hours, embark on thrilling boat excursions to photograph the curious beluga whales as they frolic and play in the icy waters, creating a perfect blend of engaging wildlife encounters. With expert guidance, insightful tips, and personalized instruction designed to enhance your photography skills, this unique tour promises not only stunning visuals but also unforgettable memories formed amid one of nature’s most picturesque and breathtaking settings.

What’s Included:

  • Roundtrip ticket Winnipeg-Churchill (valued at $2077.38CAD each)

  • Two night accommodation at Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Winnipeg (coming and going)

  • Accommodation at local B&B in Churchill

  • Three Full Days Polar Bear Tours

  • Beluga Tour

  • One Town and Area Tour

  • All transportation in Churchill

  • All meals in Churchill (Breakfast at B&B, lunch in the field, and dinner at a local restaurant)

  • All applicable taxes

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare to Winnipeg from your point of origin

  • Personal items/photography gear

  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)

This tour begins and ends in Winnipeg and becomes all-inclusive upon your arrival. Please make travel arrangements based on the itinerary below, or Contact Us for travel assistance.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 (August 30)

Arrive in Winnipeg any time and spend the night at an included hotel + welcome dinner for those who arrive early enough.

Day 2 (August 31)

Depart Winnipeg for Churchill on Calm Air. Upon arrival in Churchill, we will spend the afternoon getting settled and exploring town, possibly seeing polar bears already and the resident fox population.

Days 3-6 (september 1-4)

We will spend three full days searching for and photographing polar bears in the tundra surrounding Churchill. Following breakfast at the accommodations, we will load up in two vans (4+1 group leader in each) and head out for the entire day. In the evenings, we will enjoy provided group dinners.

One day will be a beluga tour.

On the evening of the 4th, we will return from Churchill to Winnipeg and stay at the provided hotel.

Day 7 (september 5)

Depart Winnipeg at any time.

All images used courtesy of Drew Hamilton/Discover Churchill
Night sky with stars and aurora borealis, a warning sign in the foreground warns against walking near a bear.
Three polar bears resting on grass with rocks and a distant landscape in the background.
Aurora borealis or northern lights with green and red lights streaking across a starry night sky, over a silhouette of pine trees.
A polar bear resting among tall grasses and shrubs with a clear blue sky background.
Northern Lights dancing in a starry night sky over a dark landscape with a body of water reflecting the aurora.
A bald eagle perched on a lichen-covered rock, looking directly at the camera.
A polar bear standing on land with rocks and sparse vegetation, looking to the right, in a natural Arctic environment.
Person holding a smartphone capturing a photo or video of a whale in the ocean.
Northern lights display with green aurora in the night sky over a rocky shoreline with water reflecting the lights.
A polar bear sitting on rocks near the water, with a backdrop of a cloudy sky and distant horizon.
Northern lights or aurora borealis with green and red hues in the night sky, along with visible stars.
A small bird standing among tall grasses and plants in a natural environment.
Three polar bears walking through a forested area with bushes and pine trees.
A heron with a gray body and red facial markings peeks through green shrubs.
A polar bear standing on rocks amidst a rocky, autumn landscape with colorful foliage.

location & accommodations

  • Map showing locations in Canada and the United States, including Churchill, Yellowknife, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, St. Paul, Helena, Ottawa, and Québec, with bodies of water like Hudson Bay, James Bay, Hudson Strait, and Northwest Passage.

    churchill, Manitoba

  • Front view of a cabin with a sign that says 'BEARS' DEN B&B'. The cabin has a yellow door, two small windows, and a patio with concrete paving. A dog is sitting by the door, peeking through the glass.

    Bears den B&B

  • Dining room with a wooden dining table and six chairs, a gray cabinet, a beige couch with pillows, a large window showing snow outside, and a kitchen island with dark cabinets.

  • A bedroom with two twin beds, gray wooden frames, and matching bedding with animal pillow designs. Between the beds are two nightstands with a tissue box, alarm clock, and other small items. There is a clock on the wall and a window with dark curtains.

Person in maroon sweater with 'Mental Health Matters' design holding a camera with a large lens in a forest setting.

Tour Leader: Dee Webb

Dee Webb is a passionate photography guide and adventurer with a deep love for nature and a commitment to protecting our planet for future generations. Originally from the wild and beautiful landscapes of Australia, Dee has spent her life exploring some of the world’s most stunning ecosystems, from growing up in Australia's outback to her current life split between the biodiverse rainforests of Costa Rica and beautiful and pristine Rocky Mountains. 

With an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity, Dee has turned her love of travel into a career that blends her artistic vision with her dedication to conservation. Her photography captures the beauty and fragility of the natural world, inspiring others to connect with nature and understand its importance.

Dee’s tours are more than just photography workshops—they’re immersive experiences that celebrate the wonder of wildlife and the joy of exploration. Whether trekking through rainforests, hiking mountain trails, or kayaking serene waters, Dee’s approach combines adventure with a deep respect for the environment.

Her philosophy is simple: Living my best life camera in hand. For Dee, every journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire others to cherish and protect our planet.

Join Dee on an unforgettable adventure where photography meets purpose, and let her help you capture the beauty of the world while creating memories that last a lifetime.

A man wearing sunglasses, a beanie, and a hooded jacket making a peace sign in front of a mountainous landscape in black and white.

Tour Leader: josh gesmundo

Josh Gesmundo’s journey into the world of photography began with a deep-rooted passion for both art and all things wild. Through his lens, he conveys the stories of endangered species, fragile ecosystems, and the value of conservation. Guiding tours for him intertwines his deep respect for nature with a profound desire to share that connection with others. Josh aims for his clients to gain a greater appreciation for wildlife and the environment. He encourages mindfulness and patience, teaching them to responsibly observe and protect.

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