Discover the best time to see Polar Bears in Arctic Canada

Polar Bears in Churchill

Many people refer to Churchill as “The Polar Bear Capital of the World” such is the abundance of bears in the area. Once a year, for a limited time only the bears gather on the tundra, waiting for the "Big Freeze" so they can start the winter seal hunting season out on the pan ice. It is not uncommon to see, at this time, mothers with their cubs and large male bears sparring to pass the time. Between October and November is the best time to see polar bears in Churchill, especially to see lots of bears in the same place. We recommend the Churchill Polar Bear Photo Tour Safari. Being curious creatures, it is not unusual for a bear to approach the tundra buggies, checking out the tyres, trying to take a look through the windows or watching you through the grates on the floor of the vehicle whilst you look on in awe. October to November really is a spectacular time to visit the bears and really get an insight into their snow-filled lives as they live in a very extreme climate. Watch as they roll about in the snow, un-phased by the cold as you stand fully clothed with a large parka jacket, big hat and a cup of tea to keep you warm.

For a completely different experience you can go in the late summer when the bears roam the wild coast, among the flowers that bloom, in search of food and you may also see wolves, beluga whales and caribou.

The Summer Months

During the summer months, the best place to see polar bears is on a floe edge safari on or around Baffin Island, between May and July. At this time there is 24 hour daylight and you may spot polar bears hunting on the ice. This is also a great time to spot narwhals, the unicorns of the sea. One of our favourite trips at this time is our Birds, Bears and Belugas departure, where you can spot a variety of Arctic species.

Newborn Polar Bear Cubs

If you wish to see mothers and their newborn cubs leaving their dens for the first time, we recommend you go on our unique Polar Bear Mothers and Newborn Cubs Safari during March in 'Polar Bear Alley'.