The far northern reaches of Canada are a true wilderness of pristine icy expanses and rugged landscapes, with very little human presence. Home to over 65% of the world’s polar bears and an abundance of wildlife specially adapted for life in the extreme cold, migrating beluga whales, and narwhals - the ‘unicorns of the sea’. Caribou, wolves, moose and arctic foxes also roam the tundra plus bird life such as snowy owls, eider ducks, kittiwakes and more.
A specialist-led safari in the Arctic North taking in the variety of wildlife that inhabits this remote wilderness; from the majestic King of the Arctic - the polar bear - to the unique-looking beluga whale and more.
From 13500 per person
A 7-day fly-in safari for polar bear viewing at Dymond Lake Lodge.
From 13000 per person
Sail the fabled Northwest Passage aboard the beautiful Greg Mortimer on this 17-day safari.
From 17500 per person
Typically, expect to budget around $9,500 per person for a 7 day safari to stay in a remote lodge, this includes charter flights from Winnipeg to Churchill and from Churchill to your lodge and back. To camp on the ice floes around Baffin Island, expect to budget $23,000 per person for a 8 day narwhal and polar bear safari. For a truly in-depth 17 day experience onboard the Sylvia Earle across the Northwest Passage, expect to budget $17,500 excluding national flights.
The best time to see the polar bears in Arctic Canada is between October and November, as they wait on the tundra for the “Big Freeze”, ready to begin the seal-hunting season; you are also likely to see the northern lights at this time. For other wildlife, typically the best time to visit is May through September. Read more about when to go to Arctic Canada.
As Canada’s last frontier and remote wilderness, the accommodation options in the area are not extensive, and the geographical isolation means that resources and provisions are more limited. Accessible only by scenic flights, we only use lodges that place you right in the center of the polar bear action. Despite the lodges being relatively basic, they are all clean, comfortable rooms and extremely cosy - perfect to enjoy hot food and warm beds that you need after a day of exploration on the tundra.
It was a truly memorable trip. While we also experienced the tundra buggy to get up close to lots of polar bears, the opportunity to walk with polar bears accompanied by guides was 100 times the experience of the tundra buggy. This trip was so well organised and nothing was left to chance.
All the staff and guides were thoroughly passionate and very knowledgeable. The lodge was very comfortable and the food was great too. We loved the experience of tundra walking and the tundra buggy trip which was great for adding to the bear count!
The trip aboard the Greg Mortimer was beyond our expectations! The ship crew and expedition crew were welcoming, upbear, and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the kayaking which was well-led by the kayak team and took us 'into the outback' where the scenery was stunning. We saw polar bears on the second day at sea which was awesome. We also had an insight into Inuit culture and their lives on the edge. We highly recommend this trip!
My destination specialist was very helpful and answered any questions rapidly and concisely. The overall trip was great and I saw some incredible wildlife!
We had an amazing time on this trip and received excellent service from Gemma and the team.
The journey was very well organised with well briefed staff at every stage. If one had a problem it was quickly overcome. Our leaders were very knowledgeable and ensured everything went like clockwork.
On the edge of Hudson Bay, lies the small town of Churchill, the starting point for most adventures and one of the few human settlements where it is possible to see polar bears in the wild, with an estimated 1,000 bears living here. From Churchill, soar high above the Arctic tundra on your private charter flight to your remote lodge, affording you the perfect opportunity for aerial photography of the polar bear migration. Live amongst the bears and track them on foot, try dog sledding or kayaking if the conditions allow, not forgetting of course the infamous phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Expeditions to remote locales such as Baffin Island require expert guidance from the local Inuit, a great deal of weather-appropriate clothing, a willingness to set up camp in the frozen wilderness, and above all, an intrepid mindset.
Arctic wildlife is surprisingly varied and includes, Arctic foxes, polar bears, caribou, walruses, seals, whales, Arctic hares, lemmings, birds like snowy owls and puffins, Arctic wolves, musk oxen, and more.
These animals have evolved unique adaptations to survive in the cold environment, from polar bears hunting on sea ice to Arctic hares with specialised fur. The delicate balance of this ecosystem relies on the interactions between these species, each playing a vital role in the Arctic food web and contributing to its biodiversity.
