The best time to go is the summer months between May and September, depending on what you would like to experience. The Canadian Arctic is a place of sheer extremes and dramatically changing seasons. Short summers and long, cold and dry winters, with temperatures plummeting to a biting -35C.
If you want to see the polar bears on the pristine ice and snowy landscape, October through November is better, however be prepared for bitter temperatures.
Polar night engulfs the Arctic at the turn of the year, with the sun remaining below the horizon, a complete lack of daylight does mean that the Northern Lights are fairly common in January, but due to the lack of other activities available, we strongly recommend searching for the auroras at a different time.
The Canadian North is still covered in darkness with temperatures plummeting to a level few will experience, -35C is common and the bears are yet to venture out of their dens and we would not suggest visiting at this time. and consequently we don't operate at this time of year.
In March, the polar bears begin nosing their way out of their dens for the first time in months, after their winter hibernation. Temperatures are around the -20C mark so appropriate polar clothing is needed at this time.
March is a good time to travel to Arctic Canada for the opportunity to spot newborn polar bear cubs and their mothers venturing out of their dens.
Clear skies and low rainfall means you can view the northern lights and you can even stay for the 2 week event of Aurora Winterfest; the celebration of the northern lights with snow carving, hockey tournaments and dog races.
In early spring, look out for the polar bear mothers and their cubs on the undisturbed and untouched snowy landscapes.
April sees hardly any visitors, offering you the opportunity to exclusively marvel at the polar bears as they explore out on the sea ice.
In the evenings, you can witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights and captures stunning photographs of the vast landscapes and panoramic views.
May sees the beginning of peak season as temperatures rise, although they remain below or around zero degrees. Despite the low temperatures, the midnight sun can still be powerful as it never dips below the horizon and the days are bright and clear which makes for amazing photographic opportunities.
May is a great time to travel to Arctic Canada and camp out on the floe edge, getting up close with the narwhals, seals and possible belugas whales.
In the northern reaches of Baffin Island, wildlife congregates out on the floe edge where the sea ice meets the open water. Guided by Inuit, it is important to be flexible at this time of year as the weather and ice conditions will determine the day-to-day activities available.
The migration of the narwhals begins in June and if conditions allow, it is possible to snorkel with them off the floe edge. The end of June sees the end of the snow and the flora beginning to blossom, as you head out of the bitingly cold winter, creating a beautiful backdrop to watch the whales.
June can be a popular time to visit Arctic Canada as temperatures are warmer and almost all Arctic wildlife is visible.
The mercury usually begins to creep above 0°C throughout the month with mostly clear, sunny days, ideal for photographic contrasts between the blue skies and white icebergs. Surprisingly there are mosquitoes at this time of year due to the moisture in the air.
July sees over 60,000 beluga whales descending on Hudson Bay and the migration of around 270 species of birds, such as guillemots, fulmars and puffins.
July is a good time to visit Arctic Canada to witness the bird migration or watch the beluga whales.
Photograph polar bears against grassy backdrops as they are out hunting on the shores instead of the pack ice, you are unlikely to see polar bears on snow and ice at this time of year.
The absence of ice makes it possible to sail the historic Northwest Passage at this time of year.
August is a popular time to visit as temperatures are around 10C, but much of the snow and ice will have disappeared as the scenery turns green.
You may be lucky enough to spot the rare musk oxen, with their shaggy coats and inward-facing horns along lake shores and rivers. The polar desert is defined by its low rainfall and cloudless days and due to the lessened moisture levels after the snow and ice have melted, mosquitos and other insects will no longer be around.
A backdrop of oranges and yellows as opposed to the greens of summer and the white snow and ice of the winter months. Temperatures head back towards 0°C, making more layers necessary than the previous months. The climate will, however, remain dry and clear, offering stunning sweeping views as you fly-in via private charter.
September is a good time to photograph a range of wildlife against the impressive scenery as the vibrant autumn colours of the tundra come to life.
Female caribou start the migration, followed by the males and young calves a few weeks later, heading south to warmer climes. Male caribou start to shed the velvet from their antlers during this time so you may spot them rubbing them against trees and shrubs in an attempt to remove it.
October is the shoulder period between summer and winter as temperatures and daylight hours start to decrease. Scenery and wildlife is amazing and there is the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Mid-October is a great time to visit Churchill to see large groups of polar bears, and to see them gather on the shores of Hudson Bay.
The bears wait for the water to freeze over on Hudson Bay and provide them with a route to their winter feeding grounds further north. They will feast on seals until temperatures are warm again. Cubs are around 10 months old and learn hunting skills from their parents. It is not uncommon for the bears to come right up to your remote lodge and inspect you through the wire fence at this time.
As the winter draws in and the “Big Freeze” commences, polar bears can be seen hunting for seals as they break through the gaps in the ice to gasp for air.
If you can brave the extreme temperatures, November is a great time to see the variety of polar bear behaviour .
Churchill is a great place to see these magnificent creatures, as well as the remote polar bear cabins where our teams will ensure you are in the right places at the right time to make the most of this awe-inspiring experience. November also sees the start of the Northern Lights season, one of the top three places on earth to view this phenomenon.
December is not a good time to visit Arctic Canada as all activities for the next three months cease. Temperatures plummet to unbearable levels and mothers are denning with their cubs. Even ships with the strongest ice-strengthened hulls cannot penetrate the frozen seas.
Summer is the most popular time to visit; when the fascinating geology and wildlife of the area is most visible. Temperatures are at their highest and most comfortable, making this the time that the majority of expeditions operate. Camp on the floe edge between May and July, snorkel with narwhals and even track polar bears on foot surrounded by the beautiful summer colours. In July and August beluga whales congregate at Hudson Bay in their thousands and in June narwhals migrate through the north-west passage to their summer feeding grounds.
October and November is the time to go to see the bears out on the snow and ice, watching them gather along the Hudson Bay coast to wait for the ice to freeze. May through to September you can see the bears on the colourful tundra, but there is only one week in March you can watch the new-born cubs coming out of their dens.
At their most impressive from January through March when skies are clearer, Churchill is one of the three best places on the planet to witness the natural phenomenon of Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere.
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 personThe Canadian Arctic is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Head to destinations like Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, for optimal viewing opportunities during the winter months.
The Arctic is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribou, muskoxen, and a variety of bird species. Consider wildlife safaris, guided tours, and birdwatching expeditions.Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World."
Learn about the indigenous Inuit culture by visiting communities like Iqaluit in Nunavut, where you can engage with locals, explore art galleries, and engage in cultural activities and experiences, including traditional Inuit arts and crafts, storytelling, and performances. Visit museums and historical sites to learn about the exploration, history, and heritage of the Arctic region.
Explore the Arctic landscapes on foot by taking guided hiking and trekking tours. Options include exploring the tundra, fjords, and glacier areas
