Churchill Wild Polar Bear Tours

02/18/2025

Face-to-Face with the World's Deadliest Predator: A Churchill Wild Exclusive https://youtu.be/Pi40jrIlqw4?si=ljsGYNrV0L5msALR

World-renowned wildlife biologist and Discovery Channel host Forrest Galante brings us along on an extraordinary journey at Churchill Wild's Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.

From September 9-15 last year, the veteran wildlife expert was on our Hudson Bay Odyssey at Nanuk, and experienced what few ever will: facing off on the ground with wild polar bears in their own territory.

Watch as he witnesses an incredible moment with a mother bear and her cubs, plus a rare interaction between a polar bear and a black bear!

And if the daytime encounters weren't enough, Mother Nature delivered the perfect finale: the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Ready to check this off your bucket list? Search Hudson Bay Odyssey at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge on Google and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Polar bear is the world's deadliest terrestrial predator and I got the chance to get face-to-face with a species I've always wanted to see.Thank you to C...

02/17/2025

Manitoba Tourism Leaders Discover Luxury Polar Bear Walking Safaris in Winnipeg at Churchill Wild's First-Ever Awareness Event
https://churchillwild.com/tourism-leaders-gather-as-churchill-wild-introduces-luxury-polar-bear-walking-safaris-to-winnipeg/

Churchill Wild’s first-ever awareness event at the Little Brown Jug Brewing Company in Winnipeg was a resounding success.

“A lot of Winnipeggers and Manitobans weren’t aware that Churchill Wild offers luxury polar bear tours and safaris from July through November,” said Jackie Storry, Churchill Wild’s VP of Business Development.

“Many of our tourism and hospitality leaders travel around the world promoting Manitoba as a tourism destination, so this was an opportunity to introduce Churchill Wild’s polar bear safaris and properties, including the new Blueberry Inn, to these professionals and their larger audience.”

Dignitaries in attendance included the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and MLA for Assiniboia, and Senator Don Plett.

Notable Manitoba tourism professionals in attendance included Doug and Helen Webber, parents of Churchill Wild co-founder and owner Jeanne Reimer, and the builders of Manitoba’s first five-star fishing lodge in the 1980s, North Knife Lake Lodge; Gary Bell and Tara Elder-Young (Calm Air); Doren Roberts (WAG-Qaumajuq), Scott Anderson, Trevor Hnatowich, and Katrina Zborowsky (Enjoy Creative); Joseph Moysiuk (Manitoba Museum); Kit Muir and Melanie Swenarchuk (Travel Manitoba); and Doreen Booth (Indigenous Tourism Manitoba).

Prominent tourism professionals at the event also included Keith and Linda Levit, Carla Foster and Brookelynn Blanco (Lakeview Hotels & Resorts); Trevor Gill (Always Build Films); Chris Stefura (BFL Insurance); Ida Albo (The Fort Garry Hotel, Ascend Collection Member); Stephanie Thorassie (Seal River Watershed Initiative); Senator Don Plett and wife Betty; Lilian Tankard (TIA Manitoba); Michelle Conan and Tracey Heminger (Royal Canadian Mint / Monnaie royale canadienne, Winnipeg), and Camila Quintanilla (Sparrow Hotels).

The event was designed to showcase Churchill Wild’s world-renowned polar bear walking safaris based out of our three remote ecolodges on Manitoba’s Hudson Bay coast.

It also introduced the company’s newest property, the Blueberry Inn in Churchill, to leaders and professionals in Manitoba’s tourism, hospitality, and media sectors, and offered a chance to network with the best of the best while mingling over an exquisite selection of cured meats, fine cheeses, fresh fruits, and artisanal breads prepared by local favourite Sharecuterie.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made Churchill Wild’s first-ever awareness event in Winnipeg a memorable occasion.

Read more about the event here: https://churchillwild.com/tourism-leaders-gather-as-churchill-wild-introduces-luxury-polar-bear-walking-safaris-to-winnipeg/

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day to our cherished Churchill Wild family! ❤️

From intimate moments between mothers and cubs in the spring, summer and fall, to wolf packs sharing tender greetings in swirling winter snow - you've helped us capture and share nature's most powerful expressions of love.

Thank you for braving the elements with us, for your endless enthusiasm even on the chilliest days, and for helping us show that respect and distance create the most meaningful connections with wildlife.

The gentle nuzzles between bears, the playful bond between wolves, and the quiet moments of trust we share on the tundra remind us that love knows no bounds.

Here's to more magical moments together in the pristine wilderness we call home.

With gratitude, Your Churchill Wild Family ❤️

Photos by Jad Davenport, Christoph and Fabienne Jansen of ArcticWild.net, Ramona Boone, Bobbie Baird, Ellen Zangla Photography, Pressman of You Gotta Love Nature, Abby Jensen Photography, and Paul Scriver.

02/10/2025

Polar bear cubs don’t come with a guidebook, but if they did, rule number one would be: explore everything.

These two little adventurers at Seal River Heritage Lodge, still in their first year, are at the age where everything is new and exciting. With their ever-patient mom keeping watch, they decided to do some investigating of their own around our shop.

Summer is a season of learning for young polar bears. With the sea ice gone, they follow their mother along the coast, picking up skills that will help them survive once they’re on their own.

One day, they’ll be the kings and queens of the Arctic, but for now, they’re just two curious cubs seeing the world for the first time!

Photos by Quent Plett. Insta:

02/06/2025

Churchill Wild Hits Milestone Mark On Tripadvisor, 500 5-Star Reviews for Polar Bear Tours and Safaris https://churchillwild.com/churchill-wild-hits-milestone-mark-on-tripadvisor-500-5-star-reviews-for-polar-bear-tours/

Churchill Wild reached a new milestone on Tripadvisor.com in 2024, garnering its 500th 5-Star review for polar bear safaris and wildlife walking tours at Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Dymond Lake Ecolodge, and our new Blueberry Inn in Churchill.

Seal River Heritage Lodge received 15 5-Star reviews in 2024 to bring its total to 218, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge was honoured with 17 5-Star reviews for a total of 180, Dymond Lake Ecolodge received four new 5-Star reviews to bring its total to 98, and our newly opened Blueberry Inn was the icing on the cake with four 5-Star reviews to help us hit the 500 mark!

Churchill Wild also received numerous 5-Star Google reviews for all three of our polar bear lodges in 2024. We’ve included a few example reviews in the post at the link above, along with links to all the reviews for each of our ecolodges on both Tripadvisor and Google.

We couldn’t have done this without our fabulous guests, many of whom have returned to our ecolodges on multiple occasions to walk with polar bears, and we greatly appreciate your kind words and friendship 💕

Thank You! 🥰

Photos by Shayna Rene, Tammy Kokjohn, Shel Zolkewich, Graham Copping, Mara Davidson, and FarAway57036974888, Susan B. and Bianca K. on Tripadvisor.

02/04/2025

Bears on Fire. Pioneering Luxury Arctic Experiences. https://churchillwild.com/polar-bears-on-fireweed-island-luxury-arctic-experiences/

Our family at Churchill Wild has been exploring Canada's Hudson Bay coast for almost 100 years. We officially pioneered polar bear walking safaris 32 years ago, but we were doing it long before that. Fireweed Island was a grand discovery when we began, and we limit that safari to only a few guests every year, but there are more bespoke luxury Arctic adventures to come.

Our deep connection to this land, combined with generations of expertise, allows us to craft truly unique Arctic experiences that push the boundaries of luxury adventure travel. We invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of Arctic exploration, one that is uniquely yours. Contact us to begin crafting your dream today.
https://churchillwild.com/inquire/

Together, we’ll make it come true.

Photos by Michael Poliza, Dennis Fast and Matthew Breiter.

02/04/2025

Are You Wild Enough? Show us your wild side for a chance to win!

You don’t have to walk with polar bears to prove you’re wild enough—adventure is everywhere. Whether you’ve trekked through a remote forest, kayaked through open waters, camped under the stars, or simply embraced the thrill of the unknown, we want to see what makes you wild.

How to Enter:

1. Share your most unforgettable adventure—a photo or video of a moment when you felt truly wild, connected to nature, or outside your comfort zone.

2. Use the hashtag and tag on Instagram or on Facebook.

3. Tell us why this moment made you feel wild—in the caption, share what made it special.

Challenge info and prize details can be found on our campaign page. Final voting will take place during the last week of the campaign, and you’ll have the power to help pick the winner!

Find out which Arctic adventure is perfect for you with our quiz, available now on the campaign page! 😄

Are you wild enough? Walk with polar bears, kayak with beluga whales, chase the northern lights, and howl with wolves.

01/28/2025

February and March are some of the best times to see the northern lights in Churchill. Whether you’re looking for day trips or multi-day adventures, local operators in Churchill offer plenty of great options to experience the beauty of the aurora.

Our Blueberry Inn will be open and ready to welcome you during this season. After a night of northern lights viewing, you can relax and unwind in cozy comfort!

Learn more about northern lights tours: https://www.churchill.ca/p/northern-lights

Book your stay with us at the Blueberry Inn: https://blueberryinn.ca/

Photo credit to Dennis Fast, NateintheWild, and Jochen Curschmann

01/25/2025

Arctic Luxury in the Polar Bear Capital of the World! Our new Blueberry Inn website is now live and ready for booking! https://blueberryinn.ca/

Enjoy the northern charm and comfort that has been a signature of Churchill Wild’s remote ecolodges for 32 years, now at the Blueberry Inn, situated in the heart of Churchill, Manitoba.

This cozy, well-furnished Inn offers a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. Unwind with a glass of local wine or beer in our lounge as you explore the fascinating history of Churchill Wild. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the northern lights in the right season, and make your stay truly memorable!

Shel Zolkewich photos.

01/24/2025

Dancing With Wolves. Interview with National Geographic's Jad Davenport. https://churchillwild.com/dancing-with-wolves-interview-with-natgeos-jad-davenport/

For over a decade, National Geographic photographer and author Jad Davenport has been choreographing one of nature’s most extraordinary performances – intimate encounters between humans and wild wolves along Manitoba’s remote Kaska Coast.

As Director of Wolf Programs for Churchill Wild, Davenport has also led the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari https://churchillwild.com/adventures/cloud-wolves-of-the-kaska-coast/ at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge since its inception in 2021, crafting a delicate dance between curious wolves and awestruck observers.

Davenport’s work, which has appeared in National Geographic magazines and books, Life.com, Newsweek, Outside Magazine, and National Audubon Society publications, brings a unique perspective to this moving wilderness ballet, where wolves can sometimes approach within meters, creating moments that can move guests to tears.

Located at the convergence of Arctic and boreal forest ecosystems, the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari offers what Davenport describes as one of the world’s most transformative wildlife experiences – the chance to step into nature’s grand ballroom and share authentic encounters with wild wolves in their natural habitat.

A much sought-after speaker, a member of the The Explorers Club in New York, and an international photography expedition leader, Davenport shares insights from a decade of wolf observation, discussing everything from close encounters to research that complements the vital work being done by wolf biologists worldwide.

Through a combination of citizen science and emotional connection, Davenport and the Cloud Wolves program are helping to change public perception of wolves while contributing valuable observations to our collective knowledge of wolf behavior.

In the interview at the link above, Davenport details how each wolf encounter becomes another step in a wild dance – one that is changing hearts and minds, and creating new champions for these truly extraordinary creatures.

Photos by Jad Davenport, Christoph Jansen and Fabienne Jansen of ArcticWild.net, Ellen Zangla of Ellen Zangla Photography, Steven Pressman of You Gotta Love Nature, and Meline Ellwanger. Thank you!

01/18/2025

Northern accommodations ~ Blueberry Inn adds 16 new, much-needed rooms to Churchill offerings amid increasingly busy tour seasons.

Our new Blueberry Inn in Churchill was profiled by Gabrielle Piché in the Winnipeg Free Press today, with quotes from Jackie Storry, Churchill Wild's VP of business development, Linda Whitfield, Travel Manitoba's VP of of communications and stakeholder engagement, and John Gunter, chairman of the Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba and president of Frontiers North Adventures.

Calm Air International air crews were among the first to stay in the Blueberry Inn when it opened in October. Gary Bell, the airline’s chief executive, called the site a “world-class facility.”

Thank you to everyone for all your kind words! Greatly appreciated!

Blueberry Inn photos by Shel Zolkewich. Thanks Shel!

01/14/2025

National Geographic photographer and author Jad Davenport is getting excited about leading this spring's Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safaris at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. As are we! https://churchillwild.com/adventures/cloud-wolves-of-the-kaska-coast/

01/13/2025

Where the Kitchen Meets the Wild: The Dual Passions of Chef Carl Wilks at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. https://churchillwild.com/where-the-kitchen-meets-the-wild-the-dual-passions-of-chef-carl-wilks/

In the pristine wilderness of Manitoba’s Hudson Bay coastline, where polar bears roam and northern lights dance, Chef Carl Wilks stands at his kitchen window, one eye on a simmering sauce, the other scanning the tundra beyond. At Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, the boundaries between culinary artistry and wildlife observation blur into a unique harmony that defines Wilks’ extraordinary journey.

Wilks achieved a delicate balance of his dual crafts at Nanuk. You could see it in his photos, and in the faces of satiated guests. Each day brought new opportunities to capture the ultimate shot or craft the perfect dish. The panoramic windows at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge didn’t just frame the wilderness, they ignited a passion for both creating and enjoying…

Delicious.

01/10/2025

The Blueberry Inn website is launching soon!

Our website will offer online bookings for both locals and guests. Looking for a venue to host an event or work meeting? Our elegant and cozy lobby offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Stay tuned! 👀

Photos by Shel Zolkewich

01/09/2025

Warrior Pete, a beloved polar bear among our guests, passed away in front of our Seal River Heritage Lodge back in 2018.

But don’t feel sad for Warrior Pete, he was thought to have been at least 20 years old. He lived life to the fullest, won many battles over the years, and outlasted all his rivals, while fathering numerous offspring. He had lived a full and fabulous life, and was known to the guides.

Pete made appearances on and off over the summer, he would stop at the lodge, peruse the area, do his walk around, spend a day or two and then wander off. The longest he was away from the lodge was about 10 days, and then he came back in October.

The most impactful part of this story is the day he passed. A younger bear had left some food for him. It wasn’t a lot of food, and the young bear could have easily trotted off with it. Instead, he left it for Pete.

Later that night, the young bear came back and laid down beside him, knowing his time was soon to come.

Spending the past 32 years on the Hudson Bay coast, we’ve had the privilege of observing interactions between polar bears that most people never see. Polar bears are often portrayed as solitary creatures, but we believe that they may form deeper connections.

Read the full story about Warrior Pete here: https://churchillwild.com/old-warrior-takes-final-walk-at-seal-river/

Photos by Insta: .loren_, , ,

01/05/2025

Ellen Zangla's Epic Adventure (Part #4). Weather Delay Brings Unexpected Gifts. https://churchillwild.com/ellen-zanglas-epic-adventure-part-4-weather-delay-brings-unexpected-gifts/

Professional dog and pet photographer Ellen Zangla of Ellen Zangla Photography made her fourth trip with Churchill Wild and her first to Seal River Heritage Lodge in November. A weather delay resulted in her getting storm-stayed at the lodge for two extra days -- and some bonus photos! Thank you Ellen!

Manitoba

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Thank you to all our guests, fans, friends, family, staff and partners for helping us to a record 2024. Because of you, we're almost sold out for 2025 now, and we greatly appreciate all that you do!

Wishing you all a warm, peaceful and prosperous 2025! 💕

Photos by Christoph and Fabienne Jansen of ArcticWild.net, Carl Wilks, Ellen Zangla Photography, Charles Glatzer, Lisa Ellen Niver, Ben Griffin, Nigel Broderick, Luke Kolla and Shayna Rene.

12/31/2024

November was a month of filming at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, guided by co-owner Mike Reimer and the Churchill Wild team. The Opoyastin wolf pack was out in full force, fiercely protecting their territory against intruders.

The raw wilderness of the area delivered some intense interactions, including two wolf packs battling over a moose kill and wolves clashing with polar bears.

The unseasonably warm weather presented challenges, especially with navigating rivers, but the determination of the crew shone through.

Filming demanded predawn starts and late night finishes, with days stretching well beyond the sunset. See video of the travelling conditions here: https://churchillwild.com/mud-warriors-a-subarctic-search-for-wolves-and-polar-bears/

Despite the grueling schedule, the shoot was a resounding success. Stay tuned for future release dates!

Photos by Quent Plett Insta: