05/27/2026
One polar bear on the horizon walking through the fireweed was exciting… then we spotted the cubs.
Last summer, we all lit up with quiet excitement during our Tundra Buggy Adventure when we spotted a polar bear on the horizon. That excitement quickly doubled, then tripled, when we realized it wasn’t one bear at all, but a mother polar bear and her two cubs.
We rolled to a stop along the trail and watched from a respectful distance as the mother and her cubs strolled through blooming fireweed, its brilliant lilac blossoms carpeting the tundra in colour. Much to our surprise, she gradually angled closer to us, wandering alongside a nearby pond before settling down on a warm, sunlit rock for a nap.
Inside the Tundra Buggy, only hushed whispers, quiet camera clicks, and the sight of smiling faces filled the air as we all soaked in the moment and captured photos of this unforgettable encounter. Seeing a mother polar bear with two cubs is already incredibly special, seeing them surrounded by vibrant fireweed and so close to us made it even more remarkable.
But they weren’t finished putting on a show. While the mother rested nearby, the restless cubs began play-sparring right in front of us, tumbling through the fireweed and delighting everyone watching. At one point, the bolder of the two cubs even wandered a little closer for a curious peek, while mom calmly kept watch from her resting spot.
Moments like this on the tundra don’t happen every day, but you’ll never have the chance to experience them if you don’t roll the dice and visit. Every day on the tundra is unique, and we can’t wait to see what this summer holds.
📸: Alex Cupeiro
