Few wildlife encounters compare with standing at ground level as a wild Polar Bear moves across the frozen landscape of Canada’s sub-Arctic. Each autumn, as the bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay awaiting the return of sea ice, Churchill becomes one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for Polar Bear photography.
Our Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition is designed around this remarkable seasonal spectacle, combining intimate wildlife encounters, specialist local knowledge and a photography-first approach to exploring the is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
Accompanied by two professional wildlife photographers and expert local bear guides, you’ll benefit from exceptional photographic guidance and an intimate understanding of Churchill’s Polar Bears. Each day, we’ll explore the wilderness surrounding Churchill in search of these magnificent Arctic predators. Travelling in modern 4×4 vehicles with a maximum of just three guests per vehicle, we can adapt to changing wildlife activity, seek out the best photographic opportunities and give every photographer the space they need to capture extraordinary images.
What truly sets this expedition apart is the opportunity, when conditions and safety permit, to photograph Polar Bears from ground level. Rather than viewing every encounter from a raised vehicle, you may have the opportunity to get down low and create powerful, eye-level images that bring you into the bears’ world. From intimate portraits and environmental compositions to moments of curiosity, interaction and behaviour, these encounters offer the potential for genuinely memorable wildlife photographs.
In the frozen wilderness of Churchill, few encounters are as humbling as meeting a polar bear at eye level — a moment where the world falls silent, the Arctic feels endless, and a photograph becomes a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Our local guides bring an exceptional understanding of Churchill, its surrounding landscape and the bears that move through it. Their knowledge helps us interpret behaviour, understand changing conditions and make informed decisions about where to focus our time in the field. Combined with our small-group approach, this local expertise is central to the experience we aim to deliver.
The expedition also takes the complexity out of reaching this remote northern destination. Return private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill are included in your tour price, alongside your arrival-night accommodation in Winnipeg and your accommodation and meals in Churchill. With the key arrangements organised for you, you can concentrate on the experience ahead: exploring the Arctic wilderness, learning about its wildlife and making the most of every photographic opportunity.
With only eight guests on each departure, this is a deliberately intimate expedition for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want more than a conventional Polar Bear holiday. Whether you are refining your wildlife photography or pursuing a long-held ambition to photograph Polar Bears in their natural environment, Churchill offers an unforgettable setting in which to do so.
Day 1: Arrival in Winnipeg and hotel check-in
For those on international connections via Europe, you will likely arrive into Winnipeg in the early evening. Upon arrival at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, make your way to baggage reclaim and then transfer to your hotel for the night. Please note that meals on this first evening are not included; however, the hotel offers many options to suit all budgets. There are four on-site restaurants: CHOP Steakhouse (fine dining), Denny’s Family Restaurant (breakfast/24 hours), Tavern United (pub-style), and 1916 Café.
Day 2: Flight to Churchill and first polar bear viewing excursion
After an overnight stay in Winnipeg, we will meet as a group at the airport to begin our adventure northwards in search of polar bears.
Although we will be departing from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, we will fly on a privately chartered aircraft to Churchill, operated by Calm Air – the leading airline for northbound flights in Manitoba, Canada. You will be advised in advance of the departure gate, where we will board the aircraft. Despite being a private charter, this is still a commercial airline jet rather than a small bush plane, so there should be no concerns regarding comfort. The flight takes approximately two hours and is an unforgettable experience in itself; if conditions are clear, you will gain a real sense of the vast Canadian wilderness below.
We will land at the small remote airport in Churchill, where we will be met by our local guide(s), who will assist with baggage collection before we make our way into town, where we will be based for the duration of the tour.
Our accommodation is located in the heart of Churchill, just two blocks from the main street in a quieter area of town. It is the newest property in Churchill, fully remodelled and furnished, with a large shared kitchen and a spacious shared living area. Two shared bathrooms with heated floors serve a maximum of eight guests, and there is also a back garden space to relax (though don’t expect sunbathing at this time of year). There are ample electrical outlets for charging devices (both in communal areas and bedrooms), plus Starlink internet service for uploading photos or streaming video. The living room is equipped with a widescreen TV for group presentations or image reviews.
As this is a private charter, flight times are yet to be confirmed; however, we typically arrive in Churchill at around 10:30 am. We will then drop our bags at the Bed and Breakfast, have a quick lunch, and waste no time heading out in search of polar bears. The first day is a changeover day at the B&B, so your rooms will be ready from 4:00 pm; however, luggage and belongings can be stored safely upon arrival.
Days 3–7: Daily polar bear viewing excursions (sunrise to sunset)
Day three marks our first full day in Churchill. For the remainder of the stay, each day we will head out at sunrise to search for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. We cover approximately 25 kilometres east of Churchill, travelling along the main highway and using several trails to reach the coast. Polar Bear Alley is one of our primary routes and a key area of high polar bear activity. Encounters may range from a bear walking directly towards us along the beach, to sparring males, or even a memorable meeting with a polar bear family. Churchill’s quirky northern charm makes this one of the most authentic wildlife experiences in the world.
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a research and logistics station located 25 kilometres east of town, is often used as a stop during the day, either to warm up or take a bathroom break. Since this is a completely private tour, we have full flexibility in how we spend our time in the field. If the wildlife activity is excellent, we can stay out longer to capture outstanding images. Conversely, if the weather turns poor, we can return to town for lunch or enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate. The beauty of this tour is that we are not restricted by other guests, giving us complete freedom to create our own itinerary each day.
Day 8: Town activities before the return flight to Winnipeg
During our time in Churchill, Kelsey will share countless fascinating stories about this remarkable place and its rich history. On our final day, we will enjoy a relaxed morning before heading into town to explore the community. Several gift shops are located along the main street, Kelsey Boulevard, with Arctic Trading Company offering local crafts and sculptures. A popular activity is getting a ‘polar bear passport stamp’ at the Post Office.
For thousands of years, the Indigenous Cree, Dene and Inuit peoples have thrived in Churchill, and their traditions continue to shape the spirit of the region today. In the 17th century, the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Churchill as a fur trading post, making the area a vital link in Canada’s early trade networks. As we explore Churchill, we step into this living history – from the legacy of the fur trade and the stories carried by the bay’s icy tides, to the vibrant culture that celebrates resilience, community, and deep connections to land and sea.
We will also visit the Itsanitaq Museum, which offers a truly unique and fascinating insight into the past, showcasing rare artefacts from Indigenous cultures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This final day in Churchill provides a memorable conclusion to our time spent in this magical location.
Finally, we will return to our B&B to collect luggage before heading to the airport for our flight back to Winnipeg. Once again, this will be a private charter flight, typically arriving back in Winnipeg at around 19:00.
Please note: while it is possible to make international connections to Europe on this date, we recommend a final overnight stay in Winnipeg in case weather conditions delay our departure from Churchill. Accommodation for this final night is not included, but we would be happy to provide a list of recommended hotels near the airport.
Throughout our Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition, we stay at two carefully selected properties, combining comfort and convenience with a practical base for our time in Canada’s remote northern wilderness.
Upon arrival in Winnipeg, we include one night’s accommodation at a premium city hotel. This provides a comfortable opportunity to rest and recharge between your international flight and our onward journey to Churchill aboard our private charter aircraft.
The hotel offers the amenities you would expect from a major hotel, including an on-site restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, fitness facilities and convenient airport access.
For our stay in Churchill, we have secured exclusive use of a private property for our group. Having the entire property to ourselves provides a relaxed and flexible base, particularly when early starts and pre-dawn departures are required for our Polar Bear photography sessions.
Accommodation in Churchill can be exceptionally difficult to secure during the peak Polar Bear migration season in October and November. As a remote northern community accessible by air or rail, the town has limited infrastructure and accommodation capacity relative to the demand during this short but incredibly popular wildlife season. Having an entire property reserved exclusively for our group is therefore a significant advantage.
Based on twin-share occupancy, the B&B offers comfortable, recently refurbished accommodation with modern bathroom facilities, spacious communal areas and a dedicated dining space. High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is also available, allowing you to stay connected and share your photographic experiences throughout the expedition.
The property is conveniently located just two blocks from Churchill’s main street, in a quieter residential area. However, Churchill is a true Polar Bear destination, and bears can occasionally wander through the town, particularly after dark. For everyone’s safety, we follow local guidance and ensure that any movement outside the property after dark is undertaken as a group, rather than independently.
Our accommodation provides a comfortable and practical base for the expedition, allowing us to focus on what matters most: spending time in the field, photographing Churchill’s remarkable Polar Bears and making the most of every opportunity in this extraordinary northern environment.
Get a taste of what awaits on our Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition with this gallery of wildlife images captured in Churchill, Manitoba. From intimate Polar Bear portraits to striking encounters in the wild landscapes of Canada’s frozen north, discover the photographic opportunities that make Churchill one of the world’s most iconic destinations for Polar Bear photography.
At Natures Thrill, we believe that an exceptional wildlife experience starts with the right guide. We carefully select guides not simply for their knowledge, but for their first-hand experience, local expertise and genuine connection to the places and wildlife we visit.
Churchill is a remote sub-Arctic community where polar bears roam freely, making experienced local guides essential to both a successful wildlife experience and the safety of our guests. At Natures Thrill, we believe that guiding in this extraordinary environment requires far more than simply knowing where to find bears. It demands an intimate understanding of the landscape, local conditions and polar bear behaviour, alongside the experience and judgement to make informed decisions in a dynamic wilderness setting.
That is why we place such importance on the people who lead our expeditions. Our Churchill specialists bring first-hand local knowledge and a deep understanding of the region, helping us navigate changing conditions, respond responsibly to wildlife encounters and make the most of every photographic opportunity. For us, exceptional guiding means combining outstanding wildlife knowledge with professionalism, sound judgement and an unwavering commitment to guest safety.
Our Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expeditions bring together a dedicated team of specialists, with professional wildlife photographers Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen providing expert photographic guidance, while Kelsey and his experienced local ground team contribute invaluable knowledge of Churchill, polar bear behaviour and essential on-the-ground safety expertise.
Kyle is the founder of BearPhoto and Natures Thrill. He established BearPhoto in 2017, specialising in bear-focused wildlife photography experiences, before expanding the business in 2025 with the launch of Natures Thrill, bringing together a wider portfolio of nature and wildlife adventures from around the world.
Based in the UK, Kyle is a multi-award-winning nature photographer and experienced wildlife guide, with a particular expertise in photographing bears in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. His work has taken him from the vast wilderness of Alaska and the Arctic landscapes of Canada, where he has photographed polar bears, to the dense boreal forests of Finland in pursuit of the elusive European brown bear.
Alongside his photography, Kyle has developed extensive knowledge of the destinations and wildlife he works with, allowing him to combine specialist field experience with a strong understanding of wildlife behaviour and photography. His imagery and expertise have led to collaborations with tourism boards, leading broadcasters including the BBC, and international brands, including a recent global campaign with Samsung showcasing its latest mobile photography technology.
Kyle’s photographs are represented by leading international photographic stock agencies and have been published across international media. Through BearPhoto and Natures Thrill, he continues to share his knowledge and passion for wildlife by creating carefully curated, photography-led experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations.
Roger has been a professional nature photographer for over twenty years. Based in Norway but spending more than 320 days a year travelling, he quite literally has the world as his workplace. He has been a Nikon ambassador for over eighteen years, making him one of the brand’s longest-serving ambassadors. Roger is also the leader of the Norwegian Nature Photographers / NN.
He has held workshops in more than thirty countries, with a particular focus on predators. He is a renowned speaker and gives nearly one hundred lectures each year. He has extensive experience as a nature photographer, with articles and photographs published in several European newspapers and magazines. He also collaborates with various television channels, including the BBC, for which he supplied photographs and film for the major new series Wild Scandinavia.
He has held several photo exhibitions in recent years, with subjects ranging from Antarctica in the south to Svalbard in the north. In March 2020, he published his first book, accompanied by a large solo exhibition featuring images from Antarctica. In autumn 2024, he published two books together with Ole Mathismoen: The Bear – the Strongest in the Country and The Wolf – the Smartest in the Forest. This year he will release four new books: The Moose – the King of the Forest, in addition to a series of three children’s books focused on the natural world.
Kelsey is a Canadian wildlife guide, writer, filmmaker and artist with more than twenty-five years of experience leading wildlife tours, specialising in unique eye-level encounters with polar bears. He promotes nature conservation through his wildlife expeditions, filmmaking, tours and writing on wildlife, northern history and local communities. He has worked as a dog musher, polar bear guide, natural history consultant and heritage interpreter, has run a newspaper in the North, and has travelled the world on expeditions while filming documentaries and guiding tours. He is also known as one of the three main characters in the documentary reality series Polar Bear Town, filmed in 2015 and aired in 2017, which explores the story of the town of Churchill, its residents and their relationship with wildlife.
Kelsey is our ‘go-to guide’ for observing the wildlife of northern Canada. With his knowledge of history, wildlife behaviour and his artistic eye, you can be sure of experiencing the best wildlife sightings and capturing your most memorable moments.
Prepare for Churchill with confidence using our comprehensive Churchill Travel Resource Hub, an in-depth guide to one of Canada’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Drawing on our specialist knowledge and first-hand experience, we’ve brought together an extensive collection of practical travel advice, wildlife insights, photography guides and essential pre-departure information to help you make the most of your Arctic adventure. From understanding Churchill’s polar bears and choosing the right photography equipment to planning your journey and preparing for November’s extreme conditions, our resources are designed to answer your questions long before you arrive. Explore our expert guides, downloadable resources and frequently asked questions, all in one place, and arrive ready for an extraordinary experience in the Polar Bear Capital of the World.
Planning a polar bear adventure in Churchill? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about our Churchill polar bear tours, covering travel arrangements, accommodation, polar bear encounters, photography opportunities and what to expect during your stay in Canada’s frozen north. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or have questions about a particular departure, our team is always happy to help. Simply get in touch, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in planning your Churchill polar bear photography expedition.
At Natures Thrill, we believe that exceptional wildlife encounters begin with exceptional local knowledge. Our Churchill tours benefit from the experience of Kelsey Eliasson, whose connection to this remarkable Arctic community and its polar bears goes far beyond guiding. As the founder of the Churchill Polar Bear Identification Scheme, Kelsey has developed an intimate understanding of the individual bears that visit the region, their behaviour and their seasonal movements.
Combined with our small-group approach, dedicated photography vehicles and flexible daily itineraries, this knowledge helps us make the most of every opportunity in the field. Our aim is to offer much more than a conventional wildlife holiday: an immersive photographic experience shaped by people who understand Churchill and its bears.
Churchill is widely recognised as one of the world’s premier destinations for polar bear encounters, and for good reason. Each autumn, polar bears gather along the Hudson Bay coastline as they await the formation of sea ice, which allows them to return to their traditional seal-hunting grounds.
Although polar bears are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed, Churchill’s seasonal migration makes it an exceptional place to observe and photograph them. Our experienced guides use their knowledge of local bear movements and conditions to help maximise photographic opportunities throughout your stay.
From intimate portraits to environmental images that capture the bears within their Arctic surroundings, Churchill offers an extraordinary setting for wildlife photographers.
We use modern Ford Broncos and Ford F-150 pickup trucks, selected to provide a comfortable and practical base from which to explore the Churchill area. With a maximum of three guests per vehicle, there is plenty of room to work with your camera equipment without feeling crowded.
Our seating arrangement accommodates one guest in the front and two in the rear, giving everyone a window seat and a clear view of the surrounding landscape. When a polar bear approaches and conditions permit, windows can be lowered for photography without leaving the vehicle.
This small-group arrangement allows us to remain flexible, respond to wildlife activity and give each photographer the space to concentrate on capturing the moment.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Yes, where conditions and the guide’s assessment of safety allow. One of the distinctive elements of our Churchill experience is the possibility of photographing polar bears at ground level, rather than exclusively from inside a vehicle.
Kelsey’s extensive experience around Churchill’s polar bears informs his understanding of their behaviour and the circumstances in which leaving a vehicle may be appropriate. On suitable occasions, guests may be able to lie low on the ground to photograph bears from a compelling eye-level perspective.
These encounters are carefully assessed and are never guaranteed. Polar bears are powerful, unpredictable wild animals, so the safety of our guests, guides and the bears always takes priority over obtaining a photograph.
Absolutely. We want you to leave Churchill with a deeper appreciation of polar bears, their Arctic environment and the conservation challenges they face.
Our programme includes an opportunity to hear from a polar bear expert associated with Polar Bears International, a leading organisation dedicated to polar bear conservation. This educational session offers valuable insight into polar bear biology, the importance of sea ice and the future of this iconic Arctic species. We aim to arrange this experience for the beginning of the tour, subject to availability.
Throughout your stay, Kelsey, Kyle and Roger will also share their knowledge and experiences, helping bring the bears’ behaviour, ecology and individual personalities to life.
For us, the most rewarding wildlife journeys combine remarkable photographic opportunities with a genuine understanding of the animals we have travelled to see.
Trip Details & Costs
Trip Price: £6,995 GBP
Deposit: £1,700 GBP
Single Supplemen: Please note that single-room accommodation cannot always be guaranteed. If you require a single supplement, please mention this at the time of booking so we can confirm availability.
Group Tour Only: Due to the limited seasonal availability of this experience, this trip is offered exclusively on a small-group basis and cannot be arranged as a part of our tailor-made private departure collection of tours.
Group Size: 8 People + photo guides
Tour Dates:
2027:
Nov 9th – 16th | ONE SPACE AVAILABLE
Nov 15th – 22nd | LIMITED AVAILABILITY
2028:
DATES TBC
Group size:
Limited to only 8 guests
A key feature of our Churchill bear photography tours is our commitment to small group sizes. We believe wildlife is best experienced in an intimate setting, allowing guests to enjoy a more personal connection with nature. Smaller groups also help create a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the photography hides, providing everyone with the space and time to capture memorable images of Churchill’s magnificent Polar bears.
Included
✅ Hotel in Winnipeg upon arrival in Canada
✅ Airport transfers to/from our hotel in Winnipeg
✅ Private charter return flights Winnipeg ↔ Churchill (worth $2,100)
✅ Exclusive accommodation in Churchill (entire, newly renovated B&B for our group)
✅ All transport from point of arrival in Churchill
✅ All meals whilst in Churchill inc: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner (varied restaurant menu options)
Not Included
❌ International Airline Flights
❌ Meals in Winnipeg upon arrival
❌ VISA Application (If Applicable)
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Local guide gratuities
Getting There & Getting Home
This tour begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. As transfers and charter flights to Churchill are arranged as part of the itinerary, guests must arrive and depart at the designated times to ensure smooth connections. Once your booking is confirmed, one of our travel specialists will provide your recommended arrival and departure times, along with the relevant travel arrangements.
Physical Requirements
At Natures Thrill, we specialise in exceptional wildlife experiences in some of the world’s most remarkable natural environments. As our trips often take place in remote locations, conditions and physical requirements can vary, and access to medical facilities may be limited. For this reason, not every trip will be suitable for every traveller. Before booking, we encourage guests to carefully review the physical requirements outlined below to ensure they can comfortably and confidently participate in all aspects of the itinerary.
Level of Difficulty: EASY
The physical demands of this tour are generally low, with minimal walking required. However, Churchill’s sub-Arctic climate can bring extremely cold temperatures, icy surfaces and challenging winter conditions. Participants must be comfortable walking on potentially slippery ground, maintain good balance and mobility, and be prepared to spend extended periods outdoors in cold weather. A good tolerance for cold and appropriate winter clothing are essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Chartered Flights
To ensure a smooth and convenient journey, we arrange private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, exclusively for our group. This direct service avoids the need for commercial connections, helping to simplify travel logistics and maximise our time in Churchill for the wildlife and photography experiences that make this trip so special.
During our stay in Churchill, we’ll dine at a selection of the town’s local pubs and restaurants, offering a variety of menu options to suit different tastes. Dining out provides a chance to experience the character of this remote northern community, with meals enjoyed at local establishments throughout our stay.
Given Churchill’s isolated location and limited choice of restaurants, special dietary requirements cannot always be guaranteed. Options for specific dietary needs, including halal, vegan and gluten-free meals, may be limited or unavailable at certain establishments. We therefore recommend informing us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can advise you on what may be possible. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, flexibility is essential when dining in such a remote destination.
Our Churchill Polar Bear Tour begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Your international flights should be arranged around our private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, with the confirmed charter schedule determining the recommended arrival and departure times. As charter schedules are typically released closer to the departure date, we will provide detailed flight guidance and travel arrangements in your pre-departure information.
The first night’s accommodation in Winnipeg is included in the tour price, providing a convenient overnight stay before we travel north to Churchill. Once the charter flight timings have been confirmed, we will advise you on the most suitable international flight options to ensure a smooth connection with the group itinerary.
Weather conditions in northern Canada can occasionally cause delays, so we recommend allowing sufficient flexibility in your travel arrangements wherever possible. Further details regarding meeting arrangements, flight timings and the return journey will be provided ahead of departure.
Our Churchill specialists, Kelsey and Kyle, combine exceptional local knowledge with professional wildlife photography expertise. Kelsey lives in Churchill and has an unparalleled understanding of its wildlife, landscapes and community, while Kyle regularly returns to lead our specialist polar bear photography expeditions.
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