Arrive in Churchill, polar bear capital of the world. If coming in by air you might be lucky enough to see the "bear patrol" escorting one of our great white bears off the runway. Guests arriving by train may have already seen bears, caribou, fox and wolves. Our representative will greet you and introduce you to the tour. Transfer by air to the nature lodge at Dymond Lake on Hudson Bay is done by a chartered helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, approximately 11:00 a.m.  Your exciting flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River, northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast to Canada's most exclusive polar bear nature lodge.  Keep a sharp eye out en route for caribou, moose, seals, wolves and of course the great Ice Bears. Upon arrival at the Polar Bear Lodge you will be greeted by the hosts and settled into the finest lodge accommodations on the Hudson Bay coast.  Activities:  This day includes guided nature hikes, a lecture on "Travel in Bear Country", an interpretive slide show featuring the wildlife of Hudson Bay and hopefully a clear night for viewing the Aurora Borealis!  Over a gourmet lunch and dinner your hosts and guides will regale you with tales of life and adventures in Canada's Arctic.

Spend two full days experiencing the unique environment of the Polar Bears on the Hudson Bay. Walking excursions to the coastline to search for these large carnivores and other wildlife are guided by professional, knowledgeable tour leaders. The walks are easy paced, geared towards plenty of viewing and photo opportunities. There are options available for those that want to do extended treks or those who prefer to remain at the lodge. Weather permitting lunches will be taken out in the field. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. and the first walking tour generally leaves at 9:30 a.m. Should there be a polar bear in camp, (this happens frequently!) the walking tour is delayed for picture taking but no one ever seems to mind!  Obviously we cannot allow the bears to approach too closely, your guides are experts in keeping bears at a safe distance for exciting viewing. As mentioned earlier lunch is either on the tour or back at the lodge depending on weather and/or adventurer's preference.
Generally by 4:00 p.m. we are back at the lodge for coffee, drinks and appetizers. Gourmet dinners are served at 7:00 p.m. Evenings are spent in the lodge around the fireplace and feature informative, exciting lectures and slide presentations by our tour leader. Bedtime is at your leisure, but be prepared to have your sleep cut short by one of our dazzling displays of northern lights or a nocturnal visit by one of the great Ice Bears. The camp dogs will alert us!

The adventure continues.  After another hearty "polar" breakfast it is time to pack for the flight back to Churchill, say good-byes and snap a few more lasting memories!  Experience another exciting aerial tour en route to Churchill from the lodge.  Upon arrival you will be escorted to your overnight accommodations (hotel or Bed and Breakfast) to check in and then get together for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch it is a sights and sounds tour by mini-bus of Churchill and surrounding area.  This includes Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, Eskimo Museum, and coastal road tour. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. is a gourmet delight of northern cuisine at the home of international best-selling author, Helen Webber, of  "Blue Berries and Polar Bears" publishing fame.  

Today you will travel across the tundra in the world famous Tundra Buggies for more polar bear viewing.  Because of Churchill's popularity there will be numerous other buggies of bear watchers in the area but it is a great way to get up close to these wonderful creatures. Lunch "with the bears" is included on the tour. The buggies are large rubber tired bus-like vehicles with lots of windows and a rear deck for viewing, all safely 10 feet above the ground. Each buggy holds approximately 25 people and contains on-board washrooms. Optional helicopter tours are available while on the buggy tour, but must be arranged the night before. Transportation by bus to and from the Tundra Buggies is provided at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively. Our Great Ice Bear Tour ends with your departure on the evening of day five.