Little Bear Wildlife

Fall in Churchill - Polar Bears, Culture, Landscape, and More

Name: Fall in Churchill - Polar Bears, Culture, Landscape, and More
Brand: Little Bear Wildlife
SKU: 9
Price: 6690.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$6,690.00 USD

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SEPTEMBER 14th-21th 2024

Join me on an unforgettable journey to Churchill, Manitoba this September, where the polar bears await amidst a backdrop of fall colors. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian tundra as it transforms into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque setting that complements the awe-inspiring presence of these great ursine legends.

This carefully curated trip promises not only opportunities to search for iconic polar bears but is also a celebration of the region's history and unique tundra location. The crisp air and milder early fall temperatures provide the perfect conditions for exploration and offer the potential to see a diverse roster of other wildlife that call this region home. From the elusive foxes to the charismatic Arctic hare, the tundra comes alive with flora and fauna, offering a comprehensive wildlife experience beyond the polar bear encounters.

And the wonders don't end there – as the night falls, we'll keep a vigilant watch for the mesmerizing aurora borealis. The aurora is elusive, and her dance isn't always guaranteed, but the early fall timeframe offers us a chance to be graced by her nocturnal magic.

Our expert local guides from Discover Churchill, with their in-depth knowledge of the region, will ensure you have the best chance of witnessing all of these natural wonders and provide fascinating insights into the wildlife and landscapes that surround you.

Join me on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Churchill, Manitoba in September, where every moment is a celebration of the region's beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness. This trip promises an unparalleled blend of adventure, education, and awe-inspiring moments that will stay with you forever.

Price is per traveler, and includes airfare to Churchill from Winnipeg, accommodations in Churchill, all meals, guides, loaner camera gear, and photography instruction.

ITINERARY

September 14th - Arrive in Winnipeg, where Brooke will meet you at the Courtyard Marriott to get you checked in. You can charge your batteries here (human batteries as well as camera batteries) in anticipation of the adventure ahead. Meet for a welcome dinner to get acquainted with everyone in the group, and talk about the game plan for the week. Get some good shut-eye - the adventure officially begins in the morning!

September 15th - Fly together as a group to Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world! Today we will get settled into our accommodations, get oriented with the town, and meet our amazing local guide team from the world-renowned Discover Churchill.

September 16th - 19th - The polar bear search begins in earnest on the 16th. But keep in mind - polar bears aren't all that Churchill has to offer! We will also search for raptors, foxes, mink, arctic hares, and all the other wild species that call this remote corner of the earth home. Each day will also offer opportunities to learn about the ecology and cultural history of Churchill. We'll engage with the locals and the landscape of Churchill, learn about the resilient way of life up here, and gain insights into the unique challenges and triumphs of living in such a remote and extraordinary environment.

September 20th - By now, our hearts and memory cards are full! We fly back to Winnipeg together, where we will check into the Courtyard Marriott once again and wind down after our incredible adventure. Tomorrow we fly onwards to our next adventures, but tonight - we meet for a celebratory dinner and drinks and say our "see you next times".

September 21st - Depart Winnipeg and immediately start scheming our next adventures, because if there's one thing I can promise - its that Churchill will further awaken your already unquenchable sense of adventure!

Deposits and payment plans available - get in touch for more info

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What level of outdoors person do I need to be?

Any level is welcome. Whether you're a seasoned Arctic traveler or a first-time wilderness adventurer, you're going to have a blast on this expedition.

What vehicles are we in on the Tundra?

Our local guides from Discover Churchill will take us out onto the tundra in 4 4-wheel drive vehicles that allow us the ability to exit the vehicles and photograph wildlife at eye level.

What are our accommodations like?

We will be staying in Bed and Breakfasts. Comfortable, cozy accommodations with wifi, full bathrooms, and full kitchens stocked with cookware and breakfast items. All rooms are double occupancy. Inquire about a single supplement for an additional $1050 if you'd prefer a private room.

Is this for photographers only?

No! This trip is definitely designed with photographers in mind, but by no means is it a requirement.

Is full payment due upfront?

No. Contact me if you'd like to pay a deposit to reserve your spot and the remaining balance a few months prior to trip departure.

GEAR TIPS

Layers will be key for this trip. Comfortable outdoor clothing that is easy to shed or adjust if temps swing throughout the day. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to be chilly in Churchill in the fall - think mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit range give or take a little. Wool jackets and vests are a great consideration to bring for layering. The Northern sun can be quite strong especially when out on the tundra. We recommend bringing a hat or ball cap. We also recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and a windbreaker as well in case the winds shift North and bring cool air to the area. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots will come in handy on short hikes and around town. Since accommodations and food are included, no camping or cooking gear is necessary but I do suggest bringing a headlamp in case of aurora.

Camera gear is highly recommended as there will be lots of components focused on photography, but being a photographer is not a requirement. For those who are bringing their camera, you'll definitely want a telephoto lens. Something that can reach at least a 400mm field of view is ideal. Personally, I primarily use a zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 300-800mms. If you have extenders or tripods/monopods bring those along as well. I'd also suggest bringing a wide-angle lens with as wide an aperture as you can find just in case the aurora shows itself. (Think the same kind of lens you'd use for Milky Way photography.)

There will also be some camera gear including telephoto and wide-angle astrophotography lenses provided by OM System (formerly known as Olympus Cameras). All participants are welcome to borrow the loaner gear during the trip, and I'll offer some additional OM System-specific instruction for anyone who wants so you're not learning a new camera system blindly.

Have more questions? Want to book? Contact me:

BrookeBartleson@littlebearwildlife.com or info@thinkwildexp.com

Deposits and payment plans available - get in touch for more info

Includes:

Accommodation in Winnipeg *

Roundtrip flights between Winnipeg and Churchill

All meals in Churchill (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Guiding services in Churchill for polar bears and northern lights

Accommodation in Churchill at local B&B *

Zodiak adventure to see Churchill wildlife from the water

Not included:

Meals in Winnipeg