Manitoba
Lords of the North: Ecology of Hudson Bay's Polar Bears
Program No. 6290RJ
Learn about the ecosystems of Hudson Bay from a polar bear expert, enjoying lectures and seeing unique Arctic species in their natural habitat.
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800-454-5768
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9 days
8 nights
22 meals
8B 7L 7D
2
Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Winnipeg, MB
3
Fly to Churchill, Polar Bear Conservation
Churchill, MB
4
Polar Bear Viewing, Tundra Buggy, Climate Change
Churchill, MB
5
Current Research, Dogsledding, Polar Bear Conservation
Churchill, MB
6
Polar Bear Viewing, Cultural Presentation
Churchill, MB
8
Fly to Winnipeg, Farewell Dinner
Winnipeg, MB
9
Program Concludes
Winnipeg, MB
At a Glance
As autumn fades, the polar bears of Hudson Bay gather to await the sea ice that signals winter’s return. Alongside a leading authority on this precious population, journey onto the tundra aboard specially fitted vehicles to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Lectures, field trips and museum visits will help you understand not only the life of the polar bear, but also the challenges of global climate change, local conservation issues and the future of the arctic ecosystem.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on frozen terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Take part in a dog sled adventure and look out for Arctic foxes, snowy owls and other Arctic species.
- Examine research and conservation efforts conducted by the new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
- Go behind the scenes at the Manitoba Museum to view pieces from the Inuit collection and discover the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
General Notes
This program stays in unique accommodations. Be sure to review the Lodging description for the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. If you enroll in a Single room, it is only available for the two hotels in Winnipeg but not in Churchill.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Martyn Obbard
Dr. Martyn Obbard is a research scientist for the Canadian government and a professor of environmental and life sciences at Trent University. He has spent much of his career studying the effect of sea ice distribution and duration and its effect on polar bears. His current project includes researching polar bear populations including the Southern Hudson Bay, one of the most southerly polar bear populations in the world. Dr. Obbard remains active with the International Union for Conservation of Nature polar bear specialist group.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Martyn Obbard
View biography
Dr. Martyn Obbard is a research scientist for the Canadian government and a professor of environmental and life sciences at Trent University. He has spent much of his career studying the effect of sea ice distribution and duration and its effect on polar bears. His current project includes researching polar bear populations including the Southern Hudson Bay, one of the most southerly polar bear populations in the world. Dr. Obbard remains active with the International Union for Conservation of Nature polar bear specialist group.
David Hems
View biography
David Hems has had a career centered on the management of cultural heritage sites with a strong focus on interpretation and presentation. After earning a degree in anthropology, he spent nine years working for the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch and 20 years with Parks Canada as an archaeologist and a heritage resource adviser throughout Western and Northern Canada. David was able to follow his passions travel and the sport of ice hockey. He played semi-professional hockey in Germany and another coaching in Northern Italy!
Danielle Rivet
View biography
Danielle Rivet obtained her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Saskatchewan as a member of the Human-Wildlife Interactions Research Group. She received her M.S. from Washington State University while working at the W.S.U. Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center. Her research interests are carnivore ecology and human-wildlife interactions. Danielle enjoys horseback riding, camping, hiking, cycling, skiing, and kayaking. An an amateur photographer with a focus on wildlife and landscapes, Danielle is a fur-mom to five dogs, a cat, and a horse in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Lords of the North: Ecology of Hudson Bay's Polar Bears
Program Number: 6290
Ancient People of the Arctic
Traces the lives of the Palaeo-Eskimos, the bold first explorers of the Arctic. Four thousand years ago, these people entered the far northern extremes of the North American continent, carving a living out of their bleak new homeland. From the hints they left behind, accessible only through the fragmented archaeological record, Robert McGhee ingeniously reconstructs a picture of this life at the margins.
Churchill Hudson Bay – A Guide to Natural and Cultural Heritage
This publication contains various aspects of the natural and cultural heritage of the region. It’s focus is on various themes including aboriginal history, the fur trade, the Hudson Bay railway, geology, paleontology, atmospheric science, flora, Hudson Bay, and the abundant biodiversity of life.
Ice Walker: A Polar Bear’s Journey through the Fragile Arctic
Author and geographer James Raffan invites us to inhabit in Ice Walker. In precise and provocative prose, he brings readers inside the polar bear Nanu’s world as she treks uncertainly around the heart of Hudson Bay, searching for nourishment for the children that grow inside her. She stops at nothing to protect her cubs from the dangers she can see—other bears, wolves, whales, human beings—and those she cannot.
Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye
Zac Unger takes readers on a spirited and often wildly funny journey to a place as unique as it is remote, a place where natives, tourists, scientists, conservationists, and the most ferocious predators on the planet converge. In the process he becomes embroiled in the controversy surrounding "polar bear science" -- and finds out that some of what we've been led to believe about the bears' imminent extinction may not be quite the case. But mostly what he learns is about human behavior in extreme situations . . . and also why you should never even think of looking a polar bear in the eye.
Arctic Dreams
NATURAL HISTORY, 2001, PAPERBACK, 417 PAGES , FAVORITE
One of the best books we've read on any destination, this celebrated meditation on the Arctic draws on Lopez's travels throughout the North, including Baffin Island, Siberia and Greenland. A dazzling writer and compassionate observer, Lopez weaves biology and history into his storytelling, including extended chapters on the polar bear and narwhal. (ARC11, $16.00)
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Winnipeg, MB
Program Concludes
Winnipeg, MB
Meals
22
| 8B |
7L |
7D |
Activity Level
As autumn fades, the polar bears of Hudson Bay gather to await the sea ice that signals winter’s return. Alongside a leading authority on this precious population, journey onto the tundra aboard specially fitted vehicles to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Lectures, field trips and museum visits will help you understand not only the life of the polar bear, but also the challenges of global climate change, local conservation issues and the future of the arctic ecosystem.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Take part in a dog sled adventure and look out for Arctic foxes, snowy owls and other Arctic species.
- Examine research and conservation efforts conducted by the new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
- Go behind the scenes at the Manitoba Museum to view pieces from the Inuit collection and discover the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
General Notes
This program stays in unique accommodations. Be sure to review the Lodging description for the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. If you enroll in a Single room, it is only available for the two hotels in Winnipeg but not in Churchill.
Featured Expert
Martyn Obbard
Dr. Martyn Obbard is a research scientist for the Canadian government and a professor of environmental and life sciences at Trent University. He has spent much of his career studying the effect of sea ice distribution and duration and its effect on polar bears. His current project includes researching polar bear populations including the Southern Hudson Bay, one of the most southerly polar bear populations in the world. Dr. Obbard remains active with the International Union for Conservation of Nature polar bear specialist group.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
David Hems
David Hems has had a career centered on the management of cultural heritage sites with a strong focus on interpretation and presentation. After earning a degree in anthropology, he spent nine years working for the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch and 20 years with Parks Canada as an archaeologist and a heritage resource adviser throughout Western and Northern Canada. David was able to follow his passions travel and the sport of ice hockey. He played semi-professional hockey in Germany and another coaching in Northern Italy!
Danielle Rivet
Danielle Rivet obtained her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Saskatchewan as a member of the Human-Wildlife Interactions Research Group. She received her M.S. from Washington State University while working at the W.S.U. Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center. Her research interests are carnivore ecology and human-wildlife interactions. Danielle enjoys horseback riding, camping, hiking, cycling, skiing, and kayaking. An an amateur photographer with a focus on wildlife and landscapes, Danielle is a fur-mom to five dogs, a cat, and a horse in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on frozen terrain.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
22 meals | 8B | 7L | 7D |
6 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Winnipeg, MB
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Location:
Winnipeg, MB
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles on pavement and in museum, some standing; snow covered, icy terrain. Dress warmly in layers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel by motorcoach to set sail on a thrilling voyage of excitement and discovery at The Manitoba Museum. The Manitoba Museum’s award-winning galleries tell the story of Manitoba through the ages, from the northern Arctic coast to the southern prairie grasslands. The universal interrelationship of people and their environment comes to life in displays of artifacts and specimens, and in the dramatic walkthrough settings that seem to make time stand still. An interactive program, led by museum interpreters, will give you an understanding of the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit people. We’ll learn about the Inuit as hunters, gatherers, and fishers and their seasonal dependency on migratory game. The Arctic/Sub-Arctic gallery will demonstrate how the limited resources of fur, skin, stone, and bone were integral to their way of life. We’ll go behind the scenes of the Hudson’s Bay Company Collection in the vaults to view rarely seen artifacts from the Inuit and Fur Trade Collections.
Lunch:
At the Manitoba Museum.
Afternoon:
Arriving by motorcoach, we’ll explore the Assiniboine Park Conservancy with a local expert and learn about the importance of polar bear and arctic species research. At the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, located within the Park, we will take a behind-the-scenes walk through the Centre’s laboratories to learn about the research being conducted and how it is impacting wildlife conservation efforts and environmental protection around the world.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Fly to Churchill, Polar Bear Conservation
Location:
Churchill, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Boarding/deboarding a plane; the flight to Churchill is approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 1 mile on pavement, snow-covered, icy terrain. Dress warmly in layers. PLEASE NOTE: Churchill Northern Studies Centre will provide a final itinerary once you arrive at the centre. The current schedule is tentative and the order of programming is subject to change because of weather and the presence of polar bears.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our journey begins with a motorcoach transfer to the airport, then our flight to Churchill, MB, scheduled to leave from Winnipeg, MB.
Lunch:
Eat like a researcher! We’ll enjoy a meal at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC).
Afternoon:
An expert at the Studies Centre will lead a safety briefing and orientation. Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon is free to do as you wish.
Dinner:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Evening:
There will be an introductory lecture, “Polar Bears 101” from an expert at the Studies Centre. We will learn about the polar bear population in Churchill, polar marine ecology, and marine mammals.
Day
4
Polar Bear Viewing, Tundra Buggy, Climate Change
Location:
Churchill, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Activity Note
The Tundra Buggy® trip is six hours in duration. The vehicle is large, so when it is not moving there is enough space to walk around and go on the back deck to take pictures. We will have our lunch on board. There are washroom facilities on board. There is a flight of wooden stairs that goes up to a landing that connects all the tundra buggies. To get on the buggy itself, there are no steps involved, as the buggies are level with the docking point.
Breakfast:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Morning:
We’ll travel out onto the tundra to view polar bears from specially designed Tundra Buggies®, heading into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for wildlife viewing and photography. Venturing out on a set of established trails to minimize the impact on the tundra, the Tundra Buggy® will take you into areas with a high probability of wildlife sightings. These areas are the best locations in the Churchill area to experience wildlife in their natural environment.
Lunch:
Aboard the Tundra Buggy.
Afternoon:
Polar bear viewing continues during the afternoon. The Churchill WMA is the largest wildlife management area in Manitoba – almost 850,000 hectares – and is the summer resting area for the province’s yearly polar bear visitors. Polar bears aren’t the only residents of this subarctic habitat; the Churchill WMA boasts a wide variety of plant life and wildlife all year round for visitors to see.
Dinner:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Evening:
This evening’s lecture from an expert at the Studies Centre will focus on polar bears and the impact of climate change.
Day
5
Current Research, Dogsledding, Polar Bear Conservation
Location:
Churchill, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Activity Note
Participants are not required to be “mushers.” Dress warmly, moderate amount of walking/standing. Warming hut and outhouse on site. Walking up to 1 mile, on slippery, snowy or ice covered terrain. Dress warmly in layers for several hours outside. Warming hut and outhouse on site. Duration on the dogsled approximately 5-10 min, up to 1 mile.
Breakfast:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Morning:
A presentation from an expert at the Studies Centre will highlight the “How’s and Why’s of Polar Bear Research” at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. A short outdoor walk of the former Churchill Research (Rocket) Range with a staff member from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre will give us a better idea of how well our clothing holds up to the wind and cold temperatures.
Lunch:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Afternoon:
We will embark on a dogsledding trip into the boreal forest with a local musher. This authentic experience reflects the culture and history of Manitoba’s north. Dogsledding was the most efficient method of travel, from fur trading to mail delivery. Dogsleds can carry two people, one riding in the “basket” of the sled, while the musher leads the dogs while standing on back runners.
Dinner:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Evening:
This evening’s presentation from an expert at the Studies Centre will focus on polar bear conservation.
Day
6
Polar Bear Viewing, Cultural Presentation
Location:
Churchill, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Activity Note
The Tundra Buggy® trip is six hours in duration. The vehicle is large, so when it is not moving there is enough space to walk around and go on the back deck to take pictures. We will have our lunch on board, and there are washroom facilities on board. There is a flight of wooden stairs that goes up to a landing that connects all the tundra buggies. To get on the buggy itself, there are no steps involved, as the buggies are level with the docking point.
Breakfast:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Morning:
We will head out for another fun-filled day of polar bear viewing on the tundra. Look for arctic foxes and other northern wildlife in their natural environment.
Lunch:
On the Tundra Buggy.
Afternoon:
Bear viewing and interpretation on habitats, species behavior and conservation issues continue.
Dinner:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Evening:
This evening’s cultural presentation from an expert at the Studies Centre will focus on Aboriginal heritage.
Day
7
Itsanitaq Museum, Challenges in the Future, Traditional Food
Location:
Churchill, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles, on slippery, snowy or ice covered terrain and indoors. Dress warmly for the exploration in the morning.
Breakfast:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Morning:
With an expert staff member from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, we’ll travel by bus in and around the town of Churchill for an area visit. Watch out for arctic foxes and arctic hares!
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will spend the afternoon in Churchill, Manitoba: the Polar Bear Capital of the World. We’ll self-explore the Itsanitaq museum, home to one of the oldest and most comprehensive collection of Inuit artifacts and sculptures in Canada. The Museum is dedicated to advancing knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Northern culture and history with an emphasis on the Canadian Inuit. Next we’ll visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre, located in the Churchill Heritage Railway Station. Exhibits, information, and audiovisual presentations focus on the history of the fur trade and exploration of human and natural history.
Dinner:
At Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Evening:
This evening’s presentation will focus on challenges for the future. Then, we’ll wrap up with festivities at the centre – wine and traditional food tasting including arctic char, and homemade bannock served with locally made jams and jellies. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Fly to Winnipeg, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Winnipeg, MB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Boarding/deboarding a plane; the flight to Winnipeg is approximately 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the CNSC.
Morning:
We will say goodbye to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and transfer to the airport for our flight to Winnipeg.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch from CNSC.
Afternoon:
Our flight from Churchill is scheduled to arrive in Winnipeg at 3:15 p.m. (subject to change). Upon arrival, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore independently or relax at the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Winnipeg, MB
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
22 Meals
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 14 Reviews
Sort By:
Be forewarned that seeing bears and seeing northern lights is not guaranteed! Lots of time is spent just looking for bears (which are very solitary), and they spend a lot of time sleeping. We were VERY LUCKY and did see the lights one night and one half-hour display of sparring/playing bears. There was a nice variety of other activities, and it was a great educational experience.
The Research Center, while clean and in good condition, is like being in a college dorm--thin mattresses, sharing bathrooms, mediocre cafeteria food. The hotels before and after the Research Center were excellent.
— Review left October 25, 2024
It was a good experience made better by our tundra driver Maxwell who share stories of the town and his family life in such a small community while we waited for Polar Bear activity. Many thanks to center driver Faith Carnegie, who drove us around and show us all the interesting places in town, but above all for taking us to see up close a lot of the seawall murals.
— Review left October 25, 2024
This was a wonderful experience. If you are reading reviews to decide on taking the trip, know that everyone's trip will be different. There is never a guarantee when it comes to wildlife. The lodging in Churchill is how it is described, dorm rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. A private room does not exist here, Food is very expensive in this part of Manitoba. The staff do their very best to serve filling, balanced meals but don't expect gourmet. For some people this trip could be physically demanding so be honest with yourself about your abilities. Seeing polar bears spar in the tundra was exciting. Watching them sleep is not quite as exciting.
— Review left October 25, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar trip. We knew we were onto something fantastic when several of the other participants told us this was their 5th, 9th and even 19th Road Scholar tour. The best part was not being shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists, the optional lectures and having local residents for lecturers and tour guides.
— Review left October 17, 2024
Lords of the Tundra was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Polar bears, tundra and climate change were presented in an engaging and insightful way.
— Review left October 14, 2024
The first week of October is a little early for bear season so you won't see as many bears on that trip. But even seeing a few bears is an amazing and unforgettable experience. And it's less crowded so there was room to spread out in the lodge and in the Tundra Buggy so I think it was more relaxing. And we saw the Northern lights!
— Review left October 12, 2024
Cross polar bears off the bucket list! This is a no frills trip - like camping for adults (bunk beds, communal dining room) but I did and saw everything I had hoped to see. Terrific and knowledgable group leaders and lecturers. The locals lecturers were especially great. So glad I got to go.
Stay home if you live by a schedule.
— Review left October 23, 2023
I have already written a review, but here goes again! This was worst organized Roadscholar trip I have ever been on! Fortunately the subject of the trip--the polar bears--was wonderful, but we have recommended to our friends to never this trip with Roadscholar. Our group was broken up into 2 groups to get from Winnipeg to Churchhill because it was a commercial plane and not a private plan. There wasn't room for all 30+ of us. (Also the largest group I've encountered on a RS trip). We spent hours at the Winnipeg airport waiting to get on a flight. Our Winnipeg guide, David was wonderful--finding places for us to go to, finding restaurants that could accommodate the 20? of us and lastly finding a hotel to accommodate all of us. He was a miracle worker. When we finally got on a flight out we go to the research center at midnite! I think the cleaning lady was a guide!! It was a mess to try to find our rooms and then some of the rooms already had sleeping bodies in them!! who were awakened suddenly by a light being turned on. The rooms were tiny, gender specific, poorly designed. Where do you put your suitcase if your on the top bunk? The shelf can only accommodate 2 and there were 4 people crowded in. We had no leader, just occasionally 2 giggly girls who were useless. We had to support each other as to where we were to be when. Total chaos and disorganization. I couldn't believe it was a Road Scholar program. We may go back to see the polar bears, but NEVER with Road Scholar!
— Review left March 22, 2023
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS TRIP TO CHURCHILL TO VIEW POLAR BEARS.. ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPEIRENCE.. WERE WERE ABLE TO SEE ABOUT 15 POLAR BEARS. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS IN THE WILD AND THERE IS NO GAURENTEE THAT YOU CAN SEE THAT MANY. MOTHER NATURE DICTATES WHAT HAPPENS IN THE WILD NOT HUMANS(THANK GOD!) MY ATTITUTE TOWARDS MOTHER EARTH AND HUMANITY HAS CHANGE DRAMATICTLY. WHO SAID A 72 MALE CAN NOT LEARN TO CHANGE??? WHEN YOU GO ON THIS TRIP BE PREPARED TO COME BACK WITH A VERY DIFFERENT ATTITUDE ABOUT THE WORLD WE EXIST IN TODAY.!!! Dale A laurin Sr. Wisconsin
— Review left November 4, 2022
What an amazing Road Scholar program! We saw many polar bears in the wild and were led by experts on the Tundra Buggies! I would reccomend this program to anyone who can keep the pace!
— Review left October 31, 2022
Greatly enjoyed this trip of October, 2021. The polar bears were the highlight (needless to say) and we saw a lot of them, due to great spotting by tundra buggy drivers and Martin, the RS lecturer (whose lectures also added immensely to the quality of trip). The Churchill Northern Studies Center was a good base, located 23 km outside Churchill smack on the tundra, and the polar bear sightings more than compensated for sleeping in bunk beds in 4 person dorms. We also had the incredible good fortune to see the Aurora Borealis our final night! Churchill turned out to be fascinating town in its own right, especially after learning about its laudable response to extended isolation resulting from the railroad terminating services a few years back; the related large murals on the buildings were very impressive as well.
— Review left April 19, 2022
if learning about polar bears is on your bucket list, definitely do this program. I learned a tremendous amount about polar bears and global warming from an expert. Be prepared that accommodations are dormitory style and shared, even for couples in Churchill. Winnepeg is also a lovely city to visit. Did get to see 20 polar bears and the Northern lights!!
— Review left November 12, 2021
The Polar Bears Are Truly. “Lords OF the North.” I feel honored to have been in their Presence
— Review left November 1, 2021
It took me three years to plan this trip and I'm glad I did. The town of Churchill is small and there is only an eight (six for sure) week window in which to see polar bears in their natural habitat. I let Road Scholar know of my intentions and received a phone call in February when they were starting to take reservations.
I started making a list of what I would need to wear and pack for the trip. I expected to find temperatures in the twenties and wind gusts that would make it seem in the teens or below. I went shopping at camping stores for clothing and supplies.
I found someone who had gone on the exact same RS trip eight years previous who showed me her photos. I was hooked and ready to go.
In between, I made up a list of questions for Road Scholar and got all my answers. I wanted nothing to disrupt my good time. I even asked special questions because I am tall (6' 6")
The flight time is restrained by the lack of flights and so there is a one day layover in Winnipeg coming and going home. Hotels were fine.
We had two trips with our group of 38 travelers on tundra buggies, essentially school buses ten feet off the ground, so that bears would not be a problem. The buses were heated, had bathrooms and were spacious enough for all of us to get photos. You could go to a screened porch in back for additional photos. My friend and I even went on a helicopter ride, we paid for extra, to get views of bears from the air. I took over 1,500 photos and my friend even more.
We all got to ride in dog sleds one afternoon. We took trips into town for luncheon and souvenirs.
We stayed at a science center manned by professors doing research. Every night, we had a lecture by a man who is on the UN commission to preserve polar bears who showed us facts and personal movies of marking bears for study.
I can't think of anything that would add to the trip. Went out to film the northern lights one night. The people were wonderful and so friendly.
Fabulous trip. Go!
— Review left November 27, 2019
