18 | Wild Horizons Magazine - Winter 2026 There are few wildlife experiences that rival the hush of the tundra when a polar bear ambles into view, as I discovered at first hand when I visited Churchill on an unforgettable 7-day trip that took me to the heart of that stillness. I travelled by private charter from Winnipeg to Churchill, Canada’s polar bear capital, where I boarded a custom‐built Polar Rover with outdoor viewing deck and reinforced flooring that allowed safe yet astonishingly close encounters with these great bears. Small groups ensured intimate sightings, while the expert naturalist guide framed each encounter with context and care, turning every view into a story rather than a snapshot. Days unfolded with variety: dawn and dusk rover drives along the Hudson Bay shoreline for bear‐watching, interwoven with cultural exchange and Arctic activities that gave the trip the feel of a full expedition. Experience dog sledding through boreal forest; conditions permitting, stand beneath auroral skies on a tundra outing; or learn Indigenous perspectives on landscape and wildlife—all designed to deepen understanding, not simply deliver photo opportunities. Practical comforts are thoughtfully provided: private charters reduce travel friction, Arctic gear keeps you warm and mobile, and small groups mean more time where it matters—out on the tundra rather than waiting in town. The pacing balances long field hours with cosy evenings back at base, where gear can be dried, images reviewed, and guides unpack the day’s behaviour in accessible terms. This is a journey for those who value presence over performance: slow, attentive watching; expert interpretation; and the chance to witness polar bear life unfolding on its own rhythms. When the light is right and a bear pads into view, the reward is elemental—a memory that carries the Arctic long after the boots are packed away. THE TUNDRA TITANS Tracking polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba DESTINATION Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Designer Travelled to Churchill in October 2025 — WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact The Travel Concept on 01435 866555
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