Churchill, Polar Bears
 

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been to Churchill, Manitoba Canada. I know there are only a few hotels...does anyone have comments on any of them? Also, if anyone has been out on the tundra buggies for the polar bear watch I would love to hear what kind of experience you had. Was it worth while?

Hi Lori!<BR><BR>I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I have never been on the Polar Bear Excursion, but I have heard many people say that they did really enjoy it. There is a Winnipeg travel agency that specializes in the Polar Bear Excursions. There is some information there on a 3 day tour. The website is: www.greatcanadiantravel.com Hope this helps!

I am also in Winnipeg, but have not gone to Churchill myself. I do know that the best time to go is in September/October if you want to see the polarbears as that is when they are 'migrating' through town--literally sometimes. I think most people fly to Thompson and take the train from there up to Churchill. You can likely go onto the City of Thompson, Manitoba website to get names of travel agencies that are most helpful. Also, the Winnipeg Free Press and the City of Winnipeg websites are helpful. I do know that they book up fairly quickly. good luck, hope that helps. n

Hi Lori,<BR>I went on the Polar Bear excursion a couple of years back with International Wildlife Adventures. They're the old Tundra buggy company and I felt they were very good. I went with the package deal - 2 nights in Winnipeg, 5 nights in the Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill and 4.5 days on the Tundra. My sis is actually thinking of going this year and this is the advice I gave her:<BR>1. Yes it was worth it despite costing serious $<BR>2. The Lazy Bear lodge was very comfortable and from what I understand the newest place in town. Do not expect 5* hotels here, more like 3* but with the friendly atmosphere of a country town makes it 5* service.<BR>3. The Tundra buggys are outside of town. Basically you take a bus out to the launchpad then transfer into the Tundra buggys. Then cruise around on the Tundra for a few hours stopping when you see a polar bear or three. Recommendations on picking the company to book through I would base on the question &quot;how many people to a buggy&quot;. We had 16 but some have as many as 38. I would base my decision on if I could be in a buggy with less than 22 would make it enjoyable for me. Have a great time if you decide to go.

I came across some info/websites for tour companies from the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) magazine they send out every few months.. Here they are:<BR><BR>www.wildlifeadventures.com<BR><BR>www.seanorthtours.com

I am also planning on going to Churchill to see the polar bears next fall. I plan to take a tour group &amp; gather the three main ones that go there are Natural Habitat Adventures, TravelWild Expeditions &amp; International Wildlife Adventures. Has anyone taken one of these groups recently &amp; what did you think? Any other advice is also welcome.

I lived/worked in Churchill from 93-95, so as far as info regarding current tour operators etc., mine would likely be quite dated. However, if you would like any specific info about the area, just email me.
Regards/Cervesaman