Polar bear watching on our own? or not?

Old Jan 10th, 2009, 02:13 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Polar bear watching on our own? or not?

2 couples want to see some polar bears app Nov 2009 but would like to go on our awn or at least not spend $3000@ to go!!! any ideas??/ are there any idependent tours? or sign up when we get to Churchill? thanks mc
azazaz is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2009, 08:17 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
azazaz, I wanted to do the same thing and to my surprise when I call or e-mail a few lodging they have no vacancies for November 2009. It looks they mainly accommodate groups. From trip reports I read here it looks like an unforgettable journey to see polar bears but you spend usually only two days doing that and I too feel I don't want to spend this much $ for a very short trip. Please let me know what you find out. Thanks
NewPlaces
NewPlaces is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2009, 09:18 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think the tour companies buy up the available accommodation for packages. However, on the tripadvisor forums, I think I have heard of people booking for themselves (with difficulty) and making their own packages ... you might want to read the messages there in the "Churchill" (Canada) forum. Actually, if I recall correctly, they were able to book their own accommodation but found that getting a spot on the tundra buggies hard to do.
krp329 is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2009, 09:52 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm an independent traveller myself (and also a value seeker!) and generally do not go on tours. I've been wanting to see the polar bears for years now and finally did the trip last year. I could not find a viable way to do all the bookings and put a tour together for myself. I had to join a tour.

Getting a spot on the Tundra Buggies is the key. As you prolly know, it's very expensive to get to Churchill. IIRC at one point they did allow same day walk ups for the TB but if there is no space available, you will have trekked to Churchill and not be able to see any bears! There were no slots available on any of the days we were there (I asked out of curiousity).

One cannot rent a car, etc. to see polar bears on their own so you will be SOL.

If you click on my screen name, and go to the post about 'Excited about Polar Bears', I've put my trip report at the end.

I have to say that is the most expensive-per-day-trip I have ever taken, but so very worth it. Tundra Buggy Lodge does things right, and the bears are magical.

Enjoy-la!
klam_chowder is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2009, 06:14 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
More than one unorganised traveller has found themself appealing to the RCMP for a bed for the night as accommodation in Churchill is scarce.

Yes that's right I mean sleeping in the Crowbar Hotel! quot;>
Sam_Salmon is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MorningStar12
Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
16
Mar 8th, 2008 04:16 PM
karinkz
Asia
5
Jan 24th, 2007 08:41 AM
hnsmom
Europe
12
Aug 13th, 2006 07:05 PM
Jazzdog
Europe
5
Feb 7th, 2006 02:45 PM
max10
Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
7
Dec 8th, 2005 01:37 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -