Travel Answers

Churchill

I was in churchill last year October 11 -16 and there was no snow/ ice and few bears. I am planning to go again this year but want to optimize the chances of seeing bears in a white landscape. I know the timing is tricky: too early and there is no snow/ice yet. Too late and the bears are gone. I can either go oct 26 for 6 days or Nov 11 for 6 days. What would you suggest? Do you remember what date the snow arrived and bears arrived last year?

My wife and plan to take a polar bear tour in Churchill around mid-November this year. Would it be possible to see the Northern Lights ( Aurora Borealis ) at this time or do we have to make a separate trip later in the winter? Any tips / suggestions on how to make the trips? Thanks

Does anyone know of any tour operators who offer simple day trips to see the bears? I don't want a multiple-day package, just one day of viewing the bears. I found one operator that offered this, but they only had a couple of days in October avalable for 2008, and I'd prefer November. Thanks!

We are coming over to see the polar bears this Oct/Nov and wondered if anyone has been recently and could give us any tips on whether its better to stay on a tundra buggy or in a hotel in Churchill. If its possible to hire parkas to wear as we don't really want to buy big items like this for the extreme weather conditions. Do you see the northern lights at this time of year and do you need to stay out on the tundra in order to see them. Many thanks.

I've read the previous posting on Polar Bears and Churchill and have a few questions. Recently, there has been increasing exposure of Churchill and it's Polar Bear Tour packages. I'm interested in going up there and snapping photos of the PB's and other wildlife up north (I'm from Edmonton). However, I've looked at some of the tours and most of them specify me having to arrange my own transport to Churchill. Ok, expedia can't help me, and AirCanada apparently doesn't go there, so WHO DOES? How does one get from Edm to Churchill? I can guess I have to get to Winnipeg first, then take off from there. Any help? My travel agent buddy is on holidays so he can't help me! Also, has anyone had any experience with these tours in Churchill? Any recommendations? Expected pricing? Length of stay required? thanks!

Hi all, what can I realistically expect/hope to see in February? From my readings, I understand that this is the best time to see the northern lights, but will I see any polar bears? I don't really have the opportunity to go at any other time of year unfortunately (to see belugas, wildflowers, birds). Thanks!