I’ve been invited out to the Watchee Lodge in the Wapusk National Park near Churchill for several years now. Unfortunately the trip has not happened for me so far though after seeing the attached video piece by ABC television I hope to venture out there sometime soon.
Without question February and March can be cold beyond cold on the open tundra in search for mother and cub polar bears.The thrill of seeing the first interactions between mom and her young cannot be matched. When the bears finally break out of their winter homes, a once in a lifetime experience ensues and photographers stand shivering to capture amazing shots.
As much as Watchee lodge presents rare opportunities, mostly for accomplished photographers, to view these animals in their natural habitat, there are ample chances for others to see sows and cubs throughout the year. They reappear around Churchill after they emerge from dens they head to the coast to hit the ice for seal-hunting school. These encounters as well as Summer encounters can happen but are somewhat rare. Fall is still the best time to view cubs of the year or coy’s as they are known as well as one and two year-old’s with mom.
Big sparring males in October and November surely thrill the crowds of travelers however a serene day watching interactions of sows with their young is soulful.
Yes Steve. You surely need to take advantage of that invitation….or you can pass it along to me! Wow….what a great experience to see those newly emerged cubs!
Steve, your blogs are outstanding! Thank you for your reports on all things beautiful and wonderful!
Great job!
Hi Steve. Hope you have a moment to give me some info. We had a trip planned and booked to Churchill for late this October, but due to a broken wheel on our Expedition Vehicle, we have had to cancel. We must leave the US and return to Australia in early November. Our only next option is to visit Churchill in summer, i.e., around May next year. What is our likelihood of viewing Polar Bears at that time? I have been unable to get good info, and just hope you can help.
Thanks so much
Elizabeth & John,
Brisbane, Australia
Elizabeth and John,
Sorry about your change of plans.but things seem to happen for reasons we don’t even know yet. if you go to Churchill in May, you will sort of be caught in between seasons and will miss quite a bit. I would go at least in June when you can see multiple bird species that may not be around in May. You possibly could see a bear or two..more likely a mother with cub(s). As the Summer progresses, you are more apt to see bears and we quite often do see them throughout the Summer as inactive as they may be due to heat and low energy. The Summer is my favorite time in Churchill since you can view so much,,ie. tundra, birds, whales, bears, and even aurora late on in Summer. Let me know what you decide and I can help you with getting around there.
Steve