Churchill Polar Bears - Dispatches from the Polar Bear Capital of the World

Magnificent Churchill Northern Lights Photo

by Steve Selden | Oct 27, 2015 | Churchill Photography

Alex De Vries – Magnifico has been capturing fantastic images of Churchill and the wildlife around the area for awhile now. However, his photos of northern lights over the past year are among the best we have seen from the Churchill region. Check out this shot from deep within the boreal forest. Spectacular!

Northern lights above the confines of the boreal forest in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

Arctic Tundra Day – Churchill Paradise

by Steve Selden | Oct 27, 2015 | Tour News

Another great first day for a Natural Habitat Adventures group of travelers lead by guide Drew Hamilton. While heading out to the Churchill Wildlife Management Area they stopped to admire a rough legged hawk when a guest called out from the back of the polar rover “what’s that running across the ice?” An Arctic fox was bounding along the tundra and the group was ecstatic to catch what seems to be a rare sighting this season so far.

This incident was a clear reminder that when searching out wildlife always remember to look behind you as never know what you might miss out on the land.

Polar bears sparring in the CWMA. Drew Hamilton photo.

When their polar rover neared the Tundra lodge, bear activity was already heating up. Large males polar bears were sparring in the willows just off the trail. When there was a break in the action and the males retreated into the willows to cool off, a female polar bear sneaked onto the scene to check out the rover. She seemed a bit nervous due to the presence of all the other bears around and soon departed when the sparring started back up. Quite the action packed scenes amid some drama out on the tundra!

Snowy owl on a rock in the Churchill wildlife Management Area. Drew Hamilton photo.

On the way back to town the travelers were treated to a snowy owl viewing just off the road. A little icing on a fantastic day of wildlife viewing.

Northern lights over the Hudson bay and Churchill inukshuk. Drew Hamilton photo.

In the evening the group had enjoyed a talk by Duane at Parks Canada learning about Pre-dorset art. Leaving the Parks Canada office Drew suggested swinging by the inukshuk at the rear of the town complex to check for northern lights and there they were in all their glory. Travelers spent an hour watching and photographing the aurora capping off an incredible Churchill day.

Natural Habitat Adventures travelers and northern lights.

Natural Habitat Adventures group with the northern lights blazing in the sky. Drew Hamilton photo.

Exciting Day on the Tundra in Churchill

by Steve Selden | Oct 25, 2015 | Tour News

Natural Habitat Adventures guide Elise and her group of travelers had a “great day out on the tundra” as the fierce winds of the past few days subsided. Polar bears came out to play around the Tundra Lodge, sparring all around the area and then resting at the peninsula to the north.

Later on Polar bears were leaning on their rover drivers door, peering up under the grate and circling the vehicle multiple times. Exciting action all around the land.

Hopefully this bear activity is a good omen for the rest of the season in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. A rough – legged hawk hovering overhead, leading the group back to launch was a awesome way to finish up a day on the northern tundra.

Polar bears sparring near the Tundra Lodge. Elise Lockton photo.

Polar bear near the polar rover. Elise Lockton photo.

Polar bear approaching the polar rover. Elise Lockton photo.

Polar bear Season Gearing Up in Churchill

by Steve Selden | Oct 24, 2015 | Churchill Photography

Recent images from polar bear season in Churchill from Natural Habitat guide Drew Hamilton. Enjoy!

Sunset in Churchill. Drew Hamilton photo.

Aurora borealis over the tundra lodge. Drew Hamilton photo.

Dog talk at Kelly’s tent. Drew Hamilton photo.

Churchill “Quadfecta” ..Northern Style

by Steve Selden | Oct 20, 2015 | Tour News

Inaugural Natural Habitat groups in Churchill experienced a rare phenomena this past week. With polar bears being the main attraction in Churchill in October, other wildlife and natural wonders are a bonus. This early season has brought magnificent sights beyond the normal for many travelers.

Natural Habitat Guide Colby and travelers enjoyed incredible happenings to start the season. “We deemed it the “quadfecta”, almost unheard of, consisting of the very best aurora show I’ve ever seen, close-up bear encounters, a polar bear lift, and even Beluga whales still lingering in the Churchill River estuary.” stated Colby. Three of those occurrences are rarities for sure.

Additionally, numerous snowy owls, arctic hare, incredible dog sledding, and intriguing cultural programs in Churchill made this a trip to remember. “Certainly one of the best early season trips I’ve ever had,” added Colby. With the weather being changeable right now, polar bear action varies greatly from day to day. Plenty of patience paid off time and time again. More exciting action to come!

Polar bear emerging from the willows. Colby Brokvist photo.

Snowy owl on the rocks in Churchill. Colby Brokvist photo.

Arctic Hare in the rocks. Colby Brokvist photo.

Northern lights at the Tundra lodge. Drew Hamilton photo.

Natural Habitat group spying beluga whales in the Churchill River. Drew Hamilton photo.

Churchill Polar Bear Season Begins

by Steve Selden | Oct 17, 2015 | Churchill Photography

A few polar bear photos by Jody Grosbrink in Churchill! Polar bear season is off to an incredible start with plenty of polar bears, northern lights and even some lingering beluga whales in the Churchill River and Hudson Bay! More reports will follow daily from the polar bear capital of the world!