Our Story

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Lianne Thompson2018

Lianne was born in England but has spent most of her life in Canada. She grew up in southern Ontario, where her love for nature started early. While obtaining her undergraduate zoology degree at the University of Guelph, Lianne gained her first wildlife education experience as a volunteer for Wild Ontario, an organization that works with native non-releasable birds of prey. These educational programs were designed to get people get inspired by local wildlife. Since then, Lianne has worked for several zoos and conservation organizations. After graduation in Ontario, she moved to Winnipeg to work at Assiniboine Park Zoo with rescued orphaned polar bears and many other native and exotic species that serve as educational ambassadors to promote Arctic conservation.

Lianne completed a master's degree in conservation education at Miami University where her studies focused on the importance of leadership, communication and community involvement for environmental preservation. Her particular areas of interest are human-wildlife coexistence in urban settings and wildlife tourism. This inspiration drew largely from field courses where she witnessed spectacular conservation programs around the globe during her school career, including snorkeling with sea lions in Baja, searching for quetzals in Costa Rica, going on game drives to observe cheetahs in Kenya, and watching a sloth cross the road in Guyana.

Lianne currently lives in British Columbia, where you'll find her wandering fields or climbing mountains while enjoying hiking, camping and wildlife photography. Though she no longer lives in Winnipeg, she is always excited to return to Manitoba as a member of Natural Habitat Adventures' Churchill polar bear team, where she looks forward to sharing her deep knowledge about Arctic ecology and climate change.
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What Our Guests Say

Lianne was fantastic, knowledgeable and answered all our questions at length with a smile on her face. She was a kind, caring and thoughtful guide. She made it interesting and exciting, and there was never a dull moment. She's a true asset to Nat Hab! We'd go on a trip with her as our guide anytime, hands down.
C. Jones
Lianne was such a great Expedition Leader. She was bubbly, fun and a wealth of information. We all gelled as a group due to her enthusiasm. When the aurora was really dancing, she was shouting with glee! We all laughed and truly became friends. Lianne is a storyteller for sure—ask a question, and you get a 5-minute answer! We all loved this. She made sure everyone's needs were met. Lianne always had a smile on her face, so positive and real!
A. Shumrak
Lianne was an excellent Expedition Leader since she spoke well and knew information on a wide variety of topics. She taught our group a lot about Churchill, Arctic culture and animals found in that region. She went out of her way to be extraordinarily friendly to everyone in our group
H. Kenyon
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Upcoming Adventures with Lianne Thompson

Northern Lights Photo Expedition
New Itinerary!

Northern Lights Photo Expedition

You'll find no better location for aurora photography than Churchill—and no better approach than this one, led by an expert photographer guide, featuring five private, atmospheric settings for stunning images.
New Itinerary!
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Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition

Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition

Our flagship polar bear photo safari is an exhilarating small-group adventure among the world's largest concentration of polar bears along Hudson Bay, guided by top naturalists who are photography pros.
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Tundra Lodge Photo Expedition

Tundra Lodge Photo Expedition

The ultimate polar bear photography adventure! Stay in the bears’ domain 24/7 on this immersive Arctic photo safari, led by top photographers who are also expert naturalists.
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Churchill Summer Photo Expedition

Churchill Summer Photo Expedition

Photograph hundreds of beluga whales in the Churchill River, take a private helicopter flight for aerial shots of roving polar bears, look for Arctic fox and hare, and capture close-ups of brilliant tundra wildflowers.
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Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition
New Itinerary!

Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition

Go longer, farther and deeper into the most remote corners of Iceland in pursuit of stunning landscape shots and native wildlife—with private flightseeing and boat tours for every possible perspective.
New Itinerary!
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Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration
NEW DATES ADDED!

Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration

Churchill, Manitoba is arguably the best place on Earth to view the aurora borealis—see it in comfort from secluded, private viewing locations, including our exclusive glass Aurora Pod with a 360° view on the sky.
NEW DATES ADDED!
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Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure
New 2024 Dates!

Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure

Meet the King of the Arctic! Our flagship polar bear tour is an expertly guided small-group adventure to see the world's largest concentration of polar bears in their wild tundra home on Hudson Bay.
New 2024 Dates!
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Tundra Lodge Adventure
New Itinerary!

Tundra Lodge Adventure

Watch polar bears around the clock from our private Tundra Lodge, stationed in an area of high bear density. This is arguably the most extraordinary polar bear encounter in the world!
New Itinerary!
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Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town
New Itinerary!

Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town

Stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge, situated for unparalleled proximity to roving polar bears—then add two nights in the frontier town of Churchill to experience the culture of the Canadian North.
New Itinerary!
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Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill

Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill

Meet hundreds of friendly beluga whales up close via Zodiac and kayak, and look for caribou, polar bears, Arctic fox and more on this exhilarating summer adventure in the Canadian subarctic.
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Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice
New Trip!

Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

An immersive journey into the rugged grandeur of a land sculpted by intense geological forces. Make a full loop around Iceland on the most comprehensive nature adventure this compact country has to offer.
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