An Expert Photographer-Naturalist Leads This Immersive Journey into the Realm of the Polar Bear
When you encounter a polar bear up close, something powerful happens. You make a connection with one of the world’s most charismatic—and most threatened—wild creatures. And while it’s almost impossible to put that ineffable feeling into words, well-crafted photos can capture it. That's the goal on our flagship polar bear photo safari, where you’ll shoot alongside our professional photographer Expedition Leader who is also an expert Arctic naturalist. Few images are more coveted than that of a giant lone bear lumbering over the tundra, a mother snuggling with her cubs, or two young males play-fighting. And no one offers you more intimate proximity, coupled with our intensive focus on helping you get outstanding images through personalized coaching and presentations on how to capture Arctic wildlife through the camera’s lens—most notably polar bears, but also Arctic fox, Arctic hare, snowy owls and more.
Trip Highlights
The Finest Vehicles Custom-Designed for Photography
Our Polar Rovers have large plate glass windows (and a window seat for every photographer) plus an outdoor observation deck, for the best possible shots!
The Most Qualified Photographer Expedition Leaders
With decades of collective experience, our professional guides are second to none in expertise as photographers, instructors and naturalists
Maximize Your Time on the Tundra
Spend three full days photographing polar bears on the tundra, increasing opportunities to capture various behaviors and interactions, including mothers with cubs and lone males.
WWF In Action
Polar Bear Country
There is a Difference in Polar Bear Photo Tours: Choose Wisely!
Choosing the right polar bear photo tour is crucial if you're set on getting once-in-a-lifetime images. And getting the image comes down to commitment. When you're investing in a nature photography trip as significant as this one, our promise of a superior experience makes all the difference. That's why we want you to be aware of some important facts before you make that key decision:
- Exclusive Permits Allow Us to Go Where Others Cannot
The ability to access the permit-only Churchill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a vital part of a rewarding polar bear adventure, particularly one focused on photography. While polar bears can appear anywhere in the Churchill region, the best polar bear viewing occurs in the WMA. With our partner Great White Bear Tours, we hold a coveted permit to enter this carefully controlled area. If you want the best possible polar bear photos, you must choose a company that can get you closest to the greatest number of bears. - Our Polar Rovers are the Best Tundra Exploration Vehicles, Hands Down
Unusually rugged with an uncommon ability to travel where other vehicles cannot (thanks to our innovative drive train), our exclusive Polar Rover is a truly impressive means of facilitating your polar bear photo opportunities. With large plate glass windows and a window seat for every photographer, an angled front windshield that affords you a clear view of polar bears in front of us, plus a rear outdoor platform, you won't find another vehicle that's comparable! Add interior heating and a flush toilet, and your comfort is ensured. - Our Steel Mesh Deck Lets You Photograph Polar Bears at Your Feet!
Since polar bears sometimes like to walk directly beneath the rear viewing platform on our elevated vehicles, each Polar Rover is outfitted with steel-mesh flooring built into the observation deck—offering the chance to watch polar bears sometimes just inches away! Many travelers tell us that this feature, exclusive to our vehicles, provided them with a highlight of their trip. - The Smallest Groups for the Finest Nature Photography Experience
With nature travel, especially when photography is the focus, small groups are essential. That’s why we limit our group size to approximately 16 guests aboard one Polar Rover—less than half the capacity they are designed to carry. This ensures you have plenty of room for your gear, and to angle for the shots you want without intrusion by other travelers. - Spend Three Full Days on the Tundra
Our Photo Expeditions maximize the time you spend in the polar bear's wild domain. You'll spend three full days exploring the tundra as you look for polar bears, Arctic fox, ptarmigan and, on rare occasions, snowy owl. More unhurried time on your Arctic safari provides a more chances to get the shots you covet. - Our Private Chartered Plane Maximizes Your Time for Photography
We charter our own private plane to fly you directly from Winnipeg to Churchill at a time that suits our convenience. We’d know you'd rather spend time exploring the tundra and photographing wildlife instead of dealing with less-than-optimal flight schedules and waiting in line for airport security screenings. - The Finest Photographer-Naturalist Guides
Whether you’re a beginner looking for full instruction, an intermediate looking for a few tips, or an expert looking for an accomplished comrade to shoot alongside, our Photo Expedition guides are second to none. With decades of collective experience, annual in-depth training and access to special resources from WWF scientists, they are constantly by your side to share their knowledge. Our philosophy on guiding is simple: Any nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we simply must provide the best! See Photo Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders. - Dog Sledding Included on Every Trip
Polar bears may be our focus, but sled dogs provide an engaging photography subject, too. We include a personal visit with a local dog musher and his huskies, plus a thrilling chance to race through the boreal forest behind the team! Early in the season, if snow cover is insufficient, we'll be pulled behind the dogs in a wheeled cart. - Cultural Interactions Enhance Our Adventures
After years of building relationships with the people of Churchill, we are able to offer our guests a chance to enjoy exclusive presentations by respected elders of local Indigenous cultures. These storytellers are some of the last in their communities, and our small groups enjoy a personal perspective on northern lifestyles most visitors aren't privy to. - Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Experience
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise. - Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures is the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company. - Natural Habitat Adventures is World Wildlife Fund's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
