Polar Bear Mothers and Cubs

Polar Bear Mothers and Cubs: Watching the Dens Empty

Each February and March, in the maternity denning area of Wapusk National Park south of Churchill, mother polar bears bring their newborn cubs out of the den for the first time. The lodge, a refurbished former naval communications base about 40 miles south of Churchill beside the park, is the only commercial lodge in the world offering this trip, under a rare Parks Canada operating permit, with viewing distances from about 100 metres. The 2027 season runs February 15 to March 19. The 8-day tundra trip is priced on inquiry, as the lodge does not publish rates, and covers return flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, the train, transfers, lodge accommodation, meals and guiding. Den emergence is governed by the bears and the weather, and some days bring no bears at all, so sightings are never guaranteed. The lodge hosts at most 24 guests at a time, and live availability is confirmed with the lodge when you inquire. Guests reach Winnipeg on their own; comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and not included. Deposit, balance and cancellation follow the operator's terms and are confirmed in writing at booking. Net2global provides booking service in Chinese and English, with a bilingual tour leader available for photography groups by arrangement.

Quick Facts

Seasons and Getting There

• Season window: the den emergence season lasts only about five weeks, from mid February to mid March. In 2027 it runs from February 15 to March 19. Emergence follows the year's weather, and what you see varies by departure date within the season.
• Departures and returns: departures leave from and return to Winnipeg, and guests make their own way to Winnipeg. The flights and train between Winnipeg and Churchill are included in the price.
• Extreme cold: the Churchill area in March can reach minus 30 to minus 50 degrees Celsius, and cold weather gear requirements are strict. The pre-trip briefing goes through the checklist item by item.

FAQ

Are bear sightings guaranteed? No. Den emergence follows the bears and the weather, and several days without a bear are possible. No operator in this category guarantees sightings. Is there space left for 2027? The lodge hosts at most 24 guests at a time and the season is short. Inquire early; we confirm live availability with the lodge and reply in writing. Why is the price in US dollars? This category is quoted in US dollars across the international market, including by Canadian operators, and we follow the same convention. How many nights are at the lodge? The flow is Winnipeg to Churchill by air, then train and tracked vehicle to the lodge, full tundra days, and the same route back. The exact night split is confirmed in writing at booking.