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A polar bear and her two cubs resting near a Tundra Buggy outside Churchill, ManitobaPhoto: Studiogirl54 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Polar bears

Where to see polar bears in Canada

The places in Canada to see wild polar bears, the months to go, the operators that take you there, and how to stay safe in bear country. Every line links to its source.

The best places to see them

  1. Manitoba

    Churchill

    Why here
    From mid-October to mid-November, some 600 polar bears gather on the Hudson Bay shore near Churchill, waiting for the ice. Source ↗
    Bears are around all year, but they are easiest to find in October and November, as they move toward the frozen bay. Source ↗
    Best months
    Mid-October to mid-November Source ↗
    Tip
    Tours sell out: Travel Manitoba advises booking at least a year ahead to secure a spot. Source ↗
    Go with
    Open More of Manitoba →

  2. Manitoba

    Wapusk National Park

    Why here
    The park protects one of the largest polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. Source ↗
    Canadian Geographic calls it the southernmost polar bear denning ground on the planet. Source ↗
    Best months
    February and March, when mothers lead their cubs out of the dens Source ↗
    Tip
    There are no roads into the park: visits go through licensed tour operators, and Wat'chee Expeditions runs the cub season. Source ↗
    Go with
    Open More of Manitoba →

  3. Nunavut

    Arviat and Nunavut's coast

    Why here
    In the fall, bears waiting for sea ice come close to Nunavut communities, Arviat above all. Source ↗
    Safaris are led by Inuit guides who know bear behaviour closely and keep visitors safe. Source ↗
    Best months
    Fall, before the sea ice forms Source ↗
    Tip
    Keep your distance from the bears and bring a zoom lens for photos. Source ↗

  4. Newfoundland and Labrador

    Torngat Mountains National Park

    Why here
    Parks Canada puts the odds of meeting a polar bear here as extremely high. Source ↗
    The park's superintendent told National Geographic that visitors are all but sure to see one. Source ↗
    Best months
    Mid-July to late August, the park's visitor season Source ↗
    Tip
    Explore with an experienced Inuit bear guard, who may carry a firearm in the park. Source ↗
    Open More of Newfoundland and Labrador →Parks Canada: Torngat Mountains ↗

Safety in bear country

  • Never walk aloneIn Churchill, travel in a group and stay together, and look around before you step out of a building. Source ↗
  • Stay in town in the fallWalking or cycling out of Churchill is a fine way to explore at other times of year, but not from September to November. Source ↗
  • Go with a guideTo explore the shore or head out of town, go with a local guide or tour company, who knows how to handle a curious bear. Source ↗
  • Know the risky monthsThe odds of meeting a bear rise from July until the bay freezes, and peak in October and November. Source ↗
  • Call 675-BEARReport any bear in or near Churchill to the 24-hour Polar Bear Alert line, 204-675-2327. Source ↗
  • Wapusk with a guide onlyApart from the visitor centre in Churchill, Parks Canada's northern Manitoba sites, Wapusk among them, should never be visited without a licensed guide or Parks Canada staff. Source ↗
  • Carry deterrents in the TorngatsBring approved bear deterrents such as cracker shells and an air horn, and know how to use them. Source ↗

Sources