Churchill, Manitoba, known as the “polar bear capital of the world,” is a rare destination that offers adventure seekers and nature lovers a chance to live out their bucket-list dreams.
The vast tundra landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and magical northern lights create unforgettable moments for travelers. At the heart of this experience is Great White Bear Tours, a family-run company built and operated by Churchill locals for over 35 years.
On the Tundra with Great White Bear Tours
In 1984, Don Walkoski, a Churchill local, began taking photographers onto the windswept tundra to capture images of northern wildlife in their natural habitat. Four years later, with his wife Marilyn, he founded Great White Bear Tours. Today, the Walkoski family continues to design and build the company’s custom polar rovers, guide tours, and welcome guests, sharing Churchill with the world from a truly local perspective. As a company with permits to operate within the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, they are able to take guests to the best locations to view polar bears.
The heated rovers are built to handle the rugged Arctic terrain while keeping guests comfortable and safe. They feature reclining seats, openable windows for up-close viewing, and outdoor mesh platforms that bring you eye-level with curious polar bears. A day on the tundra might reveal sparring bears, the sudden dash of an Arctic fox, or a snowy owl scanning the horizon—no two days are ever alike. Great White Bear Tours runs full-day polar bear excursions from early October through November, with lunch served on board as the rovers traverse the frozen landscape.
More Than a Day on the Ice
For those who want an extended stay, Great White Bear Tours partners exclusively with Natural Habitat Adventures (Nat Hab), a world leader in conservation travel, to deliver all-inclusive packages. These multi-day itineraries may include guided days on the tundra, thrilling dog sled rides, or helicopter flights over polar bear dens. Depending on the package, you might even get to spend a night in the one-of-a-kind Tundra Lodge, an accommodation on wheels parked in prime polar bear country. The Tundra Lodge is exclusively offered through Nat Hab’s multi-day packages.
The adventure doesn’t end when bear season does. From January to March, Great White Bear Tours offers aurora borealis experiences that highlight the magic of Churchill’s long winter nights. Guests can watch the northern lights from multiple heated viewing locations, including the cozy Creek Cabin, an eco-friendly retreat tucked along a frozen creek, and the Aurora Dome Tent. As locals, the team knows how harsh the Arctic climate can be, and they ensure guest comfort in every detail, from warm spaces to thoughtful hospitality.
Your Unforgettable Arctic Adventure
Great White Bear Tours is more than a tour operator; it’s a Churchill family inviting travelers into their home. Whether it’s a day on the tundra, a night under the northern lights, or a multi-day adventure with Nat Hab, guests leave with something unforgettable: a connection to the land, the wildlife, and the people who live here year-round.
Learn more at greatwhitebeartours.com.
