Polar Bear Tours in Alaska and Canada
Polar bears are found in Alaska, Northern Canada, Greenland, Norway, and other locales above the Arctic Circle. Since polar bears spend most of their time in the sea hunting food, the best time for viewing is when the ice melts and they spend most of their time on shore. These marine mammals, which are on the Endangered Species List, are truly magnificent to behold, particularly in their own natural environment.
The male polar bears, or boars, can weigh in excess of 1,400 pounds while adult females, or sows, weigh approximately 600 pounds. A boar can stand more than 10 feet tall on its hind legs, which makes it a creature you don’t want to see up close unless you’re at a safe distance or inside a special viewing vehicle.
Polar Bear Tours in Alaska
While it’s not necessary to join a tour to view polar bears, it is advisable for safety reasons and increased chances of spotting these magnificent creatures. Established tour companies have experienced guides who know where to find bears, and their specialized vehicles are designed to avoid disturbing the bears while keeping travelers safe.
Several companies offer polar bear tours in Alaska, especially if you’re keen on visiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a crucial area for pregnant polar bears. Warbelows Air Ventures operates flights from Fairbanks, Alaska, in September and October, allowing clients to stay in an Inupiat village located on the reserve. Traveling with them guarantees that you’ll see polar bears in the wild.
Wild Alaska Travel offers a 6-day/5-night trip as well as a 10-day/9-night trip, both departing from Fairbanks. These tours take you to one of Alaska’s most remote villages, Kaktovik on Barter Island, off the North Slope. The longer tour encompasses added travel and the chance to view the Northern Lights. With small group sizes, it is recommended to secure your spot soon.
Canada’s Polar Bear Capital
In Canada, the town of Churchill, located in Manitoba, is often referred to as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” This makes it an excellent destination for observing polar bears, with several tour companies operating in the region.
The Great Canadian Travel Company provides various polar bear tours around Churchill, ranging from single-day tundra vehicle excursions to extended guided tours that include two full days on the buggy. Tours often start in Winnipeg, and offer an adventurous train ride to Churchill.
Natural Habitat Adventures organizes polar bear tours to Churchill, traveling along Hudson Bay’s shores with custom-built Polar Rovers equipped with six-foot tires, special observation decks, and heated interiors for close viewing of the bears.
Churchill Wild offers excursions to see polar bears in their natural habitat year-round. In summer, visitors may see bears near wildflowers or grazing in grasslands, while October and November feature the Great Ice Bear Adventures. With its eco-lodge, travelers may enjoy a unique lodging experience beyond traditional hotels in Churchill.
Options in Norway
Alaska and Canada aren’t the only destinations for polar bear viewing. Norway’s Svalbard archipelago is another spectacular location where one can see these creatures in their natural habitat, boasting a polar bear population of around 3,500.
Several tour operators lead trips in the Svalbard area, including 50° North and National Geographic Expeditions. These tours emphasize eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism throughout the areas visited.
Polar bears face threats due to climate change, habitat encroachment, and other concerns. However, with a reputable travel company, you can chance an up-close experience while ensuring minimal impact on their habitats, which greatly enhances the adventure.
