One of the most unforgettable and life-changing experiences you can have is to see an endangered species in its natural habitat. Getting to know these creatures will make you more committed to doing your bit to help save them. With Churchill Manitoba polar bear tours, for instance, you get to see one of a species whose survival is in grave danger because of global warming.
Churchill is located in the northern part of Manitoba, one of the provinces of Canada. The small town lies on a peninsula along the western shore of Hudson Bay. It's a small community that has exchanged its fur-based economy of yesteryear for a more sustainable economy based on ecotourism.
The jewel in the little town's crown is its polar bears. There is no better place to see these creatures in the wild. Local tour operators use vehicles that have been specially adapted to the icy conditions to take visitors on bear-watching trips on the peninsula.
The best time to go see the beautiful white bears is in October or in early November. This is when most of the animals come to the peninsula to wait for the bay to freeze over. Later in winter they go onto the ice to hunt and you'll have to travel further to see them. However, you can even spot some bears in the warmer months, even though this is best done by boat or helicopter. Choose your helicopter pilot carefully because you don't want the animals to be stressed.
A very important thing to remember is that polar bears are not cuddly animals. They're carnivores and are extremely dangerous. Don't venture out on your own and always follow the locals' advice on the areas that are unsafe. During your tour, stay in the vehicle at all times and don't feed the animals.
Apart from the magnificent bears, the town also has other attractions to offer anybody with a love of nature. Its northerly location means that it's a good place to come and see the Northern Lights, which are more visible in winter. In summer, visitors are drawn to the beluga whales that come to the area to calf. It's a bird-watching paradise too, with more than a hundred species coming here to nest.
Churchill is quite remote and there is no road into town. There is a port but traveling in by ship not really a viable option because of ice for a large part of the year. However, you can travel to the town by train from either Winnipeg or Thompson. There are daily flights from both these cities too.
There is a variety of excursions on offer. Simply look online to compare the different options and tour operators. Before making your final decision, check the online reviews and be sure to choose an operator with a good reputation for safety and environmental responsibility. It's advisable to book in advance as well to avoid disappointment, especially if you come during the busy bear-watching season.
Churchill is located in the northern part of Manitoba, one of the provinces of Canada. The small town lies on a peninsula along the western shore of Hudson Bay. It's a small community that has exchanged its fur-based economy of yesteryear for a more sustainable economy based on ecotourism.
The jewel in the little town's crown is its polar bears. There is no better place to see these creatures in the wild. Local tour operators use vehicles that have been specially adapted to the icy conditions to take visitors on bear-watching trips on the peninsula.
The best time to go see the beautiful white bears is in October or in early November. This is when most of the animals come to the peninsula to wait for the bay to freeze over. Later in winter they go onto the ice to hunt and you'll have to travel further to see them. However, you can even spot some bears in the warmer months, even though this is best done by boat or helicopter. Choose your helicopter pilot carefully because you don't want the animals to be stressed.
A very important thing to remember is that polar bears are not cuddly animals. They're carnivores and are extremely dangerous. Don't venture out on your own and always follow the locals' advice on the areas that are unsafe. During your tour, stay in the vehicle at all times and don't feed the animals.
Apart from the magnificent bears, the town also has other attractions to offer anybody with a love of nature. Its northerly location means that it's a good place to come and see the Northern Lights, which are more visible in winter. In summer, visitors are drawn to the beluga whales that come to the area to calf. It's a bird-watching paradise too, with more than a hundred species coming here to nest.
Churchill is quite remote and there is no road into town. There is a port but traveling in by ship not really a viable option because of ice for a large part of the year. However, you can travel to the town by train from either Winnipeg or Thompson. There are daily flights from both these cities too.
There is a variety of excursions on offer. Simply look online to compare the different options and tour operators. Before making your final decision, check the online reviews and be sure to choose an operator with a good reputation for safety and environmental responsibility. It's advisable to book in advance as well to avoid disappointment, especially if you come during the busy bear-watching season.
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