Inspiration From The NorthExplore Our Insights And Experiences

Powering the Future: Energy in the Subarctic

At Frontiers North Adventures, our commitment to the North goes beyond just sharing its beauty; it’s about ensuring that we are shared stewards of the land. We actively monitor our energy sources to track our monthly consumption, ensuring that every kilowatt-hour and every litre of fuel is used with intention.

As a Certified B Corporation™, we believe in using business as a force for good. A massive part of that "good" involves a deep dive into how we power our operations. It also serves as a standard for our ambitious goals: reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy.

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The Manitoba Advantage: 100% Renewable Hydroelectric Power

One of the most significant tools in our sustainability toolkit is actually a gift of geography. Manitoba is powered primarily by hydroelectricity—a 100% renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate power.

Unlike traditional energy sources, hydroelectricity produces significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Our electricity is generated at Manitoba Hydro’s Kelsey Generating Station on the Nelson River, roughly 400 kilometres south of Churchill. This means that when we "plug in" our equipment, we are tapping into a grid that is among the cleanest in the world.

We acknowledge that this power is generated on the traditional lands of Treaty 5 communities. Recognizing the historical impacts of power-generating infrastructure on these communities is a vital part of our commitment to reconciliation. As we move away from fossil fuels, we do so with a dedication to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.

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Innovation in the Field: The Operating EV Tundra Buggies®

How are we taking advantage of this renewable resource? By pioneering the world's first EV Tundra Buggy®.

In 2018, a chance encounter with professionals from Red River College Polytechnic sparked a three-year journey to develop the first-ever zero-emission propulsion off-road tourism vehicle with our partners, Noble Northern. By repurposing high-voltage batteries, we created a machine that doesn't just reduce our footprint—it enhances the guest experience. Now in 2026, Frontiers North is proud to have 3 operational EV Tundra Buggies in our touring fleet. This allows us to heavily rely on EV vehicles for our northern lights and beluga whale seasons, while also having the ability to optimize our usage rates in polar bear season.

EV Tundra Buggy Quick Hits:

• Zero Emissions: Operating each EV Tundra Buggy is estimated to avoid 15.74 tonnes of CO2e per year.

• Silent Discovery: Without the rumble of a diesel engine, our guests can navigate the tundra silently. This reduces noise disturbances for wildlife and allows for better and easier communication between guides and guests.

• Extreme Reliability: These vehicles are built to operate in the harshest conditions, remaining reliable in temperatures down to -35°C (-30°F).

EV Tundra Buggy® One

In October 2025, Frontiers North Adventures, in collaboration with Polar Bears International, unveiled the new EV Tundra Buggy One, a custom ground-up build fulfilled by the Noble Northern team. Designed intentionally to replace the original Tundra Buggy One, the new EV has the capabilities to support PBI’s field research in Churchill and function as a mobile broadcast studio, sharing live polar bear experiences with audiences around the world. EV Tundra Buggy One is now better equipped to provide a more sustainable and technologically advanced way to roam the tundra while supporting Polar Bears International’s mission to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Working to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection of this fragile ecosystem to our global climate.

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Reimagining the Tundra Buggy Lodge

Our commitment to minimizing our impact doesn't stop with our vehicles. Our remote Tundra Buggy Lodge has undergone massive upgrades to maximize heat dissipation and energy efficiency.

In 2023, we introduced Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Diesel-Electric Hybrid (DEH) technology. Historically, propane was used to heat the lodge's interior. Now, we use a more strategic approach:

1. Capturing Generator Heat: When the diesel generator runs, we capture its engine heat to warm the interior spaces and water.

2. Battery Storage: We employ a DEH framework where excess power is stored in a 140 kWh battery pack (repurposed from the first EV Tundra Buggy prototype!).

3. Zero-Emission Periods: For the majority of the day, the generator stays off. The lodge runs entirely on battery power—lights, water pumps, and outlets—emitting zero emissions during these times.

The Results:

• 35% less diesel used during peak season.

• 78% reduction in propane consumption for the kitchen unit.

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Every Megajoule Counts

We track our consumption through energy bills and invoices, converting everything to megajoules using conversion factors from Natural Resources Canada. This data-driven approach allows us to see exactly where we can improve. For example, in 2023, our energy intensity ratio was 1609.7 megajoules per guest.

By choosing to travel with us, you aren't just seeing the polar bears; you are supporting a shift toward a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable future for the North.

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To learn more about our commitments to sustainability and business being a force for good, visit the Our Impact page. If you really want the deep dive, you can download our latest Impact Report there and check out all of our efforts in detail.

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