Best Time to See Polar Bears in Churchill: Summer vs. Autumn Guide

Wondering when to see polar bears in Churchill? Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill offers the most spectacular polar bear viewing on the planet. Whether you are seeking the best month for polar bear photography or looking to combine your adventure with beluga whale watching, this guide breaks down the seasonal differences to help you plan your perfect subarctic journey.

There are two distinct seasons for viewing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. Each offers a drastically different—but equally magical—experience. Whether you want to see bears lounging in purple fireweed or waiting on the snowy shores for the ice to freeze, here is everything you need to know.

The Two Seasons of the Polar Bear

• Summer: July – August

• Autumn: October – November

Summer: Polar Bears, Wildflowers, and Whales

When you think of polar bears, you might not envision them roaming through lush green landscapes or blooming flowers, but that is exactly what summer in Churchill offers.

Why are bears in Churchill during the summer?

Polar bears in the Western Hudson Bay (Churchill) population spend their winters hunting seals on the sea ice. Around June or early July, the ice begins to melt, forcing the bears to return back to shore.

The first to return are typically mothers and cubs; they can’t risk staying on the last bits of receding ice for too long, as the swim back to land becomes more difficult for young cubs. Once they reach the shore, the bears become "lazy bears," lounging around and conserving energy during the warmer summer days.

^{© Sasha Stephanian}

What is the best way to see them in summer?

On our summer adventures, you’ll have several ways to spot bears:

• Boat Excursions: All of our summer tours include water activities for beluga whale viewing. It is very common to see polar bears wandering the coastline or taking a dip in the Churchill River during these trips. Boat drivers will do their best to include polar bear spotting into the beluga whale viewing time when possible. 

• Tundra Buggy® Adventures: Even in summer, bears frequent the tundra. This is the best time to capture photos of "The King of the Arctic" surrounded by vibrant fireweed and lush greenery. There are polar bears in the Churchill Wildlife Managment Area during the summer though not the same quantities as in the autumn months. 

View our summer Beluga Whale Adventures where you can also see summer polar bears. 

https://frontiersnorth.com/adventures/beluga-whales

Summer vs. Autumn: What’s the difference?

• Variety: Summer is about more than just bears. You’ll also see thousands of beluga whales and hundreds of bird species.

• The "Look": Summer bears are often pristine white because they’ve just come off the clean sea ice. They are also at their most rotund and rolly-poly, having spent the winter feasting on seals.

• Quantity: Summer has polar bears around but not in the same high volume numbers as autumn. 

Autumn: When Polar Bears Gather

Autumn is the most popular time to visit Churchill for polar bear viewing. During these two months, bears congregate in large numbers along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze. 

Why do they gather in Churchill?

Churchill is located at the intersection of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay. Because the brackish freshwater of the river freezes faster than the saltwater of the bay, the river acts as an "ice factory." It spits out ice chunks that merge to form the first stable sea ice platform of the season, allowing the bears to head out and hunt sooner.

Choosing your month: October or November?

Both months offer incredible viewing, but the "vibe" changes as the temperature drops:

What Is the Best Way to View Polar Bears in Autumn? 

Tundra Buggy® adventures provide immersive, full-day excursions (eight hours) into the heart of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. As one of only two operators with permits to access the entire region, Frontiers North Adventures offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters. To enhance your experience, a Polar Bears International Field Ambassador joins every adventure on a Tundra Buggy day to share expert insights on Ursus maritimus conservation, ongoing polar bear research, and the real-world impacts of climate change on the bear population.

Exclusive access Wild Polar Bears

For those seeking the most intimate polar bear viewing opportunities, a stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge is unmatched. You will live directly on the tundra where the bears roam. At the Lodge, the viewing never ends—you might even wake up to find a polar bear right outside your bedroom window!

Learn more about the Tundra Buggy Lodge

Ready to plan your polar bear tour?

Do you have more questions about which season is right for you? Our Adventure Specialists are ready to help you find the perfect time of year to suit your needs.

Call us today to start your journey! 1-800-663-9832

_{Written by Alex Cupeiro a passionate wildlife educator and photographer with 30+ adventures to Churchill, Manitoba.}