Tundra Buggy Lodge Common Inquiries
General Tundra Buggy® Lodge Common Inquiries
What is the Tundra Buggy Lodge?
The Tundra Buggy Lodge is Frontiers North's pop-up hotel, located in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) which is the heart of polar bear country. The Lodge consists of two accommodation units for our guests, a lounge, a dining hall and staff quarters. Outdoor viewing platforms connect each unit and allow for outdoor photography. Situated far from the lights of town, it's the perfect place to view bears all day long and have optimal northern lights viewing at night (weather permitting). The lodge is also equipped with exterior field lights that enable us to continue watching the bears even after the sun sets.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
The accommodation units, named Hearne and La Perouse after two important figures in Churchill's history, consist of 10 upper and 10 lower sleeping berths, each with a window, a reading light and four 110-volt electrical outlets. Each berth houses a standard twin-sized coil mattress. A sound-dampening curtain provides privacy by separating the berths from the aisle. In addition, each 20-person accommodation unit has three bathrooms, two of which are equipped with showers.
Where can we socialize at the lodge?
Thanadelthur Lounge is where guests are invited to mingle before and after dinner to share photos and stories about their exciting day on the tundra. After dinner, guests can partake in presentations from Polar Bears International representatives and Frontiers North staff. Thanadelthur Lounge has WiFi access, and is also the best place to view the northern lights with its panoramic views from the wall-to-ceiling windows and roof-top observation deck.
How many people can stay at the lodge?
Up to 40 guests can stay at the lodge. Groups are divided into two accommodation units with 20 guests in each.
What is the food like?
Amazing. The lodge has a private chef who makes delicious home-cooked meals each day. There’s hot breakfast, cereal, coffee/tea in the morning, homemade soup and sandwiches for lunch, and local cuisine such as arctic char, bison or elk for dinner. The chef can also accommodate special dietary requirements with prior notice.
Is seeing wildlife a guarantee?
Wildlife and weather are unpredictable which means we can never guarantee wildlife sightings. However, we have an excellent track record and our team of Tundra Buggy drivers work together to ensure our guests have the best viewing opportunities possible.
Can I see northern lights at the Tundra Buggy Lodge?
The lodge is in an ideal location to see Churchill's amazing northern lights when they do come out to dance. Situated far from the light pollution of town, the Tundra Buggy Lodge not only has outdoor viewing platforms and a roof top observation deck for outdoor photography, but the Thanadelthur Lounge is equipped with panoramic windows and skylights for those that prefer to watch the lights from the comfort of indoors.
Is the Tundra Buggy Lodge open year round?
The Tundra Buggy Lodge is only operational during the months of October and November, which is peak polar bear season in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA).
Can I book into the Tundra Buggy Lodge without joining a tour?
No. The Tundra Buggy Lodge is only available to guests of Frontiers North Adventures' package tours. The following tours have some of or all nights on the Lodge:
- Tundra Buggy Lodge: Polar Bears
- Tundra Buggy Lodge: Town and Polar Bears
- Photo Adventure: Polar Bears at Tundra Buggy Lodge
- Conservation Journey: Polar Bears
Can I get on the ground to see the bears from up close?
No, once you board the Tundra Buggy and arrive at the Tundra Buggy Lodge your feet will not touch the ground. To ensure the safety of both our guests and wildlife, guests are not permitted to leave the lodge or walk on the ground of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area at any time. This is not only for safety, but to preserve the fragile tundra environment as well. However, the lodge has open, external viewing platforms for you to go “outside” for a closer look.
Is there alcohol on the lodge?
Yes. The lodge has a limited amount of wine on board. Guests are also permitted to bring their own alcohol on the lodge with them. However, since we are in a remote area with unpredictable conditions, we encourage everyone to please drink responsibly.