Location: Churchill, Canada
The Great Polar Bear Migration
A VIP polar bear photography expedition like no other!
Witness the largest accessible aggregation of polar bears in the world as they gather on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for the annual freeze. You will see mother bears with their new born cubs, solitary bears foraging along the shore, and sparring males asserting their dominance over one another.
Our polar bear photography expedition is open to anyone that would like to enjoy world-class intimate encounters with polar bears on the Canadian Tundra but photography pros or serious amateurs will find this trip especially rewarding.
Seeing the bears from one of the well known, high-sided tundra vehicles can be fun but the unstable platform, mobility restrictions, and lofty perspectives are not ideal for capturing dynamic images.
We have the ability to move quickly across the tundra to take advantage of the best light and the movements of the bears. You will be able to leave our vehicle with the security of an armed guide, set up a tripod, and photograph the bears at eye level to bring home truly exceptional images of the largest carnivores on the planet.
THE ENCOUNTER
Intimate, eye level encounters with polar bears on the sub-arctic tundra
2021
DATE
October 25-31 2 SPOTS OPEN
October 31 – November 6 FULL
PRICE (USD)
$5,795 per person double occupancy
$7,795 single occupancy
LEADER
Andy Murch
2022
DATE
TBA 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$TBA per person double occupancy
$TBA single occupancy
LEADER
Andy Murch
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
The Churchill Hotel
FITNESS LEVEL
Some minor walking on snow and ice
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Six nights accommodation in the most comfortable hotel in Churchill
Breakfast at the hotel - Five days on the tundra viewing polar bears (approx 6-8hrs per day)
- Licensed polar bear guide: we work with the most experienced bear guides in the industry. They are experts in bear behavior and armed for your protection.
- Exclusive group use of a tundra-ready 4WD passenger van that comfortably seats 5 photographers (or bear watchers) and one driver guide.
- Exclusive access to restricted areas of the tundra where polar bears are especially abundant.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks
The polar bear capital of the world
During the fall months, polar bears congregate along the southern shoreline of Hudson Bay waiting for the sea ice to freeze. At that point they leave land for the winter season to hunt on the ice.
The ideal time to see polar bears around Churchill is during October and November. In particular, early November (when we schedule our trips) is widely considered to be the perfect time to look for bears.
Northern Lights
Although bear season is often overcast, the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) are often visible on clear nights and the nights are long in November so there is plenty of time to look for them.
Arctic foxes
You also have an excellent chance of seeing arctic foxes and red foxes hunting on the tundra. It is not uncommon to see numerous foxes everyday; sporting their white, winter pelage. Arctic foxes are another species that is best photographed from ground level.
Ready to sign up or have a question about this trip?
Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
Big Fish Expeditions
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last two decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
Scott O.
Detroit, Michigan
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
AMAZING TRIPS
Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
Sene M.
Canada
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
Br, Rasmus Raahauge
Denmark
BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
I have been on a couple of Big Fish Photography Expeditions trips now. They are always well organized, and exceed my expectations! Andy puts together unique and action-packed trips. I’m looking forward to my next dive experience with him.
Trisha S.
Vancouver, BC
