1-Day Polar Bear Tours FAQ

We suggest you include the following items in your backpack/carry on bag:

• Camera

• Extra battery or external charger for your camera or phone

• Binoculars

• Comfortable clothing, we suggest dressing in layers

• Sunglasses

• A winter jacket, gloves and warm headwear

• Comfortable walking shoes, winter boots or runners/trainers

• Any medication you may need

• Even though all meals are included, many travelers bring a few snacks with them on the Expedition

Neither! Because we have chartered our own private flight, we depart from the executive departure terminal. Directions and parking details will be provided to all travelers via email prior to the departure date.

Our 1-Day Expedition is a very accessible way to see the Arctic. There is minimal walking required and approximately 12 steps up to board the plane and Tundra Buggy. You can remain seated for the duration of the tour if you choose, and although Tundra Buggy’s are large all-terrain vehicles they provide a surprisingly smooth ride!

While we may utilize a few different types of aircraft, we will generally charter a Boeing 737-300, a reliable and powerful aircraft which can seat 136 passengers. The in-flight crew will consists of two pilots and three flight attendants. Average Range 4,500 km (2,400 nautical mi), Airspeed – 780 km/hr (485 mph)

We do not provide for checked baggage on our charters. Pack lightly and use a reasonably sized bag. It is not advisable to bring along a rolling suitcase, it is more practical to use a backpack or small duffel/weekender bag.

No, generally cell phone reception is not great while out on Expedition. It is also advisable to turn your phone off “Roam” as it can shorten battery life. If you are using your phone to take photos, as most do, you do not want to run out of charge!

The cameras on most modern mobile phones are exceptional, and can be counted on to provide great images of your Expedition. The biggest issue we observe is travellers phones running out of battery, so we suggest purchasing an external charger, or bringing along another digital camera if one is available to you.

All meals are included in the price of your Expedition. Breakfast is served on your private charter flight to Churchill, lunch is served while out on Expedition and dinner is served in the town of Churchill prior to the flight home. It is suggested to bring along a water bottle and a few snacks, and these can be packed in your carry on. Please contact us if you have any dietary restrictions and we will accommodate as best practicable.

Once we land in Churchill we transfer by bus immediately to the Tundra Buggy launch pad. Therefore, food could only be purchased in Churchill after we return from the Expedition, when we have a short time for local sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Polar Bears are attracted to the Churchill area because of the rivers. Churchill river and Seal river drain into the Hudson Bay, which is salt-water. The fresh river water acts to decrease the salinity in this area of Hudson Bay, which means it will freeze earlier than other areas. The bears are eager to get onto the ice to begin seal hunting, and therefore congregate in the areas most likely to freeze.

Polar Bears can be seen in the area throughout the summer, but October and November are without question the best time to view them. During this time, the bears are congregating on the shores of the Hudson Bay waiting for the sea ice to return.

While there can never be a guarantee on the activity of wildlife, the Expedition guides coordinate their activities and work together to maximize everyone's opportunity to view the stunning wildlife and environment in the Churchill area. October and November are unquestionably the peak season to observe polar bears in the area.

While bear sighting is our main priority, other wildlife is often spotted out on the tundra. You may have the opportunity to encounter arctic fox and snowy owls ,and several interesting species of birds.

While it is possible to observe the northern lights in the fall season, they are much more likely in winter. The Expeditions take place during daylight hours, so the only chance to observe northern lights may be during our return flight home.

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Some vendors in Churchill may accept US dollars and nearly all accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard.

Churchill is in Central Standard Time.

Temperature in Churchill will generally be in the 0°C (32°F) range during the times we are present for Expeditions. The Tundra Buggys are well heated and the amount of time you spend outdoors can be your choice, as you can opt to observe within the Buggy passenger cabin area or outside on its observation deck.

Our Expedition will utilize custom made Tundra Buggy’s, which are built specifically to be utilized for safe, environmentally responsible tours of the subarctic. The Buggy’s seat 40 passengers and are operated by seasoned guides. The Buggy’s include a bathroom, a heater, and an external viewing deck allowing for 360 degree views of the terrain.

The Tundra Buggy window height is well over 3 meters (10ft) off the ground, which is higher than a polar bear can stand on its hind legs.

Our Expeditions see us touring through the Churchill Special Protection Area, and the trails in the area were created by the military when they maintained a presence in the area. The Expeditions stay strictly on these established trails, and special permits are required by operators to ensure that their use is carefully controlled.

Tundra Buggy’s and chartered jet are the most carbon-efficient modes of transportation, per person, to experience the subarctic.

From the airport, we board a local charter bus and head to the Tundra Buggy Launch area, where we board the Tundra Buggy. There is approximately 12 steps up to reach the platform to enter the Tundra Buggy’s. We can assist anyone who may have mobility concerns.

Gold Star Canadian Tours does not provide travel insurance with the purchase of your Expedition. Before purchasing trip cancellation, interruption insurance or additional medical insurance, we suggest you check your current insurance providers, as many include coverage as part of current policy, or for a small additional fee.

If your travel availability changes and you need to adjust your trip, Gold Star Canadian Tours will make every effort to schedule you on the next available trip.

Please go to our contact page, or email us at info@goldstarcanada.com and we will respond as quickly as possible. Feel free to call us toll free 7 days a week 1-855-665-4924.