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Living Amongst Wild Polar Bears

A Review of the Tundra Buggy Lodge Experience

If you are looking for the best way to see polar bears in Churchill, it is hard not to find yourself eyeing the Tundra Buggy Lodge, where you can literally surround yourself with wildlife. Here is a review of what you can expect when staying on the Lodge.

Quick Highlights: 

• Best location for polar bear viewing

• Maximum amount of time viewing polar bears

• Wake up to wild polar bears

• Fine dining on the tundra

• Dancing northern lights 

📅 Best Time to Visit Churchill

The peak season for wild polar bears in Churchill is October through November. This is when the bears gather along the coast to await the return of the sea ice. Conveniently, these prime viewing months are exactly when the Tundra Buggy Lodge is operational for guests.

📍 Prime Location

Located deep on the tundra away from the town of Churchill, the Lodge is situated in the heart of prime bear habitat. Polar bears typically migrate along the coast from the east toward Churchill—the Tundra Buggy Lodge lies directly along this natural transit route.

The Tundra Buggy Lodge is located in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area at the furthest point to the East, as shown on the map below. You can see just how far you’ll be from the town of Churchill and the bustle of civilization. By staying on the Lodge, you save hours of travel time each day—giving you more time for polar bear viewing and less time commuting.

🔭 First Impressions

Your journey begins with a 40-minute drive into the wild via Tundra Buggy. As you approach in the early evening, the Lodge appears as a shining beacon on the horizon.

• The Look: A stretched-out set of white units that resembles a "tundra version" of the International Space Station.

• The Arrival: Once you board, your adventure of living among the bears officially begins. Time to get settled in and begin living amongst wild polar bears on the tundra.

• Tour the Tundra Buggy Lodge

🐻‍❄️ Constant Polar Bear Sightings

The biggest draw is the constant proximity to polar bears. When you stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge, wildlife viewing is a 24/7 experience. Majestic animals and Arctic wildlife can wander by at any moment, and the Lodge is specifically designed with viewing platforms and expansive windows—perfect for observing them in their natural habitat around the clock.

"We have traveled all over the world, and the experience at the tundra buggy Lodge will rank at the very top of the list. From the minute, we spoke to you until we arrived back in Winnipeg, every single detail was handled.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed our guide Jeff and our driver, Luke.  The trip exceeded all of our expectations.  " —Anita A November 2025 Tundra Buggy Lodge Guest

Tip: If you want a preview of the view, check out the Explore.org live cams below. The highlight reels are filmed directly from cameras attached to the Lodge. 

• Tundra Buggy Lodge South Camera
• Tundra Buggy Lodge North Camera 

Dining on the Tundra

The beauty of the Lodge is that a bear might interrupt your dinner at any moment! There is a palpable thrill when a bear wanders by mid-course.

• The Food: Expect gourmet three-course meals prepared by two on-site chefs.

• Dietary Needs: The chefs are true professionals and can accommodate dietary restrictions with high-level care.

Life on the Lodge

While the bears are the stars, the Lodge offers incredible secondary perks:

• Natural Beauty: Stunning sunrises and sunsets over the historic Hudson Bay.

• Modern Comforts: Despite the remote location, you have access to high-speed Wi-Fi, snacks and refreshments and cozy lounge areas.

• Sleeping Quarters: Each berth is equipped with its own window, allowing you to peer out at any moment—you might wake up to find a bear staring back!

• Expert presentations: Learn from Polar Bears International Ambassadors who stay on the Lodge. This is your opportunity to engage directly with polar bear scientists. 

• Polar bear viewing at any moment: Its the best way to see wild polar bears as they can appear at any moment throughout  your time at the Tundra Buggy Lodge.

Dancing Night Skies

The Lodge is a "two-for-one" bucket list destination. Because there is zero light pollution out on the tundra, it is a premier spot for Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) viewing.

• Thanadelthur Lounge: Equipped with panoramic windows and skylights.

• Observation Deck: An open-air rooftop deck for unobstructed views of the dancing lights.

• Your bed window: It is even possible to peek out your own private window in the night and catch a glimpse of dancing aurora to lull you back to sleep.

Experience the Tundra Buggy Lodge for yourself and see why it is the best way to view polar bears in Churchill. 

• Check out our Tundra Buggy Lodge: Polar Bears trip