Polar Bear Photography Expedition

Churchill, Canada


November 1 - 7, 2026
7 Day Trip / 5 Days Wildlife Viewing
- SOLD OUT -

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November 1 - 7, 2027
7 Day Trip / 5 Days Wildlife Viewing
- ONE of 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE -


THE ADVENTURE

I want to invite you on a trip we’ve been looking forward to all year, Churchill, Canada, right in the heart of polar bear country.

Every fall, more than a thousand polar bears pass through this area, gathering near town while they wait for the Churchill River to freeze.

Once the ice forms, they head out onto the sea to hunt seals. But right before that happens, that’s when we’re there. And it’s honestly one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you can have.

We’ll be exploring the tundra in private SUVs, not big tour buses, so we can get off the beaten path and (hopefully) eye to eye with the bears.

We’ll have a licensed bear guide with us the whole time to keep things safe and respectful.

Of course, polar bears are the main focus, but the tundra is full of surprises. We might also encounter arctic foxes, cross foxes, wolves, snowy owls, hares, even caribou if we’re lucky.

It’s wild, remote, and beautiful.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of photographing polar bears in their natural environment… this is the trip.

Would love to have you out there with us.


Trip Cost is $7,888 pp.

- with a $1,000 deposit required to reserve your spot.

PRICE INCLUDES;

  • 6-Night Lodging (Double Occupancy): Rest comfortably in our accommodations at White Whale Lodge on the Tundra.

  • 5 Days of Polar Bears: Excursions led by our experienced guides, seeking out polar bears and other captivating tundra wildlife.

  • Daily Breakfast: Start your days with a hearty breakfast, ensuring you're fueled for your Arctic explorations.

  • Snacks and Waters: Stay refreshed and energized during your wildlife expeditions with provided snacks and bottled water.

  • Photography Guidance: Capture the essence of the Arctic with expert photography guidance offered throughout the tour.

  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy seamless transportation with airport transfers included, ensuring a stress-free journey.

  • Private Vehicle: Traverse the Arctic landscape comfortably in a private vehicle, allowing you to explore remote areas with ease.

  • Licensed and Armed Bear Guide: Your safety is our priority. Travel with confidence, guided by licensed experts who are equipped to ensure your security while you observe the bears.

PRICE EXCLUDES;
Lunches and Dinners, airfare, trip insurance, crew gratuities, snow gear, aurora safaris

*DISCOUNTED AIRFARE. We know that the flights to Churchill can be pricey, but by booking with us, we can help you get discounted flights to Churchill. It’s a corporate rate, which is 55% less expensive than high season airfare rates.


🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE…
- You can book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.



TRIP ITINERARY


Day 1
ARRIVAL DAY
You arrive in Churchill. We will pick you up from the Churchill Airport (YYQ), and take you to your B&B Lodgings. After we check in, you can prep cameras and if there is any time left we will head out for a brief look around the tundra for wildlife.


Day 2 - 6 (5 Days)
WILDLIFE DAYS
Early Morning Rise…
We will spend all day seeking out polar bears in a private SUV. We will stop and get out to photograph bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares and snowy owls, and any other wildlife we may encounter out on the tundra. These action-packed days involve moderate hiking, as we strive for close encounters with the bears.

We may break for lunch (in the afternoon) and go into town, or depending on how good the action is - have lunch / snacks where ever we are.

Everyday is different and depending on the bear activity, we will remain flexible with our schedules.


Day 7
DEPARTURE DAY
We will return you to the airport (or train - if they are running), for your journey home.


TRIP REPORTS
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PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY 

PAYMENT POLICY

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.

*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.

Payment schedule:

• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.

• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Payment methods:

• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.

• PayPal payments incur a 5% processing fee.

• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.

• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.

CANCELLATION POLICY 
SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.

Cancellation terms are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to departure:

A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.

• 91–120 days prior to departure:

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.

• Within 90 days of departure:

No refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.

No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.


LATE PAYMENT POLICY:
To keep trips running smoothly for all guests, we require timely payments according to the schedule provided. If a payment is not received by the agreed-upon due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest without refund of previous payments. We will make every effort to communicate and send a reminder before doing so, but it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.