Fresh Tracks Canada · Polar Bear Safari

Canadian Train and Polar Bear Adventure

Fully guided train and flight trip to see Churchill's polar bears

Canadian Train and Polar Bear Adventure, a rail journey with Fresh Tracks Canada

Fresh Tracks Canada runs this 10-day, 9-night Canadian Train and Polar Bear Adventure, a fully guided trip from Vancouver to Churchill by way of Winnipeg. After a day in Vancouver, VIA Rail's The Canadian carries travelers east for two nights in a private Sleeper Plus cabin, passing British Columbia's farmland and river canyons before crossing the Canadian Rockies near Mount Robson. Two days in Winnipeg give time to explore the city before flying north to Churchill on the Hudson Bay, one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Three days there include Tundra Buggy searches for polar bears and a dogsledding tour, before flying back to Winnipeg for departure. Most of the wildlife viewing is done from the Tundra Buggy and is described as suitable for less active guests. This suits travelers who want a guided wildlife trip built around a scenic overnight train ride, rather than an independent, self-planned itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Winter clothing for the polar bear viewing days is a separate optional rental, not included in the base price.
  • The evidence does not give a star rating or nights breakdown for the Tundra Inn in Churchill or the Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg.
  • This package includes only the Vancouver to Winnipeg leg of The Canadian in Sleeper Plus Class; the trip to Churchill and back is by flight, not rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling ocean.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard The Canadian train

    VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

    After a morning in Vancouver, board The Canadian train and begin your journey to Winnipeg. Settle into your private cabin and watch the ever-changing scenery as you travel through beautiful British Columbia. See farmer's fields, winding river canyons, and pristine forests.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard The Canadian train

    VIA Rail - Canadian Rockies

    As you head northeast through the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk! See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then pass by the small town of Jasper. In the evening, the train winds towards Edmonton, Alberta's capital city.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Winnipeg

    VIA Rail - Arrive in Winnipeg

    Make your way across the undulating plains of the Prairie provinces before arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba's bustling capital city.

  5. Day 5overnight: Winnipeg

    Day in Winnipeg, then polar bear adventure begins

    Today is yours to explore Winnipeg and its iconic attractions before checking in for your polar bear adventure.

  6. Day 6overnight: Churchill

    Fly north into polar bear territory

    The excitement begins as you travel from Winnipeg to the remote town of Churchill. Situated on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in the wild.

  7. Day 7overnight: Churchill

    View polar bears up close

    The moment has finally come, after a hotel pick-up, board a Tundra Buggy and start your search for polar bears.

  8. Day 8overnight: Churchill

    Dogsledding in Churchill

    Go on a thrilling dogsledding tour and experience this uniquely northern way of getting around.

  9. Day 9overnight: Winnipeg

    Another tundra buggy adventure

    Head out for another day on the Tundra searching for polar bears.

  10. Day 10

    Depart from Winnipeg

    Too soon, you bid farewell to the Canadian North as you depart from Winnipeg.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board The Canadian train and settle into your private cabin, watching British Columbia's farmer's fields, river canyons, and forests go by.
  • Day 3Watch for bears and elk as the train passes Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, on the way toward Edmonton.
  • Day 7Board a Tundra Buggy for your first search for polar bears near Churchill on the Hudson Bay.
  • Day 8A dogsledding tour in Churchill, described as a uniquely northern way of getting around.
  • Day 9A second day on the Tundra Buggy searching for polar bears.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Sleeper train experience
  • Meals onboard the train
  • All meals whilst on your polar bear tour
  • Polar Bear viewing from a specialized Tundra Buggy
  • Unique guided activities such as dogsledding, cultural tours and more
  • Train station transfers
  • Flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, a two-night VIA Rail Canadian sleeper journey in a private cabin from Vancouver to Winnipeg is included; the Winnipeg to Churchill leg and back is by flight.
Is it guided?
Yes, the tour is described as Fully Guided.
Which train is used?
VIA Rail's The Canadian, in Sleeper Plus Class, from Vancouver to Winnipeg.
What hotels are used?
The Tundra Inn in Churchill and the Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg; no star rating is given for either.
How much walking or activity is involved?
Most polar bear viewing is done from a Tundra Buggy and is suitable for less active guests, though there are 12 steps to climb to board it.
What is not included?
Winter clothing rental is an additional cost; the evidence does not list other exclusions.

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