Everything You Need To Know About A Trip To See The Polar Bears In Churchill, Man.
You don't want to get too close to these massive predators.
Michelle Butterfieldβ The Huffington Post Canada
It's no secret to Canadians that our country is home to one of the world's best places to view polar bears in their natural habitat β and getting there is pretty easy.
Churchill, Man. is just a short flight from Winnipeg and, depending on when you visit, there's a good chance you'll see plenty of these majestic mammals frolicking on the shores of Hudson Bay.
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However, there are some things to consider before setting out on a polar bear expedition. We've compiled a list of things you need to know before you book your trip.
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
The Manitoba government estimates the number of polar bears in the western Hudson Bay area is somewhere between 900 and 1,000.
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
The majority of the bears spend most of the year β from mid-November to mid-July β hanging out on the sea ice of Hudson Bay.
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
The exception is pregnant mother bears, who spend most of the winter hibernating in maternity dens, before emerging with their cubs in March and making their way to the sea.
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Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Churchill, Man., a small town with a population of about 800, is the most popular destination in Canada for tourists to view the bears. Churchill is nicknamed "Polar Bear Capital of the World."
So many tourists are eager to spot polar bears, that it's recommended you book your trip six months to a year ahead, to ensure you can find accommodation and a spot on a tour.
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Specially equipped tundra vehicles allow tourists to safely view the bears. There are, however, limits on how many of these vehicles are allowed to operate. Manitoba Conservation restricts the number of tour operators and vehicles in prime polar bear viewing territory, to minimize the impact to the surrounding tundra.
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The polar bears may appear cuddly and cute β and even friendly. This couldn't be farther from the truth.
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During your stay in Churchill, you may come across signs like this. Every effort is made to keep people safe from polar bears, but sometimes the curious animals make their way very close to town.
In Churchill, male polar bears can grow to be heavier than 600 kilograms (1,320 lb.) and stand 3.05 metres (10 ft.) tall, according to EverythingChurchill.com.
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
As well, polar bears are at the top of the food chain and have no natural enemies β meaning they also have no fear.
Driven by scientists employed by universities and the Canadian government, and by local citizens who were tired of seeing as many as 29 polar bears being killed each year in the 1970s, the project was first intended to protect people and property. Since then, the welfare of the bears has become a priority as well.
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