Friday, March 6, 2015

Have The Experience Of A Lifetime With Churchill Manitoba Polar Bear Tours

By Leslie Ball


One of the most unforgettable and life-changing experiences you can have is to see an endangered species in its natural habitat. Getting to know these creatures will make you more committed to doing your bit to help save them. With Churchill Manitoba polar bear tours, for instance, you get to see one of a species whose survival is in grave danger because of global warming.

The Canadian town of Churchill has fewer than a thousand inhabitants and used to be a center for the fur trade. Nowadays its main source of income is ecotourism. People come from all over to this little Arctic outpost on Hudson Bay to see a range of animals.

The main attraction in the town is the polar bears that roam the area. As winter sets in, the bears wait on the peninsula for the water of Hudson Bay to freeze, so that they can go hunting. Tour operators use specially adapted vehicles to drive across the ice so that you can see these magnificent bears up close.

The best time to go if you want to see polar bears is in October or November. This is when several thousand of the animals congregate on the peninsula. Later in winter they roam further away and are more difficult to spot. However, you can see them throughout the year by taking a boat or helicopter tour. Just remember that helicopters may cause the animals some stress.

It's essential to remember that even though polar bears look cuddly, they're actually very dangerous animals. Ask the locals for advice on how to avoid being attacked. Don't walk outside of town on your own and never confront a bear. When you're on a tour, stay in the vehicle and avoid feeding the animals.

There are other great reasons to visit too. In summer, beluga whales move into the estuary of the Churchill River to have their calves. It's a good season for kayaking and hiking. There is a huge variety of birds in the area too, making it a paradise for bird-watchers. In mid-winter the main attraction is the Northern Lights, which are more visible on clear, dark nights.

Churchill is quite remote and there is no road into town. There is a port but traveling in by ship not really a viable option because of ice for a large part of the year. However, you can travel to the town by train from either Winnipeg or Thompson. There are daily flights from both these cities too.

Churchill's tour operators offer a variety of themed outings. In many cases you can go online and book in advance, which is essential if you're planning on visiting during the high season. Before you book, compare the different operators and read reviews about them. This way you can choose one that is not only environmentally responsible but will also make your safety a priority.




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