Churchill Polar Bears 2026

We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:

Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.

If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.

If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:

• More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
• 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
• Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.

*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.

All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.

If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.

Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy which covers emergency medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop, because medical facilities and standards of care where we are going may not meet US standards. Such policies typically also provide other benefits, including coverage for lost luggage or trip cancellations.

Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions

How is this trip different than other polar bear tours?

Every aspect of this workshop is specifically designed for passionate (but not necessarily expert) photographers who are looking for the best opportunities to bring home wall-worthy images of polar bears and other arctic wildlife and landscapes. We are not confined to a tundra buggy or attached to a large group of non-photographers. Finally, this trip is designed to be a learning experience about the art and craft of wildlife photography as much as an opportunity to photograph polar bears.

How should I book my travel?

You should arrive in Winnipeg (YWG) no later than ~1 pm on Day 1 of your Session. Our return flight to Winnipeg on Day 7 should arrive in Winnipeg in the late afternoon, but this flight is often delayed by weather. We suggest planning an overnight stay in Winnipeg (NOT included in workshop fee) and flying home the following day.

Note: Our Winnipeg-Churchill flights won’t be finalized until Calm Air publishes their 2026 schedule in January. Depending on flight times available, there is a small chance we may have to change the workshop dates. Therefore, we suggest waiting until after we confirm the Calm Air flights before booking your travel to Winnipeg

Can you guarantee we will see polar bears or northern lights?

No. When it comes to nature, there are never any guarantees. The workshop is timed specifically to maximize our chances of encountering large numbers of polar bears based on historical freeze-up dates but climate change and other factors are making things less predictable these days.

We need clear, dark skies and the right type of solar activity for the northern lights (aurora borealis) to appear. In 2022, the night sky will be relatively dark (no moon) for most of Session 1 and part of Session 2 but we still need the other factors to coincide to have any chance at photographing the aurora – again, no guarantees.

Is it safe?

Polar bear viewing and photography can be done safely if everyone follows instructions and acts appropriately. Our guides are experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about bear behavior. They also carry deterrents including firearms which are only deployed as a last resort. However, these bears are wild animals and individuals may not behave as expected. Intentionally approaching large predators for viewing or photography is an inherently dangerous activity. Per our Terms & Conditions, by registering for this workshop, you explicitly acknowledge and accept this risk.

What else is there to photograph?

Beside polar bears, we may also encounter other arctic species. Arctic fox, Red fox, Arctic hares & Ptarmigan are common. Other species such as gyrfalcon, rough-legged hawks, caribou, wolves and wolverines live here as well but are much more rarely seen. Landscapes are also an option and can be quite dramatic with the right light and weather, especially after freeze-up begins. Finally, we will be on Aurora (northern lights) alert the whole time we are in Churchill – if conditions look promising, we’ll head out after dark to hopefully capture some images of the Northern Lights. However, this trip is not specifically focused on Aurora photography.

What will the weather be like and how should I prepare for it?

Layers upon layers – a detailed packing list including specific clothing recommendations will be provided to participants after registration.

What kind of photo equipment should I bring?

Specific recommendations will be provided to participants after registration but a telephoto lens of at least 400mm is strongly suggested as a starting point.

Where will we stay in Churchill?

We’ve reserved two private residences (think Air BnB’s) for our group. It’s a bit unusual, but the best choice among limited options in Churchill.