Saturday, March 7, 2015

Churchill Manitoba Polar Bear Tours Are An Excellent Option For Nature Lovers

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.

Churchill is located in the northern part of Manitoba, one of the provinces of Canada. The small town lies on a peninsula along the western shore of Hudson Bay. It's a small community that has exchanged its fur-based economy of yesteryear for a more sustainable economy based on ecotourism.

The jewel in the little town's crown is its polar bears. There is no better place to see these creatures in the wild. Local tour operators use vehicles that have been specially adapted to the icy conditions to take visitors on bear-watching trips on the peninsula.

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.

A very important thing to remember is that polar bears are not cuddly animals. They're carnivores and are extremely dangerous. Don't venture out on your own and always follow the locals' advice on the areas that are unsafe. During your tour, stay in the vehicle at all times and don't feed the animals.

Of course the bears are not the only reason to visit. Because of the northern latitude where the peninsula is located, there's a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights on clear winter nights. If you'd rather come when the weather's warmer, you can go hiking, bird-watching or kayaking. Summer is a great time to see beluga whales, which come into the bay and the river estuary to calf.

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.

There is a variety of excursions on offer. Simply look online to compare the different options and tour operators. Before making your final decision, check the online reviews and be sure to choose an operator with a good reputation for safety and environmental responsibility. It's advisable to book in advance as well to avoid disappointment, especially if you come during the busy bear-watching season.




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