Churchill Polar Bear Photography Tour Early Season
Join
Churchill Polar Bear Photography Guide and Wildlife Photographer
Michael Bertelsen for an incredible opportunity to photograph early season polar bears and other Arctic wildlife at ground level.
This early season polar bear
photography tour is specifically designed for the wildlife
photographer looking for a large variety of photography subjects during a time when temperatures are comfortable and wildlife in the Churchill area is more plentiful than later in the season when the temps are colder. Enjoy photographing many different subjects such as polar bears, arctic
hare, red, arctic, silver and cross fox. Willow and rock ptarmigan,
gyrfalcons, snowy owls Early to mid October is the best time to see wolves, wolverine, bears feeding on seals, And a much larger number of foxes. Shorebirds and large flocks of snow bunting. This time is also good for northern lights.
Churchill is the world's premiere location to experience migrating polar
bears. On this trip you will be on the ground, eye level with the
bears and wildlife.
Michael Bertelsen is a trained and very experienced Manitoba
licensed guide with WMA permits. Michael has worked with National Geographic as well as BBC Films. He will offer you the very finest possibilities to capture stunning images of the animals that call Northern Canada home.
Quality not Quantity
Small
groups of only 5 photographers shooting on the ground, with such a
small group, this allows everyone access to a door in the 4X4 van. Very
important for a quick exit to photograph a fast moving fox or bear. Or
for safety if a bear is approaching and we must enter the van quickly.
With such a small group, this will also offer the ability to move and
choose a better background or angle. Overall feeling is more intimate.
Feel more in tune with the surroundings and its species.
Safety & Experience
Michael
has 15 years experience guiding and guarding photographers for Polar
Bears. Four of those years was spent in Northern Hudson Bay working with
and learning from Inuit guides. Understanding bear patterns and
behaviour is the key to success and safety. Both Michael, Julia &
Erik carry firearms for safety but have yet to use them in the Churchill
area.
Accommodations
The
Churchill lodge is perfect for our small group of photographers. Quiet
times at night (no doors slamming & people talking in the
hallways) thus allowing everyone a restful sleep. Each room has a
private 3 piece bath and refrigerator along with comfortable beds and
individual thermostats for personal preference. There is a communal
kitchen and room for gathering, working on images and sharing stories
about the day.
Lens Recommendations
Wide
angle lens for landscapes & northern lights. Your most used focal
length for wildlife will be in the range of 300 to 600mm. If possible
bring 2 camera bodies and a sturdy tripod.
Clothing Recommendations
Temperatures
range from +2C to -20C during this time. Insulated boots, warm winter
coat, insulated pants to wear over your inside pants. large warm mitts,
thin gloves you can use camera buttons with, warm hat and wool socks.
Other Considerations
Low to medium level of fitness is required. Short walks. Icy conditions may occur. Bathroom breaks are available throughout the day.
Itinerary for 6 Day Trip
Day 1
Morning
fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba. Michael & Julia will pick
you up at the airport and take you directly to the lodge. Michael
offers a 20 minute safety and orientation and some winter photography
tips. Coffee, tea and a light snack is provided before you head out in
search of polar bears. Each evening a dinner is planned at one of
Churchill's finer restaurants.
Day 2,3,4 and 5
Early
breakfast then out in search for polar bears, arctic fox, cross fox,
silver fox, red fox, arctic hare, snowy owl, gyrfalcon and ptarmigan.
Possible wolves and wolverine as well. All day landscape photography if
light and clouds offer the opportunity. Break for a short lunch then
we head back out for the afternoon and evening shoot. Dinner together
and review the day. Northern lights are a possibility when the sky is
clear.
Day 6
More photography in the morning. Michael and Julia will take you to the Churchill airport where you will fly back to Winnipeg.
Price Includes
Room with private 3 piece bath (rare in Churchill)
All WMA permits and licenses.
Personalized photography Instruction offered at all times.
Continental Breakfasts.
Use of communal kitchen and common room.
6 Day trip includes 5 nights accommodations.
5 Days of wildlife photography(4 full and 2 part days)
Not included:
Round-trip
flights from Winnipeg to Churchill are not part of the base package. To
make your experience seamless, Wild Outdoors Limited will take care of
booking these flights to match your trip dates.
Alcoholic drinks, and snacks & Hotel rooms in Winnipeg.
For lunch, guests purchase their own food at the local grocery store and eat
in the field. If we are close to town we will have lunch at the lodge.
We don't supply dinner. With no meal plans you can choose anything on the menu. Please join
Michael and Julia for evening meals at Churchill's best restaurants. Michael has lots of good stories and
bad jokes to share with you.
Available Dates
6 Day Trip - Oct 7 - 12, 2026 - $6,000.00 cdn / $4,295.74 usd
Payment, Registration and Refund Policy
A deposit is required to reserve your
spot. Once the deposit is received your spot on the trip will be
confirmed and you will receive an email along with a detailed itinerary. Balance in full
is due 90 days before the tour start date. A reminder will be sent to
you via email, but it is the sole responsibility of the participant to
remember this due date. If the balance is not received in time, we will
attempt to fill your spot from the waiting list. If the spot is filled,
you will be credited towards another trip of your choice.
Checks can
be made payable to Wild
Outdoors Limited and sent to Michael Bertelsen P.O Box 1012, Churchill,
Manitoba, Canada, R0B0E0. Payment can be made through e-transfer, bank wire (Bank Wire include $17.50 transfer fee). PayPal (PayPal has a 3.7%
surcharge).
Travel Insurance
Whenever travelling with Wild Outdoors Photography travel insurance and health insurance is highly recommended.
Liability
Wild Outdoors Photography does not accept responsibility for any losses
or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services,
sickness, weather, strike or other causes. The tour participants shall
bear all such losses and expenses. Wild Outdoors Photography will take
all reasonable steps to ensure that services provided are of high
standard. Wild Outdoors Photography will not accept liability for
physical injury, loss, damage or expense resulting from
circumstances beyond our control. By agreeing to participate in a Wild
Outdoors Photography workshop, each participant agrees to release,
indemnify and hold harmless Wild Outdoors Photography, its agents,
employees, shareholders, directors, attorneys, and contractors as more
completely set forth in the liability waiver that will be provided. The
waiver must be signed and received by Wild Outdoors Photography prior to
participation.
Contact Michael if you have further questions
Book Your Photo Adventure Now
