Check back daily for updates from our 2025 polar bear season, including wildlife sightings, weather conditions and more!
October 17, 2025
©Alex De Vries
The day dawned bright pink over the Churchill Wildlife Management Area as the sun climbed through scattered clouds. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with moderate winds, and by midday the clouds broke apart to reveal a brilliant blue sky for much of the day—perfect conditions for exploring the tundra.
It didn’t take long for the first polar bear encounters to begin. Across the landscape, groups of travelers were greeted with incredible sightings—a solo bear napped in the sun, tucked into the kelp along the coastline. Our familiar mother bear and her two cubs of the year were found in nearly the same spot as yesterday, curled together along the shoreline.
The calm moment shifted when another solo bear approached from the east, his direct advance quickly catching mama bear’s attention. She gathered her cubs and they took off in a hurry as nearby bears paused to assess the situation. Once the commotion passed, the trio resettled farther from the coast for another well-earned rest.
Later in the day, guests were delighted by a newcomer to the scene—a mother bear with a single cub of the year. The young cub was lively and curious, wandering far from mom to investigate the Rovers up close before bounding back to her side. The pair’s easy rhythm offered a wonderful look into the gentle balance between independence and connection that defines a polar bear’s early years.
Evening brought another unforgettable encounter. As guests gathered for appetizers at the Tundra Lodge, a fast-moving bear appeared on the horizon and made a direct approach toward the lodge. The young female showed no hesitation—circling the structure, exploring beneath the viewing deck and thrilling guests with close-up views from every angle. She even stood on her hind legs, placing her front paws on the side of the lodge for a curious look inside before continuing on her way.
As twilight settled, two young bears gave us one last show, chuffing and growling at each other near Halfway Point, testing each other’s strength before parting ways for the night.
The tundra was also alive with other wildlife activity today. Flocks of Brant geese filled the skies, and sightings included a gyrfalcon, a one-legged snow goose, greater scaups, a northern harrier, willow ptarmigan and snow buntings. Early risers even caught a glimpse of a red fox darting along Misery Mile as the morning Rovers rolled out. As the sun set, clouds drifted back in like a soft blanket, closing another vibrant day on the tundra.
October 16, 2025
©Alex De Vries
The morning peeked through with clear skies, light winds and perfectly mild temperatures—an ideal day for autumn polar bear and wildlife photography amid the rich fall colors.
Typically, family groups stay together for two years or so, but in adulthood, polar bears lead largely solitary lives. During this seasonal gathering, however, they share the same anticipation—waiting for the return of sea ice.
The bears put on quite a show as two adult males cautiously approached one another, coming close to sparring. The warm temperatures seemed to play a part in their back-and-forth as they took long breaks to rest and cool off. Later, the pair challenged each other to a game of tug-of-war with an old seal carcass.
Our familiar mother bear and her two cubs of the year remained near the same area we’ve seen them in recent days—resting, nursing and rummaging for snacks. The mother showed a calm confidence, allowing her cubs to approach the Polar Rovers to a comfortable distance while keeping a careful watch nearby.
As for birdlife, the tundra came alive as ptarmigan, lesser yellowlegs and snow buntings were active throughout the day. Gulls dotted the bay, drawing movement and color across the landscape.
It was one of those days when the tundra feels both alive and unhurried, as everything waits for the rhythm of winter to return.
October 15, 2025
©Pete Ramsden
The morning began with clear, sunny skies, while soft clouds drifted in by late afternoon. Conditions were much calmer than yesterday, and temperatures rose above freezing. Guests were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora faintly glimmering behind the clouds.
Heading east in the Polar Rovers, we stopped at a spot that’s become a favorite hangout for the bears, as they’ve been seen there several days in a row. Our familiar mother bear and her two cubs of the year were spotted near the coast of Hudson Bay, where kelp seemed to be the most popular item on the menu. The trio spent the morning sampling the salty strands washed up along the shore before crossing the trail and bedding down beside a pond, where they rested for the afternoon. Not far away, three solo bears around Gordon Point were also making the most of the calm weather—taking in the sunshine and letting the golden rays illuminate their white fur.
Birdlife was especially active as we spotted a juvenile bald eagle clutching its dinner tightly in its talons. Large flocks of Brant geese stretched along the coast—one count reached 183 individuals! These Arctic nesters spend the winter months along the southern coasts of North America, and their short legs and compact build make them a charming sight. Other highlights included a red-breasted merganser, a female goldeneye, a snow goose, a northern harrier, and plenty of willow ptarmigan, snow buntings and ravens adding movement and sound to the landscape.
All told, it was a day that offered the perfect balance—crisp and clear, full of light and life on the tundra.
October 14th, 2025
© Jackie Weston
Today was a chilly day, with raindrops swirling through wintry gusts of over 45 miles per hour.
In the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, polar bears took shelter among the low willows surrounding the ponds. Although polar bears don’t mind the cold, today’s brisk winds and steady rain kept them tucked away. Two solo males were spotted at Gordon Point, while the mother bear with her two cubs of the year, also seen in recent days, was nearby in the same area.
To pass the time, one of the solo bears gnawed on a caribou bone. The cubs nursed and cuddled close to their mother, resting through the wind and rain as they patiently await the return of the sea ice—when they’ll finally have their first taste of seals. Until then, energy conservation seemed to be the name of the game, with all bears settling in as the weather continued.
Closer to town, about ten Arctic hares were seen within city limits—perhaps plotting their next move as the storm rolled through! While most avian life stayed tucked away during the day, willow ptarmigan were spotted several times, seemingly unbothered by the strong north wind that kept other birds grounded.
Conditions calmed by late afternoon, with cloudy skies persisting but precipitation and wind dying down.
October 13, 2025
© Pete Ramsden
A chill in the air swept over the North as clouds cascaded above, reminding humans and animals alike that winter is slowly approaching.
This bit of cold didn’t stop the yearlings from taking notes from their mother as they practiced the skills needed to survive the bitter cold and provide for themselves. The mother bear keeps her cubs in excellent condition as she mentors them, their clean white fur standing out in striking contrast against the fall colors. Curious and confident, the family approached several Polar Rovers and seemed comfortable with our presence, even nursing just off the trail.
Just outside the Wildlife Management Area, a little closer to town, we were fortunate to spot another family—a mother bear and her yearling cub—and safely encouraged them to move away from the outskirts of Churchill.
As high winds picked up, solo bears found shelter among the low subarctic willows, while one determined individual crossed a pond, stepping carefully from rock to rock in search of a new resting spot.
Above, bald eagles and other birds soared against the strong gusts, testing their strength as they made their way across the sky.
October 12, 2025
© Colby J Brokvist
It was a warm and sunny day on the tundra, with temperatures approaching summer levels. A weather change is coming, so this was a lovely last glimpse of warm weather before the cold arrives.
Bears were spotted in both the Wildlife Management Area and around town. Out on the Rovers, guests were delighted by a mother bear and her two cubs of the year snuggling, nursing and munching on kelp from the beach. Later in the morning, a big solo male approached and disturbed their snuggles, and they moved away quickly. Their path took them directly in front of a Rover, and guests got to witness the cubs exploring the area before settling down with their mom in a new location on the beach.
Close to town, a mother bear and cub were witnessed by many groups as they meandered across a beach. In the distance behind the bears was a large pod of beluga whales!
There was much to delight the bird lovers today, as the migratory species continue to roam throughout the area. The highlight of the day was a gyrfalcon in the Wildlife Management Area. Other sightings included snow geese, tundra swans, greater yellowlegs, northern pintails, eider ducks and the always-popular snow buntings and willow ptarmigan.
October 11, 2025
© Jonathan Dodds
There was plenty of bear activity today throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and beyond. A mother and two cubs of the year were seen by multiple Rovers today, sleeping among the willows by a pond in the eastern part of the WMA. Travelers were able to get beautiful photos of the family reflected in the calm water. Close by, a lone large male also snoozed, taking some breaks for the occasional roll in the shrubs.
Farther to the west, another lone bear was more active. This bear appeared smaller and younger, and he spent most of the day chewing on remains from a caribou carcass, eventually going for a swim in Hudson Bay, where he unsuccessfully pursued a seal. Although no live caribou were seen today, there were fresh tracks in the area.
Another solo bear, also spotted in the western region of WMA, spent a large portion of the day asleep. Between naps, he spent some time chewing on grass and willows.
Good news for birders: Migratory birds are still present in large numbers! Travelers spotted flocks of mallard ducks, golden plovers, mergansers, Brant geese, snow geese, willow ptarmigan and huge numbers of snow buntings.
Helicopter sightings have included polar bears, caribou and moose.
Churchill’s weather has been warm recently, with clearer skies than normal for this time of year. The northern lights have been visible many times over the past week, to the delight of anyone lucky enough to be standing beneath the subarctic night skies.
October 10, 2025
© Eleanor Edye
It’s official: Polar bear season has begun, and our first groups are out on the tundra! The bears are on the move, and the wildlife tally is already impressive. Recent sightings from the field include bears of all ages—from subadults to large adult males, a mom with her cubs of the year (COY) and a mom with her yearling playing with an oil drum. Travelers have also spotted Arctic hares and a variety of birdlife, including ptarmigan, snow buntings and bald eagles. One eagle even made a bold attempt at a snow goose! (Spoiler alert: The snow goose got away.)
Check back daily for updates on wildlife sightings, weather conditions and more. In the meantime, we wanted to kick things off with a shoutout to all the people who make polar bear season possible, including our 16 full-season staff members serving our guests in Churchill and our team of more than 20 drivers, greeters and operations and office staff in Winnipeg who keep everything running smoothly. And, of course, our incredible travelers! We can’t wait to spend polar bear season with you, whether you’re on the tundra in Churchill or keeping a virtual eye on things from home.