Polar bears in Churchill

Polar bears can weigh 650kg and sprint at over 40kph. They are fearless, powerful hunters that can smell you coming from miles off. That’s why I’m in a Tundra Buggy – a giant-wheeled ‘snow bus’ that provides a safe vantage from which to observe these magnificent beasts. Timing is crucial though. Peak period is October-November when they congregate near Churchill, a Canadian frontier town rubbed raw by frigid winds that howl across Hudson Bay.

Our polar bear safari sets off at a glacial pace, the buggy creeping across the tundra. It takes half an hour to reach the shores of Hudson Bay (a mile away) where a northerly wind has white-ribbed the sea and piled spume against huge drifts of kelp. Tossed around by the wind like loose refuse sacks, ravens twist and turn, while tundra swans hunker down in a pond.

Our first polar bear is dozing on rocks behind the beach. The buggy edges to within 12m of him, but the bear’s not bothered by our presence. He barely glances towards us before turning back to a full pedicure of his forepaws. Grooming finished, he yawns, rolls over and goes back to sleep. To him it’s just another day waiting for the bay to freeze over.

ICELAND • POLAR • AUSTRALIA • SWEDEN • NEW ZEALAND • CANADA • FINLAND • ALASKA • NORWAY

Page 15 - Cloud9 Travel Magazine - July 2013 Edition - Discover the World

Talk to the experts ✆ 01737 218 812 | Share on FACEBOOK | Share on TWITTER | Pin it on PINTEREST

Discover the World, Arctic House, 8 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AR