Grin and Bear It in Manitoba

Canada’s Hudson Bay--1,000 desolate miles north of Winnipeg, Manitoba--has been called the polar bear capital of the world, and the time is approaching for the huge creatures to make their seasonal appearance there.

Every year from early October to mid-November, roughly 500 to 600 polar bears--some weighing up to 1,200 pounds--begin gathering on the outskirts of the tiny town of Churchill as they wait for the Hudson Bay ice pack to solidify. Once it’s frozen, the bears move onto the ice to hunt seals through the winter. When spring arrives, they ride the ice pack south and during the summer, then wander along the shores of the Hudson Bay, slowly making their way back north to an area about 40 miles east of Churchill.

Bear watching makes for a unique wilderness adventure and every year thousands of tourists flock to the region. Many sign up for day tours aboard “tundra buggies,” bus-like contraptions on huge tractor tires that provide the only way to reach the expanses outside of town where the bears roam. From the safety of the vehicles, tourists get a close-up look at the bears. The tours fill quickly; now is a good time to book for next year.

Although Churchill is geared to tourism, its five motels also fill quickly and travelers are encouraged to book with a tour. Information on visiting Churchill is available from Travel Manitoba, 155 Carlton St., No. 7F, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3H8; tel. (800) 665-0040.