Weather:

Polar bear's idea of a perfect vacation: windy and cold

What is the best clothing to wear ?

Casual, warm, windproof clothes and coats. Shoes should be warm with waterproof soles.

Shopping:

Naturally, there are a lot of handmade sweaters and Arctic wear for sale. Special in this region are Indian handicrafts, such as beadwork and art.

Physical condition required:

There is no special abilities needed, although the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Payment conditions:

This depends if you are booking directly to the tour operator in Canada or booking through a Japanese travel agent. If booked directly to Canada, a deposit of $300 USD (or $350 CAD) per person is required. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

Gateway:

The arrival city in Canada is Winnipeg (YWG). It may be reached by Canadian Airlines International (CP).

Hudson Bay, Churchill, in winter time

Profile of the company and its staff:

Daniel Weeden, owner, was a Park Naturalist at Riding Mountain National Park for 10 years until he and his wife, Thuraya, established this company 11 years ago. Daniel has led many birdwatching and polar bear tours. His groups have ranged from senior citizens to schoolchildren. Thuraya is famous for her delicious picnics. Staff leaders are experts in ornithology, wildlife, horticulture, history or nature photography.

Isobe Tsuchio, born in Japan but a resident of Manitoba for 25 years, leads all special interest groups for polar bear safaris, birdwatching, whale-watching and tundra ecology.

Churchill Nature Tours helps the environment by giving money donations to wildlife organizations and by educating clients about nature and wildlife. The company is a member of The Ecotourism Society, National Audubon Society, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Canadian Nature Federation.

Contact:

Riding Mountain Nature Tours / Churchill Nature Tours
P.O. Box 429 Erickson, Manitoba, Canada ROJ OPO
TEL: 1-204-636-2968　FAX: 1-204-636-2557
URL: www.churchillnaturetours.com/
E-mail: mail@churchillnaturetours.com

This example of an ecotour has most of the correct elements for an ecotour: ecology experts as guides, education is provided for travelers, donations are given to conservation organizations, economic benefits reach the local native community, and the company is committed to conservation, low-impact travel, and waste reduction.

What are you planning to do in October 1997? Consider a polar bear safari!