THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO POLAR BEAR TRACKING

Transcription

1 THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO POLAR BEAR TRACKING

2 A life changing experience We enjoyed being in the heart of it, where the action was. - Antonello, Svalbard polar bear safari At Natural World Safaris we are the leaders in the field for wildlife based tourism. This is our niche and is based on years of experience guiding, living and working in the destinations that we now sell and specialise in. Many companies out there profess to be experts and may even offer similar trips to us, however if you look in more detail, you will see that these companies are generalists and do not specialise in one area, they sell everywhere and it is therefore impossible for them to fully understand and appreciate the wildlife destinations that we have come to be world leaders in. Natural World Safaris sticks to its niche and ensures that we put you in the right place at the right time. Depending on where you are, this can be in world class luxury, or alternatively you may be sleeping in a tent in subzero temperatures. Our aim is to ensure you have the best opportunity to see the wildlife you are travelling to see and authentically experience the destination in question. The Polar Regions The Polar Regions are always a challenge as due to their remote locations, trips can be expensive and also prove to be not the most accessible. Traditionally, most of our safaris at NWS are tailor-made, bespoke to your specific requirements. With the polar regions however, due to the aforementioned reasons, the majority of departures are on a set departure or small group basis which serves to reduce the per person cost, have less impact on the environment and serve to access some of the leading polar guides and experts the region has to offer. These set departures depart on fixed dates, have a fixed number of people travelling per departure (whether this is land based or ship based) and fixed prices. To this extent, with only a limited amount of places per departure, it is even more essential to book as far in advance as possible in order to reserve your preferred dates of departure (e.g. our polar bear mother and newborn cubs departure has only one departure per year and books up more than 18 months in advance!). World Bear Safaris We were once three companies, World Primate Safaris, World Big Cat Safaris and World Bear Safaris. World Bear Safaris specialised in getting clients out there to see polar bears and grizzly bears in their natural environment throughout Alaska, Canada and Europe. We know our bears and their favourite haunts. Now that we have merged to become Natural World Safaris that knowledge has developed further through more research trips and experience. We now know better than ever how to get you in the right place at the right time to see the polar bears. Polar bear Fact Polar bears weigh up to 700kg and can reach up to 10 feet in height when standing on their hind legs. Andy Rouse

3 Polar bear tracking experience My trip was seamless. I never wanted or needed for anything. You anticipated and delivered everything and much more. The trip when like clockwork. Field staff was outstanding! Everyone happy to be there and eager to assist in making the trip unforgettable. Who would have thought that we were in the frozen tundra. I was never cold or uncomfortable. Pamela, Churchill polar bear safari On your way Waking again to the bright summer sun, you leave your tent and breath in the crisp Arctic air. Wolfing down your breakfast, you start to pack up your qamutik and start the days adventure down to the floe edge. Whizzing past wacky ice formations along the crisp, the snowmobile ahead of you slows to a halt. You look to your right and you see clear, deep polar bear prints, and they re fresh. Getting closer Heart pounding at what feels like a million miles an hour, your small group, led by local Inuit guides, start to follow the trail. Your guide shushes you, holding out his arm and beckoning you to stop. Looking forward, you see them. Not just one bear, but three, a mother and two huge cubs. At the moment they re far away, but your group is brave and you file into a single line in the hope of being less noticeable to the bears. Silently and slowly, you walk forward, keeping low as possible with head down. You glance up occasionally but don t dare to look around the person in front of you in case you are reason the bears become disturbed and move on. Finally, it s time to stop again and you dare yourself to peep. They re much closer than before, really close. And now they see you. The two younger bears are intrigued and look directly at you, eventually walking in your direction. Your guide seems calm which is comforting, but you admit a slight sense of fear as these giant predators step closer and closer, but only to yourself. The mother bear who has been in the zone, head hovering over a seal hole, attempts to call back her cubs and you clearly see them fighting their own intrigue, tearing themselves away from their targets (you) to head back to mum. After a few more attempts to come over, they start to wander away as a three and you get to watch them for what feels like hours as they walk towards the horizon, navigating icebergs and ice cracks until you can see them no longer. Time to leave You realise that you ve been clenching your teeth the whole time and finally allow yourself to relax. What a privilege. Your little group wanders back to the vehicles just as the chef turns up ready to cook your fresh lunch on the ice. How long were you watching those bears for? Unique to you Camping out on the floe edge is just one of the ways you can see the King of the Arctic. Every polar bear experience is different and each person experiences it differently. This account is from one of our staff who was lucky enough to embark on our magnificent Narwhal and Polar Bear Safari in Arctic Canada. For more first-hand experiences around Churchill and Svalbard, give us a call. Richard Denyer

4 The best place to see polar bears in a nutshell RCTIC CIRCLE 1 3 So when considering a polar bear safari there are really two questions, where do you want to go to see them and how do you want to see them? Just to clarify, you don t get polar bears in the Antarctic so you can cross that one off straight away! ARC CHU SVA ARCTIC CIRCLE 2 The best bits The best bits The best bits Lots of experience options; including camping on the ice flow or staying in a luxury lodge Opportunity to track polar bears on foot. Can camp on the fast-ice for a truly wild experience. Other wildlife you can see includes beluga, narwhal and Arctic fox. Many amazing activities on offer, including swimming with whales in the Arctic waters, climbing icebergs, snow mobiling and diving, You will be travelling in the summer months, so you can expect some bright sunshine. There are lots of different experiences in and around Churchill, each unique in their own way. Opportunity to see a high number of polar bears up close. Can live out on the tundra where the bears wait for the Arctic waters to freeze over. Loads of other wildlife to see. Can see the northern lights. Trips available to see polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the very first time. Lots of accommodations, including some luxurious ones. Many activities on offer, including dog-sledding, heading out in tundra buggies, kayaking and discovering the culture of the area. Can cruise in luxury, going deep into Arctic territory. Explore using zodiac boats and can even walk out onto the ice. Lots of other wildlife to see on the land and in the water, including whales, seals, walruses and loads of birds. Some of the most incredible Arctic landscapes are here, including walls of icy waterfalls. You will be travelling in the summer months, when the sun is bright - it can actually get very warm. Time of travel means you can take children away to Svalbard in the summer holidays, no reason to miss any school - sorry kids. Downside Downside Downside THE ARCTIC 1 Arctic Canada 2 Churchill 3 Svalbard Not the same number of polar bears as you would see slightly further south in Churchill - but so rewarding when you do see one. You are really out in the wilderness, so brass taps are definitely not an option. Accommodation is more adventurous, we would put it. Get used to 24 hour daylight. There is so much choice in and around Churchill, it is hard to make a decision on your trip. You will be visiting in the months coming up to winter (or just after), so it can get very cold outside, which means more layers, which, in turn, means a heavier bag. Not many land-based activities. Travelling in the summer does mean 24 hour daylight-bring an eye mask for the night. Have to explore via boat in Svalbard, not great for anyone who gets seasick, although the waters are generally extremely calm.

5 Weather chart CAN When to go Best time to see polar bears CHU Uganda Rwanda In Arctic & Canada SVA 10 C 5 C KEY 70mm Rainfall -0 C 60mm Temperature -5 C 50mm 40mm -10 C 30mm -15 C 20mm -20 C 10mm -25 C -30 C 0mm JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Best time to go polar bear tracking in Arctic Canada JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Best time to go polar bear tracking in Svalbard JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Best time to go polar bear tracking in Churchill JAN FEB MAR OK Worst APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC You can track gorillas at any May, June July time of the and year,possibly especially in provide the best times for polar bears on ice. If youand arerwanda. in luck, itthe mayrainy even be possible to see, and swim with, the Uganda seasons of March to May, and narwhal - unicorn of the sea. During these summer months, the bears are October to makeof prey. As the ice melts they come closer prowling thenovember, pack-ice indo search itand slightly harder work under foot closer to the land; the ice is still frozen enough to stay out near the as conditions get muddy. These edge of the floe, but it is warm enough to camp under the midnight sun. times, however, are often great Later in the season, there are opportunities to camp on land. for photography as the overcast conditions provide better lighting and the vegetation is more vibrant. In Churchill For our favourite times, stick to the shoulder seasons of February and September. During months The best time to visitthese Churchill to see polar bears (from the town itself or you are out of the peak season from the tundra) is between the months of October and November. This is which makes it quieter and you canshore ready to set off, once the waters when the bears congregate on the also combine a fantastic extension have frozen, in search of fresh prey. to Kenya or Tanzania for the migration, again avoiding the peak At Seal months River Heritage from Churchill) polar bear sightings are holiday making(60km for much actually possible during both the summer and fall seasons. The summer better quality sightings. months mean the snow has disappeared, however polar bears set to the backdrop of wild flowers are actually remarkably picturesque. Republic of Congo Wat chee Lodge (40km south of Churchill) is the one place in the world Our safaris to track lowland gorillas you can get sightings of polar bear mothers and their newborn cubs. This in the Republic of Congo depart is strictly during justdecember. one week The in March. This is the optimum time as it is between May and whendry theseason mothers long is and May newborn to Augustcubs slowly emerge from their dens out into thegenerally cool winter air. light As this only happens within a finite space of time, which brings skies and easier terrain, but is there is huge demand forperhaps this and interested parties often need to book at more difficult for in photography least 18 months advance. with bright overhead light. The short dry season, January to February, is similar. The long wet season and short wet season (September to December and March to April respectively), bring more June through to unpredictatable September prove to be the best months for wildlife challenging and sightings throughout Svalbard and Spitsbergen. The earlier months of terrain, alongside some incredible photo opportunities under June and July generally provide more ice-scapes and white backgrounds cloudy skies and which are idea forimpressive photography. As the season progresses, the snowy thunderstorms. backgrounds disappear making for less stunning backdrops however providing the advantage of being able to navigate further round the Arctic The Congo is never busy so you Archipelago and maybe even circumnavigate it entirely! don t have to avoid the peak travel times. You will need to discuss with us the best time for you to travel to the R.O.C. In Svalbard Key Best Richard Denyer

6 The Polar Rovers were warm, comfortable and provided excellent views. Lisa, the driver did an excellent job... A fantastic and memorable trip - we have no hesitation in giving a first class recommendation - Alan, Churchill polar bear safari How you can see polar bears The three regions of Arctic Canada, Churchill and Svalbard do offer three completely different experiences Arctic Canada provides principally land based camping sightings, Churchill is generally lodge based with polar bear sightings from your accommodation, walking or from polar rovers. Svalbard is principally an expedition ship based trip, providing sightings from aboard or from zodiacs (small inflatable boats) as you explore the frozen waters or set off from the mother ship on shore based excursions. We ve delved into a little more detail here, but you can always call us to find out which experience is best for you. Churchill The best places in Canada to see polar bears in the wild are predominantly based around the shores of Lake Hudson and the surrounding environment. Every year the polar bears congregate on the shores close to the town of Churchill waiting for the waters to freeze so they can set off across the ice in search of seals in the deeper waters. Traditionally your polar bear viewing (when based from Churchill) will be from a polar rover a huge land based vehicle that can cut across the tundra for the best sightings which seats 30 people (we only cater for 15 for a better quality experience all round) and patrols the lake shores in search of the next sighting. Each polar rover is fully equipped with heating, comfy seating, toilet facilities and an outside viewing deck that polar bears often approach and even come underneath (last time we were there a polar bear was breathing on our hands through the grating of the viewing deck). You will usually stay in a local Churchill hotel, or in the incredible Tundra Lodge where you can live amongst the bears on the Tundra. Around Churchill there are many other options, including staying in luxurious lodges whilst polar bears roam outside, then track them by foot, head out kayaking or even snorkel with belugas. Or there is the Wat chee Lodge where you have the unique opportunity to see the polar bear cubs emerging from their dens with their mothers. Arctic Canada For those looking for something a bit wilder then we also cater specialist trips to Pond Inlet and the surrounds, accessed only by a series of short flights and skidoos, you find yourself camped out on the ice floe edge, truly in the middle of the Arctic wilderness. Whilst maybe the bears are not in such abundance as you would find in Churchill, this is truly an authentic and once in a lifetime experience as you camp (not basic but not ultimate luxury) on the ice floe edge with your days spent exploring ice-bergs, tracking polar bears (usually individuals as they pass through the area), kayaking through the icy waters, whale watching including if you are lucky, the unicorns of the sea narwhals. Svalbard If you are looking for pristine landscapes (or icescapes) and absolute silence, then Svalbard is the place to go. We offer a vast selection of different ships to choose from when looking for the ultimate Svalbard safari from the small 12 berth MS Stockholm to the larger and more modern MS Expedition. They all have their advantages and pros and cons, so for a more detailed breakdown, please see the section on lodging. Svalbard itself will offer you a great overview of the Arctic with sightings of not just polar bears but a wider variety of marine life as well including walrus, seals, arctic fox and more. The majority of trips throughout this region are between 9 and 11 days, offering you the chance to explore at your leisure and later in the season even the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen. Richard Denyer

7 Polar bear fact Polar bear fur is not actually white. Each individual hair is clear in colour and hollow for insulation. The light reflecting in them makes them look white. We enjoyed the most the proximity to the polar bears and getting all the knowledge from Elise. I have a new found appreciation for polar bears!! - Madelaine, Churchill polar bear safari Polar bear facts Adapted to one of the most extreme climates on earth, the polar bears are a fascinating animal and stunning example of evolution. We have compiled some of our favourite, most interesting polar bear facts: Polar bears are primarily carnivores (eats meat), but is actually an omnivore (eats meat, fish and vegetables). Classified as a Vulnerable Species this surprises most people as they are often quoted as being critically endangered. There are 19 polar bear sub populations of which 8 are in decline. Large scale hunting has always been a threat although nowadays this has been tempered as quotas and controls have had more of an affect. Polar bears have for centuries formed part of the everyday life of the indigenous people of the Arctic from both a materialistic, spiritual and cultural perspective Polar bears have short, sharp claws and the soles of their feet are furry to gain traction on the ice. Their feet can be up to 12 inches wide and slightly webbed which helps spread their weight across the ice and acts as paddles when swimming. Polar bears are the largest living terrestrial predator and adult males can weigh up to 700kg. A polar bear can smell a seal up to 1 mile away. Adult polar bears are often solitary individuals. Polar bears mate in April and May with a male often following a breeding female for 100km or more. Denning areas are often used by the same sub population of bears each year. Cubs are born between the months of November and February (check out our polar bear mother and newborn cubs trip). Cubs weigh about the same amount as a guinea pig when they are born. When born, the cubs are deaf and blind. Polar bears often only live to the age of 25. The fur of a polar bear is not white, but clear and hollow, this helps them conserve heat. Their fur is oily, water-repellent, and it doesn t mat when they get it wet, allowing them to easily shake off any excess water and ice after a swim. Under all that fur, polar bears have black skin with a layer of fat measuring up to 4.5inches in thickness - another way of conserving heat in the cold Arctic conditions. Their characteristic silhouette of a long neck and narrow Roman nose assists them in seizing prey from holes. Polar bears are extremely intelligent and have been seen to crack open ice blocks to expose freshly frozen fish. Polar bears have been seen stacking up plastic piping just to knock it down for the fun of it. Polar bears clean themselves by rolling in snow, they also do this to cool themselves as, believe it or not, they get too hot in the Arctic. Polar bears are amazing swimmers and will swim comfortably at about 6 miles per hour using their front paws as paddles, and their back ones like rudders. They can swim for up to 100 miles at a stretch. Lastly, but by no means least, polar bears do not cover their nose when stalking prey. So now you know.

8 Other Arctic wildlife You might be heading to the Arctic to see polar bears, but that s not the only wildlife you should watch out for, The Arctic plays home to a fascinating array of hardy animals that have adapted to live in, and thrive, in the harsh conditions at the very top of the world. Mats Forsberg is an excellent guide with detailed knowledge of the history and wildlife of Svalbard, but the way he conveys this in a relaxed and unhurried way was a breath of fresh air. Simply superb. - Dewi, Svalbard polar bear safari Birds Eider duck (pictured): these wonderful birds are seen at the floe edge and often in Svalbard. Guillemot: a good looking black and white sea bird. Snow owl: a large owl with bright eyes and stunning white plumage which helps it stay hidden in the Arctic surroundings. Mammals Caribou (reindeer): often seen in Canada and Svalbard, you can even witness their migration on our Caribou Migration Safari. This is the only deer species that both the male and females have antlers. Arctic wolf: sub species of grey wolf native to the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Arctic fox: a small fox native to the Arctic, can be seen in Canada and Svalbard. Arctic hare: an attractive animal, also known as the polar rabbit, which has adapted to live in the harsh Arctic environs through a variety of behavioural and physical traits. fur is white in the winter, but darker in the summer. Muskox: easy to recognise with its long thick coat. Named after the strong musky smell males omit during the rutting season. Wolverine: can be seen in the Canadian Arctic, a member of the weasel family that looks a little bit like a furry otter. Canada lynx: an elusive cat that lives through Canada; has dense silvery fur, a double-pointed beard, long legs, and broad furry feet. Marine Mammals Walrus: recognised by its huge mass and protruding, fang-like tusks. Can be seen on coastal Arctic itineraries. Beluga whale: a white whale with a big forehead, also known as melon head, or sea canary due to its high pitched sounds. Narwhal: The unicorn of the sea, an intriguing whale with a large protruding tusk, one of two members of the Monodontidae family, along with the beluga whale. Bowhead whale: a huge whale with a robust, dark body and strongly bowed bottom jaw, and two blowholes. Seals: curious animals that will often pop out of the water unexpectedly, Rambo style. Ringed-seals make up a majority of the polar bears diet. Polar bear Fact Polar bears are remarkably adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic, from their thick fur, to a 4.5 inch thick layer of insulating fat

9 Polar bear fact The latin name for polar bears, Ursus maritimus, means sea bear. Photography Tips Frequently Asked Questions Andy Rouse We are the tour operator of choice for top wildlife photographers. We re not saying that everyone has to take professional-looking photos. Don t photo-trophy hunt. But you are going on a once-ina-lifetime trip, so it would be rude not to take home a few photo memories to share with your friends and family. Here are a few quick tips to keep your equipment safe and sound during your travels. Be watertight. Make sure you have waterproof bags or covers for your camera. It may rain which would result in amazing photos, if you can keep your equipment dry. You also have to consider that you could drop it on the ice, or get it splashed when on the zodiac. Which camera? The body of your camera is totally up to you. Use something that you feel comfortable with and that you have used before. New digital cameras and SLRs have a quicker shot response time so you can easily capture calving glaciers or passing wildlife. The landscapes will often mainly be white, the surface of the snow can reflect off a load of light. Take a little time to practise getting the aperture right if you can and make sure you don t over-expose your images. Which lens? You will often be quite a distance from the wildllife, so a good zoom is beneficial. With so much water around in Svalbard and Arctic Canada, if you have one we would definitely recommend a polarized lens. Accessories. Bring your chargers and plenty of spare batteries. Keep everything as charged as possible throughout the trip. The cold weather really can take its toll on everything and you may find your battery power running low very quickly. Make sure you have additional storage cards to what you think you need. Downloading images. Leave a laptop back at the lodge, camp or ship so you can download and enjoy your images after your trek. This makes for great discussions in the evenings with your fellow travellers. Am I guaranteed to see polar bears? All our safaris send you out into the wild, not to a zoo. We can t guarantee you will see polar bears, or your animal of choice. We can, however, put you in the right place at the right time for the best chances of seeing them. We haven t had anyone yet return and say they haven t seen a bear. Am I safe on a polar bear safari? Your safety is our priority. We use the best trained guides for the job. Listen to their instructions and you will keep yourself safe. How fit do I need to be to see the polar bears? We offer a huge range of safaris and trips that will suit any traveller. If you are worried about your fitness level, please just pick up the phone and give us a call. We can easily guide you to the most suitable trip for you. Can I see the northern lights? How likely you are to see the northern lights will depend on which destination you choose and when you travel. Safaris to the Arctic in the summer result in 24 hour daylight, so you will not see the northern lights. However, Churchill, just south of the Arctic Circle, has the highest frequency of northern lights sightings, so if you are travelling there in the winter, it is more than possible. What activities can I do on a polar bear safari? Your polar bear safari can be as active as you like. You can choose where you are going and which trip by what activities are available. If you would like to relax and sit back whilst the guides find bears for you, we can do that. On the other hand, if you would like to spend your days trekking, kayaking with belugas, swimming with narwhal, clambering icebergs and dogsledding, well we can do that too. What should I pack? This is a tricky one to answer as it definitely depends on the time of travel and the activities you plan to do. In the summer and the winter, layers are key. You will heat up and cool down more than you thought possible in a day, so ensure you can always take off layers and add them on to keep yourself at a good temperature. This goes for your hands too. The wind can be the most chilling in the Arctic climes, so we would always recommend something to cover your face. In the summer, ski clothing is more often than not okay for your safari in Arctic Canada. In Svalbard you may get wet on zodiac excursions so we would recommend you wear sailing gear. You need to wear good sunglasses and have them secured round your neck. In the winter months, your ski gear won t be appropriate. Ski and snowboard clothing is designed with movement in mind, it won t keep you warm enough if you are standing around. Special polar clothing is recommended at this time, we can organise for you to rent this, or you can purchase it from our safari store. We will provide you with a full packing list when you book so you have time to get prepared.

10 We like the philosophy of the company; guides like Colby makes the trip and cost totally worthwhile, with so much knowledge and being able to learn so much; the attention to sustainability and awareness of wildlife and how important it is to take care of our planet - Clare, Churchill polar bear safari Are polar bears endangered? How many polar bears are left? The total population of polar bears is divided into 19 sub-populations, some of these are in decline, others are increasing or stable, however some there is insufficient data to say. It is hard to say the exact amount of polar bears left in the wild, but it is estimated at somewhere between 20,000-25,000 individuals. Polar bears are classified as vulnerable. Threats to polar bears The threat that most people would think of when discussing polar bears is climate change as the extreme climes of the Polar Regions are where any changes hit hardest. The polar bears rely on the sea ice for hunting during the winter so they can store energy for the summer when there is very little food around. In the southern ranges of the polar bear, for example Hudson Bay, the ice is melting earlier in the season and freezing later. This results in a longer time without the ability to hunt, so deaths can occur from having not enough fat stored, especially for cubs, and unhealthy bears lead to lower reproduction rates. This eventually can lead to local extinction. Another threat to the survival of the King of the Arctic is hunting. Hunting of polar bears is legal for the indigenous people, they are only allowed a certain quota per year and they must be hunted using traditional methods. Polar bears are an essential food source and hunting by local people, where the laws are respected, is not endangering the future of the bears. These hunting quotas are designed to keep the polar bear population stable, and to exercise the rights of the indigenous people. If this is not regulated, this is where we have the issue of hunting affecting the population. Andy Rouse Other threats include toxic pollution, as apex predators polar bears are exposed to a high level of pollutants through their food, and oil exploration which has a number of effects; oil can directly affect the insulating effectiveness of a polar bears fur, ingesting oil through grooming and prey is poisonous to them, construction and transportation of oil facilities disturbs the bears and major oil spills can destroy their habitat.

11 Where to stay Our favourite accommodation in Arctic Canada: Arctic Canada provides the unique opportunity to camp directly on the ice in a completely wild environment. The special Arctic Safari Camp can be located near the floe edge of Arctic Canada, or in the middle of Arctic Bay on land and provides comfortable accommodation. Arctic Canada Arctic Safari Camp A remote camp set up in prime polar bear viewing spots, on the edge of the ice flow on on land. Arviat Polar Bear Cabins An intimate lodge with space for just 8 guests at a time, set up in the spectacular Polar Bear Alley. Our favourite lodges in and around Churchill: 6,175 Based on an 8 day polar bear and narwhal safari 5,700 Churchill and around Based on a 5 day specialist polar bear migration safari. There are some fantastic lodges in and around Churchill. Starting with the Tundra Lodge where you have the unique opportunity to live out on the tundra with the bears. Then there is the sumptuous Seal River Heritage Lodge where curious bears will often approach the giant picture windows. Ever seen a documentary about polar bear cubs on TV? Well it is most likely located in Wat chee Lodge, the only place that offers the opportunity to witness polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the first time. Our favourite expedition ships in Svalbard: The Tundra Lodge Right in the middle of the Arctic tundra, this lodge moves to the best place for seeing the bears. 4,235 Svalbard Based on a 7 day speciialist led safari. Seal River Heritage Lodge A luxurious, cosy lodge just outside of Churchill, only accessible by air. Great for bears and whales. 5,260 Based on the 8 day birds, bears & belugas safari. Wat chee Lodge The only lodge from which you can witness polar bear cubs emerging from their dens with their mothers. 6,300 Based on the 9 day polar bear newborn cubs safari. We keep to small expedition ships for Svalbard. Not only to keep the experience intimate, but also so you can navigate as far north as possible into the realm of the polar bear. The M/S Stockholm is a firm favourite, with space for just 12 passengers. Realistically, you could occupy the entire ship with family and friends. The M/V Ortelius An ice-strengthened ship accommodating up to 120 guests at a time on its Arctic ventures. The M/S Stockholm An intimate 12 passenger ship, small enough to navigate to the most secluded spots. The M/S Expedition Catering for up to 126 guests, this ship includes large cabins and deck space, and a smooth ride. 3,070 Based on a 10 day Svalbard polar bear safari. 5,450 Based on a 9 day specialist-led Svalbard polar bear safari 2,349 Based on an 8 day polar bear safari in Svalbard. Seal River Heritage Lodge

12 POLAR BEAR MOTHERS & NEWBORN CUBS 6,300 per person, excluding international flights and including all meals. See newborn cubs emerge from their dens for the very first time with their mothers. Your cosy lodge is where many documentaries have been filmed. Witness the magnificent northern lights. Venture by snowmobile. Day 1 Arrive Winnipeg Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba and transfer to your hotel, close to the airport. Here you will be met by your expedition leader and the rest of the group just 6 people in total. Day 2 Winnipeg - Wat chee Lodge This morning you will fly to Churchill and have some time to explore before catching the train at 7.30pm to Chesnaye. The train should take about 2 hours, tracked vehicles will be waiting to transfer us from Chesnaye to the lodge. Wat chee Lodge has been used for many well-known documentaries on polar bears and their cubs in the Arctic. The area is well known for polar bear denning and they return year after year, usually giving some incredible sightings. Days 3-8 Wat chee Lodge Over the next 6 days you will enjoy early breakfasts, departing the lodge around 8.30am in heated, tracked vehicles. Scouts go on ahead of you, radioing with the locations of dens, some already known, others may be new. Upon discovering a den, your patience will be rewarded with the sighting of between 1 and 3 newborn polar bear cubs venturing, with their mother, into the world for the first time! As they take their first shaky steps on the powdery snow, clumsily pondering after their mother, you may be able to get as close as 100 metres. Polar bears have their cubs around the same time each year, in March. As the mothers are in their dens and the other females, as well as the males, are out hunting, this is not a popular time for polar bear safaris as, unless you know where you are going and how to find them, polar bear sightings are rare. Luckily we can put you in the right place at the right time for these magnificent and uncommon sightings. The nights are just as rewarding as, after dinner, you can go outside and keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights! Day 9 Wat chee Lodge - Winnipeg Say bye to the tundra as you transfer to Chesnaye, before your 2 hour train journey back to Churchill. You will then board your onward flight to Winnipeg NARWHAL & POLAR BEAR SAFARI 6,175 per person, excluding international flights and including all meals. Track polar bears on foot. Camp out on the fast-ice. Unhurried photo opportunities at the floe edge and inland. Opportunity to see and swim with narwhal and other whales. Explore icebergs on foot. Local guides will tell you about the traditions of the Arctic. Day 1 Arrive - Pond Inlet Fly from Ottawa to Iqaluit where you will change planes to head on to Pond Inlet. Stopping briefly on the way, this flight is an amazing introduction to the Arctic. Day 2 Pond Inlet - Floe Edge After learning the do s and don ts of the Arctic, head out onto the floe edge north of Baffin Island via qamutik, a traditional wooden sled led by a snowmobile. After some interesting stop offs on the way, you will arrive at your camp and perhaps set out on your first adventure. Days 3-6 Floe Edge Spend the next few days venturing out into the Arctic wilderness by snowmobile and qamutik under the summer sun. At the floe edge you will watch the Arctic wildlife come to life, spotting eider ducks and murres as the fly in perfect formations of the water. Keep your eyes peeled for walrus and curious seals poking their heads out of the water, Rambo-style, and grab some wonderful photos of the ice bergs and stunning colours of the landscapes. the floe edge itself you may narwhals, bowhead whales and hunting polar bears. It may be possible to snorkel with the whales and kayak. Further inland it is possible to see Arctic fox and hare, weasels, collared lemmings, snowy owls and rough-legged hawks. You may also visit the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a cliff face where over 200,000 birds choose to nest, especially kittewakes, and where we spotted a polar bear with two cubs on our last visit. Day 7 Floe Edge - Pond Inlet Depart your Arctic Safari Camp and head back to Pond Inlet. Your journey is unhurried and you will have plenty of time to capture your last moments in the Arctic as you navigate ice cracks and make tea with ancient ice. Day 8 Pond Inlet - Ottawa Wake up in time for breakfast, then check out of your hotel. Your local representative will transfer you to the airport (a few minutes away) for your 8am flight to Iqaluit. Arriving at Iqaluit at midday, you change planes and continue on to Ottawa, arriving just before 5pm.

13 Andy Rouse SVALBARD DISCOVERY EXPEDITION 4,250 per person, excluding international flights. and including all meals. No set itinerary as you are totally dependent on nature. Watch out for polar bears, Arctic fox, walrus and more. Discover the history of Svalbard. Photograph breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy land and water expeditions via zodiac. Day 1 Arrive Longyearbyen Arrive, board your expedition ship and head out into the ice fields. Days 2-10 Exploring Svalbard For the next week your adventure is totally dependent on the ice and weather. Your itinerary will change according to these and the wildlife we encounter. Forget strict routines, you re in the Arctic now. We hope to make daily landings on Zodiacs so we can explore the land and water. We hope to visit Northwest Svalbard and see the scientific village of Ny Alesund, the base of Alesund and Noble s heroic North Pole expedition. We may also visit the islands of Danskøya, Amsterdamøya and Ytre Norskøya we find remnants from the bustling activity during the 17th century s whaling period. Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on Danskøya. We will encounter many spectacular fjords such as Liefdefjorden, meaning the fjord of love where we can cruise along the face of the Moncao Glacier and spot pink-footed geese and eider ducks. If the conditions permit, we can venture the Hiplopen Strait where we find a sheer cliff, home to about 200,000 Brünnich s guillemots. In Eastern Svalbard we hope to visit Dordaustlandet Islands which is shrouded in an enormous ice cap and is equally interesting for wildlife enthusiasts as it is historians and naturalists. Huge ice cliffs are broken up by hundreds of waterfalls crashing into the sea. Even further east is Kvitøya (White Island). In very favourable ice and weather conditions, we may land on this icecapped island where few people have set foot. Here Andrée and his men were found 33 years after their unsuccessful attempt to reach the North Pole with a hydrogen balloon. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances to encounter walrus, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer are good here. The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks. This is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard s polar bears. Day 11 Return to Longyearbyen We arrive in the early morning, disembark and begin our journey back home. BIRDS, BEARS & BELUGAS 5,260 per person, excluding international flights and including all meals. Enjoy trekking and walking in search of polar bears. Explore the coast by buggy for wildlife on the shores of Hudson Bay. Swim with whales or watch from a zodiac. Wildlife photography workshops. Day 1 Arrive Winnipeg Arrive in Winnipeg and meet your group before settling into your hotel. Day 2 Winnipeg - Churchill Arrive in Churchill by air where you will be met and provided with instructions for the morning transfer. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking aerial view of the winding Hudson Bay coast en-route to your home for the next few days, Seal River Heritage Lodge. Be prepared for huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as caribou and, of course, the magnificent ice bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favourite for these goliaths and they are regularly seen swimming or basking near the water s edge. Upon your arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travel in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. Days 3-6 Churchill Each day, after breakfast, enjoy a whole host of activities in search of polar bears, whales and other wildlife. Explore the waters of Hudson Bay where you may see polar bears, belugas and other marine life, you may even be able to swim with the belugas. Head out on foot on treks and nature walks and bring your camera along for some unbeatable wildlife snaps. Ride on the custom-built tundra tracker searching for wildlife along the coast and enjoy photography workshops. There are also presentations and lectures, as well as the obligatory rest and relaxation. In the area there are around 150 bird species to keep your eyes peeled for and at the lodge there are kayaks free for you to use when you fancy. The entire lodge is patrolled for bears throughout the night, so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal polar bear visit, or even by the dazzling Northern Lights. Day 7 Churchill - Winnipeg After your final breakfast you will be transferred back to Churchill by plane. There are many photo opportunities on the way back to Churchill, so make sure your Camera is close to hand. Enjoy some time at leaisure before your flight back to Winnipeg. Day 8 Winnipeg - Depart After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport in time for your onward flight.

14 CHURCHILL CLASSIC POLAR BEAR TOUR 3,745 per person, excluding international flights. and including all meals. Tundra buggy polar bear viewing. Northern lights viewing. Optional helicopter and dogsledding excursions. Explore the history and culture of Churchill. Spot other wildlife including Arctic fox and Arctic hare. Day 1 Arrive Winnipeg Arrive in Winnipeg and enjoy an orientation dinner. Day 2 Winnipeg-Churchill Fly to Churchill and enjoy an evening presentation on polar bears and the northern environs. Days 3-4 Churchill Set out each day in search of polar bears in our unique polar rovers. Each vehicle has space for 30 guests but we seat just 15 so everyone has a window seat. Your expedition leaders know the best places to see the bears as they await the big freeze, when they can head out on the fast ice to hunt. Explore the rugged beauty of Hudson Bay and spend hours watching the polar bears interact; from the warmth of our vehicle we may see mother with their cubs, or young adult males play-fighting. Polar bears are usually solitary animals and this is one of few opportunities you have to see how they interact as a group. In the evenings, enjoy a delicious meal and presentations on the local wildlife and cultures. Day 5 Churchill Take a day to explore the historic town of Churchill. Today you may have the chance to visit local sled-dogs on the route to Cape Merry where Arctic fox and Arctic hare are often seen. There is some free time today if you would like to arrange a helicopter excursion over the frozen tundra. In the evening we enjoy dinner aboard a polar rover and hope to watch the bears at the same time. If luck is on our side, we hope to see the northern lights tonight. Hudson Bay is one of the best places in the world to see this magnificent lightshow. Day 6 Churchill-Winnipeg Return flights are scheduled for mid/late afternoon so you have as much time as possible to explore Churchill and maybe grab some last minute souvenirs and handicrafts. If time permits, you may be able to enjoy an optional helicopter tour or dog-sledding excursion. Day 7 Winnipeg-Depart After breakfast at your hotel, depart to the airport for your journey home. CIRCUMNAVI- GATING SPITSBERGEN 3,070 per person, excluding international flights and including all meals. Explore as far north as possible in search of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Witness the history and culture of the Spitsbergen archipelago. Navigate around glaciers and through narrow passages on zodiacs. Day 1 Arrive Longyearbyen Explore the town before boarding your expedition ship in the early evening. Day 2 Heading north along the west coast, arrive in Krossfjorden. Enjoy a zodiac trip in front of the 14th of July Glacier. Day 3 Near the mouth of Liefdefjorden, land ashore for a walk on Andøya. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest here, and the rarer king eider may also be seen. Sailing into Liefdefjorden, we will cruise near the face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. Day 4 Today you ll reach the northernmost point at Phippsøya. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Day 5 We will visit Laagøya today, a low island Day 6 Today you ll sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears and ivory gulls. Day 7 Land at Sundneset to visit an old trappers hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen reindeer and barnacle geese. Afterwards, return to the ship and cruise south to Diskobukta. Day 8 Good chances of seeing polar bears and seals today as we explore glaciers. Day 9 Today we land on Ahlstrandhalvøya. Here piles of beluga skeletons, the remains of 19th century slaughter, are another reminder of the consequences of thoughtless exploitation.. Day 10 with a big lagoon where a big herd of walrus tends to congregate. Return to Longyearbyen, disembark and transfer to Oslo for your flight home.

15 The next step Contact our team of polar bear safari specialists and design your very own journey into the extraordinary. Keeping you safe Your polar guides come in all shapes and sizes, and from many different backgrounds. On some of our safaris you will be led by local Inuit guides who are learning through guiding that showing others how amazing their home is will help preserve its future. They have lived off the land and know every nook and cranny and are all too excited to help you experience the Arctic to its fullest. Other times you will be led by people who have travelled from far and wide to undergo vigorous training to keep you safe and sound, and show you the best parts of your surroundings. We often include expert photographers on our safaris so you can capture your experience perfectly. Call from UK +44(0) Toll Free from US Toll Free from Australia We only use guides who are safe, experienced and knowledgeable. Abide by their rules and you ll have the best polar experience possible.