Every year a teeny town of less than 1,000 welcomes planes and trains loaded with bear-curious tourists (the closest road stops 180 miles south). And who can blame them? Dubbed the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill, Manitoba is the choice destination for getting down with one of Canada's signature critters.
Where to Sleep:
We stayed at cozy Northern Nights Lodge ($165/night) on the main drag. Newly renovated rooms have king beds and Jacuzzi tubs – a steamy retreat after a wintery frolic.
Where to Eat:
Start the morning with lattes and yummy pastries at Gypsy's Bakery. Then after a day of playing polar bear paparazzi, treat yourself to a hearty dinner in the rustic charm of Trader's Table ($15.95-$31.95, 141 Kelsey Blvd, 204-675-2207).
What to Do:
Scope out the land (and the handsome young pilots) with Hudson Bay Helicopters. Air tours bring you up close and personal with your new furry friends. For more of a grounded approach, opt for a trip with Tundra Buggy® Adventures, a snowy day-trek in an XL SUV on mega-wheels. Dog-lovers will want to contact Wapusk Adventures to be whisked away on one of their modernized dog sleds. To top off the ultimate experience, take the two-day train ride on VIA back to Winnipeg (instead of the plane) in one of the cozy sleeper class cabins.
Or, if you'd rather avoid the planning headache, leave it all up to Frontiers North to handle the details for you. Owner Lynda Gunter makes finding the perfect tour easier than shopping on eBay.