A Churchill Tundra Buggy experience is one of the most unique ways to experience the incredible wildlife of the Sub-Arctic tundra in Northern Manitoba. Specially designed for the northern landscape, these all-terrain vehicles offer a distinct way to delve into the wilds of one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet that take you to the best locations in the Churchill area to safely experience wildlife and the phenomenal Northern Lights.
Photo credit: Frontiers North
Photo credit: Frontiers North
Photo credit: Frontiers North
Venturing on a network of established trails in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (Summer and Autumn), the Tundra Buggy experience takes you on a journey to the heart of polar bear country, where bears and other subarctic wildlife roam. During the winter, travel across the frozen Churchill River, far from the lights of town, to the Thanadelthur Lounge and Dan’s Diner to view the incredible northern lights.
The official Tundra Buggy is about more than the vehicle; it is the complete experience! What makes a Tundra Buggy truly unique is where you get to go. The Experience:
Wildlife on The Tundra: Although you can see polar bears in the area as early as June, the prime time to see polar bears in their natural habitat is during October and November when the polar bear population around Churchill is at its highest. It is possible to see polar bears in the summer during your Tundra Buggy excursions, but the main focus at this time of year is the landscape, plant life and other northern wildlife, including birds. Every day on the tundra is a little different with common wildlife spotting include polar bears, arctic fox, red fox, gyrfalcons, snowy owls and a plethora of other birds and wildlife. The Tundra Buggy in Churchill also acts as a remote eco-lodge during the high season. Tundra Buggies journey to special locations along the shores of Hudson Bay where magical experiences are created that allow you to wake up with majestic polar bears resting just a short distance from their bedroom window. Find your Tundra Buggy Adventure: Polar Bears at Tundra Buggy Lodge or Churchill Belugas & Bears Explorer
Northern Light on The Tundra: makes for an intimate and authentic northern lights experience, with exclusive access to Frontiers North’s Thanadelthur Lounge, the Dan’s Diner culinary experience and snowshoe trekking in the boreal forest. For the best aurora viewing and photography opportunities, you'll head far away from the lights of town to view the aurora borealis in all its glory from extraordinary locales, travelling to a new and secluded location each night. The Tundra Lodge also features a Rooftop Observation Deck providing a 360° view of the tundra and wildlife or an unobstructed view of the northern lights. Experience this ultimate escape with a Photo Adventure: Northern Lights in Churchill.
Capacity: A Tundra Buggy can hold up to 40-passengers, however specific multi-day packages have a lower maximum capacity to allow for more room
Features: Tundra Buggies are large vehicles that can safely maneuver the rough terrain of the tundra, while still allowing you to have amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. The tires on each Tundra Buggy vehicle are 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) high and 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) wide, and sit on 63.5 centimeter (25 inch) rims. A wide-bodied enclosure sits on top of the wheels and provides even more height, security, comfort and ability for you to move around to view and photograph wildlife. The average male polar bear is 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) tall when standing on its hind legs. The window opening for viewing on the Tundra Buggy is just over 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground. This means that even the tallest average bear can stand vertically on the side of the Buggy and you will remain safely out of reach.
Lunch & Refreshments: enjoy a light meal and refreshments during your Tundra Buggy adventure. The lunch may include homemade soup, sandwiches, and cookies. Canned soda is available on board, as well as water, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea (but don’t forget to bring your own reusable mug and/or water bottle).
Bathroom: there is a single-use bathroom located near the back of the Tundra Buggy.
Read more on the Tundra Buggy Lodge features here.
