Question 1

Is this an escorted tour?

Accepted Answer

Our vacations are not typically ‘escorted.’ You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary but rather have the freedom of ‘independent’ travel.

This allows you, with the help of our Canadian Insiders, to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, timeframe and budget. We’ll guide you through the process and provide the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities tailored to your taste.

Question 2

Can I customize this trip?

Accepted Answer

Your trip can be as rich as you’d like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can customize your trip and decide what you’d like to see and do.

If your trip is a special occasion, we’ll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you’re traveling with a group, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.

Question 3

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We personalize all our clients’ trips to fit their exact tastes and needs. You can add days at locations that you’d like to explore and spend more time at. Or leave out certain areas that don’t interest you as much. Discuss your travel goals with our Vacation Advisors who make sure that your trip fits your needs and budget.

Question 4

Where do I stay on my trip?

Accepted Answer

We partner with many hotels across the country that offer a variety of service levels and unique experiences. Choosing a hotel is based on local availability and personal preference, and our Insiders will help you find the perfect place to rest your head so that you can have the best experience possible.

Question 5

How much does my trip cost?

Accepted Answer

All our trips are personalized to fit our clients’ schedule and budget. The price of your trip generally depends on the travel season, train service, accommodations, and the sightseeing tours you take. When you request a quote you’ll be provided with the detailed information you need

Question 6

Am I on the train the whole time?

Accepted Answer

Most of our trips include stops to get off the train to explore Canada’s beautiful locations, national parks and unique cities. However, if you’re keen to maximize your time onboard, we’ll pair you up with the perfect train experience.

Question 7

What is the train experience like?

Accepted Answer

Because most Canadians typically do not use the train for commuting (as in the US or Europe), the two main rail providers in Canada are driven by tourism. You’ll experience the romance of true trans-continental rail travel, with a wide selection of services, accommodation types, and great food.

Question 8

Are grizzly bear tours safe?

Accepted Answer

The safest way to see a grizzly bear in the wild is on a guided tour. Most times you will see the bears from a boat, not on land. Our guides understand bear behaviour and are equipped to keep you safe, which usually means maintaining a respectful distance (so, no bear selfies — bring a good camera with a telephoto lens) and making sure the bears know you are there. Guides also carry bear spray, VHF radios in case of an emergency, and they are trained in first aid. Always listen to your guide's expert advice for a safe and memorable experience.

Question 9

What is the best time to see polar bears?

Accepted Answer

The best time to see polar bears is in October and November, during the annual fall migration. The polar bears congregate on the shore of Hudson Bay near Churchill waiting for the water to freeze so the annual seal hunt can begin.

Question 10

Is a polar bear sighting guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

The polar bear migration is a special occasion, and it offers visitors a high probability of seeing the bears in the wild. Our specialized tour operators know the landscape extremely well, and will take you to places where bears are commonly spotted. There is no guarantee of a sighting, however.

Question 11

What kinds of activities can I do while at a wilderness lodge?

Accepted Answer

Most wilderness lodge accommodations also provide activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours and more. Some of these can be pre-booked through Fresh Tracks, and some are arranged directly at the lodge.

Question 12

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on the VIA Rail train, at the wilderness lodge, and in Churchill?

Accepted Answer

This trip itinerary includes meals on the train, as well as meals at Knight Inlet Lodge and in Churchill. Most dietary restrictions, food allergies, and other preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Sleeper Plus Class include meals on VIA Rail’s Canadian train. As you travel from Vancouver to Winnipeg, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the train’s dining car. These meals are cooked by onboard chefs and are made using fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner are three courses (starter, main, dessert). The menu options usually include a meat dish, fish dish, and vegetarian dish.

Meals at Knight Inlet Lodge are from a set menu but can be customized for dietary needs if this information is provided far enough in advance.

Question 13

What level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing and polar bear viewing?

Accepted Answer

A moderate level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge. You may need to walk on uneven ground, including muddy or rocky shorelines for approximately 200 metres.

Most of the polar bear viewing is operated from the Tundra Buggy, so is suitable for guests who are less active. To access the Tundra Buggy, you will need to go up 12 steps.

For other activity details, please see the full trip itinerary or speak to one of our Vacation Advisors.

Lords of the Wilderness Bear Viewing

Go bear watching in Churchill and the Great Bear Rainforest

See grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest

Remote wilderness lodge experience

Sleep on board the iconic VIA Rail ‘Canadian Train’

Witness Churchill’s polar bears up close from a Tundra Buggy

Top experiences and features

Visit Campbell River on Vancouver Island

Your Questions Answered

What’s Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an escorted tour?

Can I customize this trip?

Can I modify the trip's length by spending more or less time at certain locations?

Where do I stay on my trip?

How much does my trip cost?

Am I on the train the whole time?

What is the train experience like?

Are grizzly bear tours safe?

What is the best time to see polar bears?

Is a polar bear sighting guaranteed?

What kinds of activities can I do while at a wilderness lodge?

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on the VIA Rail train, at the wilderness lodge, and in Churchill?

What level of fitness is required for grizzly bear viewing and polar bear viewing?

Sample Itinerary

Arrive in Vancouver

Fly to Campbell River

Float Plane to the Great Bear Rainforest

View Grizzly Bears

Knight Inlet Lodge-Campbell River-Vancouver

Explore Vancouver

VIA Rail - Depart Vancouver

VIA Rail – Canadian Rockies

Sample Itinerary

Prices

View full itinerary

Accommodations

Tundra Inn

Personalize This Itinerary

Visit Victoria, BC

What Our Customers Say

We loved the Tundra buggy days

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