Every October and November, polar bears gather near Churchill, Manitoba, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze — and purpose-built tundra vehicles roll out among them, bears occasionally rearing up against the sides for a closer inspection of the cargo. It is the most reliable polar bear viewing on earth, and it books out the best part of a year ahead, so plan absurdly early. No roads reach Churchill; you arrive by rail or air. The aurora frequently gatecrashes.
Featured in Ten wildlife encounters that will humble you · Adventure