If you’ve ever taken the train from Norwich to London, you might have spotted something unexpected just past Ipswich—polar bears! Since 2023, Jimmy’s Farm in Suffolk has been home to several rescued polar bears. While it’s quite something to glimpse these Arctic giants from the comfort of a train window, seeing polar bears in their natural habitat is an entirely different and awe-inspiring experience. This article focuses on the best places to see polar bears in the wild.
Spitsbergen, Norway – The Ultimate Polar Bear Destination
For UK travellers, Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago is the most accessible and reliable destination for polar bear encounters. Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Polar Bear,’ Svalbard and the surrouding Barents Sea is home to an estimated 3,000 polar bears.
Why Choose Spitsbergen?
- High Number of Polar Bears – The Svalbard Archipelago & Barent’s Sea is home to a high number of polar bears. Around 300 of these are believed to inhabit the sea ice directly around Spitsbergen.
- Easily Accessible from the UK – Direct flights to Oslo and onward connections to Longyearbyen make it one of the most convenient Arctic destinations. Longyearbyen is the capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, and the world’s northernmost settlement. Spending a night in Longyearbyen is an experience in itself – visit the Svalbard and North Pole Expedition Museums, and enjoy a tipple made from 2,000 year old glacier water at Svalbard Bryggeri (brewery).
- Dramatic Arctic Landscapes – Expect towering glaciers, vast ice fields, and frozen fjords. Arctic wildlife includes walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox and of course, the polar bear.
- Cruise to 80 Degrees North – Expedition cruises offer the opportunity to venture beyond the western fjords to the more remote northern and eastern areas of Svalbard, where polar bear sightings are more frequent.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
While Spitsbergen offers an immersive Arctic experience by ship, Churchill in Canada’s Manitoba province provides a land-based alternative. Known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World,’ Churchill is one of the best places to see polar bears on foot or from specialized tundra vehicles.
Why Choose Churchill?
- Land-Based Polar Bear Viewing – Unlike Spitsbergen, where expeditions are ship-based, Churchill allows you to observe bears from tundra buggies or even on guided walking safaris.
- Seasonal Migration – Every autumn, hundreds of polar bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form, creating a prime opportunity for sightings.
- Easily Accessible from North America – Ideal for visitors from Canada or the U.S., Churchill is a gateway to polar bear encounters without the need for an expedition cruise.
The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears
The Arctic is warming at nearly four times the global average, and sea ice—the foundation of the polar bear’s hunting grounds—is disappearing at an alarming rate. Recent news articles report that world sea ice has fallen to record lows, further threatening the survival of these magnificent creatures. With less ice, polar bears struggle to hunt seals, leading to malnutrition and declining populations. This loss of sea ice also impacts other Polar wildlife, including seals, walruses, and seabirds, disrupting entire ecosystems.
Best Time to See Wild Polar Bears
The best time to see polar bears in Spitsbergen is between May and September. The Midnight Sun (when the sun never sets) provides great visibility throughout this time, and the ice begins to break up allowing expedition cruises to navigate the remote fjords and pack ice where polar bears hunt. Longer cruises that explore the eastern side of the archipelago provide a higher likelihood of encounters with polar bears.
In Churchill, Canada, the best season is October to November, when polar bears gather along the Hudson Bay coast, waiting for the ice to form.
Sustainable Polar Bear Tourism
When booking an Arctic journey, choosing the right type of expedition is crucial. Small expedition-style ships with a lower carbon footprint are the best choice for responsible travel. Unlike larger cruise ships, they:
- Minimize environmental impact by producing fewer emissions (and reducing disturbances to wildlife).
- Offer a more intimate experience with smaller groups – you can mobilise faster as a small group to make the most of willdife sightings and engage more fully with guides.
- Provide access to remote areas that larger ships cannot reach, improving the chances of encountering polar bears in the wild.
Book Your Arctic Adventure
If you’re ready to witness one of the planet’s most iconic predators in the wild, explore our Polar Programme offering small ship expeditions to both the Arctic (for the chance to see polar bears) and the Antarctic (for penguins).
