Most people think of the Arctic when they think of polar bears and for a good reason. The Arctic is where the majority of the world’s polar bears live. But that doesn’t mean you have to go all the way up to Alaska or Siberia to see these fantastic animals in the wild. There are several other places in the world where you can see polar bears, often without having to travel too far.
Here are five of the best places to see polar bears in their natural habitat:
1. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Every fall, hundreds of polar bears gather near Churchill and start their journey southward.
Flights from Winnipeg regularly serve the small airstrip, and there are several lodges providing accommodation and services available for keen polar bear watchers.
The bears come to this spot at the end of summer, waiting for the waters of the bay to freeze so they can head out onto the ice and hunt for seals. They know that as the days grow colder, the ice will become more complex and durable, allowing them to travel further and find more food. The wait can be long and tedious, but it is worth it when they finally get to go out on the hunt.
You can view them from the safety of a tundra buggy or even get up close and personal on a polar bear safari.
2. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean home to more than 2,000 polar bears. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see them from land, as they often come close to shore.
The probability of spotting a polar bear in this area is high, but you’re more likely to see them from a ship than on land. The bears spend most of their time hunting on the ice floes in the winter. In the summer, they spend their time roaming isolated shorelines looking for food in areas that are far away from human settlement and inaccessible by road.
However, if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them on land, you’ll see that they are perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic. Their fur is thick and insulating, their skin is black to absorb the sun’s warmth, and their nostrils can close tight to keep out the cold.
Due to the changing environment, their habitats are gradually shrinking. As a result, polar bears are coming into more frequent contact with humans. So if you’re planning on visiting this area, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers posed by these animals and take necessary precautions.
3. Wrangel Island, Russia
Polar bears have thrived on Wrangel Island when rising sea levels pushed them from the mainland. The bears live in a remote corner of northeast Russia, where frigid weather and pack ice make it difficult for humans to reach them.
Thanks to its isolation, the island has a wide variety of animal life. This includes large populations of Arctic foxes, reindeer, and lemmings. However, the most famous inhabitant of the island is the polar bear. In the summer, the bears come to the island from the mainland to hunt for seals and then head back to the mainland in the winter.
Not only do you have a high density of dens, but the area also has one of the highest concentrations of polar bears in the world. Each year, over 500 mothers give birth to polar bear cubs here. If you’re looking for some adorable baby polar bears, it is the place to go.
The Russian government has been trying to protect Wrangel Island and its bears. The reserve bans hunting and limits tourism to preserve the bears’ habitat.
Luckily, several tour companies offer trips to Wrangel, including Wildlife Worldwide. Their expedition is led by world-renowned wildlife photographers and provides a unique opportunity to see the island’s incredible wildlife and polar bears.
4. Greenland
It is rare for a local or a visitor to spot a polar bear by accident in Greenland, where the animal is used in the national coat of arms. The bears tend to live in the northernmost parts of west Greenland and north-east Greenland, some of the most inaccessible parts of the country.
If you’re looking for a chance to see a polar bear in Greenland, your best bet is by ship. Most likely, you’ll catch a glimpse of one from an expedition ship used by tour operators.
A few telltale signs can help you identify a polar bear from a distance. For one, they have off-white fur that makes them easily recognizable against both pack ice and the surrounding landscape. So if you’re lucky enough to spot one on your Arctic expedition, it will be an unforgettable experience.
5. Franz Josef Land, Russia
Franz Josef Land is one of the most remote places in the world. The 191 islands that make up this region are home to several animals, including polar bears. These bears have adapted to the cold climate and live in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Visitors to Franz Josef Land may be lucky enough to see these animals in their natural habitat. The lack of human life in the area means that the animals have little to fear, and they can be seen swimming and playing in the waters around the islands.
It’s a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and visitors can often get close to the polar bears here without disturbing them. There are several polar bear tours that you can join to explore the natural environment.
By ensuring that the best interests of the polar bears are always taken into consideration, they can guarantee that their tours are ethically responsible. This means that you never have to worry about your travel’s impact on these amazing creatures.
6. Nunavut, Canada
Nunavut is the newest Canadian Territory, and it’s also one of the most amazing places in the world to spot Arctic wildlife. You can see polar bears, caribou, muskoxen, and more. It’s an incredible experience. The people who live in Nunavut are amicable and welcoming, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for an adventure.
The west coast of the Hudson Bay is the route of the polar bear migration when the animals search for sea ice, hence the nickname “Polar Bear Alley.” The bears follow the coastline north, traveling as far as they can before the ice melts and forces them to retreat south again. This annual migration is an impressive sight and one that should not be missed if you’re visiting Nunavut in the winter.
Traveling with different agencies, you can have the unique experience of a 50-minute, fly-in safari along the coast from Churchill, Manitoba, to a camp south of Arviat in Nunavut. You’ll stay there for eight days and have the opportunity to go on a number of different safaris, including ones that focus on polar bears, bowhead whales, narwhals, and beluga whales.
7. Kaktovik, Alaska
Alaska is a giant, wild place, and it takes a special kind of person to call it home. The people who live and work in Alaska are seriously dedicated to the outdoors. They are passionate about their lifestyle, and they love enjoying the natural world around them. Whether they’re hiking in the mountains, fishing in the streams, or just taking in the incredible scenery, they are always out exploring.
One great destination for ethical wildlife experiences and contributing to local livelihoods is the Kaktovik. Not only does it have a large indigenous population, but it is also home to a wealth of biodiversity, including many endangered species.
This makes it the perfect place to go on safari or visit other nature preserves, where you can appreciate the local flora and fauna while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Polar bears are amazing creatures, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a real treat. There are so many of them here in this area that there is a really good chance of spotting one. The knowledgeable guides will help you maximize your chances of getting a glimpse of these magnificent animals.
Also, Check: 12 Best Places To Watch Sunrise In Bali
Summing Up
Polar bears are a fantastic sight to see in the wild, and there are many great places around the world to see them. We’ve mentioned some of them where polar bear populations are great, and you can enjoy bear sightings.
These areas offer prime viewing opportunities for tourists looking to catch a glimpse of these iconic creatures in their natural habitat. Regular flights from major cities serve most locations, and there are several lodges and resorts available for those seeking an up-close encounter with polar bears. But, while visiting, ensure sustainability as most polar bears are endangered due to melting sea ice.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make sure to add one of these seven destinations to your travel list. Have you ever spotted polar bears in the wild? Let us know in the comments below.