Churchill Tundra Lodge

After a fun afternoon on the Polar Rover, we arrived at the Tundra Lodge. This is basically a "lodge on wheels" that is towed out to the Tundra. There are two sleepers, a lounge, dining, and utility/crew car. While the accommodations are a bit cramped, it was awesome since where else can you literally sleep with the Polar Bears! ;-)

Each day, the Polar Rover would take half the group out while the other half stayed at the Tundra Lodge. This helped reduce the peak demand for showers and breakfast/lunch ... plus provided extra space for all to take photographs - Helpful Hint: bring some slit tennis balls to put on your tripod legs for the metal grating. There are some interesting lectures and slide shows about wildlife and the history/culture of Churchill along with an enjoyable "Happy Hour" and all-hands dinners that were fantastic.

In addition to our two Polar Bear Guides Leah and Rinie, there was Ed (Tundra Lodge Manager), Devin (Polar Rover Driver), and Beverly & Jocelyn were the two excellent cooks - the food was scrumptious. We spent four nights here - two of which we saw the Aurora Borealis ... along with dozens of Polar Bears that wandered in and out, providing a constant source of entertainment for all - I felt real lucky to be "in the middle of nowhere" ;-)

Evening arrival at the Tundra Lodge - mouseover image to see without brake lights

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Tundra Lodge Manager Ed gives us a safety briefing as we arrive

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Mouseover image to see Ed emphasize no feeding/petting the Polar Bears! ;-)

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Sleeper car rooms were like closets ... but quite cozy and plenty adequate

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There were several common bathrooms/showers on the Tundra Lodge - worked out fine

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Lounge Car worked well for group meetings, slide shows, Polar Bear viewing, and general hanging out

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Our Polar Bear Guides gave informative and interesting presentations here on local wildlife, history, and culture

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Janet hanging out in "Polar Bear size chair" in the Lounge car

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Dining car was spotless and cozy - added to the camaraderie of the group

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Chef Jocelyn hard at work in the kitchen

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Not only was the food scrumptious, but check out the presentation!

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Ed clearing the dishes for the next course

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We're talking some serious good grub!

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Meanwhile, Jocelyn gets dessert ready at warp speed! ;-)

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Beverly and Jocelyn were fantastic chefs and were always smiling

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Another example of the fine Tundra Lodge Food - mouseover image to see the wine bottles

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Different desserts every night were totally first-class

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Periodically, you would hear/feel a "bump" while eating as someone else was hungry!

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Polar Bear beds down for the night - mouseover to see photographer taking picture of it

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An Arctic Fox even stopped by the Tundra Lodge one evening for a brief visit

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Everybody opted to put these on their room door

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Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights as seen from the Tundra Lodge - mouseover image to see another view

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Some Polar Bears are up before sunrise - mouseover image to see 'em move on

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While some would just prefer to sleep in late

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Polar Bear grabs the Tundra Lodge grating - picture taken before sunrise

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Polar Rover parked at the Tundra Lodge before sunrise - mouseover image to see Devin ready to fire it up!

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Janet just before the sun comes up

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Janet brings up the sunrise - mouseover image for closeup

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What a beautiful morning to see Polar Bears in Churchill!

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Ellen and Gary & Cynthia think so too!

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Time to load up the Polar Rover and head out to see some action

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The sun is rising too soon for this Polar Bear that wants to sleep in

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Morning light on the Tundra Lodge - mouseover image for closer view

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The Tundra Lodge at twilight

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Polar Bear taking a morning stroll

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Here comes yet another Polar Bear

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Will takes some pictures looking down the side of the Tundra Lodge

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Jan enjoys watching the Polar Bears fighting just outside the Tundra Lodge windows

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All the Polar Bears around the Tundra Lodge look like they are ready to rumble
Lets hope they don't end up in Polar Bear Jail

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Countless opportunities for close-in photography of the Polar Bears

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Bonnie zooms in with her big lens

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She takes the closeup picture

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The Polar Bear wants a close view of her monster Canon lens! ;-)

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Alek with some furry friends - mouseover image to see both of us close our eyes

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Alek (wearing shiny Michael Jackson gloves ;-) hanging out with some Polar Bears

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Jeff had some serious camera gear - mouseover image to see Canon take a picture of Nikon strap! ;-)

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Getting some really close-up pictures of a Polar Bear! ;-)

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Watching some Polar Bear fighting while hanging out at the Tundra Lodge

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Re-supply vehicle kept the Tundra Lodge well stocked

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Re-supply vehicle in comparison to Polar Rover - mouseover image to see 'em move on

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Jan takes a picture of the re-supply vehicle as it pulls next to the Tundra Lodge

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Even the re-supply vehicle stops to take pictures of Polar Bears

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Don and Marilyn, founders/owners of Great White Bear Tours, have their own set of wheels
More here and here plus mouseover both images below for closeups

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Valerie is all smiles after a great afternoon on the Polar Rover

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That evening, she does a "Polar Bear toast" to another great day

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Brent, William, Trish, Janet, Paul, Tami, Valerie, and Jill all join in

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Lots of smiles also from Veronique, Ellen, Johanna, Linda, and Carol

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Tundra Lodge dining room was cozy, but didn't feel cramped - quite comfortable actually

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Our last night at the Tundra Lodge again included some fine wine

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churchill polar bear tundra lodge wine 13 a

Yet another evening of great grub at the Tundra Lodge

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Beverly and Jocelyn made Baked Alaska the last night - WOW!!!

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Paul shows what a Polar Bear would do with that tasty Baked Alaska! ;-)

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The Tundra Lodge was absolutely fantastic - what a great way to do a Polar Bear Trip in Churchill.
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