Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge stands as Churchill Wild’s most remote wilderness ecolodge, positioned beside pristine Arctic waters on Hudson Bay with Canada’s Boreal Forest as its dramatic backdrop. Located 250 kilometers south of Churchill and accessible only by plane, this extraordinary destination offers eight comfortable guestrooms with ensuite washrooms, ranging from queen and king to twin and family configurations.
As part of a family legacy spanning nearly a century, Nanuk represents the pinnacle of sustainable Arctic adventure tourism, where guests can experience the world’s only ground-level polar bear safaris while enjoying cutting-edge eco-friendly operations and tundra-inspired cuisine in one of Earth’s most remote and pristine wilderness settings.
Their story
Churchill Wild’s story began in 1993 when co-founder Mike Reimer and wildlife photographer Dennis Fast discovered the perfect location for a wildlife ecolodge along Hudson Bay’s coast. Building on Jeanne’s family tradition of adventure tourism spanning nearly 100 years, Mike and Jeanne opened their first lodge in 1994, welcoming the world’s first on-foot polar bear safari guest.
Their vision was to create unique Arctic wildlife experiences while practicing the highest standards of sustainability. Over 32 years, they’ve built three wilderness ecolodges in polar bear territory, mentoring hundreds of staff and welcoming thousands of wildlife lovers.
Their mission is creating friendships, changing lives, and touching the Arctic. They raise awareness of the far North’s unique challenges through ethical wildlife experiences. Read more about them.
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Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The lodge uses local lumber and recycled materials in construction whenever possible.
- Properties are designed to maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the facilities.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Electricity comes primarily from solar power, nearly eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy-saving lights and appliances are installed throughout the property.
- The head office features LEED certification and is connected to a geothermal district heating system that has replaced two gas furnaces and provides significant community energy savings.
Pioneer in waste management
- Water is triple-filtered from nearby lakes and rivers for consumption, with grey-water recycling systems to reduce wastage.
- Strict recycling and composting policies are in place at all properties. Any waste that cannot be recycled or composted is transported back to town for proper disposal.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The operation includes Prairie Wild orchard and gardens based on regenerative farming principles. Local sourcing is prioritized in as many ways as possible. Tundra-inspired meals are prepared by on-site chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
- Only biodegradable cleaning products and in-room toiletries are used.
Actively protects nature and community
- Most excursions are conducted on foot to minimize motorized vehicle use. All-terrain vehicles and boats are equipped with fuel-efficient motors.
- Flight planning ensures planes never fly empty to reduce aviation impact.
- The operation focuses on ethical wildlife experiences and raising awareness of Arctic conservation challenges while supporting local community energy initiatives through their geothermal district heating system.
Most Popular Activities Near Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- Walking safaris to view polar bears, wolves, moose, and black bears
- Low-impact ATV tours for wildlife viewing
- Northern lights viewing from the lodge and fenced compound
- Photography tours (select departures)
- Polar bear nanuk emergence expedition (March)
- Informative presentations about wildlife, wilderness, and history
- Daily treks from the lodge
- Tundra-inspired meals prepared by on-site chefs
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Best Time To Visit Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- The best time to visit Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is from August through November. August and September offer polar bears alongside lush scenery and beluga whales, while October and November provide peak polar bear activity and northern lights.