Photograph the Kings of the Arctic in Canada’s Wild North

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Stand Eye-to-Eye with the King of the Arctic

Join professional wildlife photographer Joe Desjardins for an unforgettable photographic expedition to Churchill, Manitoba—The Polar Bear Capital of the World.

This workshop is designed for photographers who want more than a fleeting glimpse. You’ll have the rare opportunity to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat as they roam the frozen tundra, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze over.

Using custom-built 4x4 vehicles for safe, optimal viewing, we’ll venture deep into the bears’ territory during peak season for activity and encounters. Every day brings the possibility of moments few ever witness—whether it’s a solitary bear silhouetted against a windswept horizon or playful cubs trailing their mother across the ice.

Throughout the expedition, Joe will provide personalized instruction on composition, exposure, and storytelling in harsh northern conditions—helping you create photographs that go beyond snapshots and capture the spirit of the Arctic itself.

This isn’t just a trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the wild North—cold winds, raw moments, and powerful images waiting to be made.

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📸What to Expect

• Guided photography in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife environments

• Prime polar bear viewing via private 4x4 vehicles

• Coaching on field techniques, composition, exposure control, and working with natural Arctic light

• Opportunities to photograph other northern wildlife: Arctic foxes, ptarmigans, and more

• Dramatic subarctic landscapes—snow, ice, and endless horizons

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✅What’s Included

• Roundtrip airfare Winnipeg ⇄ Churchill (approximate value $2,800 CAD)

• Two nights in Winnipeg at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel

• Five nights in Churchill at a cozy local B&B

• Five days on the tundra with polar bears

• Town & Area Tour of Churchill

• All local transportation in Churchill

• All meals in Churchill:

  • Hot breakfasts at the B&B

  • Lunches in the field

  • Dinners at local restaurants

• Aurora hunting experience – if the northern lights appear, we’ll head out to capture them​​

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❌What’s Not Included

• Airfare to and from Winnipeg, MB

• Personal items and expenses

• Alcoholic beverages

• Meals in Winnipeg

• Gratuities for guides (always appreciated)

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)​

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Itinerary​

Every day on this expedition is built around maximizing your time in the field with polar bears and Arctic wildlife. From the moment you arrive, everything is arranged so you can focus on the adventure, the photography, and the rare privilege of being in the presence of the Kings of the Arctic.

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Day 1 – Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg at your convenience and check in to the Courtyard Marriott Hotel located at the airport. Rest up for the adventure ahead.

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Day 2 – Churchill
Fly north to Churchill—the gateway to polar bear country. After checking in to your accommodation, we’ll gather for a town orientation and prepare for the days ahead.

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Days 3–6 – On the Tundra
Four full days exploring the vast subarctic landscape in custom 4×4 vans. Each day brings new opportunities to:

• Photograph polar bears in their natural habitat—from lone males to mothers with playful cubs.

• Watch for other wildlife such as Arctic foxes, red foxes, ptarmigans, and more.

• Capture dramatic subarctic scenery, where blowing snow, shifting light, and endless horizons create powerful compositions.​

If the skies are clear and the aurora makes an appearance, we’ll head out in the evenings to photograph the northern lights—an unforgettable highlight of the Arctic.

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Evenings in Churchill
After full days in the field, we’ll enjoy hearty dinners at local restaurants. On some evenings, we’ll come together informally to share photos, trade stories, and chat about photography. This is also time to connect with fellow photographers, share experiences, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

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Day 7 – Final Field Day & Return to Winnipeg
One last day on the tundra, making the most of every encounter before an evening flight back to Winnipeg. Overnight once again at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel near the airport.

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Day 8 – Departure
Depart Winnipeg at any time.

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Physical Requirements

This expedition is not physically strenuous, but participants should be prepared for:

• The ability to climb in and out of our 4×4 vans (a stool is provided).

• Patience and focus—the essential qualities of successful wildlife photography.

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Why This Workshop

Whether you’re building a powerful wildlife portfolio or chasing the awe of seeing a polar bear in the wild, this workshop delivers the real Arctic experience: raw encounters with the world’s largest land carnivore, and the wild beauty of Canada’s North—framed through your lens.

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🔥 Spots are limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

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Investment

Workshop cost: $10,900.00 CAD + GST

$2500.00 deposit to secure your spot

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Based on double occupancy.​

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Cancellation Policy

We understand that sometimes plans change. However, because securing guides and accommodations in Churchill during prime polar bear season requires a significant commitment, all payments (including deposits) are non-refundable unless we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.

To give you peace of mind, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

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