Churchill Polar Bear Tours & Wildlife Photography

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Paula Wallis 
 
 
 
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I needed a few days to process this experience before I could leave a review. And what an incredible experience it was. I did a lot of research before parting with my hard earned cash for this trip. My top priorities were: ethical wildlife photography (no baiting or harassing the bears, staying a respectful distance from them, etc), a small group tour, and an experienced photographer/guide that knows how to line up the perfect shot and angle, and will patiently wait with us while we get that shot. Johnny at Bear Witness ticked all of these boxes and more. It is so very evident how much he loves and respects these bears, and encourages others to do the same. This is so important to me in any wildlife setting. I want to go home with images I can be proud of, and not feeling like I exploited the local wildlife to get them.
I very much appreciated the small group as well. Each of had our own window/door for bearscouting, so we could roll down the windows and shoot through them without trying to elbow through a large group of people. And, when safe, we were able to jump out of the truck to line up the shots we wanted. Perfect. Our guides/bear guards, Colin and Gerald, were to-the-letter on keeping us, and the bears, (and fox, and hares, and snowy owls!) safe and happy.
I extra appreciated the heated seats and the loan of the warm boots and footwarmers! Whatever boots you're planning on bringing - bring warmer ones! Follow his packing list to the letter, but if you're short on anything, he can help you out. Johnny literally thought of everything to make this trip a memorable one.
The accommodations at Blue Sky Bed & Sled were cozy, warm and so very welcoming. From the moment you walk in the door, Jenafor and Gerald make you feel at home (including a Mom lecture to stay the heck outta her kitchen haha).
The foooood, omg the food. Starve yourself for at least a week prior to arrival, because you ain't going hungry here. Home cooked meals around a cozy table in a warm, homey setting. Fantastic for reviewing the events of the day after a long, cold (but exciting) day out shooting!
In short (or maybe not) - this was the trip of a lifetime. It was everything I'd hoped it would be, and more. You don't even need to ask me if I'd recommend Bear Witness - I already have to every photographer I've spoken with since returning! Thanks for such an incredible time, Johnny and crew. I'm already thinking about how I can get back to see my beautiful bears again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Linda Gancitano 
 
 
 
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It was a magical experience for me. From the airport pickup to the Bed ard breakfast to seeing up close these beautiful Polar bears that you can only imagine how magical and majestic they really are up close. The sleeping quarters were so comfortable, the food was amazing and our tour guides were so knowledgeable that I have taken this tour with Bear Witness for the third time.Pictures can't really capture the beauty of these bears but the videos capture my up close experience!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Juanita Layne 
 
 
 
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I recently returned from an absolutely incredible polar bear photography tour with Bear Witness in Churchill, Manitoba, and I can't recommend it enough! From start to finish, every detail was expertly planned and executed.
The highlight was, of course, the photography opportunities. Johnny, was a true 'bear whisperer' and had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the bears would go, consistently putting us in the best positions for spectacular, close-up shots without ever disturbing the animals. The small group size and specially equipped 4x4 trucks made it easy to get in and out quickly for different vantage points. I managed to capture stunning images of sparring males, adorable and playful cubs, curious bears walking towards us and standing bears. It was a dream come true and adventure of a lifetime!
Beyond the bears, we saw  Arctic, red and mixed foxes, ptarmigans, Arctic hare and snowy owls. The expert guides were so knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and history, adding immense depth to the experience. We always felt safe, which was a top priority for the team.
The hospitality was exceptional, too. The Blue Sky Bed and Sled B&B was cozy and comfortable, and the food prepared by Jennifer was gourmet and plentiful—definitely don't plan on losing weight on this trip!
If you dream of seeing and photographing polar bears in their natural habitat, this is THE way to do it. Thank you to Bear Witness and the entire team for an experience and memories that will last a lifetime!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Bruce Dowley 
 
 
 
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Johnny’s trip excels in two key areas. The first is the opportunity for getting the best wildlife images. Reasonable people know viewing ANY wildlife on these kinds of tours is never guaranteed. Weather, and the unpredictable nature of wild animals are all obstacles to a mere siting, never mind a thoughtfully composed image. We expected to see polar bears for sure, we knew the ice hadn’t frozen yet, and hopefully some sled dogs. Fortunately keen eyes, intimate knowledge of the area, and a solid sense of animal behavior can make a difference, and it sure did in our case. A grand slam of wildlife. Dozens of polar bears doing all the most photo worthy behaviors, plus arctic fox, red fox and snowy owl. (Oh and we had huge smiles after a visit to Gerard and Jenafor’s dog yard and took a sled ride!) We didn’t have just sightings though. Johnny positioned the trucks strategically to maximize the opportunity for excellent images while also respecting the lives of the wildlife we were viewing. It could mean passing on an excellent angle for just a good one, or leaving the area early because a mom and cubs were stressed after just avoiding a big male. It was the right approach, and often another great opportunity was right around the next bend. Overall an outstanding wildlife photography experience.
The second key area is the overall program that Johnny has built to facilitate your trip. From the time you leave Winnipeg until you return on the last day, all of the details that could distract from your photography experience are uniquely cared for. Uniquely because you are not on a tour, you’re here visiting family. A welcoming home, meals prepared with love, and the little niceties you do for family when they visit is how Johnny has assembled his team and built his business. This family delivers a highly professional approach to getting the best possible images, and approaches life in a way we all should aspire to. It was an honor to spend time with them. If you can find a spot on one of Johnny’s trips, book it. You’ll have no regrets.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mike Cox 
 
 
 
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This trip was truly unforgettable. Johnny, Gerald, Jenafor, Colin, and Victor created something far beyond a tour. Our group weren't photographers and didn't know what to expect, but their knowledge, care, and passion shaped every moment.
We arrived as the "Arctic Four" and left with memories that will last forever. A piece of me is still on the Churchill coastline, and our hosts are now part of our extended Arctic family. I'm already looking forward to going back. Their love for the tundra, Blue Sky, and the polar bears is contagious, and now it's ours too.
If you're considering it, GO....it's remarkable.  #ArcticFour
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ying Zhou 
 
 
 
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I would highly recommend this company. Johnny is a really good photographer and tour organizer. The whole experience is exceptional.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Amy Eskind 
 
 
 
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Johnny has a sixth sense for polar bears - he understands their behavior so well he can anticipate where they’ll be next. He also has the photography skills to set up the perfect background. Meanwhile, whether you’re with Johnny, Gerald, or Colin, you’ll travel around the scenic Arctic landscape of your dreams and peek in on momma bears and cubs cuddling up, juveniles play fighting, and massive male predators just being themselves.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Richard Thigpen 
 
 
 
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After researching the many tour operators in Churchill, I chose to go with Bear Witness Photo. What separates this tour apart from others, is that Johnny really cares about the safety of the bears and his guests. His knowledge of the area allows him to move his groups into the best spots based on the movement and positioning of the bears. There are other tour operators there that get you the pictures, but I guarantee you that the experience with Johnny will be much better. Each one of us had our own seat, window, and door. So, when it was time to photograph, we could easily get out quickly, and when it was time to get back in the truck, we didn't have to wait for anyone else and put ourselves in any danger with a bear approaching. Johnny really cares about and takes care of his guests. He gives you detailed packing guides and what to expect on the trip. He is overall a great human being, cares about the bears, his business, and shows his gratitude towards his guests. There is a reason he has repeat customers and I will definitely be one of them the next time I go to see polar bears.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Richa Sejwal 
 
 
 
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I cannot speak highly enough about Johnny and Bear Witness Photo - I would give a 10 star rating if I could. My week on tour was one of the most incredible weeks of my life - we had some amazing polar bear sightings (mums and cubs, playing bears, sparring bears) which made for stunning photographs. All wildlife viewing is ethical (Johnny never blocks the bear's path or harasses the bears in any way, and all viewing is from a safe distance to ensure the safety of guests and the bears). What also sets Bear Witness apart from other tour groups is Johnny's dedication to conservation (e.g. he takes all of the rubbish made over the tour out of Churchill). Johnny is a pro, has great knowledge of the area and has immense respect for the polar bears. In addition, he is a fantastic cook (he made us all 3 delicious meals a day for the duration of the tour) and goes out of his way to ensure all of the guests are comfortable and will go the extra mile to help in any way he can. He also has a great sense of humour! He also takes care of all the logistics (flights to Churchill, accommodation, food, transport) so you don't have to worry about anything. I had lots of fun and left the tour with some of the best memories and new friends, my only regret is that it didn't last longer. I will definitely be back one day to do another tour with Johnny! Thank you Bear Witness for everything!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Andrew Snow 
 
 
 
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I don't know where to start. I can't thank @bearwitnessphoto enough for the experience. I have so many beautiful winning images and great video. Johnny and his guides' detailed knowledge of photography, the land, bear behaviour, safety and conservation got us right where we needed to be to capture great moments and intimate portraits of these beautiful and deadly creatures. Johnny knew when to back off but also when to be patient. For example one day as the sun was setting, a mother and cub got up and walked away from where we and other groups had been photographing them huddled together.  The other groups left and Johnny guided us to a location where the bears stood on the ridge with the sun setting to their left so as to bathe them both in the golden light of sunset. The mother then climbed down, dug into the snow and proceeded to nurse the cub right there so that we had a view of the mother and cub's faces. I felt extremely privileged to be there, that this mother felt comfortable enough to let us in to this special moment, thanks to @bearwitnessphoto's expertise and patience.
This is one example of many great experiences every day with @bearwitness photo. I felt that Johnny and his team truly enjoy providing the best experience for me and the other guests. Add in the very comfortable accommodation with great food (Johnny can cook too!), and personal touch, and I can't imagine having a better experience  in Churchill.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
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