The main reasons to stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge is for the opportunity to be overnight in the vicinity of polar bears and to avoid a daily, bumpy 90-minute trip from a Churchill motel to the bears and another 90-minute ride back to town. This is a wilderness experience, so expect only basic accommodations.

The lodge consists of specialized modules that stretch for about 300 feet on huge wheels, safely above a polar bear's reach, on the tundra. Each module is hauled out by a tundra buggy at the beginning of the polar-bear season to be hitched to another module. There are two sleeping compartments with bunk beds. One holds 18 passengers and the other holds 20. Each compartment has two flush toilets and one shower. A lounge car (complete with wi-fi) allows socializing, and there is a dining/kitchen car. A tundra buggy dock allows guests to exit from the buggy via its viewing deck into the first sleeping compartment. Thus, no one ever steps on land. For your stay (and safety), you are either in the buggy or in the lodge. I'm an extremely active person so I found it confining to be in such close quarters for about 48 hours.

Re the sleeping compartments, bunks with curtains that can be pulled for privacy, line both sides of a very narrow corridor. Taller people can request one of the few longer bunks. A narrow ledge by each bunk allows storage for small items and there is space for luggage under each bottom bunk. A good light illuminates the bunk area and offers a plug to recharge camera batteries. I found my bunk to be firm and comfortable, but my pillow offered little support. The sheets proved to be coarse and scratchy, but the one blanket provided the necessary warmth for two nights. A corridor closet holds additional blankets for those who need them.

I heard much activity throughout both nights. This included regular toilet use (have to pump the toilet to get water into it before each use) and a chorus of snorers. In the morning, the other guests seemed to have set alarm clocks at 15-minute intervals, as alarms kept going off regularly and started early. Alas, my bunk was located right by the doors to a viewing deck between one sleeping compartment and the next. Guests pushed open the doors, causing a loud bang and a rush of cold Arctic air in my direction. When booking, I recommend requesting a bunk away from the doors. The lodge offers earplugs.

One of the toilets in my compartment smelled strongly of urine after the first night and only got worse for the rest of the stay. The other toilet and the shower area remained fine, though, and the lodge provides each guest with a decent hand and bath towel.

Breakfast consisted of cold and hot items and tea or weak coffee. One night we had excellent bison lasagna for dinner and the other night, flavorless Arctic char. The scrumptious homemade desserts provided a highlight each evening. When returning from a day in the tundra buggy, snacks and boxed white and boxed red wine awaited us. When out in the buggy, a morning coffee break always meant home baked cookies (one each) and coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Lunch in the buggy consisted of soup and make-your-own sandwiches.

Unfortunately, the dining room did not have enough space to hold all the guests. Staff would ask for a few volunteers to eat in the lounge. Our group had bonded well so we missed those who could not join us in the same area for a meal. Three friendly, hard-working staff members worked in the lodge as did our driver/guide after his day in the buggy.

Though many people report on the fun of seeing bears while in the lodge, I saw none from that vantage point. So hope for sightings while lodge dining or socializing, but be prepared to only have that experience when out in the tundra buggy. You will see polar bears from the buggy during the day and other wildlfe, such as foxes, owls and hares.

I did this trip during the third week of October and it was still too warm for large numbers of bears to have gathered in the area. We saw seven bears but no cubs and no playful juveniles. I was told that this had been the same situation at this time last year. Thus, I suggest that potential visitors consider going in early November if that works with their schedule and budget.

I read all the reviews before booking Tundra Buggy Lodge and I wish TripAdvisor had more than 5 stars to use for rating. My trip was October of 2011, and it was well worth the money. I did a 3 day Adventurer Level tour, and we were out on the tundra in the buggy about 8 hours each day. At times it was slow, but each day there were spectacular photo opportunities. You have to remember that polar bears are very solitary and it’s unusual to see more than one at a time, but when you find one, you may stay with that bear for an hour. We lucked out and had 4 at once with a little drama between them. We also had bears that stood up and leaned on the buggy each day out….bonus! Our driver, Bob, was very knowledgeable and an outstanding animal advocate. We did not have snow on the ground for 2 of our days, but still got superb close up shots of the bears. Saw lots of Arctic foxes, Arctic Hares, and silver foxes.
You definitely need to bring earplugs. They have the foam kind at the Lodge, but for me the best ones are the wax variety like Macks. You can get them at CVS or Walgreens, etc. The sleeping bunks are noisy because of the wind, doors at the ends being opened and closed (at all hours) and the toilets flushing. The water heater also cycles on and off so that’s noisy as well. You won’t sleep the first night, but you probably will the others. We were so excited about the bears and being out in the middle of nowhere that we were up most of the 1st night. The bunks are very firm, pillows not terrific. You might want to bring a pillow. The big guys in our group did get warm in the bunks, but all the small women were cold and needed another blanket. Northern Lights are possible year round when there is a clear sky. We got them the last night and everyone was going through the doors in the middle of the night to view them. Food is incredibly good and plenty of it. Very, very fresh and unusual….bison lasagna, elk kabobs. Fresh veggies and salads, homemade desserts. Huge hot and cold breakfasts. Lunch out on the buggy is homemade soup and sandwiches.

Your feet don’t touch the ground from the moment you get on the buggy to go out to the Lodge until you return. You can wear comfortable shoes the whole time you’re out on the buggy or at the Lodge. However, you definitely will need boots for the time you are in Churchill. It is very cold and there is a good chance you’ll have snow on the ground. You walk everywhere in town, and the wind is bitter. You’ll also need a very warm ski jacket/hat/ gloves for the buggy because when a bear appears, all the windows come down. The routine seemed to be that the people on the “bear” side of the buggy would just stand up and lower their windows to hang out the side and get great shots. The others on the non bear side would either run back to the viewing platform on the back of the buggy or wait until an opening on the “bear” side. Our group was pretty generous with trading out so everyone got a good chance at bear photos. Also, much of the time, the bears are interested in us, too. They literally will circle the buggy so everyone gets a good shot. They’ll sit down, lie down, get back up, stand up and lean on the buggy. Amazing!!!

There was a presentation every night, but my friend and I were so tired after dinner that we went to the bunks and missed that. There is wine provided in the Lounge each night along with hors d’oeuvres . There IS wireless internet now in the Lodge…out in the middle of the tundra!

Our group of 32 represented 6 countries (Spain, U.K., Australia, USA, Italy, Japan) and all of us had been on many adventure trips around the world. You will get great tips for future trips from all the world travelers in your group. I rate this just behind my trips to Africa (which were incredible)…..and that’s only because this was a short trip. It truly is a trip of a lifetime if you love wildlife and adventure.

Here is the bear truth. The Tundra Buggy Lodge is not the RItz Carlton..why would you even expect that given where you are headed? The experience from Winnipeg to Churchill via air is unremarkable. The bus transfers are standard as is the shopping in Churchill for Polar Bear themed purchases, but once you transfer to the Tundra Buggy heading out on to the frozen tundra trails (former US Military trails - a great form of sustainable tourism use!) you are on your way to the adventure of a lifetime. And I want you to know, as a profession I am a 30 year seasoned hotelier who has managed some upscale boutique hotels. When I travel, I am ultra picky about where I go and where I stay. As the member of a group of people who were looking to collaborate in a unique setting on an emerging business model, I was unsure as to what to expect. Recent reviews on trip advisor really didnt give me what I was looking for - so here is my best attempt at being honest with you. The Tundra Buggy's are big machines that bounch you around like you are in a fun house of sorts. The drivers are experienced and safety in everything that is done both for yourself and for the bears is foremost in the minds of the staff. So if, per chance you are going to be in a needy state of mind, versus, the mind of the explorer...change gears! Nothing and I mean nothing should prevent you from having a wonderful time with Tundra Buggy Tours...Once you arrive at the Lodge..you will find you are in a camp of sorts. Give up your need to be pampered and spolied at the local spa and realize you are in a social experience with other from around the globe - here to celebrate the beauty of the North and the majestic Polar Bear. You will bunk with others, 2 bathrooms per 16 per cabin, 2 bathrooms one common shower, you must use the water sparingly. For the first time in my adult life I didnt shower for 2 days! (only a sponge bath). I slept in the top bunk and that meant I had to climb up and down to use the bathroom a few times in the night. Big deal. The wind blew...yes, it blew so hard that on occasion our door blew open in the night...if people were cold they got an extra blanket. the bunks are comfortable but the space is cramped...but for the love of it all...you're in a different world..put away all your social norms on Hotel living and go back to your childhood...or maybe you are up for a real adventure...You will meet people from around the world...some young..some old..all with interesting reasons why they made it their life quest to come and see the Polar Bears! The meals were healthy and delicious. BYOB...and behave..you are in a special kind of living. Be quiet when you get up in the morning, others are sleeping, help out around the place and dont waste..this is an intimate chance to see one of the great wonders of the world. The Polar Bear - in its natural setting - playful, hopeful, watchful...on the move and in their glory...
So bring your biggest and best camera...be a great ambassador of the globe coming to the Tundra Buggy Lodge with your best attitude about the fact that while it may not be the Ritz it is more special in that you will walk away enriched, enlightened and blessed by the beauty of minimalistic living in the frozen arctic...

Well, as there are only 2 outdated reviews for the Tundra Buggy Lodge on TripAdvisor, I can see that it's high time for an update...

We just got back from a 5 night stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge at "Polar Bear Point" near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. I will say at the outset that this is an adventure, more than a hotel stay. As far as the adventure end of it (and the setting) it's a 5-star experience. The actual accommodations are more of a 3-star rating. However, I thought the experience was excellent, and well worth any minor annoyances of staying in bunk beds, so I'm rating the whole experience as 4-stars.

We booked a 7-day "Nature Specialist" trip with Tundra Buggy. This consisted of 1 day of travel (from our US hometown to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where we stayed overnight in private rooms at the Sheraton Four Points). Once in Winnipeg, we had a get-acquainted dinner that with our 17 fellow Naturalists, as well as the 18 "Photo Specialists" (once you get out to the Lodge, the next day, each group stays in its own sleeping car at the lodge.) On day 2 we flew by private charter plane to Churchill, Manitoba (a 1 hour 40 minute flight), and spent a half day in Churchill. Then we caught a bus to the Tundra Buggy pick-up point, then transferred to an actual Tundra Buggy. Transit time from the small town of Churchill to the Tundra Buggy Lodge: 2 hours. We were at the Lodge for 5 nights (with 4 full days of seeing the bears, 8 hours per day). On day 6 we drove back to Churchill for 1/2 day, then flew back to Winnipeg. On day 7 we flew back to our home in the US (from Winnipeg, Manitoba).

The "Lodge" is really 6 mobile Tundra Buggy units that are strung together like a train (see photos). The living quarters remain stationary throughout your visit. Mobile units dock at the lodge, to pick up guests and take them out on the tundra to see the bears. The Lodge experience is very similar to being on an unmoving train, and the sleeping quarters are similar to a Pullman car. There are two dorm cars (sleeping cars with bunk-beds, 20 beds in each car), one lounge car, one dining car, a kitchen and staff sleeping quarters. The beds in the bunks are comfortable enough... better than those at the average summer camp. Each bunk is equipped with a small window, a set of curtains for privacy, and an overhead light for reading. Also, an outlet is provided in your bunk space (for charging camera batteries, running your laptop, etc.) Also, there is a shelf that runs the length of the bunk for storing essentials, and storage space for your luggage under the bunk. Each of the sleeping cars has 2 flush toilets and one shower with nice, hot water. Please note that the toilets on the Tundra Buggy sleeping quarters have been updated... they are no longer the "long-drop" (port-a-potty) style, but they are now flush toilets that are clean and have very little smell. (I did not notice any smells at all, and I was a bit worried about this after reading the 2 other [outdated] reviews on TripAdvisor). Guests are requested, for both eco- and sharing reasons, to take short showers. All the train cars are warm and cozy, and we were certainly never cold inside the Lodge. In fact, at night on the first night, I was actually a little too warm!

There is no Internet service at the Lodge, and in fact, no phone service either. They do have communication with Churchill via satellite phone. There is a hospital in Churchill in case of emergencies.

After you return from the Tundra touring each day (at about 4pm) red and white wine and hors d'oeuvres are served in the Lounge Car. There is also plenty of bottled water on hand, and the water in the taps at the Lodge was great... sparkling clear spring water.

The food at the Tundra Buggy lodge was quite decent, especially considering that all food has to be flown in from Winnipeg, then driven out to the Lodge by Tundra Buggy, and the Lodge is a 2-hour drive from Churchill. (Add to that, that both the Tundra Buggy Lodge and the town of Churchill either fly out or ship by train all of their garbage and recycling.)

Dinner entrees at the Lodge included bison bolognaise, baked fish, elk kabobs and chicken Kiev. Dessert is also served -- the carrot cake was superb! Breakfast is usually around 7am, and is hearty and filling (toast, eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc). Mid-morning coffee, tea or hot chocolate is served on the (mobile) Tundra Buggy, and is repeated in the mid-afternoon, usually along with delicious fresh-baked cookies. Lunch is also served on the mobile unit, and is usually a piping hot (and delicious) soup, followed by a make-your-own sandwich. To be honest, the biggest concern at the Tundra Buggy Lodge is eating too much!

After dinner each evening there is a lecture/presentation. For example, one night the Photographic Specialist in residence (National Geographic freelancer Daniel J. Cox) gave us a presentation on nature photography, and one night a man from the World Wildlife Fund came to educate us about the plight of polar bears in Canada.

The deal at the Lodge is that you are staying here so that you can maximize your time seeing and photographing bears. Tours are arranged so that you are on the mobile Tundra Buggy (tdriving all around the area near by the Lodge... roughly a 2-mile radius) for around 8 hours a day, from 8am to 4pm. Also, there are polar bears wandering around the Lodge itself 24/7. Once you get into the Tundra Buggy (a 1/2 hour bus-ride from Churchill) you never set foot on the ground till you come back to Churchill. Be aware that yes, you will likely be a bit more comfortable for sleeping arrangements in Churchill proper, but then you have to drive 2 hours each day TO the tundra (and the bears) and then 2 hours BACK to Churchill to get back to your hotel. So, instead of seeing bears for 8+ hours a day (at the Lodge), you would see bears for a maximum of 4 hours a day & you'll spend 4 hours a day in transit (if you stay in Churchill at a hotel). Also, be aware that if you are interested in photography, you will not get any of the early morning or late afternoon good lighting for photos if you stay in town.

The whole point of being at the Tundra Buggy Lodge is NOT to revel in posh accommodations... it is the rare and wonderful opportunity to see polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares, ptarmigans and snowy owls up close and personal. There is probably no where else on earth that you can get this same experience. Yes, you can see polar bears at Svalbard (Norway), but you cannot get very close to them. We had polar bears, at times, only a few feet away from us, but we were never in any danger, as the Tundra Buggy is higher than a polar bear can reach.

During the day you are out on the mobile Tundra Buggy seeing and photographing the bears. I found this to be a very comfortable experience. The mobile Tundra Buggy is much wider than a regular bus, with seats and windows on each side. A toasty heater is fired up in the back (which looks like a gas fireplace), and keeps the vehicle plenty warm. There is a toilet on board, with a plastic bag attached to collect waste. Yes, it is similar to a port-a-potty, and I noticed that the staff worked very hard to keep this room smell-free (they refreshed the toilet several times a day a liquid deodorizer.) I never noticed any bad smells from the toilet in the mobile unit. At the back of the mobile tundra buggy is a sort of unroofed (open air) viewing deck for getting a different view of the tundra and the animals (see photos). If you are on the Naturalist tour, you will have a Naturalist guide on board to answer questions about the animals, their behaviors, and to provide some informative short lectures. If you are on the Photographic tour, you will have a Photo Specialist on-board to answer your questions about photography, and provide tips and tricks for white-on-white photography and photo composition.

There are 2 different tour companies that do a Lodge experience at Churchill: Tundra Buggy and Great White Bear Tours. Tundra Buggy was there first, and therefore has the prime Lodge spot at Polar Bear Point (further out on the Tundra, and better potential to have more bears around you.) Be aware that polar bears are heavily discouraged in Churchill, so if you are staying in Churchill, odds are you will almost certainly not see a bear there. If a bear is caught near the town, it is rounded up and placed in the "polar bear jail" -- an old military bunker. Bears are kept here until they can be flown out of the area. This action is taken to discourage bears from coming into town, and thereby minimizing bear/human contact. If a bear attacks a human, it must be killed. Obviously, Churchill wants to minimize anything like that, and they have worked hard to find a balance.

We booked a helicopter tour through Tundra Buggy Lodge, and that was a terrific experience. We had a 1 hour tour out over the tundra, the ice forming on the Hudson Bay, and a short way inland, where we saw a silver fox and a number of moose.

Our Tundra Buggy driver was excellent (thanks, Trevor), as was our Naturalist Guide (fantastic job, Angele). The 2 women who run the kitchen did a super job in a tight spot (awesome job, Julie and Bree!)

If you are interested in seeing polar bears in their natural environment, the Tundra Buggy Lodge is the place to do it. Estimates are that polar bears will no longer exist in Churchill in 30 years, probably much less than that. We purchased our spots 1 year in advance (on the day tickets were available), and with only limited spots, the Tundra Buggy is always sold out far in advance.

Yes, it is expensive, but it's a trip of a lifetime.

(Please do not use the attached photos without my permission.)