{"id":876630,"date":"2025-09-25T04:31:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T03:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adventureworld.com\/blog\/?p=876630"},"modified":"2025-09-25T05:13:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T04:13:59","slug":"best-places-to-see-polar-bears-in-the-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventureworld.com\/blog\/best-places-to-see-polar-bears-in-the-wild\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Places to See Polar Bears in the Wild"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Roaming solo across the top of the world in search of food, mates and stable sea ice, the King of the <\/span>Arctic<\/span><\/a> is a symbol of both resilience and vulnerability \u2013 and, for many travellers, the sighting of a lifetime.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Today, Polar Bears International estimates there to be 22,000 to 31,000 left in the wild, and while you\u2019ll find <\/span>Ursus maritimus<\/span><\/i> \u00a0<\/span>across the Arctic<\/span><\/a>, the best places to see polar bears in the wild include Churchill and Nunavut in Canada, Norway\u2019s Svalbard archipelago and Greenland.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Get up close to a polar bear in these frosty hotspots and you\u2019ll see an apex predator purpose-built for its frozen realm: a thick layer of blubber for enduring sub-zero temperatures; black skin to harness sunshine; a dense coat to seal in heat; ripped limbs for swimming and climbing, and formidable claws for gripping the ice. Even though that ice is rapidly decreasing as the climate changes, travel with purpose can support the researchers and local communities at the frontline of their conservation to <\/span>MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae<\/span><\/a>. Here, your complete guide to where and how to do just that\u2026\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Polar bear in Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Churchill, Manitoba, Canada \u2013 The Polar Bear Capital of the World <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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On the permafrost banks of Hudson Bay in <\/span>Canada\u2019s<\/span><\/a> sub-Arctic northwest, <\/span>Churchill<\/span><\/a>\u2019s reputation for being the Polar Bear Capital of the World is well deserved. Each autumn, hundreds of Western Hudson Bay polar bears gather on the tundra close to town, waiting for the sea ice to form so they can return to hunting seals. Churchill\u2019s also where you\u2019ll find the field base for <\/span>Polar Bears International<\/span><\/a> \u2013 the global authority on polar bear research, conservation and education programs here \u2013 along with specialist tundra buggy tours for safe, close encounters with wild bears.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Much of the polar bear viewing takes place in the <\/span>Churchill Wildlife Management Area<\/span><\/a> and nearby <\/span>Wapusk National Park<\/span><\/a>, which also protects one of the world\u2019s largest known polar bear denning sites. If you visit in February, you might even see mothers and young cubs emerging from their snowy dens, while later, in summer, you may see them resting alongside the Churchill River estuary during the beluga whale migration, when thousands of these playful marine mammals come close to shore.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Meanwhile the town itself reflects the natural and peopled histories of the tundra. The <\/span>Itsanitaq Museum<\/span><\/a> showcases Indigenous carvings and artefacts, while the <\/span>Parks Canada Visitor Centre<\/span><\/a> explores the region\u2019s First Nations cultures \u2013 including Cree, Dene, and Inuit \u2013 along with Churchill\u2019s history as a Hudson\u2019s Bay Company fur-trading post. There\u2019s even a \u2018polar bear jail,\u2019 a holding facility for bears that wander too close to town before they\u2019re returned to the wild.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

With easy access and excellent viewing opportunities Churchill offers one of the<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/b>best places to see polar bears in the wild<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/b>\u2013 if not the very best.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Venture deep into the Churchill Wildlife Ma<\/span>na<\/span>gement Area and beyond on Adventure World\u2019s 6-day small group <\/span><\/span>Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Polar Bear with cubs in Manitoba<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Svalbard, Norway \u2013 Arctic Wilderness and Remote Beauty <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The <\/span><\/span>Svalbard archipelago<\/span><\/span><\/a> is a labyrinth of <\/span>frosty<\/span> fjords<\/span> and<\/span> sparse tundras, high above the Arctic Circle \u2013 and one of the<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>best places to see polar bears in the wild<\/span><\/span>. <\/span>That\u2019s<\/span> because <\/span>they\u2019re<\/span> relatively abundant<\/span> in the area \u2013\u202fthe Svalbard and Barents Sea subpopulation is estimated at around 2,500 to 3,000 bears, and the land and surrounding sea ice sustain them all year round. Breeding, hunting, and denning occur both onshore and on the shifting ice floes \u2013 females burrow on land while males roam, often <\/span>very far<\/span> out on the pack ice. <\/span>The prime season for viewing spans late spring through summer, when the midnight sun and receding ice set the scene for expert-led <\/span>small-ship <\/span><\/span>expedition cruises<\/span><\/span><\/a> and Zodiac excursions. To learn more about visiting Svalbard, check out our story, <\/span><\/span>How to Visit Svalbard: A Complete Travel <\/span>Guide.<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Polar Bear in Spitsbergen<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Nunavut, Canada \u2013 Remote Encounters and Inuit Culture <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Around seven times the size of New Zealand, <\/span>Nunavut<\/span><\/a> is Canada\u2019s largest and northernmost territory. It\u2019s home to most Canada\u2019s polar bears: of the 19 subpopulations country-wide, 12 fall within or overlap with Nunavut\u2019s boundaries, making it one of their most significant homelands. It\u2019s also here that the Arctic wilderness and rich Inuit heritage converge. The communities here maintain a profound respect for their four-legged neighbour \u2013 Nanuq, or Nanook, is held as a powerful spirit, a teacher of strength and survival. Through storytelling, elders pass down their knowledge of polar bear behaviours, hunting practices, and their spiritual meaning, a form of traditional knowledge known as <\/span>Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit<\/span><\/a>. This area is vast though, and while flights from Toronto connect to hubs like <\/span>Iqaluit<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Rankin Inlet<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Arviat<\/span><\/a> \u2013 where you can access remote lodges and tundra camps \u2013 <\/span>small-ship expedition cruises<\/span> through the <\/span>Northwest Passage<\/span><\/a> often pass through prime zones where bears roam sea-ice edges or coastal drift ice. While you might need to work a little harder to find the bears in this part of the world, the trade-off is a deeper immersion in Inuit culture for a more complete picture of life at Earth\u2019s end.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Explore Marine Conservation Areas and search for whales by ship and Zodiac alongside expert biologists and ecologists on our Into the Northwest Passage<\/a> itinerary. <\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Seek out the Polar Bears in Nunavut<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Greenland \u2013 Rugged Ice Fields and Untamed Arctic Landscapes <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The <\/span>planet\u2019s<\/span> largest island supports one of the world\u2019s healthiest polar bear populations: the Barents Sea, Davis Strait, and Baffin Bay subpopulations range into <\/span><\/span>Greenland<\/span><\/span><\/a>, with more than 7,000 individual animals moving as the sea ice advances <\/span>and <\/span>retreats <\/span>through<\/span>out the year.<\/span> B<\/span>ear viewing here is about embracing <\/span>the <\/span>remoteness. <\/span>Green<\/span>land spans some 2.1 million km\u00b2<\/span> but is <\/span>largely untouched<\/span>, so there are no roadside sightings; instead, most encounters happen on the water or on guided <\/span>trips with local Inuit operators. The town of Ittoqqortoormiit, on the <\/span>rugged <\/span>east coast near the edge of <\/span><\/span>Northeast Greenland <\/span>Na<\/span>tio<\/span>na<\/span>l Park<\/span><\/span><\/a>, is one of the best fly-in gateways. From here, spring dogsled journeys and summer boat tours venture into prime polar bear territory. On the west coast, settlements like <\/span><\/span>Sisimiut<\/span><\/span><\/a> and <\/span><\/span>Ilulissat<\/span><\/span><\/a> are better known for humpback whales and icebergs, but you might have some luck on expeditions into <\/span><\/span>Disko Bay<\/span><\/span><\/a> and its surrounds. <\/span>Small-ship<\/span> <\/span>expedition cruises<\/span><\/span> offer excellent opportunities for sightings<\/span> here<\/span>, too.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Best Time of Year to See Polar Bears <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Arctic\u2019s seasons shape the movements of its most iconic predator. In Churchill, the peak autumn viewing window falls between mid-October and mid-November, when hundreds of Western Hudson Bay polar bears gather along the coast, waiting for the bay to freeze so they can return to the ice and hunt. Summer brings a different experience: in July and August, bears are often seen resting along the shoreline, conserving their energy in a state biologists call \u2018walking hibernation\u2019, albeit in fewer numbers than in autumn. February offers rare opportunities to witness mothers and cubs emerging from their dens in Wapusk National Park.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Svalbard\u2019s bears are home all year round, but May to August has the best access via small-ship expedition cruises. Throughout Nunavut, the best time will depend on where you go. Spring (April-May) is prime for guided tours on the sea ice, while summer (July-September) brings sightings along coastal routes and Northwest Passage voyages.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

And in Greenland, <\/span>Ittoqqortoormiit<\/span><\/a> offers spring dogsled adventures (March-May) into prime polar bear habitat before the sea ice breaks up, while small-ship expeditions between July and September offer the best chances of seeing bears amongst the icebergs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Hoping to see beluga whales and polar bears on the same trip? Experience Churchill\u2019s summer wildlife on our stellar 6-day adventure<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Polar Bear Tours and Guided Expeditions <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The best wildlife encounters are as much about who you travel with as where you go. And when you book through trusted partners, you can MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae by ensuring the environments and communities at the frontline of Arctic conservation directly benefit from your visit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For example, when you visit Churchill on Adventure World\u2019s<\/span> Polar Bears at Tundra Buggy Lodge<\/span><\/a> journey, you\u2019ll tread lightly on the permafrost by staying in a \u2018lodge on wheels\u2019. You\u2019ll also learn more about the region from Polar Bears International\u2019s researchers and see bears living wild and free \u2013 all from the comfort of a purpose-built bear-watching buggy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Prefer a cruise? If you embark on a small-ship expedition voyage in Nunavut, Svalbard or Greenland with an operator that\u2019s a member of the <\/span>Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators<\/span><\/a> organisation (AECO) \u2013 like <\/span>National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Adventure Canada<\/span>\u00a0or <\/span>Hurtigruten<\/span> \u2013 you can rest assured your journey upholds their strict ethical and environmental guidelines. It also means travelling with an expert expedition team whose knowledge of polar bear behaviour, Arctic ecosystems, and safe operating practices keeps both wildlife and travellers well-protected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Responsible Wildlife Viewing: Safety and Ethics<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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While it\u2019s natural to get excited by unique souvenirs and potential photo opportunities, the bears\u2019 protection (and your own) always comes first. In some remote communities, you could see jewellery or carvings made with claws, fur, or other bear parts \u2013 these may be part of traditional Inuit culture and trade, but for both legal and ethical reasons you should always appreciate them as cultural artefacts, rather than buy them. Instead, direct your dollars to other handicrafts that reflect Inuit creative traditions, such as tapestries, hand-knitted clothing and paintings. <\/span>\u00a0
Ethics aside, the polar bear deserves our respect for being an apex predator at home in its natural habitat. So, always bear in mind that they can move almost silently and hit speeds of up to 40km\/h over short distances on land. The golden rule is to never wander off alone \u2013 always stick with your guides, because they\u2019re trained in bear behaviour and carry deterrents (including firearms) for extreme emergencies. Follow their instructions to the letter and they won\u2019t have to use them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

At sea, AECO-member expedition cruise lines adhere to strict rules on distances: they must stay 300m away from bears on land. If a bear is in the water, the vessel must stay 500m away: swimming expends far more energy than walking on ice, and prolonged disturbance can be life-threatening. By respecting these rules, you\u2019ll not only stay safe, but you\u2019ll also do your part to ensure these beautiful animals remain undisturbed in the habitat they depend on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Our 10-day Arctic Safari<\/a> journey features guided tundra hikes to view polar bears up close and personal.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What to Pack for a Polar Bear Viewing Trip <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Whether you\u2019re heading to Churchill in autumn, cruising Svalbard or Nunavut in summer, or venturing into Greenland\u2019s spring snowfields, dressing for polar conditions means layering up. Churchill\u2019s autumn season can bring daytime highs of around -7\u00b0C and lows of -20\u00b0C, while July and August average between 8\u00b0C and 16\u00b0C. Elsewhere in the Arctic, temperatures will differ slightly, depending on your where and when \u2013 but your layered approach will be the same.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Start with a merino or technical synthetic thermal base layer to wick moisture away from your skin. Add an insulating mid-layer, like fleece or ethical down (or both if it\u2019s really cold), and finish with a breathable, waterproof, windproof shell. Go for insulated boots with grippy soles, and accessorise with insulated gloves, a windproof beanie, neck gaiter, and polarised sunglasses. It\u2019s also worth packing rechargeable hand warmers, lip balm, sunscreen, and a weatherproof daypack \u2013 just don\u2019t be tempted to carry any food in it when you\u2019re out in the field, because even sealed snacks can attract bears. Learn more about exactly what to pack for the Arctic in <\/span>our complete guide<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Final Tips for Seeing Polar Bears in the Wild<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Get inspired before you go.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>

Attenborough docos such as <\/span>Frozen Planet<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Seven Worlds One Planet<\/span><\/a> bring the bears\u2019 realm to life, while <\/span>Unikkaaqtuat: An Introduction to Inuit Myths and Legends<\/span><\/i><\/a> by Neil Christopher is an excellent introduction to Inuit culture and storytelling.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Bring extra camera batteries.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>

Cold temperatures will quickly zap their power, so carry spares and keep them close to your body. Similarly, keep your phone in an inside mid-layer pocket, as your body heat will help preserve its battery life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Stay mindful.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>

During a bear sighting, speak softly, move deliberately, and always keep a respectful distance to ensure the encounter lasts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

And, above all, be patient.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>

Even with expert guides and the best planning, bears don\u2019t appear on demand. Your best bet is to go into the Arctic environment and view that as a reward in itself \u2013 you\u2019ll gain a deeper appreciation of the land and seas, of nature at its rawest. Anything else that happens is a bonus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook your ultimate polar bear adventure today.\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit Adventure World online to explore our complete collection of fully customisable Arctic wildlife journeys, or call our Destination Experts on 1300 363 055 (AU) 0800 238 368 (NZ) for bespoke holidays that MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae. \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView our Arctic Journeys\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Roaming solo across the top of the world in search of food, mates and stable sea ice, the King of the Arctic is a symbol of both resilience and vulnerability \u2013 and, for many travellers, the sighting of a lifetime.\u00a0 Today, Polar Bears International estimates there to be 22,000 to 31,000 left in the wild, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":876634,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":null,"ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":null,"ast-hfb-below-header-display":null,"ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":null,"ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":null,"stick-header-meta":null,"header-above-stick-meta":null,"header-main-stick-meta":null,"header-below-stick-meta":null,"astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[22934],"tags":[23253,441,23268,23156,23267,23269,23272,23270,676,23271,1979,23233,21596,22894,21597],"class_list":["post-876630","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guide","tag-canadian-wildlife","tag-churchill","tag-manitoba","tag-newfoundland-and-labrador","tag-nunavut","tag-polar-bear-capital-of-the-world","tag-polar-bear-tours","tag-polar-bear-viewing","tag-polar-bears","tag-polar-bears-in-the-wild","tag-spot-polar-bears-in-canada","tag-svalbard","tag-wildlife-experiences","tag-wildlife-spotting","tag-wildlife-tour","countries-canada","countries-greenland","countries-norway","regions-arctic","regions-nordics","regions-north-america","regions-northern-europe"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBest Places to See Polar Bears in the Wild<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Keen to see polar bears in their frozen habitats? 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