As we boarded a small, dilapidated plane in the remote northern reaches of Canada, a mixture of nerves and exhilaration churned within us. We were about to embark on an extraordinary journey to a camp along the Hudson Bay, where for the next five days, our primary hope was to encounter polar bears, the Arctic’s apex predators. This adventure had all the hallmarks of a spectacular wildlife experience; we had previously swum with orcas and visited wild gorillas, but we felt a unique thrill about this trip. Looking back upon our time in the Arctic Kingdom camp, it’s clear that this trip would surpass our expectations and deliver one of our most unforgettable adventures.
The Arctic Kingdom camp consisted of six cozy cabins situated along a well-known polar bear migration route. Our accommodations were delightfully decorated with polar bear-themed decor, adding a whimsical touch to the unique environment. The rustic camp experience was enhanced by quaint quirks, such as a metal mixing bowl serving as our sink and a shower that drew water from a nearby frozen river. Alongside our sleeping cabins was a communal cabin where we gathered for meals and relaxation. Just as we began to settle in, our excitement escalated when our guides informed us about a polar bear’s presence just outside the camp, a thrilling encounter that occurred just a mere ten feet from the safety of the fence.
Our Inuit guides, Moses and Cam, quickly educated us on how to safely manage our proximity to the polar bear, utilizing a ‘red light, green light’ method for our movements based on the bear’s actions. Within moments of this unexpected encounter, we found ourselves captivated as the polar bear examined our group with just as much curiosity. For thirty minutes, we stood awestruck, sharing a remarkable connection with this majestic creature, feeling its warm breath even as it frolicked in the snow. Just when we believed we might not encounter any further bears during our trip, another one appeared, reinforcing our newfound realization that we were situated on an informal polar bear highway.
Our days at the Arctic Kingdom felt like stepping inside a live-action documentary, with each morning starting with delicious breakfasts crafted by our chef, Mish. We fueled our adventures with a feast of fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict. Throughout our afternoons, we documented the various polar bears that traversed our camp while also sharing moments with an adventurous arctic fox that decided to linger nearby. As the numbness from the biting cold seeped into our fingers, we found ways to stay warm—hockey games outside the camp and relaxing by the fire with a hot bowl of soup and coffee in the common area.
On the second-to-last day, we experienced a magical moment when a mother polar bear appeared with her two cubs. Their curiosity was on full display as they ventured closer to our camp, their playful antics endearing them to us. We were mesmerized as the cubs rolled around in the snow, occasionally sharing a snack with their mother. Watching this beautiful family in their natural environment stirred an overwhelming mix of joy and awe within us. It was a poignant reminder of the preciousness of wildlife, and for Kara, tears welled in her eyes from the sheer magnitude of this captivating encounter.
As a fitting conclusion to our Arctic experience, we decided to take a polar plunge in the frigid waters of Hudson Bay. Having embraced this exhilarating tradition during previous trips to Antarctica and the North Pole, we welcomed the adrenaline rush that came each time. It felt like a perfect way to truly connect with the Arctic landscape and its wildlife. Our final night was accentuated by a stunning display of the northern lights, dancing vividly across the night sky. This breathtaking farewell from nature was a vivid highlight, making the cold worthwhile and leaving us with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for our experiences.
Reflecting on this unique journey, it’s astonishing how deeply impactful it was to encounter polar bears in their natural habitat. Each encounter and experience contributed to a narrative that was both exhilarating and humbling. The Arctic Kingdom offered not just an adventure, but a profound learning experience steeped in the magnificence of wildlife. We invite everyone to witness our documented journey through video, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary moments we experienced with the polar bears—an adventure we’ll cherish for a lifetime.
