Like most wildlife photographers, a polar bear trip was on the top of my bucket list for many years. I routinely had daydreams of taking images of this majestic mammal in its natural habitat. And for me, photographing polar bears at eye level was the only way to go.”

Well, Alex from Discover Churchill made this dream a reality and I would without any hesitation whatsoever recommend him. In fact, I have several times and all returned as delighted as I was. You see, Alex is everything you would want in a polar bear guide and more. For starters, your safety is his prime concern. He has your back while your face is behind the camera. He understands the bear’s behavior and reads the situation around you in such a way that you always feel totally safe. Equally important, Alex gets you into position. In many instances, he anticipated the bear’s trajectory and relocated us to a prime location to get unbelievable images. His knowledge of the area really pays off. Of course, you spend a lot of time with your guide on these types of trips, so his personality should also be a key consideration. You will quickly discover Alex to be a very nice guy with an amazing sense of humor. He is definitely passionate for what he does, and has an undoubtable profound respect for these wonderful animals.

So if you are seriously considering a trip to the polar bear capital of the world, do not hesitate to reach out to Discover Churchill. I guarantee you will have a trip of a lifetime.

Jose Albero
@jose.albero_wildlife

In Nov. 2020 I headed back to Churchill, MB. for my 5th time in search of polar bears to photograph. In preparing for this trip I did my typical research along with reaching out to a couple of fellow photographers to get some insight into guide recommendations for the area. I needed a guide to get me out on the land safely while fulfilling my need of capturing beautiful images of the polar bear.

Research led me to Alex and Discovery Churchill and he didn’t disappoint. Pick up times were prompt and the days were filled with locating the bears in a safe and respectful manner. Alex communicated with his other drivers and guides to ensure that the area had eyes on it without having to needlessly race all over the area which would cause disturbance to the otherwise peaceful tundra along the shores of Hudson’s Bay.

Alex along with the keen eyes of his other guides ensured that we were able to photograph bears everyday while maintaining safe distances and protocols for both the photographers and the bears.”

Jonathan Hayward

@johnnyhaywardphoto

“Alex was my tour guide for several days in October, 2020. He is both professional and knowledgeable when it comes to polar bears and everything to do with Churchill, Manitoba. Further, Alex accommodated requests to the best of his abilities, and went beyond what I would have expected from another tour guide as a photographer. I honestly could not recommend anyone more, he’s such a personable and friendly individual, and maintains a great staff that reflects his values. This is the company you should be booking with.”

Alan Poelman

“I can’t say enough about the crew over at Discover Churchill! They were all amazing in so many ways. Their love for the Bears came through in every action and every word. You could tell this was more than just a job for them but a true calling. Norman with his hawk eyes spotting the slightest movement, Stephanie with her warmth and hilarious humour. Let’s not forget Alex with all of his knowledge, passion and dedication to his clients, team but most importantly the wildlife. Thank you for an amazing bucket list experience! Can’t wait for next year!!”

David Wilder
@davidwilderphoto

“Discover Churchill came highly recommended by renowned wildlife photographers that I respect for their work as well as their ethical conduct. Alex, being a photographer as well as guide, was able to read the bears, landscape, and light to give us the best photo opportunities to get our shots ethically. He respected the delicate landscape, and wildlife. Aside from a ton of bears we also had a bounty of beautiful opportunities with arctic, red, and cross foxes, ptarmigans, and an arctic hare. All the guides were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the interesting history of Churchill as well. Upon arriving at Churchill midday I received a text from Alex asking if I wanted to go look for bears, I was not scheduled to go out until tomorrow, and was pleasantly surprised by the genuine care of their team to provide the best Churchill experience. I truly cannot rave about this outfit enough.”

Jenny Wong

@jdubcaptures