Polar bear mother and cubs, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

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A warm hug in a cold place. Polar bear season in Manitoba

On the shore of Hudson Bay, the Canadian town of Churchill in Manitoba is quite remote, but the seasonal sights that await are worth the trek. From beluga whales and northern lights to the shipwreck of the SS Ithaka and the Sea Walls murals, there's no end to the surprises you'll find here. Moreover, it's the ultimate polar bear hotspot, earning it the title of 'polar bear capital of the world'. From October to November, these white giants pass through, waiting for the sea ice to form so they can head out to hunt seals. Scared? Tourists can safely view polar bears from the comfort of custom vehicles. A so-called 'polar bear jail' is also maintained to manage bear-human interactions. So, are you ready for a wild adventure that'll send chills down your spine, but in a good way?