Hudson Bay Helicopters
Hudson Bay Helicopters
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Hudson Bay Helicopters
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
35 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Nuclear O
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed our helicopter tour. The ride was very smooth and we were able to see many polar bears and cubs at Cape Churchill. The pilot did a great job circling so everyone could see and also told us about the landmarks as we flew over them. Definitely recommend if you want to be assured of seeing polar bears in the summer.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hawaiian Canuck
Vancouver, Canada2,079 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Since Churchill is small and isolated (only accessible by plane or train), the only way to see the town surroundings is to take a helicopter. Hudson Bay Helicopters were right next to our Lazy Bear Lodge accommodation so we booked a sightseeing flight for our second day. Fantastic!
Our group of 6 took two helicopters and we flew south to a polar bear denning site. We landed and walked over to a den where a mother polar bear and babies had used the previous summer/winter. It was located on the sloped riparian area of the Hudson River. After the quick visit we re-boarded our helicopters and flew northeast to the Hudson Bay coast to see if we could find any polar bears sleeping on the shore. Sure enough we found about 8 or 9 in three different locations. We also saw mum and her two cubs out on the beach. Many are resting up and still living off their fat reserves. As it was only early September, they are not a problem as they are during the busy October/November tourist season. We flew
Around them at around 300-400 feet high and we got some great photos. We then flew back to Churchill past the famed Ithaca shipwreck and the Miss Piggy Curtiss C-46 plane crash site to home base. We would have never been able to see and experience all that we did any other way. Expensive but totally worth it. Must do.
Our group of 6 took two helicopters and we flew south to a polar bear denning site. We landed and walked over to a den where a mother polar bear and babies had used the previous summer/winter. It was located on the sloped riparian area of the Hudson River. After the quick visit we re-boarded our helicopters and flew northeast to the Hudson Bay coast to see if we could find any polar bears sleeping on the shore. Sure enough we found about 8 or 9 in three different locations. We also saw mum and her two cubs out on the beach. Many are resting up and still living off their fat reserves. As it was only early September, they are not a problem as they are during the busy October/November tourist season. We flew
Around them at around 300-400 feet high and we got some great photos. We then flew back to Churchill past the famed Ithaca shipwreck and the Miss Piggy Curtiss C-46 plane crash site to home base. We would have never been able to see and experience all that we did any other way. Expensive but totally worth it. Must do.
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucyan
Seattle, WA1,283 contributions
Nov 2022
Had a great time on helicopter tour on sunny day from Churchill. We saw a lot of bears and the whole Hudson Bay with several landmarks. The Ithaca ship is a must see. Wish we could fly much further into the Hudson Bay to see more of the area and more polar bears that already ventured on the ice.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAMAN1951
Liberty Lake, WA8,939 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Great way to experience the tundra.
Saw a number of polar bears as well as red foxes.
The Ithaca was something to see as well.
Very informative and friendly pilot.
Don’t miss this.
Saw a number of polar bears as well as red foxes.
The Ithaca was something to see as well.
Very informative and friendly pilot.
Don’t miss this.
Written November 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul R
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
You've come this far, go on the flight. Great pilot, very informative. Asked for our comfort level, all three of us experienced with rotor wings, great photo platform and fun flight. Only way to see the Park
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Mount Wolf, PA134 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
What an amazing flight with Hudson Bay Helicopters and our pilot Justin who was just wonderful. There were four of us and we NEVER imagined we would see the sights Justin showed us. In our hour flight we counted forty seven bears and approximately a dozen moose including three large bulls which were hanging around in a patch of forest near Norton Lake. Even though we saw other bears on the ground during our stay in Churchill, in my eyes this flight was the highlight of our trip..
Written December 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPORD
Chicago, IL279 contributions
Jul 2017
I took a bear viewing ride with Hudson Bay Helicopters on July 26, 2017.
The view along the way to Cape Churchill in Wapusk National Park was stunning. But the bear viewing was highly disturbing to me and especially to the bears.
All together we saw possibly 5 or 7 bears including mothers with their grown cubs. When the first two bears saw us approach, they took off and ran into the water as fast as they could all the while turning around to look at the helicopter again and again. It was obvious that they were distressed and terrified of us. I said to the pilot that we should not harass the bears like that, but he replied that the bears were not bothered at all and continued to chase the bears into the water, then swung the helicopter around to allow the passenger on the other side of the helicopter to photograph the bears.
All the bears we saw subsequently reacted to the helicopter. They all stood up, and swung around to look at us and tried to move away as we flew toward them and circled them. By then I was too sick in the stomach from the swooping and turning I could not say another word.
Afterwards, looking at my photos, I found that all the bears had their mouth wide open; they must be roaring with distress and fright.
On the way back to the helipad, the pilot swung over the river to let us see beluga whales. This time he flew way above the river in order not to disturb the kayakers. I found it sad that he had not shown equal concerns for the bears. It also distressed me that I took part in terrorizing these magnificent creatures.
I reported the incident to Parks Canada. I hope that the authority will prevent this kind of wildlife disturbance from happening again.
The view along the way to Cape Churchill in Wapusk National Park was stunning. But the bear viewing was highly disturbing to me and especially to the bears.
All together we saw possibly 5 or 7 bears including mothers with their grown cubs. When the first two bears saw us approach, they took off and ran into the water as fast as they could all the while turning around to look at the helicopter again and again. It was obvious that they were distressed and terrified of us. I said to the pilot that we should not harass the bears like that, but he replied that the bears were not bothered at all and continued to chase the bears into the water, then swung the helicopter around to allow the passenger on the other side of the helicopter to photograph the bears.
All the bears we saw subsequently reacted to the helicopter. They all stood up, and swung around to look at us and tried to move away as we flew toward them and circled them. By then I was too sick in the stomach from the swooping and turning I could not say another word.
Afterwards, looking at my photos, I found that all the bears had their mouth wide open; they must be roaring with distress and fright.
On the way back to the helipad, the pilot swung over the river to let us see beluga whales. This time he flew way above the river in order not to disturb the kayakers. I found it sad that he had not shown equal concerns for the bears. It also distressed me that I took part in terrorizing these magnificent creatures.
I reported the incident to Parks Canada. I hope that the authority will prevent this kind of wildlife disturbance from happening again.
Written October 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lica_alisa
San Francisco, CA243 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We came to Churchill on November 14. To our disappointment the ice froze earlier and all bears went away to hunt in Hudson Bay. We didn’t see any bears around Churchill, so the helicopter ride was our last chance to find any. Fortunately we spotted a couple of bears after flying about 30 min. There was even a kill site - bunch of blood and parts of a seal - scary, but interesting. However it was hard to see the bears because the helicopter was changing sides back and worth so we all could take a look. Also helicopters are not allowed to get closer than 300 feet to the bears, so we were pretty far away. We only spent several minutes looking at them because we needed to let the other 3 helicopters to see the site. The other disappointment was that the back seat windows were covered with ice. Somebody scrapped the ice off a bit, but it was completely impossible to take a decent photo or video in the back. Instead of enjoying the views we were trying to clean the windows. For such high price it shouldn’t be like that. They should have a scrapper at least. Meanwhile the front seat window was completely clear, not to mention spectacular view that lucky person got. Another thing that bothered many people in our group was the woman that checked us in. Even when our group leader said that he’s going to take care of gratuity for the pilots, she kept suggesting that we also should tip them individually - this is turn off! Pressuring people into tipping is never good move.
The bay covered with ice was quite spectacular! Maybe if we saw more bears we would enjoy it more, but overall this experience did not live up to our expectations. Our one hour helicopter ride cost over $1000 for two of us. Quite pricey, right?
If you decide to do it, grab a front seat.
The bay covered with ice was quite spectacular! Maybe if we saw more bears we would enjoy it more, but overall this experience did not live up to our expectations. Our one hour helicopter ride cost over $1000 for two of us. Quite pricey, right?
If you decide to do it, grab a front seat.
Written November 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SharnRol
Park Rapids, MN566 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
On our 1st afternoon in Churchill, we took advantage of the Hudson Bay Helicopters one hour tour to see the local community, the bay and part of Wapusk National Park & our 1st chance to see polar bears. It was an outstanding way to be introduced to the area. Our pilot Gerald, provided the gentlest helicopter ride that we've been on. Contrary to other reviews, our ride did nothing to bother the wildlife, we found our pilot to be very respectful of the habitat. Gerald's eagle eyes were able to spot bears cooling (waiting for the sea ice to form up) laying in the brush, out wandering along and displaying some of their sparing skills. The flight was well worth the investment... creating lasting memories from the Churchill area.
Written November 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovetotravelfamily4
Chicago, IL543 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We were there to see the whales and if we saw some bears we were going to consider it a bonus. The cost is high for the helicopter, but everything in this remote location is. I struggled with the decision to spend the money, but don’t regret it. The ride was great, we saw so much and it was a highlight of our trip. The pilot was excellent and very respectful of the animals and other tourist that were in the area. I would suggest this tour to anyone.
Written November 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For those who have sat in the back seat ... could you get photographs of the bears? Also, how were the views?
Written October 26, 2019
You could take pictures, but for a good one, you would need a zoom. Very nice view and perspective of the area from the air.
Written October 27, 2019
I can't find it anywhere, what did the tours actually cost?
Written May 20, 2018
Debbie H
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The two of us will be there in a couple of months.
• Are helicopter reservations required in advance or can we make our decision to go at the last minute?
▪ How long does the tour last?
Written August 28, 2017
you can decide last minute. There are some companies. This company takes you how long you want. 1h - 4h but in different rates. Have fun!
Written August 29, 2017
How frequently do the tours go and what is the cost per person
Written October 26, 2016
Several tours per day. $550 CAD/ person but needs minimum of 2-3 passengers to fly. Weather dependent so flights may be mover earlier or later or even cancelled.
Written November 8, 2016
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