We received more tags for Polar Bear for FALL 2026
We have a 100% success rate on over 30 hunts and maintain an average of over 9 feet on big mature bears.
Hunt Location: Arviat, Nunavut (Western Hudson Bay)
It is common knowledge that the Western Hudson Bay coast has the highest density of Polar Bears on earth. These Bears congregate every year in Oct & Nov awaiting the sea ice to freeze so they can migrate to their winter grounds. Expect to see 5-10 bears per day. Please note that Polar Bears are not importable to the US at this time.
After 18 years of outfitting in the Canadian Arctic, Henik Lake Adventures is fully equipped to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hunting adventure. Communications on the hunt will include cell phones, Garmin In-reach devices and Starlink internet communications.
Why fall hunts?
You will see 80% more bears as compared to spring hunts and the temperatures are milder than spring hunts. The fall temperatures can be anywhere between 14 degrees F and –4F compared to -40 below temperatures in March.
We offer a hunt that starts right in prime Polar Bear country as you fly commercial (Calm Air) from Winnipeg to Arviat which is an Inuit community on the western shores of Hudson Bay with a population of 3000. No need to travel 100 miles or more and spend hours traveling by ATV, snowmobile or dog team just to get to an area to hunt.
Our Inuit guides are highly experienced; we have the most up to date equipment for this Arctic environment along with hearty home cooked meals. The ultimate Arctic Hunting Adventure is just around the corner as our first hunts start in October 2025.
Outfitter/Guide Details
Ryan St John has owned and operated Henik Lake Adventures since 2006, and has the highest success track record in Nunavut. Ryan will personally assist in conducting these hunts along with his most experienced guides. Ryan has been hunting in the Arctic for over 30 years and has extensive and intimate knowledge of both the land and animal behaviour.
Description of Hunt
This hunt will be conducted as “fair chase” and is 10 days in duration. Hunts can be done with bow, gun, or a combination of both, and is dependant on game situation. Comfortable camps are not traditionally experienced by Polar Bear hunters. For your comfort and safety, we have built an outpost hunting camp at “big river” 45 miles south of Arviat, Nunavut, in the heart of Polar Bear country. “Nanuk” is the Inuit name for Polar Bear. You will stay in a comfortable outpost camp with a kitchen/lounge/dining; generated electricity, diesel space heaters, shower stall and built-in toilet.
What’s Included in the hunt
- Round trip flights from Winnipeg to Arviat
- Accommodations and meals in Arviat and/or at our Big River Outpost Camp
- Fully guided 1 X 1
- ATV, UTV & Snowmobile usage including all gas/oil
- Licenses and all fees for Polar Bear
- Field care of your trophies including skinning and freezing
Not Included in Hunt Package
- Travel to and from your location to Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Meals and accommodations in Winnipeg or Southern stopover
- Gratuities
- Taxidermy charges
- Excess baggage fees, any costs incurred by delays due to weather or mechanical problems.
- Shipping of trophies to Winnipeg
Travel
You fly from Winnipeg to Arviat the day before your hunt starts. We will arrange to have you picked up at the Arviat airport, my cell no is 431-337-6839. You will overnight in Arviat at the Katimavik Suites hotel ( https://eplsgroup.com/katimavik-suites). The next morning, we will then load your gear onto ATV’s and UTV side by sides with heated cabs and head out to our big river outpost camp. We will be hunting along the way to the outpost camp.
The next 10 days are full hunt days with your guides. We will be up at 7:00 am each morning for breakfast. The hunt day start at first light which is approx. 8:30am. In my experience hunting in the Arctic over the past 30 years, mobility is the key to hunting success so we will be hunting many different areas depending on weather and movement of bears. We may travel up to 40 miles a day in search of BIG MATURE BOARS.
Please Note **Once an animal is wounded, every effort will be made to recover that animal. Regardless of the outcome, the tag will be considered filled for that animal. **
Winnipeg Hotels – We have secured special rates for our guests at The Grand and The Lakeview Signature Hotels, both of which are located a few short steps from the Winnipeg International Airport terminal. Both hotels have limited freezer service along with very nice restaurants and bars. We have secured a Preferred Corporate Rate for our guests at both hotels. The Grand has always been a little more expensive because it is considered a “boutique hotel,” The rate at this property is $220.00 per night. The Lakeview Signature Hotel (which is actually connected to the Grand is priced at $180.00 per night. Both are excellent choices that provide very convenient and close accommodation to the airport. Contact info for both hotels;
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel – 1-204-505-0145
Lakeview Signature Airport Hotel – 1-204-775-5222
***Although the above are very convenient, there are certainly more hotels to choose from near the Winnipeg Airport that can save you some money and most have shuttle service. Suggest you google these to find out current rates***
Taxidermy Services – Gates Taxidermy is our recommended taxidermist in Winnipeg. We have worked together with Trevor Gates for many years to handle all our clients’ trophies. Because there is no guarantee that your trophy will arrive back in Winnipeg when you do, Trevor is on call 24/7 to pick-up your trophy when it does arrive in Winnipeg. Trevor can provide the entire taxidermy solutions for your animal(s), or he can do what’s necessary to forward your trophy to a taxidermist of your choice. I would suggest you give Trevor a call prior to your trip to discuss costs and he can answer any questions that you have. If you want to make alternative arrangements with other Manitoba based taxidermists, this option is open to you as well.
Gates Taxidermy – 204-989-0188, email trevor@gatestaxidermy.com
Please note that Polar Bears are not importable into the US at this time.
Gratuities – Staying in line for what has been offered the guides in the past, the average gratuity is up to 15% of the package price per person, payable in cash, generally in the currency in which you reside. If you’ve enjoyed your Arctic experience that amount may increase.
Cell Phone/Communication – Depending on your cellphone provider, service is available while in Arviat. Once on the land, we will also have a Starlink system at The Big River Outpost Camp that will provide Wi-Fi access.
Payment and Deposit Terms
For current year bookings, a deposit equaling 50% of your total package price is due within 14 days of booking. Bookings will not be considered complete until the deposit and booking forms are received. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable All remaining balances are due in full August 1, the year of the hunt. Reservations made 90 days prior to the hunt; full payment of the total package price is due upon booking.
If you are booking a year in advance, a minimum deposit of US $15,000.00 is due within 14 days of booking. On January 31 (the year of the Trip Start Date), the deposit needs to be brought up to 50% of the total invoice amount. On Aug 1, (the year of the Trip Start Date) all final balances are due in full. If you are booking fewer than 90 days prior to the Trip Start Date, full payment of the total package price is due upon booking.
Henik Lake Adventures has been successfully outfitting in the Canada’s Arctic since 2006 and we are “Nunavut’s Most Trusted Outfitter”. Please contact Ryan directly by phone at 431-337-6839 or by email: ryan@eplsgroup.com
Thank you and we look forward to hunting with you.
Ryan St. John
Owner/Operator