Churchill, Manitoba, sits at the northernmost edge of the Arctic, where the barren tundra meets the icy waters of Hudson Bay. Every autumn, this remote town—reachable only by train or plane—transforms into the polar bear capital of the world. Visitors flock to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: polar bears gathering along the shore, eagerly awaiting the formation of sea ice to begin hunting.
For decades, the Tundra Buggy has been the vehicle of choice for these wildlife excursions. Part school bus, part off-road tank, these massive vehicles allow passengers a safe, elevated view of the tundra. But traditional Tundra Buggies ran on diesel, polluting a fragile ecosystem and creating engine noise that disturbed both wildlife and the serene Arctic environment.
Frontiers North Adventures, Churchill’s premier polar bear tour operator and a Certified B Corporation, decided to tackle the problem head-on. Their solution? The world’s first electric Tundra Buggy.
Developing a fully electric, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of withstanding extreme cold while carrying 40 passengers was no small feat. “There was no blueprint,” said Jessica Burtnick of Frontiers North. The team built the buggy from scratch, collaborating with Winnipeg electric bus manufacturer New Flyer—donating used batteries—and Red River College Polytechnic’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre, with funding from Manitoba’s Conservation and Climate Fund.
The result: a massive, battery-powered vehicle equipped for the Arctic environment. It can complete multiple daily tours over three days on a single charge, while keeping passengers warm, comfortable, and safe with panoramic windows, heating, and even onboard bathrooms—all without sacrificing sustainability.
The environmental impact is remarkable. Once the fleet of 12 Tundra Buggies is fully electrified, Frontiers North expects to cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 3,600 tons over 25 years. But the benefits go beyond emissions.
The most striking difference? Silence. Unlike diesel predecessors, electric Tundra Buggies glide across the tundra quietly, letting guests hear the crunch of snow beneath wheels, the distant flapping of bird wings, and the occasional muted sound of a passing polar bear. The reduced noise also minimizes disturbance to wildlife, creating a more respectful and immersive experience for both animals and visitors.
For Frontiers North, the electric Tundra Buggy is more than a technological milestone—it’s a badge of honor. This initiative reflects a genuine commitment to preserving Churchill’s unique landscapes and its iconic wildlife. As of 2023, two electric buggies are already operational, with plans to electrify the full fleet by the end of the decade.
Churchill is now setting a precedent for sustainable travel. In a world where climate change increasingly threatens polar bears and their habitats, innovations like this demonstrate that technology and conservation can work hand in hand. The electric Tundra Buggy isn’t just revolutionizing Arctic tourism—it’s helping ensure that these pristine landscapes and their legendary residents remain for generations to come.
