Canada As You Like It Blog

10 Fast Facts About Polar Bears

Canada As You LIke It • 23 June 2020

Whether you are gearing up for a trip to the arctic, or just want to learn more about them, here are 10 facts about polar bears.


Whether you are gearing up for a trip to the arctic, or just want to learn more about them, here are 10 facts about polar bears.


1. The classic white bears are not really white.

Polar bears actually have black skin and hollow, colourless hair. Their hollow fur reflects light and traps the sun’s heat to help keep them warm.

2. Polar bears can overheat.

Though they are adapt to survive Arctic temperatures, which can dip below -50°C, they can also overheat. This becomes more of a risk when running and in the summer – when temperatures rise above freezing and up to 20°C.

3. Polar bears clean themselves by rolling in the snow.

Can you blame them for wanting to keep themselves clean? Staying clean also helps the insulating properties of their fur, so after feeding they will often freshen up by taking a swim or roll in snow. Rolling in the snow also helps cool them off when they get too hot.

4. They’re quick on their feet.

Polar bears can reach speeds of up to 40km per hour (25 mph) on land.

5. …and in the water.

Polar bears are also excellent swimmers and can comfortably swim around 10 km per hour (6mph). They use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. Their latin name actually means “sea bear”.

(FYI: You may even see them swimming on some of our tours).

6. Giants of the Arctic: Polar bears are the largest land carnivore.

Males can weigh more than 770 kg (1700 lbs).

7. The biggest threat to polar bears is shrinking sea-ice.

Climate change is causing sea-ice to melt earlier and forming later each year, which means that polar bears have less time to hunt on top of the sea-ice. The bears rely on this sea-ice as a platform to hunt sea prey like seals that come onto the ice and give the bear the advantage.


8. They have a very good sense of smell.

Polar bears can sniff out seals – their main food – from up to 1 km (0.6 miles) away and even under 1m (3 ft) of snow.


9. Polar bears in the wild can live up to 30 years.

Most polar bears live up to 15 – 18 years.

10. A female polar bear will have an average of five litters of cubs in her lifetime.

Two-thirds of polar bear litters are twins!

Thanks to Arctic Kingdom for providing this blog.

Yukon Uncovered: What’s New and Next

by Canada As You Like It • 29 July 2025
Nestled in the upper northwest corner of Canada, bordering Alaska, it is the country’s most accessible northern destination. Located partly in the Arctic Circle, this vast, untamed land is home to Canada’s highest peak at 5,959 metres, Mount Logan, and the world’s largest non-polar icefields in Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With nearly 80% of the region remaining pristine wilderness, you will discover soaring 5,000-metre peaks, sweeping forested valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of iconic wildlife. For those seeking adventure and awe-inspiring beauty, the Yukon offers an experience unlike anywhere else in North America.

Coastal Wonderland of Atlantic Canada

by Canada As You Like It • 24 January 2025
Atlantic Canada is a coastal paradise filled with breath-taking vistas, rich history, vibrant traditions, plentiful outdoor adventures, friendly local characters, and, of course, the freshest seafood. Explore New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, each offering its own distinct charm. Visit Atlantic Canada and discover the wonders of these provinces for yourself.

Our Top Ten Reasons To Visit Atlantic Canada 

by Canada As You Like It • 4 March 2024
Atlantic Canada, located in Eastern Canada made up of four provinces, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, is a coastal wonderland that enchants visitors with its breathtaking vistas, rich history, and vibrant traditions. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventure opportunities, while those seeking cultural immersion will encounter local characters and charming communities. And no visit to Atlantic Canada is complete without indulging in its world-renowned seafood, freshly harvested from the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Yukon 

by Canada As You Like It • 16 October 2023
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe, activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes for the perfect fly-drive holiday.

Saskatchewan, The Land of Living Skies

by Canada As You Like It • 16 August 2023
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.

Ottawa Is The Place to Explore

by Canada As You LIke It • 24 July 2023
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.

British Columbia a place like no other 

by Canada As You Like It • 22 June 2023
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.

Saskatchewan - Always Serving Up Something Good

by Canada As You Like It • 24 April 2023
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!

Canada’s Alberta: From lakes to mountains.

by Canada As You Like It • 27 March 2023
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.

Yukon In The Summer 

by Canada As You Like It • 31 January 2023
Yukon is an amazing destination in summer or winter. Here’s our top suggestions of things to do in summer: