I've always wanted to see a polar bear in the wild and Churchill, Manitoba is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” But getting there from my home in Quebec to Churchill, Manitoba, wasn't exactly simple.
Because Sparky, my guide dog, is a large dog, I choose not to travel by plane. Instead, our journey took us by bus, train, overnight stays, and several days on VIA Rail before we finally reached Churchill.
Whether he's finding my hotel room, my seat on the train, or navigating an unfamiliar place, Sparky quietly keeps us on track. I simply couldn't have taken this trip without him.
Throughout the journey, we experienced incredible kindness. VIA Rail attendants checked in before every stop so Sparky could stretch his legs, dining staff made room for him under the table, and hotels gave us easy access to outdoor spaces for his comfort.
Churchill was unlike anywhere I'd ever been. Polar bears really are everywhere! The hotel even provided us with a cowbell to carry whenever we went outside because bears regularly wander through town. Despite all the excitement, Sparky stayed completely focused.
Before the trip, I called a local polar bear tour company to ask if they'd be willing to take “a blind guy and his guide dog.” The owner replied, “We don't get too many blind guys up here with dogs.”
Not only did they welcome us, but after an unforgettable day searching for bears, they surprised me by refusing payment. They wanted Sparky and me to experience Churchill as their guests. It was a gesture I'll never forget.
Sparky is always opening doors for me, sometimes literally, but more often through the people we meet along the way.
One of my favourite travel moments happened on the train ride home. A group of excited children spotted Sparky and filled the lounge car with noise. I joked that if one of the older kids could get everyone to sit quietly, they'd get to pet him first. Amazingly, it worked. One by one, each child came over to gently pet Sparky while he sat calmly, out of harness and taking it all in. For a few minutes, he brought complete strangers together with nothing more than his quiet presence.
My trip to Churchill showed me that with a guide dog by your side and people who are welcoming and inclusive, even the most ambitious adventures are possible.
— Dan, guide dog handler
From ferries and buses to planes, trains, and cars, guide dogs help make every journey possible for their handlers. Learn more about Guide Dog Access Awareness Month and discover how you can help ensure guide dog teams are welcomed wherever they go. Visit guidedogchampions.ca.