Volume: 5  Number: 3  Page: 176–191  doi:10.2167/joe142.0

Effect of Environmental Context on the Experience of Polar Bear Viewers in Churchill, Manitoba

R. Harvey Lemelin1 and Bryan Smale2 1School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada and 2Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada

Despite the recent growth of wildlife viewing, research on the human dimensions of wildlife tourism in protected areas has been limited. This is surprising because if no monitoring is done, then understanding and responding appropriately to both the benefits and impacts of wildlife tourism in protected areas is almost impossible. In this study, data were gathered on the character of organised outings made by wildlife viewers visiting Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in situ. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of selected environmental factors, such as numbers of wildlife seen, amount of wildlife activity, and overall visibility, on the social dynamics and experience of the wildlife tourists. Results indicate that the number of polar bears seen is the only factor directly related to viewer attentiveness and group dynamics, and importantly, on-site satisfaction with the experience.

Keywords: wildlife tourism, viewer experience, behavioural observations, polar bears

© 2006 R.H. Lemelin & B. Smale

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