Aspire Canada Tours Blog

How to Choose a Smartphone Lens for Your Churchill Polar Bear Tour

Aspire Canada Tours (ACT) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:00:59 GMT

Last updated: August 1, 2026

Photograph: A securely fitted smartphone lens can provide additional reach for travel and wildlife photography. Photo: Umang & Meet/Pexels.

A smartphone can be a practical camera for photographing the Churchill tundra, nearby polar bears, wider landscapes and general moments during the tour. Many recent phones already include wide-angle, standard and telephoto cameras.

Attachable smartphone lenses can provide additional options. However, they work differently from the interchangeable lenses used with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Most smartphone attachments provide one fixed view or magnification rather than a continuous 70–200 mm optical zoom.

The most important consideration is compatibility. A lens must fit your exact smartphone model, align with the correct camera and remain secure while you are using it. Before buying one, take your phone and its current case to a knowledgeable camera shop whenever possible.

Start with the cameras already on your phone

Before purchasing another lens, check which cameras your phone already includes. Depending on the model, you may have:

An ultrawide camera for tundra landscapes and wider scenes
A standard camera for general photography
A 2×, 3×, 4× or 5× optical telephoto camera for more distant subjects

A recent phone with a dedicated optical telephoto camera may already be sufficient for many photographs during the tour. Learn how to switch between the cameras before travelling, and avoid relying entirely on high digital-zoom settings, which can reduce image detail.

Types of attachable smartphone lenses

Wide-angle lenses

A wide-angle attachment helps include more of the landscape in the photograph. It may be useful for broad tundra scenes, photographs inside the Tundra Buggy and animals that appear relatively close to the vehicle.

Many smartphones already have a good ultrawide camera, so ask whether an attachment would produce a meaningful improvement over the camera built into your phone.

See a 16 mm ShiftCam wide-angle smartphone lens at Best Buy Canada

Guest note: This lens requires a compatible mounting system, which is sold separately. Confirm the complete equipment required before purchasing.

Moderate telephoto lenses

Attachable lenses advertised at approximately 58–60 mm provide modest optical magnification. They may be useful for portraits, nearby bears and general travel photography.

These lenses should not be confused with a full-size camera’s 70–200 mm zoom lens. A 58–60 mm smartphone attachment generally will not provide enough reach for a small animal that is far across the tundra.

See a 60 mm ShiftCam telephoto smartphone lens at Staples Canada

Guest note: Ask which mount or phone case is required. The lens alone may not include everything needed to attach it to your phone.

Long telephoto and telescope-style attachments

Some universal smartphone kits are advertised by magnification, such as 12× or 18×, rather than by an equivalent focal length. These can provide more reach for distant wildlife, but they are generally larger and more sensitive to movement and alignment.

A universal clip may fit many phones, but that does not necessarily mean it will align correctly with every camera in a multi-camera phone. Test the lens on your exact phone before relying on it for the tour.

See an Apexel 18× telephoto smartphone lens kit at Henry’s

Guest note: Very high advertised magnification does not automatically mean better image quality. Sharpness, stability, autofocus and accurate alignment are equally important.

Premium 240 mm smartphone telephoto systems

Specialized 240 mm smartphone lenses are among the closest mobile equivalents to a traditional wildlife telephoto lens. These are fixed-focal-length attachments rather than continuous zoom lenses.

The strongest results generally come from a system designed to mount over the phone’s built-in telephoto or periscope camera. These products require a compatible phone case or mounting system and may work best with selected flagship smartphones.

See the ShiftCam 240 mm Super Zoom Tele system

See the Moment SuperTele 240 mm Mobile Lens

Guest note: Do not order a 240 mm attachment until the manufacturer or retailer has confirmed compatibility with your exact phone model. Some systems work only with selected phones, and a separate case, mount or camera application may be required.

What to ask at a camera shop

Bring your smartphone and the case you normally use. Explain that you will be photographing wildlife from a Tundra Buggy and would like more optical reach without carrying a full DSLR or mirrorless camera system.

You can say:

I am looking for a securely mounted smartphone telephoto lens for photographing polar bears and other wildlife from a Tundra Buggy. Which lens is fully compatible with my exact phone, and what effective optical reach will it provide?

Ask the camera shop to confirm the following:

Which camera will the attachment use?
Ask whether it mounts over the phone’s main camera or its dedicated telephoto camera. For distant wildlife, a system designed for the optical telephoto camera may provide better reach.
What will the effective focal length be?
Ask for the approximate full-frame-equivalent focal length on your exact phone. Labels such as 10×, 18×, 60 mm and 240 mm are not always directly comparable between products.
Is the magnification optical or digital?
Optical magnification uses the lens itself to bring the subject closer. Digital zoom enlarges and crops the image, which may reduce detail.
What mount or case is required?
Ask whether you need a phone-specific case, threaded mount, bayonet mount or universal clamp. Confirm that the mount will remain secure and align correctly.
Will autofocus and stabilization still work?
Long lenses magnify small movements. Test whether the phone can focus reliably and whether its stabilization continues to function with the attachment installed.
Will the phone switch cameras automatically?
Some phones change between cameras without warning. Ask whether a separate camera application is needed to lock the correct telephoto camera.
Can you test it before purchasing?
Photograph a distant sign or object outside the shop. Check for vignetting, dark corners, softness, colour fringing and difficulty focusing.
What is the return policy?
Confirm that the lens can be returned if it does not work properly with your phone. Pay particular attention to special-order and final-sale products.

Where to ask in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver guests may wish to take their phone to a specialist camera retailer and ask for advice before ordering an attachment online.

Kerrisdale Cameras has locations in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam and Langley. Product availability varies, so call the nearest location before visiting and explain that you are looking for a smartphone wildlife-photography lens.

Visit the Kerrisdale Cameras website

Henry’s, Best Buy Canada, Staples Canada and Vistek also list selected smartphone lenses online. Inventory and compatibility can change, so use the product links in this article as examples rather than as a guarantee that a particular item will suit your phone.

Consider a secure grip

A longer telephoto attachment makes every small hand movement more noticeable. A secure photographic grip, wrist strap or compact support can make the phone easier to hold and reduce the chance of dropping it.

See an example of a smartphone grip and compact support at London Drugs

Guest note: A large tripod or monopod may be awkward in a shared vehicle. Please contact Aspire Canada Tours before bringing substantial support equipment.

A simple recommendation for most guests

For general photography

Use the phone’s built-in wide, standard and optical telephoto cameras. This is the simplest setup and allows you to respond quickly when wildlife appears.

For occasional additional reach

Consider a securely fitted 58–60 mm attachment or a carefully tested universal telephoto lens. This may help with moderately distant subjects, but it will not replace a dedicated wildlife camera.

For serious smartphone wildlife photography

Ask about a phone-specific 200–240 mm-class system that mounts over the phone’s optical telephoto camera. Confirm compatibility, mounting, camera-app requirements and stabilization before purchasing.

For the most dependable distant wildlife results

A dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera with a stabilized telephoto lens remains the more reliable choice. A 70–200 mm lens is versatile for wider wildlife scenes and relatively close bears, while a lens extending beyond 200 mm provides more reach for distant bears, Arctic foxes and birds.

Practise before travelling

Do not wait until the tour to use the attachment for the first time. Before leaving home:

Practise installing and removing the lens
Learn how to select the correct phone camera
Test autofocus on moving and distant subjects
Check that the mount does not shift when the phone is handled
Clean the phone camera and attachment carefully
Charge the phone fully and consider carrying a portable power bank
Pack the lens in a protective pouch

The best equipment is equipment you can operate comfortably and quickly. Wildlife may appear with little warning, and a complicated attachment is of limited value if it takes several minutes to align.

A final note

Polar bears and other wildlife move freely across a large natural environment. Distances and viewing conditions vary, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. No smartphone lens can guarantee a particular photograph.

A well-fitted telephoto attachment can extend the usefulness of a smartphone, particularly for guests who do not wish to carry a dedicated camera. Choose the lens for your exact phone, test it before travelling and keep the overall setup simple enough to enjoy the day itself.

Learn more about the Churchill Polar Bear Tour

Free Time in Dawson City Near the Downtown Hotel

Aspire Canada Tours (ACT) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:57:34 GMT

Last updated: July 12, 2026

Dawson City is one of Canada’s most walkable historic towns. From the Downtown Hotel, guests can reach museums, galleries, Parks Canada historic sites, riverfront viewpoints, cafés, shops, and evening entertainment without needing a vehicle.

Walking times below are approximate from The Downtown, a Coast Hotel, at 1026 Second Avenue. Times depend on pace, weather, boardwalk and sidewalk conditions, and how much time you spend along the way. Please check current hours, ticket availability, and seasonal opening dates before heading out.

A simple Dawson City free-time route

For a relaxed self-guided route, consider this sequence:

Downtown Hotel → Visitor Information Centre → Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre → S.S. Keno waterfront → historic downtown → Palace Grand Theatre → Diamond Tooth Gerties

This route gives you a good introduction to Dawson’s riverfront, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in culture, Gold Rush-era streetscape, Parks Canada historic buildings, and evening entertainment.

Walkable places to consider

Sourdough Saloon and the Sourtoe Cocktail

Approximate walk from the hotel: Inside the hotel

The Sourdough Saloon is located inside the Downtown Hotel and is home of the famous Sourtoe Cocktail. It is one of Dawson’s best-known traditions, but it is entirely optional and not for everyone. Guests who are curious can stop in without adding another walk to the day.

Visit the Sourdough Saloon page

Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes

A sensible first stop for maps, current opening hours, local advice, Parks Canada tickets, and walking-tour information. It is also a useful place to ask about trail conditions, seasonal programs, and riverfront activities.

Visit the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre page

Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 4–6 minutes

One of the most important cultural stops in Dawson City. The centre shares Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in history, culture, language, and contemporary community life through exhibits, films, interpretation, and a gift shop. It is a strong choice for guests who want a deeper understanding of Dawson beyond the Gold Rush story.

Visit the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre page

Parks Canada Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes to the Visitor Information Centre meeting area

A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to understand Dawson’s historic streetscape. Parks Canada interpreters bring the town’s buildings, personalities, and Gold Rush stories to life, often including access or context that is easy to miss when walking independently.

Guest note: Tour times and availability vary by season. Check with the Visitor Information Centre before planning around a specific time.

Visit the Parks Canada Dawson activities page

Palace Grand Theatre Guided Tour

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–8 minutes

The Palace Grand Theatre is one of Dawson’s signature Parks Canada sites. The guided tour gives guests a look inside a restored Gold Rush-era theatre and explains the entertainment culture that grew with the Klondike boom.

Guest note: Parks Canada lists the Palace Grand Theatre guided tour in its Dawson interpretive program schedule. Confirm the same-day time and ticket details at the Visitor Information Centre.

Check the Parks Canada interpretive program schedule

S.S. Keno National Historic Site

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–8 minutes

The S.S. Keno is a preserved Yukon River sternwheeler on Dawson’s waterfront. It is an easy heritage stop and a good way to understand how riverboats connected Yukon communities before modern roads.

Guest note: Guided access is seasonal and may require a Parks Canada ticket. The waterfront area is still worth a short walk even if you are not joining a guided tour.

Learn more about Parks Canada sites in Dawson

Klondike Spirit River Cruise

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–10 minutes to the boarding area, depending on the dock

The Klondike Spirit is a relaxed river option for guests who want scenery and interpretation without a long walk. It is a good choice for viewing Dawson from the Yukon River and hearing more about the region’s riverboat history.

Guest note: This should be treated as a pre-booked or schedule-dependent activity. Confirm sailing times, boarding location, and cancellation terms before planning around it.

Visit the Klondike Spirit River Cruise page

Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall

Approximate walk from the hotel: 4–6 minutes

Diamond Tooth Gerties is Dawson’s best-known evening venue, with casino games and cancan-style stage shows. It is lively, social, and very much part of the Dawson visitor tradition.

Guest note: The usual summer show times are 8:30 pm, 10:00 pm, and midnight, but schedules can change. Arrive early if you want a seat, and check the current schedule before going.

Visit the Diamond Tooth Gerties show page

Dawson City Museum

Approximate walk from the hotel: 8–12 minutes

One of Dawson’s best deeper-history stops. The museum is located in the Old Territorial Administration Building and covers Dawson, the Klondike Gold Rush, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in history, mining, transportation, and life in the region.

Guest note: This is a good indoor option if you want context, quieter time, or a break from the weather.

Visit the Dawson City Museum page

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture / ODD Gallery

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes

A close and easy stop for guests interested in contemporary art and Dawson’s creative community. The ODD Gallery is housed at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture and features changing exhibitions.

Guest note: Gallery hours can be limited and may include a lunch closure, so check before heading over.

Visit the ODD Gallery page

Peabody’s Historic Photo Parlour and P.B.G Gallery

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes

A fun Dawson option for guests who want a keepsake photo in period-style clothing. The P.B.G Gallery also showcases work by Dawson City artists.

Guest note: Advance booking is recommended for photos, especially for couples, families, or small groups.

Visit Peabody’s Historic Photo Parlour

BonTon & Company

Approximate walk from the hotel: 4–6 minutes

A boutique restaurant, café, and shop with a strong local feel. This is a good choice for guests who want a quality meal, coffee, baked goods, or a relaxed place to sit during free time.

Guest note: Dining hours can be seasonal and demand can be high in summer. Check current hours or consider reserving if you are planning a meal.

Visit BonTon & Company

Yukon Spa

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A quiet recovery option for guests who prefer rest over another museum or walking tour. Services may include spa access, treatments, floats, and food or beverage options, depending on current operations.

Guest note: Treat this as a pre-booked activity. Confirm services, timing, and cancellation terms before making plans.

Visit Yukon Spa

Robert Service Cabin

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–15 minutes

A strong stop for guests interested in literature, poetry, and Dawson’s storytelling tradition. Robert Service is closely associated with Yukon writing, and Parks Canada programming helps place his life and work in context.

Guest note: Access and interpretation are seasonal. Check Parks Canada’s schedule or ask at the Visitor Information Centre.

Learn more about the Robert Service Cabin program

Jack London Museum and Cabin

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–18 minutes

A good companion to the Robert Service Cabin. Jack London spent time in the Klondike during the Gold Rush period, and his Yukon-related writing helped carry northern stories to readers around the world.

Guest note: The museum is a little farther from the hotel than the central downtown stops. Check current opening days and interpretive talk times before walking over.

Visit the Jack London Museum and Cabin page

CFYT Radio — The Spirit of Dawson

Approximate walk from the hotel: Walk-by only; location and public access should be confirmed locally

CFYT is Dawson’s volunteer-run community radio station. It is part of the town’s local character and creative life, but it should be treated as a walk-by point of interest rather than a visitor attraction.

Guest note: No tours are offered or implied. Please do not enter unless there is a public event or you have been invited.

Visit CFYT Radio online

Camera Obscura

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–10 minutes to Waterfront Park

Dawson’s Camera Obscura is located near the gazebo in Waterfront Park. It is a small optical installation that uses simple camera principles to project an image of the outside world into a darkened space.

Guest note: Availability may vary. Hours are posted onsite, and a key may be available through the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre or the ODD Gallery. Year-round access may be possible by appointment through the ODD Gallery / KIAC. Phone: 867-993-5005. Even if it is not open, guests may still enjoy walking by the waterfront location.

Learn more about the Camera Obscura

For a light free-time outing

Choose one or two nearby stops, such as the Visitor Information Centre, Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, S.S. Keno waterfront, KIAC / ODD Gallery, or Peabody’s Historic Photo Parlour. These are close to the hotel and do not require a long walk.

For a history-focused outing

Start at the Visitor Information Centre, then join a Parks Canada Historic Downtown Walking Tour or visit the Palace Grand Theatre, S.S. Keno, Dawson City Museum, Robert Service Cabin, or Jack London Museum. This gives a stronger sense of Dawson’s Gold Rush history, river transportation, literary connections, and historic streetscape.

For an evening in Dawson

Consider dinner or coffee at BonTon & Company, a show at Diamond Tooth Gerties, or a stop at the Sourdough Saloon back at the hotel. Dawson evenings can be lively in summer, so check hours, bring a light layer, and give yourself time to walk back safely.

For rest and recovery

Yukon Spa is a good option for guests who would rather slow down than add another tour. It is best booked in advance.

A final note

Dawson City is compact, but the streets, boardwalks, and historic surfaces can be uneven. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a quick check of current hours will make your free time easier and more enjoyable.

Free Time in Downtown Whitehorse Near the Gold Rush Inn

Aspire Canada Tours (ACT) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:22:47 GMT

Last updated: June 26, 2026

One of the advantages of staying at the Best Western Gold Rush Inn is its central location in downtown Whitehorse. During your free time, you can choose from local museums, galleries, riverfront walks, shops, cafés, and a few more active options, all within a manageable walk of the hotel.

Walking times below are approximate and depend on pace, weather, sidewalk conditions, and how much time you spend browsing along the way. Please check current hours before heading out, especially on Sundays, holidays, and outside the main summer season.

A simple downtown walking route

For a relaxed self-guided route, consider this sequence:

Arts Underground → Yukon Visitor Information Centre → Old Log Church Museum → Log Skyscrapers → MacBride Museum → riverfront / S.S. Klondike grounds

This route gives you a good mix of local art, Yukon history, downtown heritage, and riverfront scenery without needing a vehicle.

Walkable places to consider

Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa

Approximate walk from the hotel: Inside the hotel

A convenient option for guests who would like a haircut, spa service, or quiet personal time without leaving the hotel. Advance booking is recommended.

Visit Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa

Arts Underground

Approximate walk from the hotel: 2–3 minutes

A very easy stop close to the hotel, with local art, exhibitions, and Yukon-made items. Good for a short browse during lighter free time.

Visit Arts Underground

Yukon Visitor Information Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A useful first stop for maps, local information, and orientation. It is also a good place to ask about current trail conditions, exhibits, and seasonal events.

Visit the Yukon Visitor Information Centre page

Old Log Church Museum

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A small historic site near the hotel, officially associated with the Old Log Church and Rectory. It is a good short visit for guests interested in early Whitehorse history.

Learn about the Old Log Church and Rectory

Log Skyscrapers, 208 Lambert Street

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

One of Whitehorse’s more unusual heritage sights: multi-storey log buildings in the downtown core. This is an easy photo stop and pairs well with the Old Log Church Museum.

Learn about the Log Skyscrapers

MacBride Museum of Yukon History

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–12 minutes

One of the best indoor free-time options in downtown Whitehorse. The museum gives helpful context on Yukon history, the Gold Rush, Indigenous history, transportation, and life in the North.

Visit MacBride Museum

North End Gallery

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A strong option for guests interested in Yukon and Canadian art, jewellery, carvings, prints, and higher-quality souvenirs.

Visit North End Gallery

Yukon Artists @ Work

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–12 minutes

An artist-run gallery featuring work by Yukon artists. A good choice for guests who enjoy original local art and quieter browsing.

Visit Yukon Artists @ Work

Mac’s Fireweed Books

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A good stop for books, maps, cards, and Yukon reading material. Useful for guests who like independent bookstores and local titles.

Visit Mac’s Fireweed Books

S.S. Klondike National Historic Site grounds

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A pleasant riverfront walk and one of Whitehorse’s signature heritage landmarks. Interior access can be seasonal or unavailable, but the exterior and grounds remain worthwhile for photos and a look at Yukon riverboat history.

Visit the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site page

Millennium Trail

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes to the S.S. Klondike area / trail access

A paved Yukon River walking route suited to active guests who want fresh air and river views. The full loop is longer, so choose a short out-and-back if you prefer a lighter walk. Allow extra time for photos and rest stops.

Guest note: Wear comfortable shoes and check conditions if the weather is wet, icy, smoky, or unusually hot.

Learn more about the Millennium Trail

Black Street Stairs

Approximate walk from the hotel: 7–10 minutes to the base of the stairs

A steep public staircase from the downtown Black Street area up toward the airport trail network. This is best for energetic guests who want a short fitness climb or viewpoint-style walk.

Guest note: Not suitable for luggage, airport transfers, icy conditions, or anyone with mobility, balance, knee, hip, or breathing concerns.

Learn more about the Black Street Stairs and clay cliffs

Lumel Studios

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A memorable Whitehorse activity where guests can watch or participate in glass blowing. This is best pre-booked if you want a hands-on session.

Visit Lumel Studios

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 15–20 minutes

Located along the riverfront, this is an important cultural site in Whitehorse. Programming and public access can vary, so check current hours and exhibits before visiting.

Visit Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

MacBride Waterfront Trolley

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–15 minutes to the waterfront boarding area

A seasonal option that can be a pleasant way to enjoy the riverfront without a long walk. Check the current schedule before planning around it.

Learn about the MacBride Waterfront Trolley

Fireweed Community Market at Shipyards Park

Approximate walk from the hotel: 18–22 minutes

A lively seasonal market with food, crafts, local products, and a strong community feel. Best if your free time happens to line up with market hours.

Visit Fireweed Community Market

Arts in the Park at LePage Park

Approximate walk from the hotel: 4–6 minutes

A close-by seasonal music and arts event in downtown Whitehorse. It is an easy add-on when dates and times align.

Visit Arts in the Park

Yukon Theatre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes

A simple evening option close to the hotel, especially if you want an indoor activity after dinner. Check the current film and event schedule.

Visit Yukon Film Society / Yukon Theatre

For a light free-time outing

Choose one or two nearby stops, such as Arts Underground, the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, the Old Log Church Museum, or the Log Skyscrapers. These are close to the hotel and do not require a long walk.

For a history-focused outing

Walk to the Old Log Church Museum, continue to the Log Skyscrapers, then carry on to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. This gives a compact overview of early Whitehorse, northern architecture, and Yukon history.

For fresh air and river views

Head toward the S.S. Klondike grounds and the Millennium Trail. You do not need to complete the full loop to enjoy the riverfront. A short out-and-back walk can be just as rewarding, especially if you want a gentler outing.

For active guests

The Black Street Stairs offer a short but steep climb from downtown toward the escarpment and airport trail area. This is a fitness-style option, not a casual stroll. Please use caution, especially in rain, snow, ice, or smoky conditions.

For a hands-on local activity

Consider Lumel Studios for glass blowing, or Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa inside the hotel for a relaxed appointment. These are best arranged in advance when possible.

A final note

Whitehorse is compact, but northern weather and seasonal conditions matter. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a quick check of current hours or trail conditions will make your free time easier and more enjoyable.