azazaz, I wanted to do the same thing and to my surprise when I call or e-mail a few lodging they have no vacancies for November 2009. It looks they mainly accommodate groups. From trip reports I read here it looks like an unforgettable journey to see polar bears but you spend usually only two days doing that and I too feel I don't want to spend this much $ for a very short trip. Please let me know what you find out. Thanks
NewPlaces

I think the tour companies buy up the available accommodation for packages. However, on the tripadvisor forums, I think I have heard of people booking for themselves (with difficulty) and making their own packages ... you might want to read the messages there in the "Churchill" (Canada) forum. Actually, if I recall correctly, they were able to book their own accommodation but found that getting a spot on the tundra buggies hard to do.

I'm an independent traveller myself (and also a value seeker!) and generally do not go on tours. I've been wanting to see the polar bears for years now and finally did the trip last year. I could not find a viable way to do all the bookings and put a tour together for myself. I had to join a tour.

Getting a spot on the Tundra Buggies is the key. As you prolly know, it's very expensive to get to Churchill. IIRC at one point they did allow same day walk ups for the TB but if there is no space available, you will have trekked to Churchill and not be able to see any bears! There were no slots available on any of the days we were there (I asked out of curiousity).

One cannot rent a car, etc. to see polar bears on their own so you will be SOL.

If you click on my screen name, and go to the post about 'Excited about Polar Bears', I've put my trip report at the end.

I have to say that is the most expensive-per-day-trip I have ever taken, but so very worth it. Tundra Buggy Lodge does things right, and the bears are magical.

Enjoy-la!