The magnificent polar bear is one of the world’s most magical creatures. Growing up to eight foot from nose to tail and weighing up to 1,300lbs, they hold a colossal presence in nature. Adapting to life in a cold climate, their black skin is hidden beneath a thick layer of water-repellent, translucent fur, keeping them insulated from the extreme temperatures, and their unique paws function as snowshoes with claws which have evolved to aid in climbing steep icy banks. Solitary by nature, Polar Bears wander the ice alone, with the exception during the breeding season.
Churchill, Manitoba is renowned as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. Nestled on the Western shore of Hudson Bay 650 miles north of Winnipeg, every autumn bears gather along the waters edge anxiously waiting for the sea ice to form. This ice field will be home to the bears for the winter, providing a relatively safe environment that is rich in food.
Observing the polar bear is a once in a lifetime experience, and must be conducted under professional supervision to protect the welfare of the bears and their natural environment.
What’s Included
2024 Departre Dates
August 11th, 15th, 19th & 31st
September 4th, 8th, 12th & 16th
2025 Departre Dates
August 11th, 15th, 19th & 31st
September 4th, 8th, 12th & 16th
Pricing Information
With airlines and hotels regularly introducing special offers, we’ve elected to not display pricing on our website. In order to ensure that we give you the most competitive price for the itinerary you’re interested in we’ll apply the best rates, promotions and offers that are available when we receive your enquiry. Please contact us via email, telephone or our websites ‘make an enquiry’, and we’ll endeavour to provide you with a tailor-made quotation within one working day.
Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, make your way to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel. Your first night is yours to settle in and explore Winnipeg at your own leisure.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport HotelYour second day in Winnipeg is free for you to explore some of the many sights this beautiful city has to offer. We recommend a visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a stunning seven-floor exhibit brimmed with history from around the world or the Journey to Churchill exhibit home to polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic fox and other northern species. It is the most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world and will give you a taste of what’s to come in the coming days. Your welcome dinner is in the evening, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (Dinner included)You will depart Winnipeg for Churchill early in the morning. Upon arrival in Churchill, you’ll be met by an expediter and transferred to a private charter for your one-hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Keep your eyes open and your cameras ready for wildlife sightings en-route to the lodge. Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour and show you to your room. Lunch will be served soon after, and before heading out on your first excursion, you’ll be thoroughly debriefed regarding your stay in polar bear country. Your first day includes an afternoon of exploring the coastline in search of the “Great Ice Bear.” Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by one of the signature tundra-inspired meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. On clear nights, you may also have a chance to view one of the spectacular aurora borealis displays common at this latitude.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)Each morning after a hot breakfast, your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursions. If there are bears near the Lodge, your morning tour may be delayed to take advantage of these photo and observation opportunities. The lodge is always staffed, so you also have the option to stay behind and take photos of the wildlife around the Lodge or just relax and enjoy the pristine view. Daily outings may include the following, depending on weather and ground conditions: (1) Coastal exploration to the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline using a combination of people power (walking!) and specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles. Routes will vary but ample time will be provided to photograph polar bears and the other wildlife that live in this unique environment. (2) An exploration of the river deltas and vast beach ridges of this pristine area or staying close to the Lodge to take advantage of opportunities to photograph the polar bears and other wildlife. Churchill Wild staff will monitor the skies after dark and provide a gentle wake-up call if the northern lights make an appearance.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch & dinners included)After another hearty Lodge breakfast, you will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of the tour guides exploring Churchill and area and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Along the way, your guide will point out murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill. Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)This morning, there may be time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you make your own way back to Winnipeg International Airport check-in for your flight back to the UK.
Situated next to pristine Arctic waters on Hudson Bay with Canada’s Boreal Forest as its backyard sits Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, the most remote wilderness ecolodge. The diverse ecosystem surrounding Nanuk is home to wildlife such as polar bears, black bears, wolves, and moose. Keep your eyes open for these and other Canadian icons during your daily treks out from the lodge! From the safety of the fence surrounding the Lodge, view the northern lights or get up-close-and-personal with the polar bears and other wildlife that meander past, as curious about you as you are about them. Relax in the cozy sitting area outside your guestroom or curl up in front of the fire in our main lounge overlooking the Bay. After a long day of walking with wildlife, you’ll enjoy the casual atmosphere as you relax and enjoy conversations with fellow adventurers.
Our team of travel professionals focus on providing you with the very best advice when it comes to planning your holiday to the USA and Canada. They have experienced the destinations, hotels, tours and excursions for themselves, so if its expert advice and guidance backed by faultless customer service that you are looking for, you couldn’t’ be in safer hands. We will listen to your wish list of ideas as well as add our own personal recommendations to create a unique itinerary, personalised just for you.
For a quotation based on your preferred travel date and to check availability please contact one of our team of professional consultants who will be happy to assist you.
| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
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| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
| Tourist Class | |
| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
