Heartlands

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 snow shoes 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.

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Begins and ends in Winnipeg

Day 1 -
Arrive in Winnipeg, where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lake-view. A dinner will be held at the hotel, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.

Includes: Dinner

Day 2-
You will depart Winnipeg for Churchill early in the morning on Calm Air International. Upon arrival in Churchill you will transfer to a private charter for your one hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. You may have some excellent opportunities for aerial photography during the flight so make sure you have your camera ready.

Upon arrival at the Lodge, your hosts will provide a tour and show to your room to get settled. Lunch is served shortly after your arrival, and you will then be given an orientation regarding your stay in polar bear country.

Your first day includes an afternoon of exploring the coastline in search of the “Great Ice Bear”. Appetizers and cocktails are served at 6pm and dinner is served at 7pm. During the evening there will be an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. If it is a clear night you may also have a chance to view one of the spectacular aurora borealis displays common at this latitude.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Days 3, 4, 5 -
Breakfast will generally be served at 8:00am and your outings will begin at about 9:30am. If there are bears near the Lodge your tour may be delayed to take advantage of the photo and observation opportunities. The option is also always available for anyone to stay behind to take photos of the wildlife around the Lodge and relax. Daily outings may include the following, depending on weather and ground conditions;

#1 The average day includes morning and afternoon excursions with lunch served either at the Lodge or out on the trail.

#2 An ATV coastal tour to the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline. Lunch served around a campfire.

#3 A full day tour of the coastline of Hudson Bay to photograph polar bears and other abundant wildlife in their unique environment. Lunch and a tea boil are served around a campfire. After lunch you will explore the river deltas and coastal eskers.

#4 Staying close to the Lodge to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves as the day unfolds, to photograph the King of the Arctic and other wildlife. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the Arctic environment. Lunch is served at the Lodge on this day.

Appetizers and cocktails are served at 6:00pm and dinner is served at 7:00pm. During the evening there will be an informative lecture, slide show presentation, or informal visiting. Churchill Wild staff will monitor Aurora Borealis after dark if conditions are optimal and will provide a gentle wake-up call to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities to witness and photograph this spectacular Arctic phenomenon.

Day 6 -
After another hearty Lodge breakfast, they will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Today is your last day in Churchill.

Upon your return to Churchill, the representative will store your luggage. The balance of the day is then free for browsing the shops and exhibits of Churchill. Local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Itsanitaq Museum, the Polar Bear Holding Compound (otherwise known as the Polar Bear Jail), as well as the Parks Canada exhibit are all of great interest. Please refer to your “Top Things to Do and See” list they provided.

Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening and hope to see you back at one of the Eco lodges for more polar bear viewing very soon! Upon your arrival into Winnipeg, collect your bags and settle in at THE GRAND Airport Hotel for a restful night filled with cherished memories.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7 -
Today you will fly home on your own travel arrangements, marking the end of your adventure with Churchill Wild and the beginning of a lifetime of savoring the experiences of the Arctic.

Departures Winnipeg, from August to September

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 snow shoes 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.

Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights

Begins and ends in Winnipeg

Day 1 –
Arrive in Winnipeg, where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview. At 7:00pm a dinner will be held at the hotel, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You’ll need your rest before an early morning departure to Churchill.

Includes: Dinner

Day 2 -
Arrive in Churchill by air, where expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions for your morning transfers. You will then be transferred by fixed-wing aircraft to the Dymond Lake Eco lodge. This exciting flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River and northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast to Canada’s most exclusive polar bear viewing properties. Keep a sharp eye en-route for possible sightings of caribou, moose, seals, wolves and of course the “Great Ice Bears”.

Upon your arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings. This day includes a guided hike on the rugged and starkly beautiful coastline, an interpretive slide show featuring the wildlife of Hudson Bay, and hopefully a clear night for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Dymond Lake Eco lodge features an Aurora viewing tower for northern lights observation. All this will be topped off with a lunch and dinner, where your hosts and guides will regale you with tales of life and adventures in Canada’s Arctic.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3 & 4 -
In the coming days, your breakfast will be served at 8:00am and the first walking tour will generally depart at 9:30am. Should there be a polar bear in camp, the walking tour may be delayed for picture taking, but no one ever seems to mind!

Once you’ve fuelled up with one of Churchill Wild’s legendary full course breakfasts, you’ll be eager to bundle up and head out into the snow. The walks are comfortably paced, as they are geared towards plenty of viewing and photo opportunities. These walks are guided by the professional and knowledgeable tour leaders and you may do a lot of learning along the way! Obviously they cannot allow the bears to approach too closely, but your guides are experts in keeping bears at a safe distance without sacrificing exciting viewing.

Polar bears are also known to saunter by the Lodge, so you can often view them from the warmth and comfort of one of the lounges through the massive picture windows. This opportunity is all too welcome when a squall blows in! They have a variety of other activities to take part in as well, should the weather prevent us from exploring the outdoors, though such is rarely the case.

Lunches are served at the Lodge. You are generally back at the Lodge by 4:00pm for hot or cold drinks and appetizers. Your full course delectable dinners are served at 7:00pm after which the fireplace is almost always central. Your guide team will give informative lectures and beautiful slide presentations as well as initiate a discussion about the activities for the following day. Bedtime is at your leisure. The entire Lodge area is patrolled for polar bears all night by one of the night watchmen so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal visit from one of the Great Ice Bears. Or by a dazzling displays of northern lights!

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 -
Following a hearty breakfast it’s time to pack for the flight back to Churchill, say your goodbyes and snap a few more photos. After another exciting aerial tour, you’ll arrive in Churchill, where your bags will be stored until you can check into your hotel later in the day. You are then free to explore and wine and dine in this frontier community at your leisure. They recommend local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Itsanitaq Museum and the Parks Canada exhibit. Dog sledding and helicopter charters fit nicely into this afternoon if you’re so inclined.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 -
Today you will travel across the tundra in a “tundra vehicle” for more polar bear viewing. Transportation by bus to and from the station is provided at 8:00am and 5:00pm respectively so remember to grab some breakfast beforehand. Lunch “with the bears” will be prepared and served to you on the tour. Your flight south to Winnipeg is scheduled for this evening and thus they wish you safe travels back to reality. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and look to your right. THE GRAND Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lake-view is only a two minute walk away.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 -
After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.

Departs Winnipeg, from October to November

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 snow shoes 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.

Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Departs and ends in Winnipeg

Day 1 -
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lake-view. At 7:00pm a dinner will be held at the hotel, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.

Includes: Dinner

Day 2 -
You’ll arrive in Churchill by air and one of the expert staff will meet you at the airport to provide you with instructions regarding your morning transfers. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking aerial view of the winding Hudson Bay coast en route to your home for the next six days – Seal River Heritage Lodge. Be prepared to see huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as caribou and of course, the magnificent polar bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favourite for these goliaths and they are regularly seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge. Upon your arrival at Seal River Lodge, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travel in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings.

After a full-course lunch Churchill Wild-style, you will experience the Hudson Bay coast for the first time. The combination of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you. Make sure your camera battery is charged. If you’re like previous Churchill Wild guests, you’ll be eager to document each and every moment in this extraordinary and rare ecosystem.

Your first day at the Lodge will be rounded out by the first of many full-course meals followed by a cosy fireplace for the evening wind down. Relax, recharge and get a good rest because you have five amazing days to go!

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3 to 6 -
In the coming days, your breakfasts will be served at 8am and the tour of the day will typically depart the Lodge at 9:30am. Depending on both weather and group interest, you will enjoy the following activities:

Marine Tours – Tides and weather permitting, you will do at least two expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted in large, nine-man inflatable boats, fully equipped with two way radios, safety gear, flotation jackets for each passenger, and a hydrophone so that that you can listen to the whale songs. Each expedition is a half day in order to coordinate with the high tides. Refreshments and snacks will be served aboard. Expect to see hundreds of whales per outing! Beluga whales are very curious and social and will investigate your presence with a bold courage expressed by few other creatures. Getting up-close and personal with these awesome creatures has been life-changing for many Churchill Wild guests.

Trekking/Walking Tours – These are a daily part of the program and they range from short jaunts to photograph a playful fox, to day trips with a packed lunch. There is no better way to experience the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and fauna. Nesting bird life, fox dens, wild flowers, and sik siks are just a few of the sights you may take in. When polar bears are sighted, your guide will advise you about the best way to maintain a safe viewing distance.

Coast by Tundra Tracker – See the Hudson Bay coast on the custom made Tundra Tracker. A day trip in one of these vehicles allows us to cover a lot of shoreline while searching out wildlife. Lunch is a picnic en route. They provide ample time for exploration and photography of the trail.

Wildlife Photography – Your guides have many years of experience in the field both as photographers themselves and through working with professional photographers. They can assist you in many aspects of wildlife photography, including both the composition and the execution of that memorable shot of a lifetime.

Aurora Watching – Yes, you can enjoy the greatest light show on earth during the summer, especially in the latter part of the season. The northern skies are a perfect ballroom for the aurora borealis, but remember, the northern lights are best photographed with a tripod. If you have one, bring it along.

Bird Watching – 150 species of birds visit this area and the expert guides can help you locate and identify a wide variety of these – chances are you will add several “lifers” to your book.

Photo Presentations and Lectures – From lectures on “Travelling in Bear Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic,” their own northern adventurers will regale you with photos and stories. These conversations provide you with the opportunity to learn about the Arctic wildlife, the landscape, and its people.

Rest and Relaxation – Should you decide that curling up by the fireplace with a good book or enjoying a hot drink and sharing stories with your fellow adventurers is what you need, feel free to do that too!

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 -
After another hearty Lodge breakfast, they will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight, as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Today is your last day in the Churchill region.

Upon your return to Churchill, the representative will store your luggage. The balance of the day is then free for browsing the shops and exhibits of Churchill. Local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Itsanitaq Museum, the Polar Bear Holding Compound (otherwise known as the Polar Bear Jail), as well as the Parks Canada exhibit, are all of great interest. Please refer to your “Top Things to Do and See” list they provided.

Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening and they hope to see you back at one of the Eco-Lodges for some more polar bear viewing very soon! Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and look to your right. THE GRAND Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview is only a two minute walk away.

Includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 –
After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.

Departs Winnipeg, from July to August