I’m Interested…

Arctic Discovery

  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • July to August

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

  • Round trip scheduled flights from London to Winnipeg
  • Return flights from Winnipeg to Churchill and Nanuk Lodge
  • Accommodation and meals as stated

2024 Departure Dates
July 28th
August 1st & 5th

2025 Departure Dates
July 28th
August 1st & 5th

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.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and personal, in their natural habitat.
  • Indulging your taste buds with our tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines.
  • Sky gazing! Our geographical location beneath the Aurora Oval offers the opportunity to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in the secure compound.
  • Educational evening presentations by lodge managers or naturalist guides about the Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.
  • Travelling further afield on one of the half or full-day ATV tours. Our low-impact tundra vehicles give you access to areas up and down the coast.
  • Kayaking with beluga whales in the Churchill River.
  • Exploring the historic port of Churchill, meeting local characters, and uncovering its charms.
Day 1

Arrive Winnipeg

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, you will make your own 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 Hotel
Day 2

Winnipeg

You’ll have the morning to yourself before you enjoy a tour of the Manitoba Museum in the Arctic Gallery and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the vault to see historic York Factory artefacts. Then dinner is served in the Nonsuch gallery with a short trip orientation. You will return back to the hotel to prepare for your early morning departure to Churchill.

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (Dinner included)
Day 3, 4

Historical & Marine Excusions

You will depart for Churchill this morning and be greeted there by an expediter who will take you to one of the preferred hotels – your home base for the next couple of days. After settling in, you will enjoy a hearty brunch while your local guide introduces you to the itinerary for your time in Churchill. During your two days in this historic port town you will be scheduled for multiple marine excursions. These will include a combination of kayaking with beluga whales in the Churchill River, estuary tours and touring the Prince of Wales Fort while beluga watching from the boat. Excursion times for your Churchill adventures will vary with the tides to maximize your time with the belugas. One of your days will conclude with a relaxing dinner at a favoured local dining spot while another will include a dinner hosted by local resident Helen Webber in her home. Helen has a multi-generational connection with this northern community, going back to the fur trade, and you will enjoy her culinary talent firsthand while also taking home your meal in the form of a cookbook from her bestselling series, Blueberries and Polar Bears.


Day 5, 6, 7, 8

Nature Trekking & Polar Bears

Day five begins with a scenic flight from Churchill over the coastal flats of the Bay before arriving at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Hot breakfasts will be served daily, and your outings will begin soon after. Lunch will either be served at the Lodge or enjoyed out on the land. 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. Wind down from the day’s excitement during appetizer hour and after one of the signature dinners enjoy an informative lecture, slide show presentation, or free time. Churchill Wild staff will monitor Aurora Borealis after dark and will provide a gentle wake-up call to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities to witness and photograph this spectacular Arctic phenomenon.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch and dinners included)
Day 9

Churchill & Winnipeg

After another hearty Lodge breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Back in town, you’ll spend the day with one of the tour guides exploring Churchill and surrounding 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 and dinner)
Day 10

Journey Home

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.


Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge

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.

Get in Touch

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.

Our website features just some of the itineraries we offer. Tell us what your ideas are and we will create the holiday for you


Travel Agents

0333 323 9033 travel.agents@nats-uk.com

Direct Clients

0333 323 9099 sales.enquiries@nats-uk.com

How Can We Help?

  • North America Travel Service
  • The Kennedy Building,
    48 Victoria Road,
    Leeds, LS11 5AF
  • GET DIRECTIONS
Join our newsletter

Get updates on the latest offers, news, events and more.