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 Departure Dates
July 28th
August 1st & 5th
2025 Departure Dates
July 28th
August 1st & 5th
Pricing Information
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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 HotelYou’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)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 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)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)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 |
