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.
What’s Included
2024 Departure Dates
October 8th, 12th & 16th
2025 Departure Dates
October 8th, 12th & 16th
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 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 later on 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)After a restful night in Winnipeg you will depart for Churchill. Upon arrival, be met by an expediter who will explain how the charters to the Lodge will work. After a short flight over the Bay, arrive at Seal River Heritage Lodge where you’ll be greeted by your guides and hosts who will show you to your room. After settling in, enjoy a delicious lunch before your guides provide you with an orientation on travelling safely in polar bear country and then you’ll head out for your first wildlife hike! The remainder of your days at Seal River will start with a hot breakfast followed by your morning excursion. After a few hours out on the tundra, seeking out polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, you’ll head back to the Lodge for lunch. Evenings start with appetisers, followed by signature tundra-inspired meals. After dinner, relax in the lounge and enjoy a presentation by one of the knowledgeable guides. Bedtime is at your leisure. They monitor the Lodge area all night so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by one of the dazzling displays of northern lights!
Seal River Heritage Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch and dinners included)Time to head to the second stop of your dual-lodge experience! Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is about 250 km southeast of Churchill and the 90-minute charter flight will include a fly over of York Factory, the hub of the historic fur trade. Upon arrival, you will once again be met by your host and given the opportunity to settle into your rooms. Your days at Nanuk will be filled with more exciting wildlife encounters. The wildlife at Nanuk is diverse and includes polar bears, wolves, moose, and Arctic and coloured fox. Daily outings typically include 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 abound in this unique environment. Your evenings at Nanuk will be much the same as at Seal with plenty of time for visiting, relaxing around the fire, sharing photographs and enjoying informative presentations by your guides.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch and dinners included)After one last 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 the town and surrounding area, learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. 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 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.
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge, one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this Lodge is in a prime location for observing polar bears as they wander the coast during summer and fall waiting for the Bay to freeze and viewing beluga whales in July and August. The fenced-in compound, viewing platforms and tower lend themselves to unique photography opportunities for northern lights and the wildlife that approach to check out the sights, sounds and smells of the Lodge. Accommodations are eight, double guest rooms each with an en-suite bathroom. The guest wing is away from the lounge and dining room allowing you to enjoy quiet time as needed. The cozy lounge, complete with fireplace, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, sharing photos or talking with new friends.
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 |
