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
October 19th, 22nd, 25th, 28th & 31st
November 3rd, 6th & 9th
2025 Departure Dates
October 19th, 22nd, 25th, 28th & 31st
November 3rd, 6th & 9th
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, 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 at 7:00 pm, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (Dinner included)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.
Dymond Lake Ecolodge, Boreal Forest (Breakfast, lunch and 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 walks are comfortably paced as they are geared towards plenty of viewing and photo opportunities. 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. Bedtime is at your leisure and you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss out on anything. Staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance.
Dymond Lake Ecolodge, Boreal Forest (Breakfast, lunch and 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. Tonight you’ll overnight at one of the hotels or B&Bs in Churchill.
Today you will travel across the tundra in a Tundra Buggy® for more polar bear viewing. Transportation by bus to and from the launch site is provided pre and post-tour. You’ll have lunch out on the tundra during your tour. 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.
The location of Dymond Lake Ecolodge, nestled near the treeline of the Boreal Forest, gives it a true wilderness feeling. Being close to both the coast and the forest means the variety of wildlife is unparalleled. Polar bears, moose, fox, pine marten, snowy owls, and even the elusive wolverine are known visitors of this unique destination. This property has eight double occupancy rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Stay in one of our cozy guest cabins and indulge in Arctic gourmet cuisine in the main lodge. The fenced-in compound keeps you safe as you move about and allows you to get within mere feet of the wildlife that stop by to check things out. It’s also great when you want to lie on the tundra, watching the northern lights dance across the sky! In the evenings, gather together in the main building for fellowship or enjoy some quiet time in the small common areas located in each guest cabin.
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 |
