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 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th & 30th
August 4th, 9th & 14th
2025 Departure Dates
July 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th & 30th
August 4th, 9th & 14th
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. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (Dinner included)Arrive in Churchill by air where one of the expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions for the morning transfers. Your adventure begins with an aerial flight over the winding Hudson Bay coast en-route to your home for the next six days, Seal River Heritage Lodge. Watch out for pods of whales, birds, and of course, the magnificent Ice Bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favorite for these goliaths, and they are seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge. Upon your arrival, 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 lunch, you’ll experience the coast for the first time. Ensure your camera batteries are charged! Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by another of the signature meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff.
Seal River Heritage Lodge, Churchill (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)After breakfast, head out for either a marine tour or hike. Lunch will typically be back at the lodge, unless your guides take you on an ATV excursion further down the coast. Marine tours are tide-dependent, so scheduled mealtimes may be adjusted to accommodate whale watching. Relive the excitement of the day during daily appetizer hour before sitting down to dinner, then top up your glass of wine and settle in for the evening’s presentation. Bedtime is at your leisure. They monitor the Lodge area all night so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal visit from one of the great ice bears (or by one of our dazzling displays of northern lights!)
Seal River Heritage 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.
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 |
