Itinerary
Day 1 – Winnipeg: Welcome to Canada! Upon arrival to Winnipeg, Canada, after clearing immigration, baggage collection and customs, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Your winter gear fitting and collection will take place prior to meeting the rest of your group at an orientation dinner. Overnight at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel is located steps from the international airport, offering convenient access for travelers. The 4-star hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center and in-room iPads.
Day 2 – Churchill: The adventure begins! At a time advised locally, you will be transferred to the airport for your shared charter flight to Churchill. 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 regularly 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 a tundra inspired 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 our signature meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by knowledgeable guides or staff.
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge, a veritable oasis on the tundra and one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Located near the Seal River Estuary, this property 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 for 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. Seal River has eight, double guestrooms in a quiet guest wing, each with an en-suite bathroom. The cozy lounge, complete with fireplace and large picture windows overlooking the Bay, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, sharing photos or talking with new friends.
Days 3 – 6 – Churchill: Each day 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. We 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!)
Day 7 – Churchill / Winnipeg: After another hearty 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 our 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 lastminute 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 for your overnight.
Day 8 – Depart: At the time advised locally, you will be transferred to the international airport for your departing flights home.
