This six night adventure to Canada includes multiple opportunities to view the largest bear in the world and the Arctic’s top predator, the polar bear. Opportunities for guided hikes and game drives allow you to view wildlife from different perspectives. In addition to polar bear viewing, you may also see moose, Arctic fox, colored fox, Arctic hare and the breathtaking northern lights.
Contact UsDay 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. Arrive in Churchill by air where one of the expert staff will meet you at the airport and will provide you with instructions on the morning transfers. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft to the Dymond Lake Ecolodge. This short flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River and then northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast. Keep a sharp eye en-route for possible sightings of moose, wolves, and of course, the ‘Great Ice Bears.’
Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour and show you to your room. Lunch will be served soon after, and before heading out on your first excursion, you’ll be thoroughly debriefed regarding your stay in polar bear country.
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 Ecolodge 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.
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 the 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.
Days 3 & 4 – Churchill: 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 your knowledgeable guides. 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. Our staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance.
Day 5 – Churchill: 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 a tour guide exploring Churchill and the 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. Tonight you’ll overnight at one of the hotels or bed and breakfasts in Churchill.
Day 6 – Winnipeg: 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. Dinner and overnight here.
Day 7 – Depart: At the time advised locally, you will be transferred to the international airport for your departing flights home.
*Pricing is per person and an estimate. Contact a Journey Specialist for a customized quote.
$ = Call for Pricing | $$ = $5,000 – $9,999 | $$$ = $10,000 – $20,000 | $$$$ = >$20,000