Day 1: Winnipeg
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview. At 7:00 pm a dinner will be held at the hotel, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Winnipeg-Churchill - The Lodge
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and will provide you with instructions of the morning transfers. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking aerial view of the winding Hudson Bay coast enroute to your home for the next 6 days - Seal River Heritage Lodge. Be prepared to see huge pods of whales, countless birds and of course, the magnificent Ice Bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favourite 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 outings.
After a full-course lunch Churchill Wild-style, you will experience the coast for the first time. The combination of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you. Ensure your camera battery is charged, if you're like our previous guests, you will be eager to document each and every moment in this extraordinary and rare ecosystem. Your first day at the lodge will be rounded out by the first of many full-course meals and a cozy fireplace for evening wind down. Relax, recharge and get a good rest because you have 5 amazing days to go!
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 3-6: Tundra Trekking, Polar Bears and Photography
In the coming days, your breakfasts will be served at 8:00am and the tour of the day will typically depart the Lodge at 9:30am. Depending on both weather and group interest, you will enjoy the activities outlined below. Generally by 4:00pm we are back at the Lodge for hot or cold drinks and appetizers. Your full course and delectable dinners are served at 7:00pm after which, the fireplace is almost always central. Your guides will give informative lectures and slide presentations as well as initiate a discussion about the activities for the following day. 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 by one of the great ice bears (or by one of our dazzling displays of northern lights!)
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Marine Tours
Tides and weather permitting, we will do at least two expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Marine tours are conducted in large, nine-man inflatable boats, fully equipped with two way radios, safety gear, flotation jackets for each passenger, and a hydrophone so that that you can listen to the whale songs. Each expedition is a half day in order to coordinate with the high tides. Expect to see hundreds of whales per outing! Beluga whales are very curious and social and will investigate our presence with a bold courage expressed by few other creatures.
Trekking/Walking Tours
These are a daily part of the program and they range from short jaunts to photograph the elusive caribou perhaps, to day trips with a packed lunch. There is no better way to experience the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and fauna. Nesting bird life, fox dens and wild flowers are are just a few of the sights you may take in. When polar bears are sighted, your guide will advise you about the best way to maintain a safe viewing distance.
Coast by Tundra Tracker
See the Hudson Bay coast on our custom made Tundra Tracker. A day trip in one of these vehicles allows us to cover a lot of shoreline while searching out wildlife. Lunch is a picnic en route. We provide ample time for exploration and photography of the trail.
Wildlife Photography
Your guides have many years of experience in the field both as photographers themselves and through working with professional photographers. They can assist you in many aspects of wildlife photography, including both the composition and the execution of that memorable shot of a lifetime.
Aurora Watching
You can enjoy the greatest light show on earth during the summer, especially in the latter part of our season. The northern skies are a perfect ballroom for the aurora borealis, but remember, the northern lights are best photographed with a tripod. If you have one, bring it along.
Bird Watching
150 species of birds visit this area and our expert guides can help you locate and identify a wide variety of these – chances are you will add several “lifers” to your book.
Photo Presentations and Lectures
From lectures on “Travelling in Bear Country” to “Wildlife of the Arctic,” our own northern adventurers will regale you with photos and stories. These conversations provide you with the opportunity to learn about the Arctic wildlife, the landscape, and its people.
Rest and Relaxation
Rest and Relaxation – Should you decide that curling up by the fireplace with a good book or enjoying a hot drink and sharing stories with your fellow adventurers is what you need, feel free to do that too!
Day 7: Churchill-Winnipeg
After another hearty Lodge breakfast, we will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Today is your last day in Churchill.
Upon your return to Churchill, our representative will store your luggage. The balance of the day is then free for browsing the shops and exhibits of Churchill. Local places such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Itsanitaq Museum, the Polar Bear Holding Compound, as well as the Parks Canada exhibit are all of great interest.
Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening and we hope to see you back! Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and look to your right. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview is only a two minute walk away.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 8: Depart Winnipeg
After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.
