A specialist-led safari in the Arctic North taking in the variety of wildlife that inhabits this remote wilderness; from the majestic King of the Arctic - the polar bear - to the unique-looking beluga whale and more. A truly remote polar adventure, flying into Churchill and then catching an onward flight deeper into the territory of the King of the Arctic. Arriving at Seal River Heritage Lodge you have the next six days to experience this truly unique region of the world with no-one else around. Enjoy some truly unique adventures during your stay including tundra trekking, driving the coastline in a tundra tracker, beluga whale spotting, ocean kayaking, northern highlights and more.
Polar Bear Guide
Find out the best place and time for polar bear tracking in this detailed and free guide.
The combination of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you. Kayak the tranquil waters of Hudson Bay.
Incredible Wildlife Encounters
Be prepared for huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as caribou 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.
Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg
Arrive into Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at The Grand, located at the Winnipeg Airport. At 7pm a dinner will be held at the hotel where you will meet the rest of your group and your adventure specialist, before your early morning departure to Churchill tomorrow.
Churchill
On the shores of Hudson Bay, Manitoba, sits the small outpost town of Churchill, a frozen frontier with a population of about 1,000, at the top of many wildlife enthusiasts’ lists.
Be prepared for huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as caribou and, of course, the magnificent ice bears. After a full three-course lunch, experience the coast for the first time. The combination of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you.
Wildlife in Arctic Canada
Witness wolves, arctic foxes, beavers, pine marten and numerous bird species as you traverse the icy terrain. The Arctic waters are home to a variety of whale species, including belugas, bowheads and the fantastical-looking narwhals, the ‘unicorns of the sea’.
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.
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Accessible by flight only, the views as you approach the remote Seal River Heritage Lodge are breathtaking over the Hudson Bay Coast. This intimate family-run eco-lodge is one of the best places to see Polar Bears in the wild, not only that, but you might even see them at eye level. Stay in authentic Canadian Wilderness style and be treated like a member of the family as you explore numerous nature trails, relax by the cosy fire or climb the watch tower for wonderful views. Not just great for bears, the lodge is close to the Seal River Estuary, where thousands of Beluga Whales gather in the summer months, a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. Rooms are available as queen, twin or family and each one is en-suite. These comfortable living spaces have a real rural feel, with wooden panelling on the walls and comfy beds to sink into after a day out in the wild. Rooms and common areas have huge picture windows, so you don’t lose track of where you are, and you won’t miss any wildlife sightings. There is even a ‘pen’ outdoors, completely fenced in by wire, so we are the ones in captivity, watching the polar bears at eye level as they sniff around c
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Churchill by plane. Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with exploring the town and surrounding area, learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military base. This evening, you will board a flight back to Winnipeg.
Churchill
On the shores of Hudson Bay, Manitoba, sits the small outpost town of Churchill, a frozen frontier with a population of about 1,000, at the top of many wildlife enthusiasts’ lists.
After breakfast, you will have time to say your final farewells before taking your transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Which Polar Bear Trip?
Which Polar Bear Trip is right for you?
A comparison of Churchill, Svalbard and Baffin Island. Planet Earth has no shortage of fearsome predators to choose from, but even if you’re dead set on a particular species, a range of possibilities still exist that allow you alter your safari experience.
Marine Tours: Depending upon the tides and the weather conditions, during your time it may be possible to do at least two of these excursions in to the waters of Hudson Bay, where you can view beluga whales, seals, a variety of sea birds and, of course, polar bears! Beluga whales are curious, sociable creatures, so theses excursions will give an opportunity to get up close to them. The inflatable boats, in which these tours are carried out, have a capacity for 9 passengers and are equipped with 2-way radios, safety gear, including lifejackets, and a hydrophone, so you can listen to the whale songs. The excursions are half a day in length so that they can be co-ordinated with the high-tides. Lunch and refreshments will be served on board.
Bird watching: There are around 150 species of Bird in the area, so Churchill is a great destination for keen bird watchers. Expert guides are on hand to help you spot and identify many of the species.
Trekking/walking tours: There are daily walking tours, which range in length from a short walk to photograph a passing example of local wildlife, to full-day treks for which you’ll need to wear appropriate clothing and take a packed-lunch. These excursions are designed to help make sure that you will get the most out of your time in the area. Polar bears may also be seen on these excursions and your guide will be on hand to help make sure that a safe distance between the group and the bears is maintained.
Coast by buggy: The lodge has its own custom-built Tundra Tracker from which you can cover quite a large distance, searching for wildlife along the shores of Hudson Bay. A picnic lunch is served during the excursion and there is ample time for exploring and photographic opportunities along the way.
Wildlife photography workshops: For most, a visit to the Churchill area of Canada is a once in a lifetime experience. There are professional photographers on hand to provide you with tips and advice on how to help make sure that your photos match your experience.
Ocean paddles: By kayaking the tranquil waters of Hudson Bay, the only sound you may here will be the dipping of your paddle in the water. Canoes and Kayaks are at the lodge and free to use at any time for complete peace and tranquility.
Aurora watching: Churchill is a great place for seeing the Aurora Borealis – more commonly known as the Northern Lights. They are best viewed towards the end of the season, when the skies are clear and if you are planning on getting a good shot, make ure you bring a tripod.
Photo presentations and lectures: There are a variety of subject matters, ranging from travelling in bear country to lectures on the Arctic wildlife, landscapes and the people. Generally you will be back at the lodge by 4pm for warm drinks and snacks, your delicious dinners are served at about 7pm, after which you will usually relax by the fireplace and discuss the days excitement. Your guides will also give informative lectures and slideshow presentations, as well as discussing the plans for the following day. The entire lodge is patrolled for bears throughout the night, so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal polar bear visit, or even by the dazzling Northern Lights.
Seal River Heritage Lodge
The location of Seal River Heritage Lodge on the coast of Hudson Bay puts it directly in the path of polar bears who wander the shoreline as they await freeze-up. Your wildlife excursions will target on-the-ground viewing of these iconic animals. During your stay you may also encounter coloured and Arctic fox, sik-siks (Arctic ground squirrels), and Arctic hare. Due to the timing of your trip there is also the potential to see a myriad of Hudson Bay migratory and shorebirds. The stunning backdrop of fall colors will make for spectacular photography throughout your safari. Your days at Seal River will follow the same general timeline as in Tundra Camp, though meals may sometimes be delayed in favour of wildlife viewing and/or photographic opportunities.
Return transfers are scheduled to begin after breakfast. Have your cameras at the ready for the return flight as it will be the final opportunity for aerial shots. Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding area and 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, finishing with a group dinner. Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening.
