Polar bear and wildlife viewing on an arctic safari tour

Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport. Meet the rest of your group at an orientation dinner hosted by a Churchill Wild representative.

After an early morning flight, arrive in Churchill where our expediter will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions on the morning transfers.

Your approximately one-hour flight will take you northwest along the rugged Hudson Bay coastline and then inland until you arrive at our Tundra Camp. In the heart of Canadian Barren Lands, this remote camp is perched on the edge of one of Manitoba’s 100,000 lakes, near the Nunavut border. Upon arrival, our staff will show you to your private expedition tent and give a brief orientation.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Your days will typically have a morning and afternoon excursion, with lunches served in Tundra Camp. You may also head out on a full-day excursion with a picnic lunch.

After a long and rewarding day of exploration, enjoy a glass of wine with appetizers before sitting down to a full-course dinner prepared by our chefs.

Your time in the remote wilderness surrounding Tundra Camp will be filled with unforgettable adventure: camping in the Barren Lands, walking in the ancient migratory path of the Qaminurjuaq caribou herd and learning about the Arctic flora and fauna. The Hudson Plains and Taiga Shield are rich ecosystems filled with history, and our expert naturalist guides are eager to share their extensive knowledge with you as you explore the area on foot during interpretive hikes.

After one last excursion in Tundra Camp, you will be transferred to Seal River Heritage Lodge for the second part of your adventure.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

The location of the 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 the 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 favor of wildlife viewing and/or photographic opportunities.

Return transfers are scheduled to begin after breakfast. Have your cameras 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. 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, you will collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

After a restful sleep, you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.

Hudson Bay Lodge

Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay, 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.

Our cozy lounge, complete with a fireplace, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, share photos or talk with new friends.

Barrenlands tent camp

Nestled on the shores of Schmok Lake, just a few kilometers from the Manitoba-Nunavut border sits our Tundra Camp. This camp is set up for just a few weeks each September to allow guests an immersion into the Canadian Barren Lands.

A double, electrified and alarmed fence encloses the compound that contains seven cozy Arctic Oven expedition tents. Each equipped with a heater and a composting toilet, these tents can comfortably accommodate up to two guests. Within the compound is a heated bathhouse containing lockers, a shower, sink and toilet. Meals will be served in a larger expedition tent, or on the beach if the weather cooperates!

Enjoy an evening aperitif around the fire, perhaps watching the northern lights dance across the sky, before settling into your tent. You’ll sleep soundly, breathing in pure tundra air, ensconced in nature’s stillness.

The tour package includes four nights at the main lodge, two nights at the camp on Schmok Lake and two hotel nights in Winnipeg.