Birds, beluga whales & polar bears - Wildlife watching

Arrive into Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel – the Four Points by Sheraton at the Winnipeg Airport.  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 tonight for your early morning departure to Churchill.

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 en route to your home for the next 6 days- the lodge. Be prepared to see huge pods of whales, countless birds, as well as caribou 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 full-course lunch, 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 as if you’re like 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!

 In the coming days, your breakfasts will be served at 8:00 a.m. and the tour of the day will typically depart the Lodge at 9:30 a.m. Depending on both weather and group interest, you will enjoy the following activities:

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, floatation jackets for each passenger, and a hydrophone so that you can listen to the whale songs. Each expedition is a half day in order to coordinate with the high tides. Both refreshments and lunch will be served aboard. Expect to see hundreds of whales per outing! 

Trekking/Walking Tours – These are a daily part of the program and they range from short jaunts to photograph a passing 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, wildflowers, and caribou are just a few of the sights you will take in. 

Whale Swim and exploration by Zodiac – Take to the bay for the ultimate plunge and join the belugas in their watery world. Dry suits will be provided to offset the chill of the Hudson Bay.

Ocean Paddles – We have several sea kayaks and canoes on site for your use at any time. Perfect tranquility with only the sound of your dipping paddle and the “sea canaries” is truly awe-inspiring!

Aurora Watching – Yes, you can enjoy the greatest light show on earth in summer especially in the latter part of our season. The northern skies are a perfect ballroom for the aurora but remember, the aurora is best photographed with a tripod so 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.

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 the Churchill region.

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 Eskimo Museum, the Polar Bear Holding Compound (otherwise known as the Polar Bear Jail), as well as the Parks Canada exhibit are all of great interest. Please refer to your “Top things to do and see” list we provided.

Lunch and dinner are on your own this day. 

Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening and we hope to see you back at one of our Eco-Lodges for some more bear viewing very soon! Upon your arrival into Winnipeg collect your bags and head off to your hotel for the evening. The Four Points by Sheraton is conveniently located at the airport.

After a restful sleep, you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home. You will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before your trip back to reality.

Accommodations are at a wilderness arctic lodge.  Rooms are double occupancy with private washrooms, electricity, hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets. The lodge has picture windows, viewing tower, common area with fireplace, library, gift shop and radio/telephone.

This lodge maximizes viewing potential by giving guests the opportunities to see bears from a variety of locations.  Whether it is from one of the nature trails, the lodge's viewing tower, or just outside the window as you dine, a trip to to this lodge means guests will see polar bears and other wildlife like no adventurer on a Churchill town-only package can.

The package includes 5 nights at the lodge and 2 hotel nights in Winnipeg.

Delicious meals are prepared daily and the menu may include authentic northern cuisine.

All of the meals served at the lodge are prepared based on the recipes from the best-selling cookbooks by Helen Webber and Marie Woosley.