6-Day Polar Bear Quest from Churchill, Manitoba | CA-AC601

Our wildlife watching adventure begins once all are assembled at the Four Points Sheraton, Winnipeg. Your hotel is conveniently located at the airport, so no transfers from the city and back to the airport are needed, however, the city center is only 15 minutes away if you want an authentic taste of the city’s culture.

Translated from the Western Cree language, Winnipeg means muddy waters, however, that’s a bit of a misnomer as the Red and Assiniboine rivers flowing through the city are beautifully clear. Winnipeg is a diverse and multicultural city with a remarkable history dating back to 1738. You’re free to arrive early in the day and explore the city at leisure.

After everyone has a chance to freshen up after their flights, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby for a group orientation and dinner.

Once everyone is well rested, we’ll quickly go over the tour again for any latecomers and then depart for Churchill. We’ll enjoy breakfast at 30,000 feet onboard our plane to Churchill.

Churchill is a small town in the north of Manitoba, nicknamed “the polar bear capital of the world.” For centuries, the region has been the home of many different Arctic peoples. The first known inhabitants, the Pre-Dorset culture, arrived there in the year 1700 BCE, and next the Dorset cultures settled in around the year 600 BCE. Thule people descended around the year 1000 CE., later evolving into Inuit cultures.

Once we have landed, our tour bus will take us around some of the attractions of Churchill. We’ll cruise around Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, Manitoba’s Polar Bear Holding Facility and many other attractions.

Then, we’ll have a little lunch and continue to explore this magical polar town. We’ll also pay a visit to the Eskimo Museum. There, we’ll find one of the finest collections of carvings made by Inuits in Canada, along with historical kayaks and other artifacts.

The day is packed with the unique history and culture of Churchill, and its defining attractions and landmarks. In the evening, you’ll be free to explore the city in more depth or feast on some local cuisine.

We’ll be spending the night at the Churchill Hotel.

On the third day, endless adventures await on our polar bear Tundra Buggy tour! We venture out into the Arctic tundra in search of polar bears and other magnificent wildlife. Our expert local guide will teach you everything there is to know about the polar bears and other wild animals who frequent the area around Churchill. During the safari, you’ll be treated to a picnic-style lunch and a few local refreshments along the way.

The vehicle for the day is the Tundra Buggy, specially designed to traverse the Arctic tundra. It’s furnished with dual pane, frost-free windows and is equipped with advanced real-flame propane heating systems. So, sit back and enjoy the safari - warm, comfortable, well-protected and with clear visibility.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a presentation by the locals of the area. The slideshow will be about residents of the town, their culture, and history, accompanied by magnificent photographs of the wildlife and surrounding landscapes.  

In the past, dog sledding played a big role in the culture and everyday life of Northern Manitoba. To this day, mushers use dog sleds in winter and carts in summer as their primary means of transportation. While Churchill is most famous for polar bear viewing during the winter and beluga whale watching during the summer, dog sledding is popular here all year long.

Today, we’ll try out our hands at dog sledding. Step back in time and learn about the everyday challenges locals had to endure in this harsh environment. After the ride, you’ll be greeted with a cup of hot chocolate, a fresh bannock (flatbread), and some dog sledding stories from the experts!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre where you’ll have a chance to view wildlife dioramas and fur trade exhibits. The center is also full of exhibitions on indigenous history and culture, as well as on the wonderful wildlife found in the area.

Our fifth day of the tour will begin with another tundra adventure in our advanced buggy. We’ll head out into the never-ending blanket of snow to try and spot a few more polar bears. Throughout the tour, you’ll be treated to picnic-style lunches and snacks. Make sure you bring your camera with you to capture those unforgettable views!

Once back at the hotel, we’ll pack our bags and head to the airport at 7 p.m. (19:00) to board our flight to Winnipeg. Dinner will be served in the air. We’ll arrive in Winnipeg at around 9 p.m. (21:00). We’ve arranged an overnight stay in the Four Points Sheraton hotel.

Once you’ve settled, you can explore the city of Winnipeg or relax at the hotel. The city center is only 15 minutes away by taxi.

Based on your own travel plans, your departure back home is up to you. You can stay and explore the area more or bid farewell to the magical Arctic and head home.

Mandatory medical/evacuation insurance is required.

Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended.