Churchill

Seal River Heritage Lodge, located 50 kilometres by air from Churchill, Manitoba, will be your home for this exciting week. Known as the Polar Bear capital of the world, this area is also the best place to see large congregations of beluga whales as nearly 57,000 of them calve in the protection of the Hudson Bay each summer. Both bears and whales, along with the thousands of birds, will be in your backyard.

Arrive in Churchill by air where you will be met and taken to the Aurora Inn  where you will check in and drop your bags.  At 1pm, we will provide you a cultural/historical tour of town and surrounding area which will last approximately 4 hours.  You will visit local places of interest such as Cape Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Eskimo Museum, the Polar Bear Holding Compound (otherwise known as the PB Jail), as well as the Parks Canada exhibit.  You will be on your own for dinner and there are a variety of local restaurants.

1 night in Churchill.

After breakfast at a local restaurant, we’ll transfer you to Landing Lake where a breathtaking aerial tour of the winding Hudson Bay coast will lead you to your home for the next 5 days - Seal River Heritage 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 polar bears are regularly seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge.  Upon your arrival, your hosts, Mike and Jeanne Reimer and their children, a true (and thus rare) Churchillian family, will provide a tour of the lodge and get you settled into your room.

After a full-course lunch Churchill Wild-style, you will experience the tundra for the first time.  The combination of diversity and sheer natural elegance will amaze you. 

5 nights at the Seal River Heritage Lodge.

Depending on both weather and group interest, you will enjoy the following activities:

Marine Tours - Tides and weather permitting we will do at least three expeditions by boat to view beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and polar bears.  Marine tours are conducted in large, nine-man inflatable boats, equipped with a hydrophone so that you can listen to the whale songs. 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 a passing caribou perhaps, to day trips with a pack lunch.  There is no better way to experience the sheer vastness of the Arctic’s flora and fauna.  Nesting bird life, fox dens, wild flowers, and caribou are just a few of the sights you will take in. 

Coast by Buggy- 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. 

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.

Wildlife Photography Workshops – In order to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one of your guides is a professional wildlife photographer and he will provide you with casual workshops and professional advice as you shoot.

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 are 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

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 the opportunity to learn about the Arctic wildlife, landscape, and people.

After another hearty lodge breakfast, it is time for one last walk on the tundra before packing. Have cameras ready again for the return flight to Churchill as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.

You will arrive in Churchill in time for lunch and your afternoon is then free for browsing the shops of Churchill before the return flight to Winnipeg

Overnight in Winnipeg and fly home the next day.

1 night in Winnipeg.