Polar Bears & Beluga Whales
Summer in Churchill, Manitoba
Overview
Come discover wild, secluded places in what has been dubbed the “accessible arctic” for the very best opportunities to see Polar Bears and Beluga Whales in their natural summer element! Few people know about the wonders of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and even fewer have had the pleasure of visiting. Over the course of this unique adventure, explore the lush boreal forest and its wildlife, skim the rocky Hudson Bay coastline teaming with Beluga Whales, and view the great Polar Bear in this pristine natural paradise. You won’t see any billboards, chain restaurants, or traffic jams here— just creek water that is cleaner than any bottled kind, there is unique sense of freedom where you can go in any direction and not meet a single soul. Though Churchill’s landscape may be arctic, it is anything but barren. It is home to 500 species of arctic wildflowers and boreal plants, over 225 species of birds, and more than 300 nights of northern lights activity. And, of course, there are the polar bears and the belugas!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Explore a remote Polar Bear Viewing Area
- Cultural and Heritage tour of Churchill
- Full day Hudson Bay coastal tour on the Matonabee
- Beluga Whale viewing boat tour
- Walking tour of historic Prince of Wales Fort
- Free day for optional tours
- Summer Tundra Artic Crawler tour
- Lazy Bear Lodge a cozy, unique log cabin lodge
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
- Roundtrip charter air from Winnipeg to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada
- Escorted
- 6 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 1 lunches, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Hotel baggage handling
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.
Itinerary
Tue, Aug 15: Fly to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Get to know your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner made from scratch with locally harvested ingredients. (Meals: Dinner)
Wed, Aug 16: Following breakfast, transfer back to the airport for a charter flight to Churchill. Churchill is located on the strip of land between the Churchill River and the Hudson Bay, and part of the Arctic Ocean. Upon arrival, enjoy a Cultural and Heritage tour of the area. Explore various historic sites, including Cape Merry and an outside tour of the Polar Bear Jail, the wreckage of the famous plane, ‘Miss Piggy’, and many other historic sites that make Churchill the town it is today. At the end of your tour, transfer to your hotel and check in for four nights of real, northern hospitality and warm inviting coziness at the Lazy Bear Lodge. This log cabin style lodge was built from historic, recycled wood is located on the main street of Churchill, a small town of only 1000 residents. Enjoy dinner at the lodge. (B,D)
Thu, Aug 17: Enjoy a full day Hudson Bay Coastal Tour by boat with the opportunity to view polar bears! The Lazy Bear’s Captain will take you into the Hudson Bay aboard the brand new, customized, Transport Canada certified vessel Matonabee. On this unique adventure, explore one of the more remote Polar Bear viewing areas on the west side of Hudson Bay. Since the majority of Polar Bears are in this viewing area during the summer months, our adventure gives you the best opportunity to see Polar Bears in their habitat. During the summer season, Polar Bears can be seen swimming, exploring around the rocks and wildflowers, as well as sunbathing along the shore. Weather and wildlifepermitting, we will have the privilege to disembark the boat, giving us the amazing experience to walk where Polar Bears roam. (B,L)
Fri, Aug 18: Along the same shoreline, hundreds of Beluga Whales come to feed, mate, and give birth in the warm, shallow, near-coastal waters. Today’s adventure includes a Beluga Whale boat tour focusing on viewing the beautiful Beluga Whales in their natural habitat in the Churchill River and into the Hudson Bay area as they feed on schools of Caplin, Arctic Char and Brook Trout. Also go ashore for a walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort. (B)
Sat, Aug 19: Have today free for independent exploration! You may choose to take part in optional excursions like dog carting, kayaking up close and personal with beluga whales or Beluga AquaGlinding, lying on a floating mat on the Churchill River or Hudson Bay watching the beluga whales nearby*. Perhaps wander into town and take in the museums at the train station, shop for souvenirs, or take a hike observing the wonderful natural scenery. No matter what you choose to do you will have plenty of stories to tell at dinner tonight. (B,D)
Sun, Aug 20: This morning, embark on your Summer Tundra Tour on the Artic Crawler to get your last views of the beautiful landscape before heading to the airport. Fly back to Winnipeg early this afternoon and overnight at the Grand Winnipeg Hotel. Share your favorite memories tonight at our Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
Mon, Aug 21: Following your included breakfast at the hotel check out and head to the terminal to check in for your flights home. (B)
*Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
Hotels
Inn at the Forks, Winnipeg, Manitoba. This luxury, boutique hotel is located right in the downtown historic area of Winnipeg. Highlights: in-room coffee maker and mini refrigerator • spa • restaurant and room service • concierge • fitness center • complimentary Wi-Fi
Lazy Bear Lodge, Churchill. Located right on the main street in Churchill, this cozy log cabin style lodge is made from timber reclaimed from a fire in the boreal forest. Highlights: in-room coffee maker and mini refrigerator • restaurant with espresso bar • gift shop • complimentary Wi-Fi
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba. This 4-star hotel is located within the Winnipeg airport. Highlights: in-room coffee maker and mini refrigerator • restaurant and lounge • fitness center • complimentary Wi-Fi
Pricing
- Package with Air
- Double P/P – $7,819
- Single – $8,549
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $7,099
- Single – $7,829
*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge
Documents Required: Valid Passport
CANADA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any person may be denied entry to Canada for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, human or international rights violations, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, having an inadmissible family member and involvement in criminal activity (regardless of degree or length of time since such crimes occurred) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, shoplifting, theft, and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of, a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for and receiving these approvals and corresponding documentation, we strongly recommend that you visit the following website for details regarding the requirements and process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. This is only a guide. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you arrive at a port of entry.
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