Credit: Churchill WIld / Mandel Missy
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Arctic Safari
Thumbnails
Credit: Churchill WIld / Mandel Missy
Seal River Heritage Lodge | Credit: Churchill Wild / Micheal Poliza
Aurora over Tents | Credit: Churchill Wild / Jad Davenport
Polar Bear | Credit: Churchill Wild / Dennis Fast
Polar Bear | Credit: Churchill Wild / Dennis Fast
Credit: Churchill Wild / Huijin Kong
Seal River Heritage Lodge | Credit: Churchill Wild
Canada

Arctic Safari (Tour code: 13066)

Starts and Ends
in Winnipeg
Travel Periods
04 Sep 24 - 10 Sep 24
Experience
Travel Style
Independent Holiday Packages
This uniquely Canadian adventure is a blend of wildlife and wild places set amidst the breathtaking colours of autumn.

Highlights

Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat

Experience the aurora magic! With 300 viewing nights yearly, you might witness the dazzling lights right from the lodge

Educational evening presentations by the lodge managers or naturalist guides about the Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle

Capture with a pro! National Geographic's Jad Davenport guides you, enhancing your skills. Learn tricks like "blue-hour" photography and Northern Lights shots

Indulge your taste buds with tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines

9 days
From
AUD 24,207
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Arctic Safari covers 20,000 km2 of northern terrain and is filled with endless photo opportunities and exclusive experiences. Enjoy Seal River Heritage Lodge and expedition camping at the cozy Tundra Camp as you pamper with world class service, guides, accommodations, and cuisine—truly the adventure of a lifetime.

The National Geographic Creative photographer, Jad, will help you capture the incredible beauty and diversity of this wild Arctic region. The remoteness and logistical considerations of this safari make it an experience that only a handful of guests have the chance to partake in each year. Your days will be focused on wildlife encounters and interpretive hikes across the rugged and colourful tundra terrain. In addition to the famed polar bear, keep your eyes open for wolves, Arctic fox, sik-siks, Arctic hare and hopefully northern lights!

Seal River Lodge stands as a true wilderness haven nestled in the heart of Canada's pristine Arctic wilderness. This remote lodge, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the northern landscape, offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Its charm lies not only in its rustic yet comfortable accommodations but also in its commitment to preserving the natural environment. Guests at Seal River Lodge are treated to an authentic and immersive experience, where wildlife encounters with polar bears, wolves, and other Arctic creatures are a daily occurrence. Expert guides provide insightful knowledge about the region's ecology, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you seek tranquility amidst nature's grandeur or an adventure of a lifetime, Seal River Lodge beckons with its unique blend of serenity and wildlife excitement.

Inclusions

2 nights in Winnipeg at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
2 nights in Churchill at the Tundra Camp
4 nights in Churchill at the Seal River Heritage Lodge
Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba
Roundtrip airfare between Churchill, Seal River Heritage Lodge and Tundra Camp
Meals as per itinerary
All excursions and guide services in Churchill and at Seal River Lodge & Tundra Camp

Day 1 Winnipeg

Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at a 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.

Overnight in Winnipeg at the The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.

Dinner
Winnipeg
Winnipeg | Credit: Brydon McCluskey

Day 2 Winnipeg Churchill Tundra Camp

After an early morning flight, arrive in Churchill where the expediter will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions of 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 the 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, the staff will show you to your private expedition tent and give a brief orientation.

Overnight in Churchill at the Tundra Camp

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Winnipeg → Churchill → Tundra Camp

Day 3 - 4 Tundra Camp Seal River Heritage Lodge

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 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 the 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 Arctic flora and fauna. The Hudson Plains and Taiga Shield are rich ecosystems filled with history, and the 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.

Overnight in Churchill on Day 3 at Tundra Camp
Overnight in Churchill on Day 4 at Seal River Heritage Lodge 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tundra Camp → Seal River Heritage Lodge
Credit: Churchill Wild / Michael Poliza

Day 5 - 7 Seal River Heritage Lodge

The location of Seal River Heritage 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 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 favour of wildlife viewing and/or photographic opportunities.

Overnights in Churchill at the Seal River Heritage Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Dining View | Credit: Churchill Wild / Dennis Fast

Day 8 Seal River Heritage Lodge Churchill Winnipeg

Return transfers are scheduled to begin after breakfast. Have your cameras at the 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 the 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.

Overnight in Winnipeg at The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seal River Heritage Lodge → Churchill → Winnipeg
Itsanitaq Museum | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Day 9 Winnipeg

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

Accommodation

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel

Winnipeg
Just steps away, we’re across the street and to the right of the airport terminal James A. Richardson International Airport – YWG.
Every room features a Keurig coffee machine with complimentary Starbucks coffee pods, a 46 inch LED Samsung Smart TV with 20 HD Channels, mini-fridge, complimentary Vivreau water in a designer glass bottle, and washrooms designed with a day at the spa in mind. The Blue Marble is the in-house restaurant and it is opened for lunch and dinner. 

Seal River Heritage Lodge

Churchill
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge, one of the early members in the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. 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. Its location near the Seal River Estuary also makes it ideal for viewing beluga whales in July and August.

Additional information

Official language
French & English
Local currency
Canadian Dollars

2024 Dates

  • September - 4, 6, 10

Churchill Wild reserves the right to make changes to this itinerary due to weather and logistical complications that can arise from traveling in the north and to remote locations.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

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