An Arctic Wilderness Safari

Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at the Grand Hotel Winnipeg Airport. At 7pm a dinner will be held at the hotel for you and your fellow passengers. This will give you chance to meet your group and adventure specialist. You will need your rest tonight for your early morning departure to Churchill.

The plane will wing you north-west along the rugged Hudson Bay coastline and then inland until you reach the Tundra Camp, in the heart of the Canadian Barren Lands. This remote camp is perched on the edge of one of Manitoba's 100,000 lakes, near the Nunavut border. Your guide will provide you with a brief orientation, then it's time to get out on the land.

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. 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 our expert naturalist guides are eager to share their extensive knowledge with you as you explore the area on foot during interpretive hikes.

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.

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 our 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, finishing with a group dinner. Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening.