Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
Nanuk Emergence Quest
LODGE
DURATION
13 Nights
WEATHER
Average: -25C to -20C (-13F to – 4F)
Safari Overview
In the depths of winter, when most travellers turn away from the Arctic’s edge, an extraordinary possibility emerges. The Nanuk Emergence Quest offers fourteen days at our most remote lodge, where patience and dedication might reward you with one of nature’s most intimate moments – a polar bear mother leading her newborn cubs from their den into the luminous world of late winter.
From mid-February to mid-March, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge becomes a base for this unprecedented safari in the Kaskatamagan Wildlife Management Area. Each day, expert guides and scouts lead excursions deep into denning territory, where the drama of new life unfolds against a backdrop of pristine snow. This is not simply wildlife viewing; it’s a vigil for one of the Arctic’s most elusive and moving spectacles.
Between searches for emerging families, immerse yourself in the magic of the Arctic winter. Track wolves through the boreal forest as they conduct their own courtship dances, master the art of igloo building, and explore the pristine landscape on snowshoes. Our guides read the subtle signs of the season, interpreting tracks and behaviours that reveal the hidden rhythms of life in this demanding environment.
As darkness falls, retreat to the lodge’s warmth, where delicious tundra-inspired cuisine and informative presentations illuminate the complex story of polar bear denning. The long winter nights and stable weather conditions create perfect opportunities to witness spectacular aurora borealis displays – nature’s own celebration of renewal.
This quest demands dedication, but offers something precious in return – the chance to witness one of nature’s most secretive moments, when new life emerges from the white silence of the Arctic winter. Here, luxury is measured not in gilded comforts, but in moments of pure discovery.
Lodge + Location
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
250 KM SOUTH OF CHURCHILL BY PLANE
57° 07’ 22.4” N / 91° 39’ 52.0” W
Situated next to pristine Arctic waters on Hudson Bay with Canada’s Boreal Forest as its backyard sits Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. The diverse ecosystem surrounding Nanuk is home to Canadian icons such as polar bears, black bears, wolves, and moose.
From the safety of the fence surrounding the Lodge, view the northern lights or get up-close-and-personal with the polar bears and other wildlife that meander past, as curious about you as you are about them.
The eight guestrooms with en-suite bathrooms are housed in two guest wings connected to the main dining room/lounge area, each with cozy sitting areas overlooking the Bay. After a long day trekking the tundra, kick back in our lounge and enjoy an informative presentation by our guides or simply relax and enjoy conversations with new friends.
Note that due to EXTREME weather conditions (i.e. very low temperatures) there may be times when it’s difficult to maintain running water under the mid-winter conditions. There will be no laundry facilities.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
ANTICIPATION BUILDS DURING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport.
Your winter gear fitting and collection will take place at 5 pm prior to meeting the rest of your group at an orientation dinner hosted by a Churchill Wild representative.
Includes: dinner
Day 2
ARCTIC FRONTIER ARRIVAL
Fly to Thompson or Churchill, where you will be met by our staff, and then on to Nanuk Lodge. After settling in at the Lodge, you’ll head out on the first of your expeditions to search for wildlife, time and daylight permitting.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3 - 12
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS!
Your days will start with a hearty, full-course breakfast to fuel your daily activities which will consist of guided expeditions to search out wildlife encounters, primarily of mothers and newborn cubs.
Guides and/or scouts will patrol the area daily to seek out bears traversing the the coastline with their newborn cubs. These guides will always be in radio contact to coordinate viewing/photography opportunities of bear families as they make their way to the coast and onto the sea ice.
Other activities may include igloo building, wolf howls, soapstone carving and snowshoeing expeditions.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 13 - 14
DAY 13: BACK TO WINNIPEG
After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the Lodge and the wildlife whose home you’ve shared over the last 10 days.
Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 14: HOMEWARD BOUND
After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.
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.
Dates & Rates
2025 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
February 19 - March 4, 2025
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
SOLD OUT
March 2 - 15, 2025
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
SOLD OUT
2025 Rates
2025
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$19,695 CAD
2025
Single Private Room
$36,495 CAD
2026 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
February 19 - March 4, 2026
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
SOLD OUT
March 2 - March 15, 2026
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
SOLD OUT
2026 Rates
2026
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$23,995 CAD
2026
Single Private Room
$44,295 CAD
Prices are subject to taxes of 8.5%.
* Single guests can sign up to share a room with another person of the same gender at the regular rate per person based on double occupancy.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Thompson/Churchill, Manitoba
- Roundtrip airfare between Thompson/Churchill and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
- Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
- 11 nights’ lodge accommodations
- All meals, excursions, and guide services while at the Lodge
- Winter gear*
* Temperatures will range from -20 to -40C, likely with high wind chills, blowing snow and/or blizzard conditions. Only the very best winter clothing is acceptable and for this reason we will provide you with insulated boots, pants and parka for this expedition. The items are designed to fit adult guests. Boot sizes larger than a men’s size 13 would be considered a custom size that we do not provide. Additionally, guests over 6’4” may be required to bring their own gear as we may not have clothing sizes to fit. For your own safety and comfort, we will provide you with an additional list of what to bring.
Not Included
- Taxes and Gratuities
- Personal outdoor gear not included are winter hat, balaclava, scarf and mitts. If you cannot get at home, you can purchase them with us but advance notice is required.
For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-866-UGO-WILD (846-9453) or contact us.
Download PDF Itinerary
For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-866-UGO-WILD (846-9453) or contact us.
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