Seal River Heritage Lodge
Birds, Bears & Belugas
LODGE
DURATION
7 Nights
WEATHER
Average: 7C to 17C (45F to 63F)
Safari Overview
In the age of instant everything, true luxury reveals itself in moments of sublime pause. On the Birds, Bears & Belugas Safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge in July and August, such moments arrive with startling intimacy. Here, uniquely in the Arctic, we meet polar bears at ground level – no elevated platforms, no barriers between you and the raw reality of the North.
A polar bear, fresh from its hunting season on the ice, moves through the morning light a hundred meters away. Time suspends. The bear lifts its head, ancient eyes scanning the horizon, while our small group stands in reverent silence, witnesses to a scene unchanged since the last ice age.
Guided excursions venture out twice daily, perfectly timed to nature’s rhythms. Whether on foot or in specialized tundra vehicles, you’ll experience these magnificent creatures as they were meant to be seen – sharing their terrain, walking their ancient paths. Magnificent sandhill cranes step with aristocratic poise through the tundra, which in late July might be dotted with purple fireweed. Snow geese paint the sky in elegant formations, while Arctic foxes, curious hares, and ever-vigilant sik-siks add their own chapters to each day’s unfolding narrative.
The afternoon might find you gliding by zodiac into the Seal River estuary, where thousands of beluga whales gather in nature’s version of a grand summer salon. Their songs, carried through hydrophones, provide a haunting soundtrack as they feed and molt in the tidal flow, curious eyes meeting yours with startling intelligence.
As evening approaches – though darkness never quite arrives in these endless summer days – return to the lodge where Arctic comfort awaits. Over delicious tundra-inspired cuisine paired with Canadian wines, watch the golden light paint the tundra while bears continue their ancient patrols. For photographers, our specialized Summer Polar Bear Photo Safari version of Birds, Bears & Belugas orchestrates a perfect harmony of light, wildlife, and opportunity.
Here is a reminder, that true luxury isn’t about gilt and excess – it’s about access to moments of pure wonder, where comfort meets wild on the edge of the world.
Lodge + Location
Seal River Heritage Lodge
60 KM NORTH OF CHURCHILL BY PLANE
59° 09’ 09.87” N / 94° 46’ 54.87 “ W
Perched on the rugged coast of Hudson Bay lies Seal River Heritage Lodge. Located near the Seal River Estuary, 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 and viewing beluga whales in July and August.
The fenced-in compound, viewing platforms and tower lend themselves to unique photography opportunities for northern lights and the wildlife that approach to check out the sights, sounds and smells of the Lodge.
Accommodations are eight, double guest rooms each with an en-suite bathroom. The guest wing is away from the lounge and dining room allowing you to enjoy quiet time as needed.
Our cozy lounge, complete with fireplace, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, sharing photos or talking with new friends.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
ANTICIPATION BUILDS DURING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY IN WINNIPEG
Arrive in Winnipeg where you will enjoy a relaxing stay at our choice hotel, The Grand by Lakeview at the Winnipeg Airport. Meet the rest of your group during an orientation dinner hosted by a Churchill Wild representative.
Includes: dinner
Day 2
WINNIPEG TO CHURCHILL TO THE LODGE
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and provide you with instructions for the morning transfers. Your adventure begins with an aerial flight over the winding Hudson Bay coast en-route to your home for the next six days, Seal River Heritage Lodge. Watch out for pods of whales, birds, and of course, the magnificent Ice Bears. The Seal River Estuary is a summer favorite for these goliaths, and they are seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge.
Upon your arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travel in polar bear country will be provided prior to any outings.
After lunch, you’ll experience the coast for the first time. Ensure your camera batteries are charged!
Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by another of our signature meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3 - 6
TUNDRA TREKKING, POLAR BEARS AND PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY
After breakfast, head out for either a marine tour or hike. Lunch will typically be back at the lodge, unless your guides take you on an ATV excursion further down the coast. Marine tours are tide-dependent, so scheduled mealtimes may be adjusted to accommodate whale watching.
Relive the excitement of the day during daily appetizer hour before sitting down to dinner, then top up your glass of wine and settle in for the evening’s presentation.
Bedtime is at your leisure. We monitor the Lodge area all night so be prepared to have your sleep cut short by a nocturnal visit from one of the great ice bears (or by one of our dazzling displays of northern lights!)
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 7 - 8
CHURCHILL TIME!
After one last hearty Lodge breakfast, we will begin air transfers back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.
Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of our tour guides exploring the town and surrounding area, 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, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
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
July 6 -13, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT – FULL LODGE BOOKING
July 11 -18, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
July 16 -23, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SUMMER PHOTO SAFARI – FOUR ROOMS AND ONE FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE
July 31 - August 7, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
2025 Rates
2025
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$16,495 CAD
2025
Single Private Room
$30,495 CAD
2026 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
2026 Rates
2026
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$18,095 CAD
2026
Single Private Room
$33,495 CAD
Prices are subject to taxes of 8.5%. Children from ages 8 to 12 qualify for the child rate.
* 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. If a single guest prefers to have a private room option we also have a single private room rate as listed above. This rate guarantees a private room at the Lodge as well as at the hotels required within the package.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba
- Roundtrip airfare between Churchill and Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
- Five nights’ lodge accommodations
- All meals, excursions, and guide services while in Churchill and at the Lodge
- Excursion gear*
* The equipment we provide at the Lodge (rain gear, rubber boots, and gear for use during marine excursions) is designed to fit guests from child to adult. Boot sizes larger than a men’s size 13 or a very small child are customized sizes 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.
Not Included
- Taxes and Gratuities
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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