Polar bear saying hello from outside the compound at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jackie Storry photo.
In an incredible whirlwind visit, a group of German tourism operators experienced the magic of Churchill Wild’s Seal River Heritage Lodge in early October, witnessing everything from polar bears to the northern lights in just 18 hours. The familiarization trip, organized by Travel Manitoba, gave the operators a concentrated taste of what makes Churchill Wild’s polar bear experiences so special.
The delegation included leading figures from Germany’s luxury travel sector:
- Barbara Ackermann, Managing Director of Destination Canada, proudly represented by The Destination Office in Bochum
- Beate Arnold, Private Travel Specialist at Airtours Private Travel, the luxury brand of TUI Deutschland GmbH
- Thomas Gehlen, DUMA Naturreisen GmbH
- Christian Boell, CEO of Windrose Home of Luxury Travel
- Christine Werner, Product Manager Nordamerika, art of travel GmbH
- Arlett Walleck, Product Manager North America, Oceania & Southern Africa at Dertour Group Deutschland
German operators viewing polar bears at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jackie Storry photo.
Prior to their Seal River adventure, the group also toured Churchill Wild’s newly opened Blueberry Inn in Churchill. The tour, which took place the evening after the Inn’s grand opening on October 3rd, allowed the operators to experience Churchill’s newest luxury accommodation offering.
The following day’s adventure began dramatically right from touchdown at Seal River Heritage Lodge, as a polar bear was spotted on the runway upon their arrival. This same bear would later provide one of many memorable wildlife encounters during their brief stay.
“They were absolutely blown away in 18 hours at Seal River,” said Jackie Storry, Churchill Wild’s VP of Development, who accompanied the group. Some of the operators were already working with Churchill Wild, while others were experiencing one of their ecolodges for the first time.
The group’s timing proved impeccable. Upon arrival at the lodge, they were greeted by the sight of two adolescent polar bears lounging near the property. The two young bears were the subject of the photo below just hours before the group arrived.
Polar bear kiss. Jackie Storry photo.
Another bear, known affectionately as “Shoulder Bear,” was also present, providing a touching conservation story. This particular bear had been monitored by lodge staff over several months, having suffered a serious shoulder injury that left an open wound. Guides and staff had watched with concern as the bear spent weeks recovering in the willows outside the lodge compound fence. By the time of the German operators’ visit, they were able to witness the now-healthy bear, fully recovered and socializing with other bears.
During their stay, the group participated in an abbreviated version of Churchill Wild’s signature walking safaris, getting remarkably close to polar bears in their natural habitat. The experience was highlighted by stunning natural phenomena, including a beautiful sunrise and a spectacular display of northern lights that evening.
Sunrise at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jackie Storry photo.
The impact of the brief visit was profound. As Barbara Ackermann later posted on social media, “Out of this world” took on another meaning in the last 18 hours. Lifetime memories. 100%!” She even joked about trying to “forget passports” to extend their stay, adding that they “did not want to leave.”
The success of the familiarization trip was immediately evident, with several operators expressing strong interest in partnership opportunities before even leaving the airport. This enthusiasm suggests that more German travelers may soon have the opportunity to experience Churchill Wild’s unique polar bear experiences for themselves.
German Operators out on a walk at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jackie Storry photo.
The visit exemplified Churchill Wild’s ability to deliver extraordinary wildlife encounters even in a compressed timeframe, showcasing the accessibility and intensity of their polar bear experiences. From close encounters with polar bears to basking in the northern lights, the German operators experienced firsthand why Churchill Wild has become the premier destination for polar bear viewing in the world.
And we were overjoyed to host them!
