Seal River Heritage Lodge
Arctic Safari Expedition
LODGE
DURATION
9 Nights
WEATHER
Average: 0C to 9C (32F to 48F)
Safari Overview
This Arctic expedition takes you deep into the wild landscapes of northern Manitoba, where no two days unfold the same across this vast northern wilderness.
Your journey begins at Seal River Heritage Lodge, set along the Hudson Bay coast directly in the path of polar bears. Over four days, you’ll head out on guided walking excursions across the tundra, covering ground and watching for movement on the horizon. Seeing a polar bear on foot, at a respectful distance, is something you don’t forget. And it’s not just bears; Arctic fox, Arctic hare, sik-sik, along with waves of migrating snow geese and sandhill cranes. You may even catch beluga whales still moving through the bay before they head south for the season.
Some days are quiet and patient. Others come alive all at once.
From the coast, you’ll fly inland to Caribou Tundra Camp on Schmok Lake for three nights, a remote heated-tent camp in the Barren Lands near the Nunavut border. This is where the expedition really opens up. You’ll move through rolling tundra, rocky ridges, and dwarf forests, following the same routes once used by the Pallermiut Inuit, searching for the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The terrain changes quickly, and so does the pace – one moment you’re hiking ridgelines, the next you’re picking wild blueberries or taking a cold plunge in the clear northern water if you’re up for it.
Evenings have their own rhythm. A fire going, a drink in hand, and a big northern sky overhead. When the conditions are right, the northern lights can steal the show.
Throughout the expedition, National Geographic photographer and Explorers Club member Jad Davenport will be right there with you – out on the land, sharing simple, practical ways to capture what you’re seeing, whether you’re using a full camera setup or just your phone. He’s also got a few stories to tell.
We keep this expedition small for a reason. It’s about being out there, not looking at it from a distance. Real wildlife, real landscapes, and a hands-on experience in one of the wildest places left on the planet.
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.
Barren Lands Tundra Camp
200 KM NORTHWEST OF SEAL RIVER BY PLANE
59° 54’ 00"N / 97° 02' 00"W
Nestled on the shores of Schmok Lake, just a few kilometres from the Manitoba-Nunavut border, sits our Tundra Camp. This camp is set up for just a few weeks each September to allow guests an immersion into the Canadian Barren Lands.
A double, electrified and alarmed fence encloses the compound that contains seven cozy Arctic Oven expedition tents. Each is equipped with a heater and can comfortably accommodate up to two guests. Within the compound is a heated bathhouse containing lockers, a shower, sink and toilet. Meals will be served in a larger expedition tent, or on the beach if the weather cooperates!
Enjoy an evening aperitif around the fire, perhaps watching the northern lights dance across the sky, before settling into your tent. You’ll sleep soundly, breathing in pure tundra air, ensconced in nature’s stillness.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
ARRIVE 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 at an orientation dinner hosted by a Churchill Wild representative.
Includes: dinner
Day 2
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
After an early morning flight, arrive in Churchill where our 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 our 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, our staff will show you to your private expedition tent and give a brief orientation.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3 - 5
NATURE TREKKING IN THE BARREN LANDS AT TUNDRA CAMP
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 our 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 our 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.
Includes: breakfast lunch dinner
Days 6 - 8
WILDLIFE VIEWING AT 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.
Includes: breakfast lunch dinner
Days 9 - 10
EXPLORATION OF HISTORIC CHURCHILL
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. 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.
Includes: breakfast lunch dinner
Day 9
HOMEWARD BOUND – WINNIPEG
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.
Expedition Leader
Jad Davenport
Jad Davenport, a photographer, writer, and storyteller for National Geographic, has spent the past three decades exploring some of the world’s most remote places. Assignments have taken him trekking through Papua New Guinea to investigate the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller, spelunking deep into Belizean caves to document ancient Maya sacrifice sites, and sailing into Greenlandic fjords in search of a lost Viking colony. He brings decades of field experience to mentoring photographers, guiding guests through the art, craft, and professional realities of storytelling with images.
His stories and photographs have appeared in dozens of publications including National Geographic, LIFE, Popular Photography, Outside, and Audubon. His fine art photography has been exhibited in galleries in the United States and Europe. An early pioneer in digital photography, Jad created National Geographic’s first fully digital cover story in 2004. Before this, he spent a decade as a freelance war photojournalist covering more than a dozen conflicts including Iraq, Bosnia, Cambodia, and El Salvador.
A 20-year member of The Explorers Club and Director of Wolf Programs for Churchill Wild, Jad leads the Arctic Safari and Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast expeditions, and the Photography Masterclass.
Dates & Rates
2026 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
September 3 - 12, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
September 4 - 13, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
September 10 - 19, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
2026 Rates
2026
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$22,695 CAD
2026
Single Private Room
$40,295 CAD
Download Sept 3th PDF ItineraryDownload Sept 4th & 10th Itinerary
2027 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
2027 Rates
2027
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$23,895 CAD
2027
Single Private Room
$44,195 CAD
Download Sept 2th PDF ItineraryDownload Sept 3th & 9th Itinerary
Prices are subject to taxes of 8.5%. Minimum age requirement of 16 years old.
* 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, Seal River Heritage Lodge and Tundra Camp
- Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
- Four nights’ accommodation at Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Three nights’ accommodations in Tundra Camp
- All meals, excursions, and guide services while in Churchill and at Seal River Lodge/Tundra Camp
- All alcoholic beverages – Canadian wines and beers
- Rain gear*
*The rain gear we provide at the Lodge 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 Sept 3th PDF ItineraryDownload Sept 4th & 10th Itinerary
For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-866-UGO-WILD (846-9453) or contact us.
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