Camping on the Barren Lands. Trekking for polar bears.
“Trip of a lifetime. Getting up close and personal with the wildlife was a thrill, experiencing a remote corner of Canada in such a luxurious way is a rare privilege, fabulous hosts/food/accommodations/guides, amazing photo opportunities with expert help, flying over the vast north and spotting bears/moose/belugas was such a treat …. just truly great fun!” — Katherine Rethy
Dates & Rates | Location | Itinerary
Your Arctic Safari takes place in Canada’s last remaining wilderness — from the great tundra plains known as The Barren Lands, through “The Land of Little Sticks” and finally down to the rugged Hudson Bay coastline, home of the mighty polar bears.
Our most ambitious adventure to date, the Arctic Safari includes a two-day stay in our Tundra Camp on the Barren Lands, exploring the ancient migratory grounds of the Qaminurjuaq caribou herd, as well as four days of ground-level trekking in search of polar bears at Seal River Heritage Lodge. All set on a kaleidoscopic background of spectacular fall colors!
If that’s not enough, try finding some energy to stay up for the finest light show on earth. Our lodges are located in one of the best aurora borealis viewing zones in the Arctic! Listening to the spine tingling howls of a hungry wolf pack while being mesmerized by the dancing aurora borealis can be a life-changing experience.
Of course, it can’t hurt that you have just finished a delicious meal in the rustic Arctic luxury of Seal River Heritage Lodge and you’re lounging outside by a campfire sipping a glass of wine!
From our rugged, cozy Tundra Camp to the warmth and comfort of Seal River Heritage Lodge, we will pamper you with the finest service, guides, accommodations, and cuisine. A uniquely Canadian adventure vacation in one of the few remaining true wilderness areas on the planet.
Arctic Safari - Dates and Rates
2021 DATES
September 4 – 12 Photo Leader Jad Davenport
September 10 – 18 Photo Leader Jad Davenport
2022 DATES
September 4 – 12 Photo Leader Jad Davenport
September 6 – 14 Photo Leader Jad Davenport
September 10 – 18 Photo Leader Jad Davenport
Please note that sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control, the photo leaders assigned to specific dates may change prior to departure.
| Price (per person) | Single Private Room | Children |
|---|---|---|
| 2021: $14,995 CAD | 2021: $27,695* CAD | 2021: $13,495 CAD |
| 2022: $15,495 CAD | 2022: $28,695* CAD | 2022: $13,995 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.
Location
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 guestrooms 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.
Location Specifics
60 km north of Churchill by plane
59° 09’ 09.87” N / 94° 46’ 54.87 “ W
Itinerary
9 Days, 8 Nights
The package includes two nights in Winnipeg, four nights at Seal River Heritage Lodge, two nights at Tundra Camp, as well as round-trip airfare between Winnipeg, Churchill and our Lodges.
Day 1 - 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
Day 3 to 4 - Nature trekking and glamping 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
Day 5 to 7 - 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.
For our September 4 – 12 departure, days 2 – 7 vary slightly. Please click here to view that itinerary.
Includes: breakfast lunch dinner
Day 8 - 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
After a restful sleep you will pack your bags in preparation for your flight home.
Churchill Wild reserves the right to make changes to the Arctic Safari Itinerary due to weather and logistical complications that can arise from traveling in the north and to remote locations.
Gear Provided
The equipment we provide at the Lodge such as rain gear, rubber boots, winter gear (rental), and gear for use during marine excursions are designed to fit guests from child to adult. Boot sizes larger than a men’s size 13 or a very small child are considered to be 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.
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