Great Ice Bear

LODGE

Dymond Lake Ecolodge

DURATION

6 Nights

WEATHER

Average: -20C to -5C (-4F to 23F)

Safari Overview

When October, when the snow begins to fall and the ice begins to form, a different kind of Arctic immersion begins. The Great Ice Bear adventure offers three extraordinary nights at our remote Dymond Lake Ecolodge, where wilderness refinement meets raw nature in perfect balance, allowing you to witness polar bears at ground level, without the crowds.

Join our expert guides for daily walks through polar bear country, where each excursion might reveal not only the lords of the Arctic, but also Arctic hare bounding across the frost-touched ground, foxes ghosting through the gathering twilight, snowy owls surveying their domain, and perhaps even the elusive wolverine. As darkness arrives earlier each day, return to the lodge where crackling fires and fine Canadian wines await.

The evening light show begins twice: first with the sun painting impossible colours across the sky, then with the possible emergence of the aurora borealis, best viewed from our dedicated viewing tower or, for the adventurous, while lying on the snowy tundra wrapped in Arctic gear. Our guides transform these moments into living seminars, sharing insights that deepen your understanding of this complex ecosystem.

Your journey culminates in Churchill with an entirely different perspective – a full-day Tundra Buggy® expedition that offers elevated views of these magnificent creatures. Before departing, delve into Churchill’s fascinating frontier history through visits to the Parks Canada exhibit, Itsanitaq Museum, and the famous Polar Bear Jail.

This carefully orchestrated blend of walking safaris and elevated observation, of wilderness immersion and frontier history, creates an accessible yet authentic Arctic experience. Here, luxury reveals itself in moments of pure connection – a polar bear’s breath visible in the crisp air, the first stars emerging above the tundra, the perfect stillness of an Arctic dawn.

Lodge + Location

Dymond Lake Ecolodge

30 KM NORTH OF CHURCHILL BY PLANE

58° 49’ 19.72” N / 94° 32’ 40.92” W

The location of Dymond Lake Lodge, nestled near the treeline of the Boreal Forest, gives it a true wilderness feeling. Being close to both the coast and the forest means the variety of wildlife is unparalleled. Polar bears, moose, fox, pine marten, snowy owls, and even the elusive wolverine are known visitors of this unique destination.

This property has eight double occupancy rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Stay in one of our cozy guest cabins and indulge in Arctic gourmet cuisine in the main lodge.

The fenced-in compound keeps you safe as you move about and allows you to get within mere feet of the wildlife that stop by to check things out. It’s also great when you want to lie on the tundra, watching the northern lights dance across the sky!

In the evenings, gather in the main building for fellowship or enjoy some quiet time in the small common areas located in each guest cabin.

Itinerary

Day 1

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. 

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

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Arrive in Churchill by air where one of our expert staff will meet you at the airport and will provide you with instructions of the morning transfers. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft to our Dymond Lake Ecolodge. This short flight takes you out over the historic Churchill River and then northwest up the rugged Hudson Bay coast. Keep a sharp eye en route for possible sightings of moose, wolves, and of course, the ‘Great Ice Bears’.

Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour and show you to your room. Lunch will be served soon after, and before heading out on your first excursion, you’ll be thoroughly debriefed regarding your stay in polar bear country.

This day includes a guided hike on our rugged and starkly beautiful coastline, an interpretive slide show featuring the wildlife of Hudson Bay, and hopefully a clear night for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Dymond Lake Ecolodge features an Aurora viewing tower for northern lights observation. All this will be topped off with a lunch and dinner where your hosts and guides will regale you with tales of life and adventures in Canada’s Arctic.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 - 4

TUNDRA TREKKING, POLAR BEARS & PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Each morning after a hot breakfast, your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursions. If there are bears near the Lodge, your morning tour may be delayed to take advantage of these photo and observation opportunities. The walks are comfortably paced as they are geared towards plenty of viewing and photo opportunities.

Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by one of our signature tundra-inspired meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. On clear nights, you may also have a chance to view one of the spectacular aurora borealis displays common at this latitude.

Bedtime is at your leisure and you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss out on anything. Our staff monitor the compound and skies and will rouse you if the aurora or a nocturnal polar bear make an appearance.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

SAY GOODBYE TO THE LODGE…BUT NOT TO THE BEARS!
After another 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 Churchill and area and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. 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.

Tonight you’ll overnight in Churchill at our brand new Blueberry Inn.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 6 - 7

TUNDRA BUGGYTM EXCURSION & BACK TO WINNIPEG
Today you will travel across the tundra in a Tundra Buggy® for more polar bear viewing.  Transportation by bus to and from the launch site is provided pre- and post-tour. You’ll have lunch out on the tundra during your tour.

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 7

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

October 20 - 26, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

SOLD OUT

October 23 - 29, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

ONE ROOM AVAILABLE

October 26 - November 1, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

SOLD OUT

October 29 - November 4, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

ONE FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE

November 1 - 7, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

SOLD OUT

November 4 - 10, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

SOLD OUT

November 7 - 13, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

FOUR ROOMS AVAILABLE

November 10 - 16, 2025
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

2025 Rates
2025
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$15,995 CAD
2025
Single Private Room
$29,595 CAD
2026 Dates

Dates

Lodge

Availability

Inquire

October 19 - 25, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

October 22 - 28, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

October 25 - October 31, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

October 28 - November 3, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

October 31 - November 6, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

November 3 - 9, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

November 6 - 12, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

November 9 - 15, 2026
Dymond Lake Ecolodge

AVAILABLE

2026 Rates
2026
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$18,095 CAD
2026
Single Private Room
$32,495 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 Dymond Lake Ecolodge
  • Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
  • One nights’ accommodations in Churchill
  • Three nights’ lodge accommodations
  • Chartered Tundra Buggy® tour
  • All meals, excursions and guide services while in Churchill and at the Lodge
  • Winter gear*

*The winter gear we provide 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.

Quote.

This was an incredible experience that exceeded our expectations. As Canadians we felt privileged to see these magnificent animals up close in their own backyard and learn so much about them and the way of life in this part of the country. The group size of 16 was perfect. The atmosphere was warm and inviting thanks to great hosts, staff and food and comfortable accommodation.

Cathy & Claude P.

Thank you for making a dream come true. I have looked into a polar bear’s eyes. Magical and moving.

Daniela K.

What an experience, everything we hoped for and more. The Churchill Wild team are brilliant, from kitting us out with superb winter gear, providing superb meals and great trails to actually walking with polar bears. For those less active the bears even came around our compound and peered in at us, so we were in the zoo! It was fantastic to watch the bears in their natural state, especially the mother and cub we were so lucky to see a couple of days. The guides are true experts and passionate about what they do, as evidenced in their evening talks. Limiting the group size to 16 meant that no one was left out or jostling for position. Our group was very diverse in age and nationality, but we bonded well. Our experience was even more unique as we were storm bound for an extra two days! Fine for us as we had more time with the bears! The Churchill Wild team were great in rearranging flights, hotels, etc. back to Winnipeg, and also keeping us well fed and entertained. We can't thank them enough for giving us this tremendous insight into life in the arctic, well done all!

Pete B.

You do “wonder and awe” with excellence – thank you for your skill, attention to detail and most of all, your hearts and spirits.

Margi H.

Exceptional experience from top to bottom. Thank you for your warmth in this beautiful place – I have loved every minute.

Caroline C.

The last trip on my bucket list and by far the most memorable.

Doug G.

My vacations are always adventurous. Visiting this lodge with a small group of special people, seeing the northern lights and sharing in the life of the polar bears near the Arctic Circle so close and on their turf was a dream of mine! Every day knowledgeable and experienced guides took us out hiking to the Hudson Bay to point out polar bears (male, female and cubs), ptarmigan, red fox, and a snowy owl! The staff at the lodge made sure we had warm clean lodging with great food every meal, including beverages at happy hour! I recommend Dymond Lake Lodge and Churchill Wild without hesitation! It was an unforgettable experience!

Karen F.

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