Dymond Lake Ecolodge
Great Ice Bear
6 Nights
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
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Availability
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2025 Rates
2026 Dates
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2026 Rates
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.
For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-866-UGO-WILD (846-9453) or contact us.