Seal River Heritage Lodge
Polar Bear Photo Safari
LODGE
DURATION
6 Nights
WEATHER
Average: -20C to -5C (-4F to 23F)
Safari Overview
In the crystalline months of late October and November, when the edge of Hudson Bay prepares for winter’s embrace, a remarkable gathering occurs. The Polar Bear Photo Safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge offers seven days of extraordinary access to one of nature’s most profound spectacles – polar bears moving across the threshold of seasons, their white coats luminous against the austere autumn landscape.
Your first glimpse might come from the window of your flight from Churchill to the lodge, bears appearing like brush strokes against the tundra canvas below. But it’s at ground level where the true magnificence reveals itself. Here, uniquely positioned along the bears’ migratory route, Seal River Heritage Lodge offers what photographers dream of – unparalleled opportunities to document these magnificent creatures at eye level, their breath visible in the crisp Arctic air.
Each day brings two guided excursions, carefully timed to capture the ethereal light of late autumn. Our expert guides, who understand both wildlife behaviour and the needs of photographers, position you for moments that transform images into art. Watch through your lens as polar bears display their natural behaviours, while Arctic foxes ghost across the tundra, ptarmigan flutter white-on-white, and for the fortunate, snowy owls survey their domain from ancient rocks.
As darkness descends early in these transitional days, the lodge becomes both sanctuary and studio. Review your work beside the fireplace, share techniques with fellow photographers, and savour tundra-inspired cuisine that captures the essence of the North. When the night sky clears, another opportunity emerges – the mesmerizing dance of the aurora borealis, painting light across the Arctic darkness.
This is photography at its most profound – where technical excellence meets wild grace, and every frame captures a moment of pure Arctic authenticity.
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.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
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 our expediter will meet you at the airport. You will then be transferred by fixed wing aircraft to Seal River Heritage Lodge. This exciting 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 wildlife including the ‘Great Ice Bears’.
Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour of the Lodge and get you settled into your room. A thorough orientation on travelling in polar bear country will be provided prior to your first outings.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3 - 5
TUNDRA TREKKING, POLAR BEARS AND PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Each morning your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursion, and after a hearty breakfast, you’ll head out, cameras in hand, in search of wildlife. This safari caters to the wildlife photographer dedicated to documenting Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, so mealtimes will often be adjusted to take advantage of the encounter taking place. Your photos will have stunning backdrops with the sea and/or snowy landscapes surrounding the Lodge.
Scroll through the day’s photos during appetizer hour before enjoying one of our signature dinners. Then, top up your wine glass and head to the lounge, cozy up in front of the fireplace and enjoy a presentation by one of our team members.
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 6
LAST MINUTE WILDLIFE VIEWING
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 the town and surrounding, 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, 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.
*NOTE FOR 8 DAY ITINERARY
The above itinerary reflects a 7-day package as that is the majority of our Seal River departures. We are offering a couple departure as an 8-day package. Essentially, the itinerary is the same but as you will have five nights at the Lodge and your days would be numbered slightly different. Day 3-6 are your days at the Lodge, Day 7 is the day you transfer back to Churchill/Winnipeg and Day 8 would be the day you fly 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 21 - 27, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
October 29 - November 4, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
November 2 - 8, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
November 15 - 21, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge
SOLD OUT
2025 Rates
2025
Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$16,795 CAD
2025
Single Private Room
$31,095 CAD
Download 2025 PDF Itinerary
2026 Dates
Dates
Lodge
Availability
Inquire
* 8 DAY TRIPS: November 1 – 8 and November 15 – 22, 2026
2026 Rates
2026
7-Day Itinerary - Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$18,395 CAD
2026
7-Day Itinerary - Single Private Room
$33,995 CAD
2026
8-Day Itinerary - Price Per Person (Double Occupancy)
$20,395 CAD
2026
8-Day Itinerary - Single Private Room
$37,695 CAD
Download 2026 7 Day PDF ItineraryDownload 2026 8 Day PDF 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 and Seal River Heritage Lodge
- Two nights’ accommodations in Winnipeg
- Four nights’ lodge accommodations
- 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.
Download PDF Itinerary
For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-866-UGO-WILD (846-9453) or contact us.
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