Safari Overview

This safari is a must-do for professional and aspiring photographers. View polar bears as they amble past the lodge on their migratory route, and watch frisky foxes play outside the lodge windows. Stunning sea ice landscapes, early morning and evening shoot opportunities, and spectacular northern lights viewing round out the adventure.

Although there are no photo leaders, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded travellers who share your passion for wildlife photography. Our guides are dedicated to maximizing your time in the field and positioning you to capture the perfect shot.

Highlights:

  • Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat.
  • Indulging your taste buds with our tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines.
  • Sky gazing! Our location beneath the auroral oval offers nearly 300 nights of aurora viewing each year. If conditions permit, you will be able to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in our secure compound. There is a high chance of seeing the lights on this safari.
  • Educational evening presentations by our lodge managers or naturalist guides about our Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.
  • Sunrises, sunsets and blue hour—our photo safaris give you ample opportunity to photograph the wildlife and landscapes of the Hudson Bay coast during the best light.
Sights:
Polar bears, Arctic fox, coloured fox, Arctic hare, northern lights
Lodge:
Seal River Heritage Lodge
Date:
October, November (Click for Detailed Dates & Rates)
Length:
6 nights
Weather:
Average: -20C to -5C (-4F to 23F)

Lodge + Location

Seal River Heritage Lodge in the winter. Scott Zielke photo.

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.

Seal River Heritage Lodge

60 KM NORTH OF CHURCHILL BY PLANE

59° 09’ 09.87” N / 94° 46’ 54.87 “ W

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 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

Arctic hare hiding in the willows. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Karl Heinz-Hoefert photo.
Polar bear at sunrise. Hudson bay. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Dalia Katzir photo.

Day 3 to 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.

Red fox at sunset. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ian Johnson photo. .

Dates & Rates

2024 Dates
Download 2024 PDF ItineraryShoot the Light PDF Itinerary

Dates

Lodge

Availability

Inquire

October 21 - 27, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

October 25 - 31, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

ONE FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE

Inquire
October 29 - November 4, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

November 2 - 8, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

November 6 - 13, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

November 11 - 17, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

ONE FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 15 - 21, 2024
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

2024 Rates
Price (per person)
$15,995 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

Single Private Room
$29,595 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

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 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
2025 Dates
Download 2025 PDF ItineraryShoot the Light PDF Itinerary

Dates

Lodge

Availability

Inquire

October 21 - 27, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

FIVE ROOMS AVAILABLE

Inquire
October 25 - 31, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

TWO ROOMS AVAILABLE

Inquire
October 29 - November 4, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

ONE ROOM AND ONE MALE SHARE AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 2 - 8, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

November 6 - 13, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

SOLD OUT

November 11 - 17, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 15 - 21, 2025
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
2025 Rates
Price (per person)
$16,795 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

Single Private Room
$31,095 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

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 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
2026 Dates
Download 2026 7-Day PDF ItineraryDownload 2026 8-Day PDF Itinerary

8 DAY TRIPS: November 1 – 8 and November 15 – 22, 2026

Dates

Lodge

Availability

Inquire

October 20 - 26, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
October 24 - 30, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
October 28 - November 3, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 1 - 8, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 11 - 17, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
November 15 - 22, 2026
Seal River Heritage Lodge

AVAILABLE

Inquire
2026 Rates
Price (per person)
7-Day $18,395 CAD
8-Day $20,395 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

Single Private Room
7-Day $33,995 CAD
8-Day $37,695 CAD

+ taxes and gratuity

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 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
Arctic fox.Hudson bay. Chase Teron photo.
Arctic hare hiding in the willows. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Karl Heinz-Hoefert photo.
Caribou herd at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Andy Skillen photo.
Hudson bay seascape. Fabienne Jansen photo.
Churchill Wild guide with arctic fox. Lydia Attinger photo.
Gray wolf. Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Dave Wenman photo.
Pastel polar bear. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Fabrizio Moglia photo.
Sunset over the Hudson Bay. Churchill Wild. Ian Johnson photo.
Pine Martin. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Chase Teron photo.
Arctic hare. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jenni Lisacek photo.
Polar Bear. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Scott Calffee photo.
Red fox in the winter. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ian Johnson photo.
Polar bear and cub. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Christoph Jansen photo.
Polar bear. SEal RIver Heritage Lodge. Ian Johnson photo.
Polar bear. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ian Johnson photo.
Arctic hare camouflage. Churchill Wild. Chase Teron photo.
Polar Bear. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Lisa Novak photo.
Polar bear mom and cub. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Anjali Singh photo.
Polar bear at sunrise. Hudson bay. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Dalia Katzir photo.
Red fox at sunset. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ian Johnson photo. .
Quote.

“We came all the way from Israel fulfilling our long-life dream to visit the arctic and see polar bears. Here in the lodge you made our dreams come true. All this was done with the utmost care and hospitality. We would like to thank everyone involved Ben and Nicole, our guides – Andy, Jody and Norman and the rest of the staff. The food was great too. We’ll always remember you as part of one of the greatest experiences of our lives.”

Dalia & Yigal K.

“At Seal River Heritage Lodge, it was all about the details. You can bet there will always be freshly baked cookies waiting for you whenever you come into the lodge and the tea and coffee is always hot and ready. The lodge has all the aspects of a comfortable getaway: a large fireplace, the smell of cedar in the air, large viewing windows, and comfortable simple rooms. I was in a shared room and the beds were comfortable, with two pillows to choose from.
We had great luck on our excursions thanks to bear guides Andy and Derek who allowed us to walk quite far in search of a mom and cub. We also saw sik-sik, mink, ptarmigan and arctic hare. There were a couple male bears who frequently hung around the lodge and a female who came right up to the fence. In between excursions, we were treated by the best meals I've ever had. Yes, ever. The bread is baked in house and the desserts are to die for. Really, you can't imagine how amazing this lodge is until you step foot off the plane! I urge anyone to experience this!”

Layne

“Magical! Totally unique! Such respect for the intelligence and individuality of each creature we encountered. Lovely, warm accommodations, peaceful, beautiful! We’re so grateful for each member of staff, but especially Andy’s gentle way and encyclopedic knowledge, Jody’s enthusiasm and openness and Norman’s quiet wisdom”

Alan W.

“Would you like to watch the sunrise over sparking ice and misty waves of fog-and sight a group of playful foxes or wandering polar bears? This is only a touch of the “WOW” adventure you’ll experience in a superb lodge far from the hustling world you left behind.”

Miki T.

“This is an incredible company that is family owned and makes you feel immediately at home. Seal River Heritage lodge was my 3rd tour to walk with the polar bears! There is something breathtaking and majestic about being in the wild with these spectacular animals. The guides are some of the best in the world and make your outdoor experience memorable on many levels. After being out in the wild you come back to the lodge filled with the delicious smells of fresh baked goods and food so good that you can’t believe they make it in the middle of nowhere! This is the type of trip you won’t want to miss! It is truly the BEST!”

Molly K.

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