Polar bear growls his approval at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Photo courtesy of Ian Johnson Safaris and Photography.
Churchill Wild is proud to announce that Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is now a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a prestigious network of world-class accommodations, where sustainability is the touchstone and guest experiences are exceptionally rich and meaningful.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is the second of Churchill Wild’s polar bear lodges to be included in National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, following in the footsteps of Seal River Heritage Lodge, which became a member in 2015.
“It’s a tremendous honour to have a second lodge included in National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World,” said Mike Reimer, who co-owns Churchill Wild with his wife Jeanne. “National Geographic has been a wonderful partner for us and we look forward to working with them on new opportunities and guest experiences at Nanuk.
“We started developing Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge in 2010 with the goal of offering a world-class Arctic wilderness experience similar to that of Seal River Heritage Lodge and we’re very grateful to everyone who helped us make it a success. Our team here has worked very hard and our guests have provided us with invaluable feedback that has allowed us to build Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge into a world-class wilderness property.”
Polar bears in the mist at Nanuk. Photo by Steve Schellenberg.
Located near recently discovered polar bear denning areas on the coast of Hudson Bay, 250 km southeast of Churchill, Manitoba, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is also only 40 km from Canada’s historic York Factory, where the early explorers first came to Canada in the 1600s. Similar to Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge offers Churchill Wild’s signature polar bear walking safaris on Canada’s Hudson Bay coast, but in an entirely different mix of ecosystems.
“The convergence of three different ecosystems, the sweeping coastal flats, the grasslands, and numerous rivers that wind their way back into the Boreal Forest, make Nanuk one of the most unique places on earth,” said Reimer. “It’s one of the wildest places on the planet.
“We see polar bears at both lodges, but the population of polar bears at Nanuk is different from that of Seal River, and the landscape and wildlife at Nanuk is very different. We are particularly proud of this lodge due to the phenomenal wildlife access it provides.”
Tawny wolf with ghostly guards at Nanuk. Photo by Steve Schellenberg.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge offers guests the opportunity to view and photograph polar bears, black bears, wolves, moose and a myriad of other Arctic wildlife and bird species at ground level, on five different polar bear safaris including: the Arctic Discovery, Hudson Bay Odyssey, Polar Bear Photo Safari, Summer Dual Lodge Safari and Fall Dual Lodge Safari.
An 80-minute flight from Churchill, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge offers all the comforts of home despite its remote location in the Canadian wilderness, and guests enjoy cozy accommodations in the luxury eco-lodge while being treated to delicious cuisine based on Churchill Wild’s award-winning Blueberries & Polar Bears cookbook series.
Moose at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World are rare retreats located in spectacular places around the world, where beautiful accommodations and gourmet cuisine are just a small part of a much greater experience that inspires, educates and charms wonder from its guests. These are the concepts of dreamers come to fruition: unique lodges that defy the imagination in design and detail, founded on a deep desire to protect the cultures and precious ecosystems that surround them.
Polar bear family at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Photo courtesy of Ian Johnson Safaris and Photography.
Churchill Wild founders and owners Mike and Jeanne Reimer pioneered the world’s first polar bear walking safaris 23 years ago and built their lodges deep in the heart of polar bear country, directly in the path of the polar bears that wander the wild Hudson Bay coastline during the summer and fall.
Churchill Wild is one of the only adventure companies in the world that prefers to approach the Arctic tundra and polar bears on foot. The experience is intimate and thrilling, and it inspires a deep appreciation for the complexity and the richness of the northern wilderness.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World are for guests who want the most out of every experience and who seek to expand their understanding of the world. Membership is much more than an expression of quality; it is a seal of authenticity and a reflection of shared values.
“We have many people to thank for this,” said Reimer. “But especially our guests. They have become incredible ambassadors for us around the world, and we couldn’t have done this without them.”
About National Geographic Travel
National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World; digital travel content; travel books; maps; and travel photography programs. National Geographic Traveler (six issues per year) is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and has 15 international editions.
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the Society, offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 80 destinations across all seven continents. Travel opportunities include family and student expeditions, active adventures, private jet trips and voyages on the six expedition ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, as well as photography workshops, expeditions and seminars.
The National Geographic Travel group shares its inspiring and authoritative digital content such as trip ideas, photo galleries, blogs and apps with its @NatGeoTravel community of 10 million. National Geographic Travel books bring readers curated travel advice, photography and insider tips. Follow National Geographic Travel @NatGeoTravel on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.
Polar bear Mom and cub at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.
Mike and Jeanne,
Congratulations on the recognition you’ve received from National Geographic. I wasn’t aware that you had built Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, but the pictures show a unique and beautiful site. No doubt your quests enjoy an incredible experience.
Wishing you continued success in 2017.
Jack Smith
Thank you very much Jack! Happy New Year!