Mom and cubs navigating the Seal River. Photo by Lisa Niver.
We had an incredible summer at Seal River Heritage Lodge, and guests guests captured numerous photos and videos of their time walking with polar bears and singing with beluga whales.
Award-winning author Lisa Niver (Brave-ish – One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless after Fifty), the founder of WeSaidGoTravel.com and 2023’s #3 travel influencer, was on the Birds, Bears & Belugas safari, and went above and beyond for Churchill Wild, posting about her trip across eight different social media profiles. Thank you Lisa!
We’ve embedded some of Lisa’s Instagram Reels below, combined with Reels from Candice Masters, Shayna Rene, filmmaker Tomas Koeck, and Churchill Wild marketing manager Maggie Cole, who was recently on the Arctic Safari (more on her trip coming soon!), to give you a feel of what it’s truly like to experience a Churchill Wild polar bear safari.
The final Reel in the series leads us into the Fall Dual Lodge Safari at Seal River Heritage Lodge and Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Then it’s on to the Polar Bear Photo Safaris at both Seal River and Nanuk, the Great Ice Bear Adventure at Dymond Lake Ecolodge, and the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.
Enjoy!
“An absolutely magical experience watching this mother polar bear and her two cubs splashing and playing on the rocks in Seal River from our zodiac boat, right after seeing thousands of beluga whales!” said Lisa Niver. “Our two zodiacs were the only boats in the water, making the experience even more special and serene. Churchill Wild truly offers something unforgettable!
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“Starting an incredible journey with Churchill Wild!” said Lisa. “Just left Winnipeg on Calm Air, heading to Seal River Heritage Lodge. From the Adventure Air caravan plane, I could already spot polar bears and hundreds of beluga whales—such an awe-inspiring sight! This trip is called Birds, Bears, and Belugas, and on Day 1, I’ve already seen them all. I can’t wait to share more of this bucket list adventure with you! Stay tuned for more updates.”
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Churchill Wild pioneered polar bear walking safaris over 30 years ago, but co-founders Mike and Jeanne Reimer have actually been working on the ground with polar bears for five decades. Given this, the polar bear safety protocols have been developed and refined over the course of almost 50 years and the guides are among the best in the world.
When you’ve been working alongside polar bears for that long, you gain extensive experience and understanding of polar bear behaviour. Churchill Wild has held a pristine safety record since we’ve been operating, for both wildlife and guests. We encourage you to read more about Churchill Wild’s Polar Bear Safety Protocols and Procedures and how they were developed here. They’ll help you prepare for your polar bear safari with us too!
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“At Seal River Heritage Lodge, the adventure never stops—day or night!” said Lisa. “We were awakened at 3 a.m. for an incredible Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing, and again at 7:15 a.m. to spot a female sub-adult polar bear close to the lodge. We watched for nearly three hours as she ambled near us from two of the outdoor viewing platforms with our experienced wildlife guides. Did you know that female polar bears average around 600 pounds but can reach up to 1,000 pounds? They generally live about 30 years and have two cubs every three years. This place truly captures the magic of the wild!”
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Look at these playful beluga whales showing off for Churchill Wild guests! It’s so fun interacting with them, they’re very curious of people, they sing and chatter, show off their little ones, and did you know they’re the only whale that can turn their head?! Video by Candice Masters.
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“Took the ultimate Arctic plunge by jumping into Seal River from our zodiac with Jess and Shayna at the end of our boat trip after we saw all the Beluga Whales!!” said Lisa. “You can hear them singing through the hydrophone. Surprisingly, the water for our plunge wasn’t as icy as I expected — an exhilarating and refreshing experience that I’ll never forget. This tradition of cold-water immersion has roots in ancient Scandinavian and Russian cultures, where it was believed to boost health and resilience. Today, it’s a thrilling adventure and a rite of passage for many. Churchill Wild truly knows how to make every moment an adventure!”
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“We were walking and hoping to see polar bears in their natural environment, guided by Churchill Wild’s commitment to ethical wildlife viewing,” said Lisa. Traveling on foot, we maintained a respectful distance, minimized noise, and ensured no impact on the bears — no drones, never feeding wildlife, and green operations all the way. Wearing the rubber boots provided by Churchill Wild, we navigated the uneven, changing terrain in single file through this beautiful area. In August, a bug net hat or jacket is a must! It was incredible to be in the wild with the polar bears and see their tracks up close.”
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“Polar bears everywhere!” said Lisa. “One morning at Seal River Heritage Lodge, we watched a polar bear stroll over the rocks right outside the dining room window during breakfast. You never know when you’ll get that thrilling knock on your door — ‘There’s a bear in the lobby!’ or ‘Wake up to see the Northern Lights!’ This exclusive remote lodge offers so many incredible viewing opportunities. Every day brings something new, whether on our walks from the lodge or from the water on the zodiacs. Being up close with these apex predators is beyond awesome!”
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“Had an awesome full-day touring adventure from Seal River Lodge by ATV out to Jack’s Cabin!” said Lisa. “We enjoyed a picnic, spotted giant polar bear tracks, and even saw an Arctic hare. We followed our formation for viewing and saw a polar bear in the distance — got some great photos! Some days we walk from the lodge, others we’re on the zodiac boat, and this day was all about the ATV. Such a fun day filled with adventure and new friends. Our talented guides made the experience unforgettable—just the best!”
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“Exploring Thule Point with Churchill Wild was a breathtaking adventure into Arctic history and nature!” said Lisa. “The Thule people, who migrated across the Arctic Bridge, used ingenious tools like the toggling harpoon for whaling and thrived here until the 1400s. Their hunting of bowhead whales diminished with the onset of the Little Ice Age, which made large whales scarce and led to the transition from Thule to Inuit culture.
“We saw ancient rock circles that once anchored their fur-covered tents against the relentless Arctic winds, and walked on the spongy peat they used for insulation. Our guides, Luke and Jess, brought this ancient world to life with their insights, including Luke demonstrating the permafrost layer by reaching into a small pond. Imagining how the Thule survived such harsh conditions is truly awe-inspiring.”
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“I absolutely loved our walking safari with the polar bears at Seal River Heritage Lodge with Churchill Wild!” said Lisa. “Our three incredible guides — Jess, Luke, and Terry — made this experience unforgettable. The lodge is wonderful, the food is fantastic, and the team is exceptional. We saw so many polar bears in so many different settings! On this day, we explored all around the lodge, spotting polar bears in the tall grass, along the riverbed, and across diverse landscapes. And yes, we finally learned the answer to the classic question, ‘Why did the polar bear cross the road?'”
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“Walking alongside polar bears on a safari with Churchill Wild is an extraordinary experience that few have had the chance to do!” said Lisa. “Since 1994, Churchill Wild has pioneered this unique adventure, offering safaris from three remote lodges during a short season. In fact, about 8,000 people have ever had the privilege to walk in the wild with these majestic creatures. Trekking in rubber boots across all types of terrain feels like scuba diving in a vast ocean — you never know what incredible wildlife you might encounter. Just like seeking out the Big 5 in Africa, there’s something truly awe-inspiring about walking near these apex predators in their natural habitat. It’s an adventure like no other, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
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It doesn’t matter how many polar bears we’ve encountered, they still amaze us every time. That’s a healthy looking mom right there! Thank you @shayna.rene.
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The group at Seal River Heritage Lodge are getting ready today to head up to our Caribou Tundra Camp for two nights. We have experienced everything from intimate polar bear encounters, bright northern lights, and curious belugas, but we were missing a mom and cub… To our surprise, we were interrupted during breakfast as a mom and cub decided to lay down right in front of the lodge (they’re still out there right now). The cub is estimated to be a year and half old; this will most likely be the last year with mom. We can confirm, they are ridiculously cute! 🥰
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Summer may be winding down, but we’re eagerly embracing the arrival of autumn! With cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and a stunning palette of fall colours, this season offers a truly special experience! Video by @shayna.rene and @tomaskoeck
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In the sub-Arctic region along the Hudson Bay coast, it’s September, and the weather is gradually cooling down. The leaves, touched by the changing season, display a vibrant array of colours. The King of the Arctic, a majestic bear, has just awakened from a nap in the willows. As he sits up, he releases a big yawn, showcasing his impressive set of teeth. After a few stretches, the polar bear rises and continues his journey, patiently waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze so he can eat again. Video by @tomaskoeck.
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