Out for a walk at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ethan Pronovost photo.
Some wildlife encounters demand more than a single perspective. Churchill Wild’s Summer Dual Lodge Safari follows polar bears across two dramatically different landscapes over 11 days, each revealing a different chapter of their story.
A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Summer at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Michael Poliza photo.
At Seal River Heritage Lodge, 60 kilometers north of Churchill on Hudson Bay’s rugged coastline, polar bears emerge from their hunting season in summer whites, moving across rocky tidal flats. Ground-level encounters put you directly in their world.
“Polar bears delighted us with their presence both at Seal and Nanuk,” said Christina Schütt in the Churchill Wild’s Women Travel Group. “I saw an incredible amount of three groups of mother bears with their two cubs each in one day. When even the guides get excited, you know something really special is happening.”
Polar bear walking the coastline at at low tide. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Christina Schütt photo.
“The main attraction of polar bears up close did not disappoint with amazing photography opportunities of both big males and mamas and their cubs,” said Jenallan18 from Mackay, Australia, on Tripadvisor. “Absolutely wonderful experience. Would visit again in a heartbeat!”
Thousands of beluga whales turn the Seal River estuary into an underwater concert hall. Gliding among them by Zodiac, you’ll hear their songs through hydrophones while curious eyes meet yours. Arctic foxes, sik-siks and Arctic hares may make an appearance while migrating birds fill the skies above.
Guests observing beluga whales at Seal River Heritage Lodge on Birds, Bears & Belugas.
“Weather wasn’t the greatest but the group and guides were always keen to get out and about,” said tsmuttonbird from Melbourne, Australia, on Tripadvisor. “There was a weather break which enabled us to go out on the bay and view the belugas, magical experience.”
A 90-minute flight southeast over York Factory takes you to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, where a different drama unfolds.
Where Forest Meets the Wild
Polar bear strolling past Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Robert Postma photo.
At Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, where Canada’s boreal forest meets the Hudson Bay coast, polar bears share territory with black bears, wolves, and moose. Wildflowers bloom along bear trails in this ecosystem that defies simple categories.
“Polar and black bears every day at Nanuk,” commented Susan Babyak Banks in Churchill Wild’s Women Travel Group. “Wolves walked around the lodge and we scrambled up the tower to watch them witnessing the pack chase a black bear — bear got away but wow!”
At Nanuk, bald eagles soar overhead, snow geese begin migrations, and the landscape tells a story of adaptation where Arctic and boreal worlds collide.
Black bear walking towards guests at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Anjali Singh photo.
Beyond the Bears
Each lodge uses specialized tundra vehicles with expert guides who ensure intimate encounters while maintaining safety protocols. The differences between locations become part of the story.
At Seal River, you’ll walk coastlines where Indigenous peoples once lived, learning how ice ages shaped this landscape. When not out walking on the tundra, the fenced lodge compound viewing tower creates unique photography opportunities for northern lights or bears drawn by human presence.
Nanuk offers different rewards, with vast sweeping landscapes bordered by Hudson Bay and the boreal forest. “Nanuk offers a bit more topography changes,” said Susan. The varied terrain means every excursion reveals new perspectives, from coastal tidal flats where moms and cubs can be spotted lounging in the sun, to forest edges where black bears and wolves might appear. While all three species do approach the lodge at Nanuk, when they are not in the vicinity, a specialized Tundra Rhino is used to transport guests out to where the bears and wildlife are.
Culinary Excellence in the Wilderness
Preparing desserts at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Scott Zielke photo.
Both lodges feature tundra-inspired cuisine. Professional chefs create meals that nourish after long days in the field.
“The chefs provided us with really delicious soul food,” said Christina. “Also if you eat vegan, no worries at all. The alternatives the chefs prepared (also for gluten-free diet) were really good and varied.”
Each evening’s appetizer hour transitions into meals shared with fellow travelers, while expert guides provide context through presentations.
The Aurora Connection
Northern lights at Nanuk. Albert Saunders photo.
Summer’s endless daylight occasionally gives way to clear nights with early aurora borealis displays. Green and purple curtains that remind you of the Arctic’s year-round magic.
“Wolves and moose eluded us, whereas the first excellent northern lights of the season showed up and filled my heart with joy,” said Christina, capturing the unpredictable nature of Arctic travel where one disappointment can be instantly overshadowed by an unexpected marvel.
Arctic Education
You’ll understand how polar bears navigate between sea ice hunting and terrestrial wandering, witness relationships between predators and prey, and see how climate and landscape shape behavior across species.
“Learning about the local environment, the inhabitants that lived in the area many centuries ago, how the land was shaped by the various ice ages was also very interesting,” said tsmuttonbird from Melbourne, Australia, writing on Tripadvisor, highlighting how the experience transcends simple wildlife observation.
Accolades and Opportunity
Guests photographing a polar bear at ground level. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Jad Davenport photo.
“My husband and I took part in the Summer Dual Lodge Polar Safari,” said Christina K on Tripadvisor. “The trip started at Seal River. We were greeted by a polar bear resting by the lodge the day we arrived. We have gone to many interesting places, all amazing. But our time with Churchill Wild beat them all. Upon arrival, we immediately felt welcomed and part of the family. We had a lovely room with a bathroom. The lounge was so comfortable. We could chat with the other 13 guests, as well as guides and staff, or find a quiet spot on our own.
“The protocols around the polar bears were extensive and clearly explained and enforced. We always felt safe. Our daily excursions found polar bears every time. Tranquility and serenity came with being in the remote areas where they make their home, and approaching them slowly. The encounters just kept getting better. And we saw the Northern lights, as well as many birds and other wildlife. Our guides were so knowledgeable and eager to share. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Thank-you to the Churchill Wild family.”
Mom and cubs on the beach at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Cheryl Hnatiuk photo.
The Summer Dual Lodge Safari offers two complete worlds, two distinct perspectives, and one journey into Arctic wonder. For wildlife travelers seeking to understand rather than just observe, this is a masterclass in one of Earth’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
The dual-lodge format ensures you witness Hudson Bay’s complete summer transformation—from the beluga-rich waters of Seal River to the diverse ecosystems surrounding Nanuk. There are two rooms left on the August 20-30 and August 24-September 3 Summer Dual Lodge Safari departures.
What are you doing this summer?
A Hudson Bay Odyssey at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge
