Polar Bears of Churchill

Activities are generally not very strenuous and walking is at a fairly slow pace in order to observe and learn as much as possible. Our expectation is that guests on this program are able to walk on uneven surfaces, icy, snow-covered ground, and stairs without assistance.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.

Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.

Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are a dual Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport for travel to Canada. Check with your second country of citizenship for re-entry requirements for dual citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.

Should you need the assistance of a visa specialist, we recommend using G3 Global Services. Along with the cost of the visa, a fee is charged for their service. Learn more here.

The Canadian dollar (CAD) is Canada's legal currency. We recommend securing Canadian dollars in the U.S. prior to departure. However, local currency can be obtained at Canadian ATMs with a debit card. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency.

Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

October in Churchill has the potential to be cold and windy. Snowfall can be expected, but it's not a certainty. Average temperatures can range between 20-32 °F. Wind chill can bring the apparent temperature down significantly.

Sunrise occurs at approximately 8:30 am, and sunset at approximately 5:30 pm.

Churchill in late fall is one of the better places to experience the northern lights, but viewing the northern lights may be difficult due to the likelihood of cloud cover. An aurora forecast and wake-up call list are available at the Lazy Bear Lodge front desk. Staff will monitor auroral activity throughout the night and, should the northern lights become visible, provide complimentary wake-up calls for those on the wake-up call list. Sign up upon check-in.

Check the forecast for the dates of your stay on www.weather.gc.ca to help you prepare.

All properties visited on this tour are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets.

Cell phone service is available but not always reliable. Telephone and internet service are available at all properties on this program.

Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

Churchill, Manitoba, is a remote and isolated community, located roughly 250 miles north of the closest connecting roadway. This northern town is accessible only by train, aircraft or seasonal freighter. Due to these circumstances, you should expect that goods and services will, on average, be more expensive and have more limited availability than at home or in other areas of Canada further south. Additionally, with an average winter low temperature of -22 °F, keep in mind the challenges the human residents and the structures face throughout the year. We think you will find the town of Churchill welcoming and hospitable, and encourage you to engage with local residents as a part of your experience.

You are embarking on an adventure where activities will be determined by weather and opportunities to view wildlife, therefore the daily itinerary will remain flexible. Daily itineraries will be posted in the lobby of Lazy Bear Lodge, and your Orbridge Expedition Leader will provide updates as they occur.

The Lazy Bear Lodge does not have a liquor license, so alcohol is not sold or served in their restaurant. Beer, wine, and spirits are permitted in private guest rooms. You may bring alcohol with you, and there is a scheduled grocery store stop in Churchill on arrival day. Other full-service establishments are available within walking distance of the lodge.

Also, guest rooms at Lazy Bear Lodge are small with limited counter and storage space for belongings.

While viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, we strive to minimize our impact on the animals and the environment. Your Expedition Leader will ask you to follow these guidelines:

• Litter, including biodegradable food waste, can be dangerous to wildlife. It's important to dispose of garbage properly. Carry it with you until you have access to a garbage bin.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet between yourself and any wildlife you encounter.
• While viewing wildlife, maintain a quiet voice so as not to disturb the animals or other wildlife watchers.

Polar bears occasionally venture into town, and there are rules in place to help protect both humans and the bears. Safety information regarding bear encounters will be addressed at the beginning of this program, and guests will be required ot sign a liability waiver. It is strongly advised that guests use a taxi to get from point A to point B. If you do need to move around after dark, travel in groups in well-lit areas. Even during the day, stay on the main pathways and keep a vigilant eye out for bears.

For internal flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, each guest is limited to:

• two checked pieces of luggage for a total of 70 pounds (individual pieces may not exceed 50 pounds)
  • each piece must measure less than 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
• one carry-on bag that may not exceed 20 pounds
  • must measure 10x16x12 inches or less

Overhead space on the aircraft is limited and regular carry-on size luggage may be too large for the overhead compartments.

Since you may not have immediate access to checked luggage upon arrival at Lazy Bear Lodge, we recommend packing the following in your carry-on bag:

• medications
• toiletries
• camera
• warm clothing
• boots
• any other necessities you may need upon arrival

Warm, comfortable clothing is appropriate for this tour. Pack for cold winter, but opt for multiple thinner layers rather than a single thick layer to allow for more flexibility and comfort as you transition frequently between cold to warm environments. Boots, wind pants, and parkas are available for rent during your time in Churchill. Contact Guest Services for more information.

Consider packing:

• Thermal long underwear layer, and a sweater or fleece
• Warm parka
• Waterproof jacket
• Wool socks
• Warm hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf
• Warm, waterproof lug-soled hiking/walking boots
• Yaktrax™ (or similar non-spike-based cleats), available at sports and recreation stores
• Polarized sunglasses
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• Collapsible hiking poles
• Dry bag
• Portable reading lamp for inside your guest room at the lodge

Binoculars are essential for observing wildlife, and selecting versatile binoculars is important. Small compact binoculars have a very narrow field of view, making it difficult to locate objects. Smaller binoculars also restrict light and have very limited use in low-light conditions. We recommend a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40 (a binocular 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is good).

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.