per person based on double occupancy
Discover the vast beauty of Churchill, Manitoba—a small town on the banks of the Hudson Bay known for hosting polar bears in the fall. During summer, visitors can possibly spot polar bears along the local shores before they return to the pack ice when it forms in early winter.
Summertime is also when the bears share the area with more than 60,000 beluga whales—who come to feed, mate, and give birth in the shallow waters—as well as a wide variety of other wildlife.
– Fuel your inspiration. Enjoy a private reception and three-course welcome dinner at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo along with a presentation on polar bears.
– Relax in comfort. Stay at the iconic Lazy Bear Lodge, hand-built by local pioneer Wally Daudrich from stone and reclaimed boreal forest timbers.
– Uncover local beauty. Embark upon two separate water tours of the Hudson Bay to spot and photograph many of the 60,000 beluga whales that inhabit the area.
– Connect with nature. Venture out into the stark landscape aboard a custom-designed wildlife viewing vehicle, stopping to admire the scenery as you search for arctic hare, snowy owl, ptarmigan and arctic fox.
– Choose your own adventure. Join one of two optional guided excursion activities (additional fee): a 3-hour kayaking tour or a 3-hour Beluga AquaGliding™ tour.
– Gain perspective and insight. Visit Churchill’s Itsanitaq Museum for an exploration of indigenous ways of life while viewing remarkable examples of Inuit craftsmanship.
Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Churchill | Cultural and Heritage Tour
Day 3: Churchill | Boat Tour | Prince of Wales Fort | Dog Mushing
Day 4: Churchill | Hudson Bay Coastal Tour
Day 5: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum
Day 6: Churchill | Flight to Winnipeg
Day 7: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception
You are embarking on an adventure where daily activities will be determined by weather, opportunities to view wildlife, and other various elements that make up the diverse landscape. This itinerary is a general listing of activities and excursions that may happen during any part of the tour.
Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Saturday, July 26, 2025 (R,D)
After arriving at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
This evening meet with fellow travel companions for a special reception in Assiniboine Park Zoo's underwater viewing tunnels where polar bears and seals swim in crystal clear waters above the tunnel walkways. Adjourn to the Aurora Borealis Theatre for a three-course dinner with wine served during a Northern Lights display. After dinner enjoy a presentation on the magnificent polar bears.
Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Churchill | Cultural and Heritage Tour
Sunday, July 27, 2025 (B,L,D)
Check out of the hotel this morning followed by the group flight to Churchill. Transfer to Lazy Bear Lodge in time for lunch at the café.
Afterward set off on a guided Cultural and Heritage Tour to visit the town's waterfront, Miss Piggy Plane Crash, Polar Bear "Jail" and Cape Merry.
Return to the lodge to check in, unpack and familiarize yourself with the property.
Day 3: Churchill | Boat Tour | Prince of Wales Fort | Dog Mushing
Monday, July 28, 2025 (B,L,D)
Board Zodiac boats with your Orbridge Expedition Leader for a three-hour tour of the Churchill River/Hudson Bay area to learn more about the 60,000 beluga whales living here. Visit the Prince of Wales Fort, built to protect the business interests of the Hudson's Bay Company.
After lunch at the lodge, enjoy time at leisure or choose to join one of two optional excursions (additional fees apply):
3-Hour Kayaking Tour ($185 per person): An intermediate-level kayaking excursion (providing limited instruction) with an experienced guide. Not recommended for beginners. Includes a single or double kayak, paddles, wetsuit, life jacket, and transfers.
3-Hour AquaGliding™ ($225 per person): Climb atop an AquaGlider™ (a floating mat secured to a watercraft) for an exciting and unique tour around the bay to observe beluga whales—get up close and personal without being submerged underwater. Includes a dry suit and all necessary equipment.
Optional excursions must be booked in advance through our Guest Services team. Availability is limited. Excursion options and pricing are subject to change are and non-refundable within 90 days of departure.
This evening meet an energetic team of sled dogs and their experienced handler. Learn about these industrious canines and the important role they play in the heritage of this remote region. Then get ready for your own exciting dog mushing adventure.
Day 4: Churchill | Hudson Bay Coastal Tour
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today explore the Hudson Bay area during a full-day guided water excursion aboard a touring vessel custom designed for wildlife viewing. The Matonabee—a 60-foot-long catamaran—is celebrated as the first ship to take guests up the western coast of Hudson Bay.
The Matonabee features large, comfortable seats, oversized windows, spacious viewing decks, a fully serviced galley complete with espresso machine, and its abilities to provide "under-the-sea" observation and deploy inflatable boats for expeditions.
This shoreline of the Hudson Bay is a rich ecosystem of life, home to a diverse group of animals. Polar bears, belugas, caribou and more than 270 species of birds have been recorded. Harbor, bearded and ringed seals also thrive here and are the polar bears' primary food source when the bay is frozen. Stop at Seal River, a favorite polar bear gathering spot.
Day 5: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (B,L,D)
Head out into the stark and beautiful landscape aboard Lazy Bear's Arctic Crawler™ for a guided wildlife excursion. Your expert naturalist will provide insight on the Arctic tundra's wildlife, vegetation and ecosystem. Have your camera ready as photography opportunities are plentiful.
After lunch visit the Itsanitaq Museum dedicated to Inuit culture, and learn about the native people of northern Canada.
While downtown, enjoy additional leisure time to explore on your own.
Day 6: Churchill | Flight to Winnipeg
Thursday, July 31, 2025 (B,L,R)
Following breakfast visit the Churchill Northern Studies Centre for a tour and presentation led by a resident scientist who will explain current research.
Have lunch, then transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Winnipeg.
Gather with fellow travel companions one final time for a farewell reception to celebrate the exciting week exploring Churchill.
Day 7: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
Friday, August 1, 2025 (B)
After breakfast make the short walk from the hotel to the airport for flights home.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Double: | $7,830 |
| Single: | $10,330 |
—rate includes $835/person internal airfare—
---------------------------
Optional Excursions:
• 3-Hour Kayaking Tour ($185 per person; not recommended for beginners)
• 3-Hour Beluga AquaGliding™ ($225 per person)
Optional excursions must be booked in advance through our Guest Services team and are non-refundable within 90 days of departure. Availability is limited. Excursions options and pricing are subject to change.
*Special group rate; limited offer; subject to change. Rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Internal airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill is included. Airfare otherwise not included.
We recommend you look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. It's important to note that some coverage can be linked to timing of your initial payment.
Orbridge's travel insurance partner, Redpoint, has a specific policy option to meet your needs. Visit redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/orbridgecavalry for a quote and more information. To speak with a Redpoint agent directly, call (415) 481-0610 and their team will be glad to assist.
Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.
On this program, you will have the benefit of an expert Expedition Leader with extensive local knowledge and experience as a cultural, historic, and naturalist interpreter. With their contribution of exceptional know-how and enthusiasm adding depth to your experience, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.
Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.
NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.
If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.
Guests should be sure-footed on stairs, ramps, and small vessels, and able to walk on uneven ground without assistance. Skiffs provide the mode for much of the exploration on this program, and guests should be sure-footed to enter/exit the vessel.
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.
Summer weather in Churchill can vary from cool to warm, with occasional rain. Temperatures range between the mid-40s °F at night to the low-60s °F during the day. Cooler weather conditions should be expected while participating in excursions on the water.
Expect an average of 17 hours of daylight. Sunrise occurs at approximately 4:55 am and sunset at approximately 9:50 pm.
Seeing the northern lights in summer is rare, however it is possible. 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.
Most of the wildlife viewing takes place from the water aboard specially designed wildlife-viewing craft or Zodiac-style skiffs.
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:
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:
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:
We recommend traveling light. Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. While you'll be visiting Churchill in the summer, temperatures in the Canadian Arctic can be significantly cooler than the general average regional temperature. In addition to summer clothing, we recommend packing cold weather clothing as temperatures can sometimes fall into the 30s °F.
Dress in layers to help transition between varying outdoor temperatures. For activities on the water, plan to dress for chilly conditions, including gloves and a hat that covers the ears.
Bring lightweight hiking boots (waterproof or water-resistant) for hikes and aboard watercraft.
Also consider packing:
During summer in Churchill, the number of biting and non-biting insects typically increases. Northern Manitoba tends to have a higher concentration of biting insects near stagnant ponds, boreal forests, and moist tundra. The insects become more active in the cooler evenings and when there is little wind.
If you are sensitive to insect bites, consider bringing long-sleeve shirts or long pants that are pre-treated with insect-repellent (available from REI, ExOfficio, and Orvis). Complimentary protective clothing and insect repellent are available for use from 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.
Home Page
Share This Tour
Or share tour with a link: