per person based on double occupancy
Journey to the great Canadian North for a once-in-a-lifetime eco-adventure highlighted by four nights at an outstanding wilderness lodge run by a family of outfitters with a proven record of providing guests with the area's finest outdoor activities. In the evenings, bundle up and venture out under the stars to observe the northern lights.
– Experience true Canadian hospitality at Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge in Northern Manitoba.
– Relish pristine viewing of the northern lights in September that will leave you breathless.
– Set out on a full-day wildlife spotting excursion (by air and by land) during the annual caribou migration, where wolves, bears, bald and golden eagles, wolverines and scavengers follow this traveling ecosystem.
– At the lodge, choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birding, lake tours and fishing.
– Enjoy guided tours and lectures led by local naturalists—including resident biologist, Dr. Brian Kotak, and First Nations guides—specializing in the region's geology, geography, flora and fauna, and indigenous communities.
Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Gangler's North Seal River Lodge | Eskers Tour | Northern Lights Viewing
Day 3: Wildlife Excursion | Northern Lights Viewing
Day 4: Seasonal Caribou Spotting | Northern Lights Viewing
Day 5: Optional Activities | Northern Lights Viewing
Day 6: Flight to Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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 program. While chosen locations are favorable for witnessing the Northern Lights, we cannot guarantee their appearance. Many factors affect the visibility of this naturally occurring phenomenon.
Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Friday, September 5, 2025 (D)
Upon arrival to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport an Orbridge representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Tonight join fellow travel companions for a welcome dinner and learn important details of this week's adventures.
Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Gangler's North Seal River Lodge | Eskers Tour | Northern Lights Viewing
Saturday, September 6, 2025 (B,L,D)
Take an early morning charter flight, arriving at the private airstrip of Gangler's North Seal River Lodge. Gather for lunch at the lodge followed by a brief introduction to the property and available activities.
This exclusive property, renowned for its extraordinary service, is situated approximately 200 miles from the nearest road and accessible only by air. This stretch of untouched water and wilderness—spanning over 7,200 square miles—features 12 river systems that merge to form more than 100 lakes as well as the North Seal River.
Take time to settle into your cabin, then rejoin the group for a tour of the surrounding area by all-terrain vehicle. Learn about glaciation and how it plays an important role in the geography of this region. Over time, lakes, moraines, eskers, and glacial erratics have designed a visually fascinating landscape. Eskers—which are remnants of sub-glacial rivers that stretched across the area, sometimes as much as 400 feet high and 100 miles long—are a notable feature of the terrain. These winding landforms have been used for hundreds of years as an important migratory route for wildlife and First Nations indigenous peoples.
While traversing the terrain, discover different habitats, visit an actual trapper's cabin, and view various glacial erratics—non-native rocks transported to the area by moving glaciers.
Return to the lodge with time to unwind followed by hors d'oeuvres and a relaxing dinner.
Afterward join a presentation about regional topics such as flora, fauna, the northern lights, and human history.
If interested in viewing the northern lights if they appear, request a wake-up call at the reception desk before retiring for the evening.
Day 3: Wildlife Excursion | Northern Lights Viewing
Sunday, September 7, 2025 (B,L,D)
Fresh coffee will be delivered to your cabin prior to breakfast. After eating, embark on a wildlife spotting expedition and scenic tour across the vast terrain. The North Seal River is located at the very top of the transitional subboreal forest—remarkably beautiful country that's easy to hike, traverse, and explore. This area is home to bears, moose, wolves, otters, eagles, ospreys and many others.
This afternoon travel by boat to a pristine esker—a long, narrow ridge that snakes across the land. Made of layers of sand and gravel, eskers mark the location of a tunnel that developed beneath a glacier. Explore the topography of this geological curiosity during an easy walking tour, and track and spot wildlife with expert interpretation by a local guide. Animals use eskers for dens and for access across lakes or boggy land. Eskers can also be important sources of clean groundwater.
Lunch is a special treat—an incredible fresh Shore Lunch, a real Canadian wilderness tradition.
After hors d'oeuvres and dinner, watch the sun set over the river. Then bundle up and venture back outdoors to view and photograph the northern lights accompanied by lodge guides.
Day 4: Seasonal Caribou Spotting | Northern Lights Viewing
Monday, September 8, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today's highlights include a floatplane excursion north to the Barren Lands to spot for migrating caribou, which travel in small groups. Land on the tundra (if conditions allow) to stroll the area by foot.
Retreat back to the lodge for hors d'oeuvres, dinner and a presentation on Manitoba's ecosystems and the North Seal River's unique characteristics. The evening provides another opportunity to view the northern lights.
Day 5: Optional Activities | Northern Lights Viewing
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast choose from a variety of activities for the day.
Depending on demand and availability, the following options may be chosen as individual, group, or guided activities. Any additional fee is noted accordingly.
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Lake exploration by motor boat
• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• Birding
• Fishing (from the shore or a boat; equipment and instruction will be provided; ideal for any skill level)
• Additional discussions, lectures, and presentations by local guides and naturalists
• Blackfish Lake flyout to Robertson Esker plus an archaeological tour ($350 per person; limited to six guests; 3+ hours including floatplane fly-out and guide): Set off on a floatplane ride to the Robertson Esker. Once there, tour historic archaeological sites, see and learn about artifacts and portage markers dating back more than 2,000 years, and explore land that was inhabited by ancient people 8,000 years ago.
Optional activities with fees must be booked in advance through our Guest Services team and are non-refundable within 90 days of departure. Prices subject to change.
Tonight gather with fellow travel companions for a convivial farewell dinner to celebrate the week's arctic adventures.
Day 6: Flight to Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (B)
After breakfast bid a fond farewell to the Gangler's Lodge staff. Take the return charter flight to Winnipeg where you'll connect with flights home.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Osprey Cabin – Double: | $8,795 |
| Osprey Cabin – 3rd Guest: | $7,795 |
| Osprey Cabin – 4th Guest: | $7,595 |
| Eagle Cabin – Double: | $9,795 |
| Eagle Cabin – Single: | $14,685 |
—rate includes $800/person internal airfare—
*Special group rates; limited offer. Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Internal airfare between Winnipeg and the lodge is included. Airfare otherwise not included.
Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://alumni.umich.edu/travel/insurance/ for more information.
The Alumni Travel program is a member benefit of the Alumni Association. Travelers, regardless of alumni status, must be a member to participate in our trips.
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.
To fully enjoy and participate in all aspects of this program, guests should be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time without sitting, walk a moderate-paced mile on uneven terrain without difficulty, and enter/exit skiffs with little trouble.
The lodge is located in a remote wilderness area without medical facilities or typical infrastructure. Activities take place outdoors in non-improved wilderness areas with no access to toilet facilities or other amenities for durations of several hours.
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, however the U.S. dollar (USD), or personal check, is the preferred method of payment accepted at the lodge for incidentals, gift store purchases, and any gratuities not included in the program price. The lodge does not have an ATM but does accept major credit and debit cards. Gratuities paid for by credit or debit card are subject to a 5% fee.
In Winnipeg and other areas of Canada, U.S. dollars are not generally accepted. Canadian dollars can be obtained at any Canadian ATM with a debit card. 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.
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.
During September, temperatures range between the low 30s °F to mid-60s °F. Cooler weather conditions should be expected while participating in excursions on the water. Average rainfall is approximately two inches.
Expect 12 hours of daylight.
Overnight conditions are generally clear, providing typically northern lights viewing opportunities between 9:30 pm and 3:00 am. Click here for an aurora forecast.
Visit the Government of Canada website for Tadoule Lake, Manitoba, for the most accurate weather information. (Temperature information is presented in degrees Celsius.)
All properties visited on this tour are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets.
Cell phone service is not available at the lodge. A satellite phone is available for guest use at the rate of $4 USD per minute. Complimentary wireless satellite internet is available in the main lodge. Phone and internet satellite services are prone to signal interference, which may affect availability and speed.
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.
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:
For internal flights between Winnipeg and Gangler's North Seal River Lodge, luggage is limited to 50 pounds total per person. We recommend using a weekender-style or overnight duffle bag to pack all the items you need for your time in Winnipeg.
We recommend traveling light. Warm, comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. Canadian Arctic temperatures can vary greatly. Expect cool, fall-like temperatures during the day and cold nights.
Dress in layers to help transition between the chilly outdoors and warmer, heated spaces or overcast skies and sun breaks.
Bring lightweight hiking boots (waterproof or water-resistant) for hikes and aboard watercraft.
Also consider packing:
Northern Canada can have a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, black flies, and horse flies. However, insect activity is typically low in September.
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.
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