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
Tuesday, September 9, 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
Wednesday, September 10, 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
Thursday, September 11, 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
Friday, September 12, 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
Saturday, September 13, 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 ($400 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.
Sunday, September 14, 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—
------------------------
Blackfish Lake Flyout / Robertson Esker / Archaeological Tour: $400 per person
*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://select.travelinsure.com/?pcode=33001 for more information.
Membership in the UO Alumni Association is a requirement for participation in UOAA travel programs. UOAA members can bring non-member guests as part of their travel group, even under separate reservations. To renew your membership or to join the UOAA, please visit uoalumni.com/membership for more information about pricing and benefits.
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.
Kent Taylor is a former park ranger, wildland firefighter and wildlife researcher. He is a graduate of the International Guide Academy, joining Orbridge as an expedition leader in 2012. Kent guides Orbridge programs to Alaska, Canada, the national parks of the United States and Antarctica. His favorite experiences are getting to know his fascinating guests and introducing them to inspirational landscapes and magnificent wildlife. Kent lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, dog and two cats.
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.
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