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Polar Bears of Churchill

  • November 2 – November 7, 2026
$8,995

per person based on double occupancy

  • DURATION

    6 Days
  • GROUP SIZE

    55

overview

Churchill, Canada, is known as the polar bear capital of the world—for good reason. Each fall, about 1,000 of these fascinating creatures congregate around this seaport town while they wait for wintertime's sea ice to form over the Hudson Bay. Join us on an unforgettable adventure to be part of this extraordinary annual phenomenon—with the special opportunity to observe, photograph and learn about these magnificent Lords of the North.

tour map

tour highlights

– Begin in Winnipeg with a special private reception and welcome dinner.

– 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.

– Visit Churchill’s Itsanitaq Museum for an exploration of indigenous ways of life while viewing remarkable examples of Inuit craftsmanship.

– Meet an energetic team of sled dogs and their experienced handler, then bundle up for an exciting dog sled experience.

– Gain insight into Churchill's unique ecosystem at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Churchill | Cultural and Heritage Tour
Day 3: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum
Day 4: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Dog Sledding 
Day 5: Churchill | Northern Studies Centre | Flight to Winnipeg
Day 6: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.

full itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

This itinerary is a general listing of activities and excursions that may happen during any part of the tour. Daily activities will be determined by weather, opportunities to view wildlife and other various elements that make up the diverse landscape. To ensure a personal and enriching experience for each guest, excursions will be in small groups of 30 people or fewer.

Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Monday, November 2, 2026 (R,D)

Upon arrival to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport an Orbridge representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel.

This evening meet with fellow travel companions for a private reception and welcome dinner to kick off the exciting adventure ahead.

Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Churchill | Cultural and Heritage Tour

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (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 | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (B,L,D)

This morning 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 well-known local Itsanitaq Museum to learn more about the indigenous population and its rich history and culture.

Day 4: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Dog Sledding

Thursday, November 5, 2026 (B,L,D)

Today enjoy a second opportunity to observe and photograph polar bears. Take advantage of the Arctic Crawler's™ large viewing deck and its tall windows. Participate in field presentations and interpretations by your Orbridge Expedition Leader and local guide. Appreciate the scenery and search for wildlife, perhaps catching sight of the arctic hare, snowy owl, ptarmigan or arctic fox living in this rugged area.

Later 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 bundle up for your own exciting dog sled experience.

Day 5: Churchill | Northern Studies Centre | Flight to Winnipeg

Friday, November 6, 2026 (B,L,R)

After breakfast continue to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre to gain insight into the unique arctic ecosystem and the environmental research in progress. Enjoy lunch at the Centre then transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Winnipeg.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions one final time for a farewell reception to celebrate the exciting week exploring Churchill.

Day 6: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 (B)

After breakfast make the short walk from the hotel to the airport for flights home.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 5 nights in ideally situated and comfortable accommodations
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches (2 are picnic-style) and 4 dinners including a special welcome reception and dinner
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader and a local naturalist
  • All excursion transportation and entry fees
  • All gratuities
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

rates

Category Rate*
Double: $8,995
Single: $12,995

—rate includes round-trip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill–

*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. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.

Travel Insurance

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://www.washington.edu/alumni/travel/travel-insurance/ for more information.

Membership Statement

UWAA Membership: While you do not have to be a UW grad to join this tour, we ask that one person, per reservation, join the UW Alumni Association. Member dues help support our travel program, making these tours possible. For UWAA membership details, please go to www.UWalum.com.


Booking Flights

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.

your guide(s)

Orbridge Expedition Leader

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. 

guest feedback

FAQS

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.

ABOUT THE TOUR

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