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Polar Bears & Beluga Whales

  • August 3 – August 9, 2026
$7,995

per person based on double occupancy

  • DURATION

    7 Days
  • GROUP SIZE

    55

overview

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.

tour map

tour highlights

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

– 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-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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.

full itinerary

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

Wednesday, August 3, 3036 (R,D)

After arriving at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, 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

Thursday, August 4, 3036 (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 

Friday, August 5, 3036 (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: 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™: 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

Saturday, August 6, 3036 (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

Sunday, August 7, 3036 (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

Monday, August 8, 3036 (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.

Tuesday, August 9, 3036 (B)

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

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Inclusions

  • 6 nights in ideally situated and comfortable accommodations
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (including a special welcome reception and dinner) plus a farewell reception
  • Full guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader and a local naturalist
  • All excursion transportation and entry fees
  • All gratuities

rates

Category Rate*
Double: $7,995
Single: $10,995

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

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Optional Excursions:
• 3-Hour Kayaking Tour ($235 per person; not recommended for beginners)
• 3-Hour Beluga AquaGliding™ ($195 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. Excursion 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. 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://select.travelinsure.com/?pcode=32298 for more information.


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

ABOUT MY RESERVATION