FAQs

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:

• Litter, including biodegradable food waste, can be dangerous to wildlife. It's important to dispose of garbage properly. Carry it with you until you have access to a garbage bin.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet between yourself and any wildlife you encounter.
• While viewing wildlife, maintain a quiet voice so as not to disturb the animals or other wildlife watchers.

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:

• Thermal long underwear layer, a sweater or fleece, and a warm jacket
• Lighter clothing for warmer days
• Breathable rain jacket and rain pants
• Tall socks, light long-sleeved shirt and long pants
• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes
• Warm hat and shade hat
• Gloves
• Polarized sunglasses
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• Collapsible hiking poles
• Dry bag

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.