Polar Bears & Beluga WhalesItinerary

ITINERARY NOTE: 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 incredibly diverse Arctic summer. Guests will receive a daily itinerary while in Churchill, which will be flexible and updated frequently. The itinerary below is a general listing of activities and excursions that may happen during any part of the program.

Day 1: Arrive Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada / Assiniboine Park Zoo
Welcome to Canada! Join fellow travelers for a warm welcome, then step out for a special evening reception in the Assiniboine Park Zoo's underwater viewing tunnels. Observe polar bears and seals as they swim in the crystal clear pools above you. A three-course meal with wine is served under the dancing Northern Lights in the Aurora Borealis Theatre. Following dinner, enjoy a presentation on the magnificent polar bears.
Overnight: Fort Garry Hotel & Spa (R,D)

Day 2: Winnipeg / Flight to Churchill / Cultural and Heritage Tour
Arrive in beautiful Churchill after a morning flight and transfer to the Lazy Bear Lodge. Enjoy a Cultural and Heritage Tour where you'll have guided site visits of the town's waterfront area, Miss Piggy Plane Crash, Polar Bear "Jail," and Cape Merry.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Churchill / Boat Tour / Prince of Wales Fort / Dog Mushing 
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 that inhabit the area. Visit the Prince of Wales Fort, built to protect the business interests of the Hudson's Bay Company. After lunch, you may choose to explore the area on foot, including several galleries and shops carrying local indigenous art from the Canadian Arctic, or you may select to participate in one of the following two optional excursions available for purchase:

A) 3-Hour Kayaking Tour ($155 per person): Includes a single or double kayak, paddles, wet suit, life jacket, transfers, and an experienced guide. This is an intermediate-level kayaking excursion and includes limited instruction. It is not recommended for beginners.

B) 3-Hour Beluga AquaGliding™ ($195 per person): Take advantage of an exciting and unique way to see beluga whales, getting up close and personal without being submerged underwater. Climb atop an AquaGlider™—a floating mat secured to a watercraft—for a tour around the bay. (A dry suit and all necessary equipment will be provided.)

Optional excursions must be booked in advance through our Guest Services team. Availability is limited. Excursions and pricing are subject to change 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 animals and the important role they play in the heritage of this remote region. Then, get ready for your own exciting dog mushing experience.   
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B)

Day 4: Churchill / Hudson Bay Coastal Tour
Today we explore the Hudson Bay area during a full-day water excursion aboard a custom-designed wildlife-viewing vessel—led by your naturalist leader and boat captain. The Matonabee is a 60-foot-long catamaran and is celebrated as the first ship to take guests up the western coast of Hudson Bay. 

Delight in this eco-adventure with the Matonabee's 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. 

The shoreline of this entire area 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.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge  (B,L)

Day 5: Churchill / Arctic Crawler™ Experience / Itsanitaq Museum
Grab your camera, board your expedition vehicle, and head to stark yet beautiful landscapes, stopping to enjoy the scenery and search for wildlife. Your expert naturalist will provide details on the wildlife, vegetation, and ecosystem of the Arctic tundra. After lunch, visit the well-known local Itsanitaq Museum to learn more about the indigenous population and its rich history and culture. While downtown, take some free time to explore on your own. 
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge  (B,L,D)

Day 6: Churchill / Flight to Winnipeg
After breakfast, visit the Churchill Northern Studies Centre before transferring to the airport for a charter flight to Winnipeg for a farewell reception with your fellow travelers.
Overnight: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (B,L-aloft,R)

Day 7: Depart Winnipeg
Enjoy breakfast, then bid a fond farewell to Canada and head to the airport for flights home.  (B)

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

Guests should be sure-footed on stairs, ramps, and small vessels, and able to walk on uneven ground without assistance. Skiffs provide the mode for much of the exploration on this program, and guests should be sure-footed to enter/exit the vessel.