Northern Lights and the Wildlife of Northern ManitobaItinerary

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
Friday, September 5, 2025
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.
Overnight: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (D)

Day 2: Winnipeg | Flight to Gangler's North Seal River Lodge | Eskers Tour | Northern Lights Viewing
Saturday, September 6, 2025
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.
Overnight: Gangler's North Seal River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Wildlife Excursion | Northern Lights Viewing
Sunday, September 7, 2025
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.
Overnight: Gangler's North Seal River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Seasonal Caribou Spotting | Northern Lights Viewing
Monday, September 8, 2025
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.
Overnight: Gangler's North Seal River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Optional Activities | Northern Lights Viewing
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
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 ($350 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.
Overnight: Gangler's North Seal River Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Flight to Winnipeg | Depart for U.S. 
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• 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 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.