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Polar Bears of Churchill

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.


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 3/29/2024.

Program Highlights

– Enjoy a private reception and three-course welcome dinner at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo including a presentation on polar bears.

– 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.

What's Included

  • 5 nights in ideally situated and comfortable accommodations
  • Round-trip airfare between Winnipeg and Churchill
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches (2 are picnic-style), and 4 dinners, including a special private welcome reception and three-course dinner at Assiniboine Park Zoo
  • 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

Itinerary

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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 special reception in Assiniboine Park Zoo's underwater viewing tunnels where polar bears and seals swim in crystal clear waters above the tunnel walkways. Adjourn to the Aurora Borealis Theatre for a three-course dinner with wine served during a Northern Lights display. After 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
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.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Itsanitaq Museum
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.
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Churchill | Arctic Crawler™ Experience | Dog Sledding
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. 
Overnight: Lazy Bear Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Churchill | Northern Studies Centre | Flight to Winnipeg
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.
Overnight: The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel (B,L,R)

Day 6: Winnipeg | Depart for U.S.
After breakfast make the short walk from the hotel to the airport for flights home. (B)

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

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous and walking is at a fairly slow pace in order to observe and learn as much as possible. Our expectation is that guests on this program are able to walk on uneven surfaces, icy, snow-covered ground, and stairs without assistance.

Accommodations

Fort Garry Hotel & Spa

After an exciting day of exploration, retire to this landmark property in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, featuring high-tech amenities and a modern mix of contemporary style and Old World elegance.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, bathrobes, and en suite bathroom with L’Occitane sundries and hair dryer.

Lazy Bear Lodge

This remarkable, handcrafted log lodge will provide cozy comfort during your stay. 

A log house builder by trade, Wally Daudrich built Lazy Bear Lodge himself, literally. Drawn to the area by its sense of freedom, he and a partner dragged logs from the forest by snowmobile, crafting them first into a small café, then a small lodge and finally the two-story, modern lodge of today. Even the wood floors and windows were sustainably sourced. The flooring, made of Douglas fir, was recycled from the Canadian National Railway warehouse built in the early 1920s. The windows were once part of an 1800s Hudson Bay Trading Post.

The friendly staff and scenic surroundings make this property memorable. Get cozy in the comfortable lounge and feast on homemade northern cuisine at the Lazy Bear Café.

Lodge rooms are small, but cozy, with limited counter and storage space for belongings. Each room has two double beds, one luggage rack, one small clothes rack, a small desk, one small nightstand, and a small bathroom shelf large enough to hold a few small items. We recommend packing light and carefully utilizing available space.

Additional lighting sources in the lodge rooms are limited. Consider bringing a small portable reading lamp or flashlight if you prefer stronger light. 

Room Amenities: Two double beds, cable TV with movie channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, and en suite bathroom with shower, sundries and hair dryer.

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel

Located next to the Winnipeg airport terminal, this boutique property provides beautifully appointed accommodations and thoughtful amenities. The hotel's restaurant, Blue Marble, uses locally produced ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, Samsung Smart TV, iPad with Netflix, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, safe, device powering station, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

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